We live in a world where iniquity abounds and the love of the truth is waxing cold in the hearts of many, even within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a case in point we just received a report about the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church has just set a very disturbing precedent by publicly announcing the appointment of its first transgender elder, in this case a man by birth who thinks, dresses, and acts like a woman. And they do this strange act all in the name of love under the approval of the Senior Pastor of this church, Brandon Stoltz. An independent ministry has posted a video on youtube exposing this abomination.
One may wonder where all of this gross iniquity is headed, the results are all to predictable. It started with the push for full ordination of women to the ministry and it will end with nothing less than full ordination of gays and lesbians to positions of church leadership. In the past year we have witnessed the startling rise of the aggressive manifesto of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement with the United States Supreme Court forcing by law gay marriage upon all of the states to the shameless glorification of a former Olympic gold medalist, Bruce Jenner who transformed himself into the perverted form of a woman only to be worshipped by the worldly media as some sort of female demigod. Strange times the we live in and it is a very sad testimony to the condition of God’s beloved Seventh-day Adventist church that many have partaken of this lovesick sentimentalism in order to win favor with the world and trample under foot the gospel of Jesus Christ which is supposed to save sinner from their sins, not in them. For further evidence of the low condition the church as it continues to plunge into total apostasy piling abomination upon abomination, consider the gay (homosexual) men’s choir that recently performed a Christmas concert at the Palms Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Much of the blame for this wickedness falls straight on the heads of the church leaders who sit back and do not make a decided effort to purge the church of this moral filth. In fact, recent 21 page position statement published by the Theological Seminary at Andrews University last October 2015 which addresses the rising tide of LGBT political correctness and how the church should show pastoral care towards abused and confused members who are professed homosexuals, bisexuals, transgenders, or what have you. Below is a decisive recommendation that virtually opens the flood gate to allows homosexual persons a place in the church fellowship, including positions of leadership.
“If I accept myself as a gay or lesbian person, do I have a place in the Church?” We are a Church made up of sinners saved by grace with love as its foundation (Matt 22:36–40) and such love should be shown equally to all members. Gay and lesbian members who choose to, and remain abstinent should be given the opportunity to participate in all church activities including leadership positions in the Church. Those who struggle with temptation to sin should be treated the same way as other members who struggle with sexual sin (Matt 18:4; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31; 19:10) We strongly affirm that homosexual persons have a place in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” – An Understanding of the Biblical View on Homosexual Practice and Pastoral Care, Andrews Theological Seminary, October 9, 2015
For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory. The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” — Isaiah 3:8-11
Time to Rid the Church of The Slime and Filth Tarnishing Her Purity
God calls His people to elevate the standard. The church must show their zeal for God in dealing with those who have, while professing great faith, been putting Christ to open shame. They have imperiled the truth. They have been unfaithful sentinels. They have brought reproach and dishonor upon the cause of God. The time has come for earnest and powerful efforts to rid the church of the slime and filth which is tarnishing her purity. The church of Christ is called to be a holy, powerful people, a name and praise in all the earth. There has been opened a fountain for Judah and Jerusalem, to wash from all uncleanness and sin. There is an astonishing backsliding with God’s people, to whom has been entrusted sacred, holy truth. Her faith, her service, her works, must be compared to what they would have been if her course had been continually onward and upward, according to grace and holy truth given her.” — Testimonies to Ministers, p. 450
The Lord will work to purify His church. I tell you in truth, the Lord is about to turn and overturn in the institutions called by His name. Just how soon this refining process will begin I cannot say, but it will not be long deferred. He whose fan is in His hand will cleanse His temple of its moral defilement. He will thoroughly purge His floor.–Lt 4, 1895.
One of the spurious arguments used for tolerating LGBT members in the SDA church and encouraging their participation in leadership roles is that we much love them as Christ loved the sinner. What they fail to recognize is the the love of Christ is supposed to save the sinner from their sins, not in them. Furthermore, the suggestion by the Andrews Seminary paper is that it is ok to have homosexual members and leaders in the church as long as they “remain abstinent”. There are two severe flaws to this reasoning. 1) How are we going to determine or judge that a person is abstinent? 2) If a church member is truly converted and accepts Christ as their personal savior then how can they still be labeled or consider themselves as a homosexual? This is the defeatist logic that prevails Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Even though participants quit drinking they still openly admit that they are still alcoholics. Speaking from experience I had a problem with alcohol, but when I accepted Christ into my life through the power of the Holy Spirit, I not only quit drinking but I became a new creature in Christ and no longer an alcoholic. Thank God I am a free man in Christ and a now former or ex-alcoholic. I reject the label of alcoholic because God delivered me from that sin. If this be the true gospel at work in the heart of man, then why then does the homosexual remain a homosexual if he has surrendered his lustful tendencies to Christ? Let us look at some inspired passages from the Spirit of Prophecy to support this point.
“Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification. “Being justified by faith,” he has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.
But because this experience is his, the Christian is not therefore to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He who has determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be ever on guard, striving in Christ’s strength for victory.” — Acts of the Apostles, p. 476
The work of redemption involves consequences of which it is difficult for man to have any conception. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require. God Himself is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26. And “whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30. Great as is the shame and degradation through sin, even greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love. To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven’s treasure, an excellency of power, that will place them higher than even the angels who have never fallen.” — Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 162
What Happens if We Continue to Repeat the Sins that Prevailed in Sodom?
The point is fast being reached when the iniquity of transgressors will be to the full. God gives nations a certain time of probation. He sends light and evidence, that, if received, will save them, but if refused as the Jews refused light, indignation and punishment will fall upon them. If men refuse to be benefited, and choose darkness rather than light, they will reap the results of their choice. “Behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” The professed Christian world is advancing, as did the Jewish nation, from one degree of sinfulness to a greater degree, refusing warning after warning, and rejecting a Thus saith the Lord, while crediting the fables of men. The Lord God will soon arise in His wrath, and pour out His judgments upon those who are repeating the sins of the inhabitants of the Noachic world. Those whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil, as were the hearts of the inhabitants of Sodom, will like them be destroyed. The fact that God had long forbearance, patience and mercy, the fact that His judgments have been long delayed, will not make the punishment any less severe when it does come.” — Undated Maniscript, No. 145
Godly Counsel for Church Leaders
Paul urged Timothy to meditate upon those things that are pure and excellent, that his profiting might appear unto all. The same counsel is greatly needed by men of the present age. I urge upon our workers the necessity of purity in every thought, every act. We have an individual accountability to God, an individual work which no one else can do for us. It is to strive to make the world better. While we should cultivate sociability, let it not be merely for amusement, but for a higher purpose.
Is there not enough taking place around us to show the need for this caution? Everywhere are seen wrecks of humanity, broken-down family altars, ruined homes. There is a strange abandonment of principle, the standard of morality is lowered, and the earth is fast becoming a Sodom. The practices which brought the judgment of God upon the antediluvian world, and which caused Sodom to be destroyed by fire, are fast increasing. We are nearing the end, when the earth is to be purified by fire.
Let those in whose hands God has placed the light of truth, depart from all iniquity. Let them walk in the paths of rectitude, mastering every passion and habit that would in any way mar the work of God, or leave a spot upon its sacredness. It is the work of the minister to resist the temptations that lie in his pathway, to rise above those debasements that drag the mind down to a low level. By watchfulness and prayer, he may so guard his weakest points that they will become his strongest points. Through the grace of Christ, men may acquire moral stamina, strength of will, and stability of purpose. There is power in this grace to enable them to rise above the alluring, infatuating temptations of Satan, and to become loyal, devoted Christians.” — Gospel Workers, pp. 125, 126
The Need for True Conversion
The sins that destroyed the antediluvians and the cities of the plain exist today–not merely in heathen lands, not only among popular professors of Christianity, but with some who profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man. If God should present these sins before you as they appear in His sight, you would be filled with shame and terror.
And what has caused this alarming condition? Many have accepted the theory of the truth who have had no true conversion. I know whereof I speak. There are few who feel true sorrow for sin, who have deep, pungent convictions of the depravity of the unregenerate nature. The heart of stone is not exchanged for a heart of flesh. Few are willing to fall upon the Rock and be broken.
No matter who you are or what your life has been, you can be saved only in God’s appointed way. You must repent; you must fall helpless on the Rock, Christ Jesus. You must feel your need of a physician and of the one only remedy for sin, the blood of Christ. This remedy can be secured only by repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Here the work is yet to be begun by many who profess to be Christians and even to be ministers of Christ. Like the Pharisees of old many of you feel no need of a Saviour. You are self-sufficient, self-exalted. Said Christ: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The blood of Christ will avail for none but those who feel their need of its cleansing power.
What surpassing love and condescension, that when we had no claim upon divine mercy, Christ was willing to undertake our redemption! But our great Physician requires of every soul unquestioning submission. We are never to prescribe for our own case. Christ must have the entire management of will and action.” – Testimonies Vol. 5, p. 218
Become Partakers of the Divine Nature
Brethren, your duty, happiness, future usefulness, and final salvation call upon you to sever the tendrils of your affections from everything earthly and corruptible. There is an unsanctified sympathy that partakes of the nature of lovesick sentimentalism and is earthly, sensual. It will require no feeble effort for some of you to overcome this and change the course of your life, for you have not placed yourselves in connection with the Strength of Israel and have become enfeebled in all your faculties. Now you are loudly called upon to be diligent in the use of every means of grace, that you may be transformed in character and may grow to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.
We have great victories to gain, and a heaven to lose if we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified; for its tendency is to moral corruption, and the end thereof is death. Nothing but the life-giving influences of the gospel can help the soul. Pray that the mighty energies of the Holy Spirit, with all their quickening, recuperative, and transforming power, may fall like an electric shock on the palsy-stricken soul, causing every nerve to thrill with new life, restoring the whole man from his dead, earthly, sensual state to spiritual soundness. You will thus become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; and in your souls will be reflected the image of Him by whose stripes you are healed.” — Testimonies Vol. 5, p. 267
How contemptible in the sight of a holy God are those who profess to stand in vindication of His law and yet violate its precepts! They bring reproach upon the precious cause and give the opposers of truth occasion to triumph. Never should the mark of distinction between the followers of Jesus and the followers of Satan be obliterated. There is a distinct line drawn by God Himself between the world and the church, between commandment keepers and commandment breakers. They do not blend together. They are as different as midday and midnight–different in their tastes, their aims, their pursuits, their characters. If we cultivate the love and fear of God we shall loathe the least approach to impurity.” — Testimonies Vol. 5, p. 602
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The rising tide glorifying transgenderism in the world and the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been shamelessly detailed by Jared Wright of Spectrum Magazine. The hour of judgment is coming first upon God’s church for such strange fire (1 Pet. 4:17).
http://spectrummagazine.org/article/2016/01/17/seventh-day-adventist-church-and-transgender-people
Homosexuality and Transgenderism are choices not a predestination.
The Power of the Will
The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man–the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. Desires for goodness and purity are right, so far as they go; but if we stop here, they avail nothing. Many will go down to ruin while hoping and desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield the will to God. They do not choose to serve Him.
God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.
Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” — Ministry of Healing, p. 176
(International Standard Version)
Rom 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him. Instead, their thoughts turned to worthless things, and their senseless hearts were darkened.
Rom 1:22 Though claiming to be wise, they became fools
Rom 1:23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images that looked like mortal human beings, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.
Rom 1:24 For this reason, God delivered them to sexual impurity as they followed the lusts of their hearts and dishonored their bodies with one another.
Rom 1:25 They exchanged God’s truth for a lie and worshipped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this reason, God delivered them to degrading passions as their females exchanged their natural sexual function for one that is unnatural.
Rom 1:27 In the same way, their males also abandoned their natural sexual function toward females and burned with lust toward one another. Males committed indecent acts with males, and received within themselves the appropriate penalty for their perversion.
Rom 1:28 Furthermore, because they did not think it worthwhile to keep knowing God fully, God delivered them to degraded minds to perform acts that should not be done.
Rom 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. They are gossips,
Rom 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, haughty, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents,
Rom 1:31 foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless.
Rom 1:32 Although they know God’s just requirement—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do these things but even applaud others who practice them.
Yes, the scriptures in regard to the practice of perverse sexual behaviors is plain enough for all to see who desire to know and do the will of God. May God help us to believe and put them into practice lest we be found weighed in the balances and found wanting.
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