Tuesday, April 24, 2012

God's Special Power for Witnessing ... It's a Surprise!



Are you ready to filled with the Holy Spirit right now? Yes, right now! Not tomorrow, not next week, not next year. Now. You can be. Why? Acts 1:8 reveals to us the amazing purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of every Christian.

"But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world."

Wow! God's purpose for our life is to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can have power and success in witnessing and evangelism. I want to have power to witness for Christ. How about you? ...

There is nothing magical or mystical to being filled with the Holy Spirit. We just need to ask God to fill us each day, and then fill our minds with God's word, compassion, and love and be at the right places at the right time. God has people all around us. He just needs us to be ready so that when we "witness" we will do it in such a way that we will honor His name.

To help us become more effective witnesses for Jesus, let's look at three statements from Ellen G. White, a woman who was filled with the Holy Spirit, and whom God has used to help lead His Church to the Greater Light of God's Word.  Notice these three statements from her writings.


Christs method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me. Ministry of Healing, page 73.

In the context of Medical Missionaries being Evangelists, she writes:

"The workers should go forth two by two, that they may pray and consult together. Never should they be sent out alone. The Lord Jesus Christ sent forth His disciples two and two into all the cities of Israel. He gave them the commission, “Heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Evangelism, page 520.

Also, in the excellent chapter  Co-operation of Ministers and Laymen in the book Christian Service, Ellen White tells us where our ministry location is to be:

"Ministers should not do the work which belongs to the church, thus wearying themselves, and preventing others from performing their duty. They should teach the members how to labor in the church and in the community." page 69.

Challenge

This week, as we continue to study our Sabbath School Lesson entitled "Evangelism and Witnessing as a Lifestyle" let us be encouraged to 1) Use Christ's Method Alone, 2) Go out in groups of two (If going alone, make sure to take the Holy Spirit with you!), and 3) to do your ministry of Love for God in the church and in the community. We will learn more together this week! May you be filled with the Holy Spirit as you minister and share what God has done for you this week!

~ Pastor Sal

Monday, April 23, 2012

Unforgetful Man ... Forgetful God



      We might as well accept it. This side of Heaven, our past will haunt us like old demons in the trail of a new home to make residence. Our past sometimes defines who we are, but not always. Change and Transformation are possible through a kindred Spirit and non-yielding and All Powerful Will. Not our, but His, God's. The reality of the world we live in is that past life, pictures, videos, movies, text messages, blogs, etc., will follow us for the rest of our lives. "Oh yeah, he's the guy that use to be in a gang" or "Oh yeah, she is the girl that was in a movie". 

Our actions are a loud megaphone that cry and announce to others our values and principles. Someone might truthfully say, "Oh, I use to be a porn star in my past life, but now I am not." This is the recent cry of a high school teacher in Oxnard, CA who recently got fired over her past lifestyle and decisions. Rest assured, she is no longer "in that line of business", yet her story clearly reveals that while our past is forgiven by man, it is not too often forgotten. "Hey, watch out for that guy. He use to steal even from his mother. Hide your wallets and purses!" Your life may be a 180 degree change in direction, but human nature never forgets. "Be careful! Watch out with that person! Who knows how deep and lasting his or her reform and transformation might be. Better to be safe than sorry!" 

Well, that is bad news; however, a story never should never end on a bad note. While mankind forgives but never forgets, thankfully there is One who indeed forgives and forgets, God! I'm so glad that God now only forgives but he forgets our past, our sins, our bad behavior, and selfish actions. Listen to these to power promises from the Scriptures:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 
1 John 1:9

"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
Micah 7:19

What an Amazing God there is! I hope you caught the essence of those two promises. When we confess, God not only forgive us for the wrong we have done, but He willingly forgets all about our past mistakes and errors. In fact, Micah says he takes our sins, cast them into the depths of the seas, and then puts a sign that says, "NO FISHING ALLOWED". With God, you can't dig up your past. Because God has a memory bank that forgives and forgets all confessed sins. So how about it, if you are still caring around the troubles of your past with you, and are in need of Peace for your soul, why not go to the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ, and confess your sins to Him and allow his peace to flood your life like a river? 

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Friday, January 13, 2012

What Must I do to be Saved?



One of the greatest dilemmas in the life of every Christian and Christ follower is possessing  the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" It is a straight forward question, but the answer sometimes becomes muddy, unclear, or entangled. The main reason why Christian's struggle with having an affirmative, positive and Biblical answer to this all important question is because of the desire for human involvement. It's a simple question, but sometimes becomes more complicated that we suppose. The human psyche and personality desires to have a part to play in the process of salvation. It's part of humanities fallen and sinful nature to suppose that if one behaves, acts, and follows morality and goodness, then God owes us eternal life. It's what we would call a give and take approach. "If I behave right, then God owes me eternal life. However, if I behave bad, then I forfeit eternal life." As we will discover, this is what the Bible and Bible students refer to as "self-righteousness" or "righteousness by works." It's mankind endeavoring to earn heaven by their merits and works no matter how sincere their confession might be, or how transparent their aspirations might appear. Notice the following questions: "What must I do to be saved?" What is the humanity's part in the great plan of salvation? Are we saved by faith, by works, or by both? These are all important questions that will determine and affect our Christian life and experience. We dare not fail in obtaining the Biblical response to these all important question. To do so would be to imperil our joy, peace, and happiness on this earth as we seek to follow Christ, but also to forfeit eternal life with Our Lord, Savior, and Best Friend Jesus Christ. Let's begin our study!


Confession of Faith


We believe in inspiration, both from Biblical and non-biblical writers, both from Canonical and non-canonical prophets.We believe God still speaks today. We believe that one of God's revelations, beside nature and  human relationships, is the Holy Bible. In it, we find the answers to life's most important questions. Let's read Acts 16:16-32 to discover God's answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?"


Bible Text (CEV):


16 One day on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl. She had a spirit in her that gave her the power to tell the future. By doing this she made a lot of money for her owners. 17The girl followed Paul and the rest of us and kept yelling, "These men are servants of the Most High God! They are telling you how to be saved."
    18This went on for several days. Finally, Paul got so upset that he turned and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ, I order you to leave this girl alone!" At once the evil spirit left her.
    19When the girl's owners realized that they had lost all chances for making more money, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them into court. 20They told the officials, "These Jews are upsetting our city! 21They are telling us to do things we Romans are not allowed to do."
    22The crowd joined in the attack on Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off the two men and ordered them to be beaten with a whip. 23After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. 24The jailer did as he was told. He put them deep inside the jail and chained their feet to heavy blocks of wood.
    25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. 26Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners.
    27When the jailer woke up and saw that the doors were open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped. He pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! No one has escaped."
    29The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. 30After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
    31They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."
    32Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord. 33While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized. 34They were very glad that they had put their faith in God. After this, the jailer took Paul and Silas to his home and gave them something to eat. 

Unpacking the Text


Here in Acts we find a unique situation that sheds light and understanding on our all important question. While there are other details to this story that we could focus on, for the purpose of this short study, let us focus on the response of the Apostle Paul to the interrogation made by the Phillipian jailer. "What must I do to be saved?" The jailer was asking a question that includes many other questions like, "How can my sins be forgiven? How can I have peace with God today? What do I have to do in order to be rescued from sin, separation, and destruction? Paul's answer is most intriguing. "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home." Like Nicodemus, the hidden disciple of Jesus, you did not at first understand the words and teaching of Jesus during his night meeting with the Master, the human ego and heart is left unsatisfied at the simple yet straight answer that the Holy Spirit gives: "Have faith" or as other Bible versions render this verse, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. (NASB) Faith is the key to Heaven. In order to be saved from sin and death, a person must believe and have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Belief (pistis in Greek) implies trust, confidence, and saving faith. We must believe in Jesus Christ as a complete and All-Sufficient Savior. One who is able to save from the Gutter-most to the Uttermost those who come to Him by faith (Hebrews 7:23). There is no one that Jesus can not save, and save freely and completely. His Grace is sufficient for every person living on planet earth. Sufficient for the likes of you and I. And that is great news for poor sinners like us. 


What is Faith?


What is faith? What is saving faith in Jesus? What part does mankind play in the process of salvation? An active or passive role? Do my works and obedience help earn my way to Heaven? Or is Salvation completely of Grace? These are very important questions that deserve honest and biblical answers, no matter what popular churches or preachers may believe or what we may have been taught from childhood. If we are wrong on this subject, we are wrong on every subject. You see, Jesus is either Lord of All, or He is not Lord at All. Let me ask you a simple question: "Do you think there will be two groups in Heaven when Jesus comes back to take His earthly children home? One group that will be saved by faith in Jesus, and the other group by faith plus works?" No there will not.  The bible is clear in stating that there will only be one group of people of Heaven, and it is those who have been saved by grace through faith. Notice what Ephesians 2:8-9 says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."(NASB) We are saved by faith. Period. That is the great Bible teaching called "Righteousness by Faith" meaning that we are saved and made rigtheous in the sight of a Holy God by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The opposite is Righteousness by Works, which means trying to earn salvation and eternal life by human works and merits instead of by faith. So what is faith? Let's ask the Apostle John.
In the Gospel of John for example, the word belief or faith (Pistis in Greek) plays a central role. It is found over 50 times, and it is impossible to understand the Gospel of John without understanding the important place and meaning that John, given to the word pistis, faith/belief in his Gospel. From a cursory reading of the Gospel of John, one discovers that faith is not mere intellectual assent, like believing the president of the United States is Barack Obama. No, faith according to John is saving faith. It is active in that it compels and moves the possessor of faith to love, serve, and act as a response to God's saving grace. According to John, faith is not passive but active. Faith is demonstrated through works of love, obedience, and kindess, yet never do these works merit nor earn salvation. They are the fruits of salvation, and never the root. Someone who has pistis is Barack Obama as president of the Unites States would seek to have a daily relationship with the president, and would have assurance of safety and protection as a result of that relationship and friendship with the president of the United States. 
So, "What must I do to be saved?" Believe in Jesus. Have faith and trust in Him as my Savior. Believe that He is Lord of All, and that at Calvary He payed the complete price of my salvation. The price of my salvation has been paid in full. It was bought and purchased with the crimson blood of Prince Emmanuel. Now, He graciously offers me the gift of eternal life if I will have faith in Him as my All Sufficient Savior. Will you have faith in Jesus today? Will I? ... When we do accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, we are compelled to want to do for Him out of love, works of faith, love and obedience. Yet our works of faith, love, and obedience, never add one single iota (comma) to Jesus' complete work of salvation for us. We love him because He first loved us. 

Challenge for today


If we are saved by faith alone, and not by works, then we must believe in the simplicity of the Gospel and not complicate and adulterate the Gospel by adding other things to it. We cannot add dress reform, health reform, or any other kind of reform as being on the same level as the Everlasting Gospel. These are not a part of the Gospel, but a result of the Gospel. The Gospel is heart and mind transformation, and other changes will also follow. However, let us keep the Gospel unadulterated and pure.


Secondly, since we are saved by faith alone in Christ alone, let us have joy, peace, happiness, and assurance of salvation. Let us walk about our day today with a smile on our face, and a song of joy in our heart. Why not? Jesus has saved us completely and freely.


Thirdly, since Jesus gave His life in order to save us, let us live a life of obedience, faith, and love, practicing good works out of love for what Jesus has already done for us. Let us help those who are destitute, feed the hungry, and evangelize those who are without hope and without a knowledge and relationship with Our Savior.


~ Maranatha! 


Pastor Sal Garcia





Challenge for today

Friday, December 16, 2011

So What about the Christmas Tree? Yes or No?


So What about the Christmas Tree? Yes or No? 

"Honey, should be put up a Christmas tree this year?" ... Husband: "I don't know. Is it morally wrong to do so?" ... What does the Bible say? ... For Seventh-day Adventists, does Ellen White give any spiritual counsel of the subject? The answers may be closer to the truth than at first suspected. Below, examine and decide for yourself as to whether you will buy a Christmas tree for your home and/or church this Holiday Season! Never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season!

~ Pr. Sal Garcia

Here are two links:

http://www.equip.org/bible_answers/should-christians-celebrate-christmas-?msource=EC111216WKLY&tr=y&auid=10017442

http://www.amazingfacts.org/free-stuff/online-library/ctl/viewmedia/mid/447/iid/59/lng/en/7/baptized-paganism/sc/r.aspx

And here are a few (there are at least 13) Ellen White quotes:

The Adventist Home, Page 482



The Review and Herald

December 11, 1879

The Holidays

We are now nearing the close of another year, and shall we not make these festal days opportunities in which to bring to God our offerings? I cannot say sacrifices, for we shall only be rendering to God that which is his already, and which he has only intrusted to us till he shall call for it. God would be well pleased if on Christmas, each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship. Letters of inquiry have come to us asking, Shall we have a Christmas tree? will it not be like the world? We answer, You can make it like the world if you have a disposition to do so, or you can make it as unlike the world as possible. There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen, and placing it in our churches; but the sin lies in the motive which prompts to action, and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree.

The tree may be as tall and its branches as wide as shall best suit the occasion; but let its boughs be laden with the golden and silver fruit of your beneficence, and present this to Him as your Christmastree be applied toward removing the debts from our houses of worship at Battle Creek, Mich., and Oakland, Cal. gift. Let your donations be sanctified by prayer, and let the fruit upon this consecrated
A word to the wise is sufficient.
E. G. W.

The Review and Herald

December 9, 1884

Christmas is Coming


Christmas is coming. May you all have wisdom to make it a precious season. Let the older church members unite, heart and soul, with their children in this innocent amusement and recreation, in devising ways and means to show true respect to Jesus by bringing to him gifts and offerings. Let every one remember the claims of God. His cause cannot go forward without your aid. Let the gifts you have usually bestowed upon one another be placed in the Lord’s treasury. I present before you, my brethren and sisters, an object, the European mission. In every church let your smaller offerings be placed upon your Christmas tree. Let the precious emblem, “ever green,” suggest the holy work of God and his beneficence to us; and the loving heart-work will be to save other souls who are in darkness. Let your works be in accordance with your faith. I heard Eld. Butler read a touching letter a few days since from Eld. Whitney, of Europe. The good work is going forward there, but it ought to have been done six years ago. Let not this work be hindered. Let it advance. If all, both old and young, will forego giving presents to one another, and forego the selfish outlay of means in these coming holidays, there would be in heaven a most precious record of self-denial for Christ’s sake.

Every tree in Satan’s garden hangs laden with the fruits of vanity, pride, self-importance, evil desire, extravagance,—all poisoned fruit, but very gratifying to the carnal heart. Let the several churches present to God Christmas trees in every church; and then let them hang thereon the fruits of beneficence and gratitude,—offerings coming from willing hearts and hands, fruits that God will accept as an expression of our faith and our great love to him for the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. Let the evergreen be laden with fruit, rich, and pure, and holy, acceptable to God. Shall we not have such a Christmas as Heaven can approve? Thousands of dollars are needlessly spent every year in gifts to each other. That is means lost to God, lost to his cause. It pleases the vanity, encourages pride, creates all kinds of dissatisfaction, murmuring, and complaints, because perhaps the gifts are not just what was desired, not of the high value wanted or expected. Christmas is not observed as its name implies it should be. Man has forsaken God in almost everything, and has turned the attention to self. He has left the pure springs of living waters which flow from the throne of God, and hewn out to himself broken cisterns, which can hold no water. God gave man a probation that he might be fitted for heaven. He was to look upward to God, who was to be the soul’s adoration; but talent, skill, and inventive powers are all exercised to make self the supreme object of attention. Man has withdrawn his gaze from Deity, and fastened his eyes upon the finite, the earthly, the corruptible.

The Signs of the Times

December 8, 1887

Christmas Gifts for Christ


Let your Christmas tree be dedicated to God, and let its boughs be laden with offerings for Christ. Do not give as though it were a task, doling out your donations with a niggardly hand. Good works are no drudgery. In giving to us his Son, God has poured out to us all Heaven in one gift. Let us with an overflowing heart, with gratitude and joy because of Christ’s matchless love, bring him our offerings. Teach your children by your own example the blessedness of doing for Christ. Train them to go on errands of love for him, and in all their gifts to remember the gracious Giver.

If there are any who are in need of food or comfortable clothing, they should be remembered; we are not to neglect Christ in the person of his saints. But let us be constantly seeking to make God and his cause first in our thoughts and plans.

Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887, By D. A. Delafield, Page 253 (WRITTEN BY A BIOGRAPHER, BUT INCLUDES EGW STATEMENT ON XMAS TREES)


Crowd Gathers in Large Baptist Church









Her teaching was positive. The counsels were practical and dealt with the everyday issues the church must meet in its pilgrimage through this world.


Conclusion:
I hope that whether you decide to put up a Christmas tree in your home or church this holiday season, that nothing will overshadow the reason for giving. We give (and love), because He first gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ for us. Blessings!

~ Pr. Sal Garcia

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Passing Life's Final Exam



Introduction

Facing your biggest enemy. Sometimes taking a test in school can seem like facing an enemy. Here's is a quick scenario:

Test week. Finals week. Barry and his studying buddy study hard all night the semester's material to make sure they pass the test. They stay up all night til 4am, and the final is at 8am. The snooze button has always helped, and so with confidence, Barry goes to sleep trusting in the time-proven help of his snooze alarm clock. In the morning, he awakens to a the brightest morning he has ever witnessed. The sun seems to be up pretty high so early in the morning and the alarm clock hasn't even gone off yet. That is unusual. However, as we looks at the alarm clock he notices it is past 12pm! ... He has slept trough the final exam  and there is no make up tests! .... 

Barry failed to pass the test ... because he never showed up. He failed to make adequate preparation to showing up on time for the test. He slept through the final exam of his class and there was no "make up" test allowed. How tragic! But how more tragic it would be to go through life and fail to pass "Life's final exam" ... One day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and "Our Final Exam" will be whether we know God, and whether we are known by Him. (Matthew 25:1-11). I once heard a preacher say, "The Only Question asked in the judgement is 'Have you  kept my commandments?". However, someone might give an affirmative "yes" to that question, but have kept the commandments of God (externally) for all of the wrong reasons. NO, Scripture tells us that life's final exam will consist of Whether we know God, and whether God knows us personally. "Do You know Him?", and "Does He know you?" (John 17:3; Matthew 25:12). That is the real question (s) in the judgment according to Jesus.

Enemies that cause us to stumble 

There are several enemies today that keep us from "Knowing God" ... just like there are several enemies that keep us from passing a test at school or work successfully. Here they are:

Procrastination. The fatal word that will doom millions is "tomorrow". I've got tomorrow! I'll do it tomorrow! ... Watch me! ... Tomorrow came and went, and you failed to pass life final exam. 

Lack of Discipline and preparation. Even if you wanted to prepare for life's final exam, you wouldn't know where to start or begin.  Your heart wants to get ready for the test, but there are other things that seem to be more important. You need discipline!

Lack of vision and planning. You realize that in order to pass life's final exam, you need to sit down, "Open the Book", mark your calendar, and plan accordingly to be ready to pass life's FINAL EXAM. 

One last enemy! This one is a surprise ... 

YOU! YOURSELF! YOUR SINFUL FALLEN NATURE!!! That's right! ... YOU! ... You are your worst enemy when it comes to passing LIFE'S FINAL EXAM. More than any other thing in your life, you are your own worst enemy. You see, you are a free moral being with freedom of choice, and the Devil can only make you do things so many times. The excuse, "Oh, the Devil made me do it" is only true part of the time. If we are honest, most of our tragedies and setbacks are caused by poor decisions we have made ourselves. So let's face it! If we are serious about passing "LIFE'S FINAL EXAM", let's start asking God to help us to defeat our greatest enemy: The Carnal Inner Man. 

Here are some key Bible texts to help us in our study and journey:

1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Here are a few Ellen G. White Statements too:


Self is our greatest enemy, and day by day each must strive for the victory. 



Gospel Workers 1892, p. 376.2 (1)  

The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, and being clothed with humility, possessing that love that is pure, peaceable, and easy to be entreated, full of gentleness and good fruits, is not an easy attainment.... The soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in knowledge and true holiness.  

 Conclusion


So claim the victory today over your worst enemy. Claim the following promises today in prayer, and Be confident and prepared always to Pass Life's Final Exam ... Eternal Life! 


Promises to Claim today:

1. Claim God's power to die to Self, Sin, and the wiles  (temptations) of Satan in your life. (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:31; Ephesians 6:10-18)

2. Ask God to give You a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit, and to help you live today in the Spirit and not in the flesh (sinful nature).

3. Ask God for wisdom to plan and prepare to Pass Life's Final Exam. (James 1:5)

4. Help others to get ready too by sharing with them the message of Jesus soon coming! (Matthew 28:19-20)


Be Blessed! 


~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Sunday, August 28, 2011

It's time for a Reformation and Revival in My life

Who is Cristian Silva? 

I love honesty and transparency. I hate falsehoods and false appearances. Recently I found the following report regarding a "false teacher" who teaches beliefs that contrary to the Bible. Judge for yourself. As I was searching and investigating, I found a helpful article by a Seventh-day Adventist Theologian Dr. Alberto R. Treiyer from Argentina. He has been writing on a scholarly level for 30 years, with multiple research papers. This helpful synopsis is regarding the life, history, and teachings of Cristian Silva, a false teacher from Riverside California. While it is in spanish, I judge you will find it helpful. For the full article, go to http://www.adventistdistinctivemessages.com/Spanish/articulos.html, and click "Un Ataque a la Doctrina Adventista de la Trinidad." Blessings in your search and love of Truth! Never sell it at any cost!


2. La Apostasia Alfa y Omega. El Alfa ya es Historia. La Omega... Está Viva y en su Apogeo.
Cristian Silva, 2008 (100 pgs).
Cristian Silva es hijo de quien fuera nuestro amigo y pastor Agustín Silva. Agustín fue colportor,
director de colportaje, luego pastor desde donde estuvo cursando sus estudios en teología durante los
veranos. Recuerdo cuando Agustín me contó cierta vez, en Uruguay, con indignación, cómo el diablo
se le había manifestado a sus hijitos asustándolos, y no a él mismo, luego que una persona espiritista
había venido cierta vez a visitarlos. Y aunque se fue, los espíritus aprovecharon para hacerse sentir.
En la introducción de su escrito, Cristian declara que es tercera generación de adventistas, y admira
la devoción de su padre a la Iglesia Adventista a la que sirvió, lo que fue todo un ejemplo para él.
Admira también a su madre y a sus hermanos Vivian y Cintia. Está casado con su esposa Leslie, y
tiene dos hijos, Angelina y Brian. Actualmente viven en California, Estados Unidos (no es pastor, y
hasta el momento no sé cuál es su oficio).
A diferencia del estudio anterior, este otro trabajo es explosivo. No parte del deseo de conocer a
Dios, sino de denunciar la apostasía de la Iglesia Adventista que se manifiesta, según su tesis, en haber
adulterado la verdad sobre la naturaleza de Dios. La Iglesia Adventista, según él, está viviendo en
medio de la apostasía Omega con la aceptación de la doctrina de la Trinidad que presume ser pagana y
católica. Mientras que el estudio de Daniel Bernhardt usa expresiones más prudentes, lo que hace
Cristian es asumir posiciones más arriesgadas que delatan una ignorancia mayor. Por ejemplo, tanto se
esfuerza por condenar a la Iglesia Adventista por asumir la Trinidad con el concepto de tres en uno y
uno en tres (según la interpretación que algunos tienen de la Trinidad), que parece después tratar de no
caer en lo mismo que critica, al decir que el Padre y el Hijo son “dos dioses”. Así pareciera querer
evitar la crítica de reemplazar la Trinidad por una especie de binitarianismo que hable de dos en uno, y
uno en dos. Pero eso es un disparate y revela su ignorancia más que ninguna otra cosa, porque lo hace,
4
en realidad, politeísta, algo que no parece reflejarse en el resto de su estudio.
También se nota en Cristian una falta de conocimiento de las lenguas bíblicas, y aun del inglés en
relación con ciertas traducciones o declaraciones del Espíritu de Profecía. Aún así, se nota cierto
esfuerzo en Cristian por documentar los presuntos cambios que pretende haber hecho nuestra iglesia
con el correr de los años. Es una lástima que haya también partido mal, y errado el blanco. No parece
creer, como lo veremos en su momento, que Dios guía a su iglesia, su remanente final, en la
comprensión de ciertas verdades que no se habían definido suficientemente bien al principio. Se
esfuerza en probar, por el contrario, que la Iglesia Adventista se apartó y debe volverse a su creencia
original. Y cuando los pastores reaccionan, así como la Iglesia organizada contra ellos, por esas ideas
que quieren infiltrar, lo presentan como prueba de que estamos viviendo en medio del zarandeo final.
Esto no es nuevo, sino una característica que han asumido siempre los movimientos cerrados que
atacaron a nuestra iglesia a lo largo de los años. Pienso que sería de mayor provecho para ellos si se
preocupasen de juntar las citas de E. de White que advierten contra la actitud de oposición abierta que
han emprendido ellos contra el último remanente.
Otros argumentos de la patrística y aún de la Biblia que esgrime Cristian me parecen tomados
prestados más bien de los Testigos de Jehová o de otros movimientos antitrinitarios como los
Apostólicos que creen que Jesús es el Padre y el Espíritu Santo (no tres personas). Aunque tanto
Cristian como Daniel no niegan que el Padre y el Hijo sean dos personas diferentes, mucho de lo que
encuentran en esos movimientos antitrinitarios parece servirles. ¡Ojalá Dios toque su corazón, y de los
demás a quienes están descarriando, para que no sean tan presumidos de creer que nuestra iglesia no
llegó en su comprensión de la Trinidad hasta donde está hoy, sin haber sopesado bien los diferentes
argumentos bíblicos y del Espíritu de Profecía sobre el tema. Creemos que en la Deidad participan tres
personas coeternas e iguales en naturaleza, esencia y sustancia, aunque diferentes en funciones y
personas.
Cristian ha preparado una carta tipo, además, en donde deja espacios en blanco para que los
miembros de la Iglesia Adventista que adoptan su credo, pidan ser desfraternizados de la iglesia como
una “decisión firme, indiscutible e irrevocable”. Cree que la Iglesia Adventista ha pasado a formar
parte de la Gran Babilonia, y que su movimiento naciente está destinado a ser el remanente del
remanente. Por eso insta a irse de la Iglesia Adventista. No capta que en la Biblia y en los escritos del
Espíritu de Profecía, no hay un remanente de un remanente. Hay un solo remanente, que guarda los
mandamientos de Dios y tiene el Espíritu de Profecía (Apoc 12:17).
También invita en esa carta de desfraternización a venir a estudiar sus presuntos descubrimientos en
la dirección del hermano que asume su liderazgo.


Conclusion

So what thinkest thou? ... How should we respond to such allegations and false assertions? First, let us pray for people life Cristian Silva and others who deny and reject the Doctrine of the Trinity. Second, let us study the subject for ourselves to be informed about our faith. Third, let us arm ourselves of God's Word to defend the Bible's teachings no matter how difficult they may appear to be. Let us follow these steps and God will help us to grow in the truth.

Be Blessed!

~ Pastor Salvador Garcia

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Jesuits in the Church #2: Is Reverend B.T. Rice a Seventh-day Adventist?

Jesuits in the Church #2: Is Reverend B.T. Rice a Seventh-day Adventist?


Jesuits? Really? Evaluating Pr. Juan Rivera's Second Accusation and Piece of Evidence - Part 2


I'll be honest! I prefer to spend my time reading, meditating, studying, and teaching the Bible to others. I really do not enjoy spending my time looking into conspiracy theories that are not based on "truth." After all, Jesus Himself said,


"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." John 17:17


Truth is never discovered by studying the counterfeit or deception. Truth is discovered by studying God's Word which is God's Truth. However, sometimes we must look at the Counterfeit and deception in order to warn others and correct false assertions and mistakes attributed falsely to God's Remnant Church of Bible prophecy (Revelation 12).


In continuing our discussion on "Jesuits in the Church", today's blog looks at Pr. Juan Rivera's (the Associate Church Pastor of El Evangelio Eterno in Glendale, CA) charge against the Seventh-day Adventist Church that church leaders have joined the papacy and roman catholic church by joining hands (literally) with the Pope, and calling him "Your Holiness".  Let's first look at the video footage Pr. Juan Rivera shares in the video "The Jesuits in the Seventh-day Adventist Church." Here it is as shown at El Evangelio Eterno, and on You Tube:


This Pastor, who is called Reverend in some videos, is also the same minister in the following video. Please not how he violating his ministerial ethics by mixing politics and religion, and by using his position as pastor to rally people to vote for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. See it for yourself:





This man, who may or may not be a Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor (there is some confusion about his true identity on several credible websites) is obviously not worried about mixing church and state or religion and politics. If he is or was a Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, "SHAME ON HIM!" ... Some websites say he is a church pastor from a a church in St. Louis, Missouri. Several websites and search engines list him as a pastor of a church callled "NEW HORIZON SEVEN DAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH". Also, his facebook page lists him as the pastor of that particular church, and not a SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.

New Horizon Seven Day Christain Church

Basic Information

Location
Hours
Tues:6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Sat:10:30 am-12:30 pm
About
Here in New Horizon we welcome all kinds so come on down and worship with New Horizon and hear the sermon of a lifetime from Pastor B.T. Rice.
General Information
Fax:
(314)524-1399

Email:
NuHorison@aol.com
Phone
Website

(http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Horizon-Seven-Day-Christain-Church/136113793008#!/pages/New-Horizon-Seven-Day-Christain-Church/136113793008)



His name is Booker T. Rice, and for all that we know, he is the current pastor of a church called NEW HORIZON SEVEN DAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, and not affiliated or a part of the SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH. Pastor B.T. Rice is the pastor of a church called New Horizon Seven Day Christian Church, located at 206 Emerling Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121 (Cool Valley). He goes by the name of Reverend, which no Seventh-day Adventist Minister would ever take. There is a Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Louis, MO called New Horizons Seventh-day Adventist Church which is located at 5925 S Woodcliffe Dr., Springfield, MO 65804. The Current Church Pastor is Mark Welch, a Lay Pastor.



Notice that one pastor is African American, and the other a Caucasion. Therefore, as best as we can judge and observe, Pastor Booker T. Rice is not a Seventh-day Adventist Pastor. He may have been in the past, but is not currently. He takes the name and title of Reverend, which is both anti-Bible and Anti-Seventh-day Adventist belief and practice. As such, we cannot accept Pastor Juan Rivera's assertion that the video showing Reverend B.T. Rice calling the Pope, "Your Holiness", represents the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a compromise in paying homage the the church of Rome. At best, if B.T. Rice was a Seventh-day Adventist pastor at the time of the assertion and statement, He would have been guilty of blasphemy and in need of public repentance. He would be one man mistating what the world church believes and practices. Yet the evidence conclusively shows that B.T. Rice is NOT A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MINISTER. Therefore, this piece of evidence is unwarrented and the claim that the Jesuits and Roman Catholic Church have infiltrated the Seventh-day Adventist Church is found WANTING!

Let us study our Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy and avail ourselved of the Present Truth for this time. Let us not put or confidence in Independant Ministries or in a Man here or a Woman there. God is indeed guiding not strayed branches or ex-church pastors, but a body of believers known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Study and Press on!

~ Elder Salvador Garcia

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