Some are crippled by bitterness, some are crippled by guilt, and some paralyzed by fear. For some there are painful memories that they cling to, allowing the pain to define them. In this condition, we are the first to criticize, and the last to forgive. Some, crippled by lies, run from relationships, fearing the honesty that they demand. But that's not who you are, friend. God created each of us with the ability to give and receive love (1 John 4:7; 2 Cor. 7:2).
It appears that Pope Francis may be rethinking the idea of clerical celibacy. In an interview with La Repubblica, an Italian daily newspaper, Pope Francis described the celibacy of the priesthood as "a problem" in need of a solution. “There definitely is a problem but it is not a major one. This needs time but there are solutions and I will find them,” Francis said, without elaborating further.
“I've got to ask our denomination a tough question: Is your window open? . . . I challenge you, in our lives as Seventh-day Adventists, are we going to shut the window? Or are we going to continue to stand for what God tells us to stand for even though it may mean us significant harm.” “Is your window open? Or have we shut the window, afraid of persecution, afraid of trial?”
Human sexuality, along with a pleasing sexual imperative, is introduced at the very beginning of the Bible story. Mankind was created with gender. Gender was created with purpose. Compliantly, in the narrative, Adam “knew” his wife and she conceived a son, and then another, and then a third. And though we don’t have details about differing sexual orientations before the flood, it is certain that only heterosexuals were on the Ark.
Kroll, who has lived in Castle Rock for 31 years, said he doesn’t remember entering the online sweepstakes. He said he was “shocked” and “surprised” when Publishers Clearing House representatives knocked on his door Monday. “The odds of winning something like this are like getting struck by lightning,” he said.
Throughout those regions where WO was permitted, would WO be optional or required? What would the policy be toward dissenters? For example: What should be the policy regarding a pro-BQ congregation (or pastor) in a pro-WO conference in a pro-BQ union in a pro-WO division? How could regions not become increasingly polarized in hiring and firing decisions?
I have traveled in at least 65 countries of the world but when I travel and speak in the U.S., I find that very few of our members expect God to be big and powerful. Isn’t it time to expect big things from our God? If we are going to cross over into the Canaan Land, isn’t it time to stop looking at the giants and start looking at God? How big is your God?
