We continue to look at our series called ‘Life Lessons’ looking to see life principles that will help us in our Christian growth. Hebrews 11:1-6 NIV [1] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. [4] By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. [5] By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Genesis 5:21...
In some ways I am a little surprised to be bringing you this teaching today. But there have been questions around female pastors or should women teach here at ANCC. So I am going to give my view (end Elim’s). It is not my task here today to criticise other churches (although some criticise us). There are churches in Reading who do recognise women and those that don’t. My role is to live in peace with them all (Hebrews 12:14). It is not my task to convince you that you are wrong and we are right. I am merely going to present to you the Pentecostal view of women in ministry. Now, a disclaimer. I have shifted over the years in my view. Not because I had adopted a strong theological viewpoint but because I never had adopted one - I just did not think about it for many years and went with the flow. In the last ten years, I have studied it a lot more. The question is not whether God uses women. Scripture, Church history, and contemporary ministry: all testify that God calls, equips, and...