MARCH 19, 2015 Vol. 192, No. 8

www.adventistreview.org

March 19, 2015

Adventists Praised in Rwanda 10 Conspiracy Theories 22 Angels in the Bedroom 26 This Summer in San Antonio IF MEETINGS ARE NOT YOUR THING, THERE’S STILL LOTS TO DO AT A GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION. Head

SUBHEAD It’s what we’re waiting for.

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14 22 9 6 COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 14 This Summer in 18 Gospel Order 4 Letters 6 LAEL CAESAR San Antonio HALVARD B. THOMSEN Kicking Against WILONA KARIMABADI the Goads The church works best 7 Page 7 A General Conference when it works together. session is part family 8 World News & 7 E. EDWARD ZINKE Perspectives reunion, part business 2 2 Conspiracy Theories The Eyes of the Lord meeting, part revival. It ALEJANDRO MEDINA VILLARREAL is not to be missed. 13 Give & Take Have you heard the one about the Jesuits? 21 Cliff’s Edge

2 6 Angels in the Bedroom 2 9 Back to Basics JOHN S. NIXON Sex is an important part of 3 0 Etc. the marriage relationship. 31 Reflections

NEXT WEEK

ON THE COVER Splitting the Urgent Darkness Every Adventist should at- Christ’s resurrection makes tend at least one General all the difference; always Conference session. has, always will.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; ; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, News Editor Andrew McChesney, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editors-at-Large Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Rebecca Hilde. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Web site: www.ad- ventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s Guidelines,Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theHoly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2015. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687. Periodical postage paid at Nampa, ID 83687, and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2015, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 192, No. 8.

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www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (227) 3 Herald Publishing Associa- workers. They have served in tion), our daughter wrote a the usual world fields of story about this event (chap- Africa, Asia, Europe, and the inbox ter 19). I hope this will help American divisions, as well LETTERS FROM OUR READERS to confirm that manna did as such out-of-the-way indeed fall, as a miracle to places as Tahiti, Nepal, and provide food for people in a Iran. famine. DON ROTH DALE FAIRCHILD Charlotte, Michigan

December 18, 2014 Concern, mentary on Ryan Bell. All of Pleasant Hill, Missouri Vol. 191, No. 35

r 18, 2014 Decembe www.adventistreview.org Compassion, us who have lived in the “far I Stayed 6 Angels, Atheists, and an 9 Adventist Hospital 22 and Hope for country” know there is hope Adventist European The Imperfect Leader Ex-Adventist for the future when we run Historical Site »»I’m writing regarding Don out of all resources and »»Having lived near both

bLe neSTImA Mackintosh’s news commen- remember the love that the and Adventist THe I T-Term vALue of SHor rIpS mISSIon T Teenagers, tary “Concern, Compassion, Father has shown and con- Historical Village in Battle Service, and and Hope for Ex-Adventist tinues to show us. Creek, Michigan, and having Transformation Pastor Who Left God” (Feb. DAN SERNS visited the historical sites in 12, 2015). First, under “Con- Richardson, Texas the Northeast, I am sure the Teenagers, Service, cern,” Mackintosh makes a new Adventist historical site and Transformation formal diagnosis of major More on Manna in Tramelan, Switzerland, »»Young people disappoint depression, which he has no »»A letter on page 5 of the will inspire the faith of visi- us when they choose a selfish business, as a mental health January 15, 2015, Adventist tors from Europe and way of life. But I am not dis- layperson, to make. Review questions the validity couraged. The church will go Second, under “Compas- of reports of manna having through victorious. Young sion,” Mackintosh implies fallen. Many years ago my adults, some still in their that questioning is a selfish father, a missionary in teens, were very much a part act. Really? Southern Rhodesia, wrote in of the activity and leadership Third, Mackintosh seems to an O. D. Cardey (I believe in the early Advent move- to be ignorant regarding the that was his name) to get ment. I believe without a meaning of “social justice” affirmation of this event, and doubt that the work will end as he puts these words into a he received an official letter beyond (see “A Special with teens and young adults pejorative sense. Again, confirming that manna had Christmas for Oldest Ad- very much a part of the thousands of Adventists see indeed fallen on several acres ventist Church in Europe,” Advent movement. Julie Z. Jesus as the ultimate author of mission property in by Corrado Cozzi and Lee’s “Teenagers, Service, and proponent of “social jus- Angola. Cardey included a Andrew McChesney, Dec. 25, and Transformation” cover tice” in a troubled world. copy of a newspaper article 2014). article (Dec. 18, 2014) is a Finally, under “Hope,” about it. There was also a The Roth family not only fine example of young peo- Mackintosh assumes that black-and-white photo of built the first Adventist ple working for the Lord, Ryan Bell needs to come to some of the manna in a bowl, church in Europe, but also with lasting results. repentance. Only God can which had been forwarded to through the years has sup- I also appreciated the judge his heart, not Mackin- the General Conference (GC). plied the world church with December 11, 2014, Review. tosh, nor anyone else. This The GC may very well still commentary was not con- have this manna, as it was cerned, compassionate, or not of a variety that rotted Young people disappoint us hopeful. away in a few days. LENNARD JORGENSEN I had all of the above when they choose a selfish way of Riverside, California paperwork stored in my “ dresser drawer, but now I life. But I am not discouraged. The »»My thanks goes to Don cannot find it. I may have Macintosh for the wonderful lent it to someone to be cop- church will go through victorious. insights in his news com- ied, and never got it back. In —NATALIE DODD, Centerville, Ohio the 2001 book Guide’s Greatest Miracle Stories (Review and ”

4 (228) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 Change. This year is going to bring changes, and we hope you will notice and like them! Through surveys and focus groups, many have told us that they’d like to receive a more Is. substantial magazine less often. As a result, we’ve engaged in a process of planning and designing a completely new magazine format for Adventist Review. We plan to launch it Good. before the General Conference session (hint: look in your mailbox next month!). This redesigned magazine will feature more content and pages, but will come to your mailbox once a month rather than almost every week. It will still have your favorite features, and then some, all packaged in an attractive way; and it will be printed on better paper. We are hoping to reach a younger generation, and make all our readers even more proud of their church’s flagship magazine. Claude Richli, our associate publisher and marketing director, says: “We are looking for- ward to reinvigorating the Adventist Review brand and making it more relevant to younger readers, while continuing to deliver quality and authoritative content to those who have been our faithful subscribers for .”

There were encouraging every book of His holy Word! guess I didn’t see that.” Adventist Couple words in Reinder Bruinsma’s MARLENE SMITH Please remember how Dies Holding Hands “A Matter of Perspective.” Naples, Florida much of your readership is »»I’m writing about the arti- And in regard to Stephen more comfortable with the cle “Adventist Couple, Wed Chavez’s “Whither Publish- We Need the Review “written page” than with an 65 Years, Dies Holding ing?” I prefer printed mate- »»I have been a subscriber of iPad or some other device. Hands” (Nov. 27, 2014). I rial on paper. the Adventist Review for about The Adventist Review and wish for my husband and me Michael Zwaagstra offers 40 years, and during that the Adult Bible either to die like this couple instructive help in reading time I’ve sponsored sub- Study Guide are two of the did, or I pray that we look up Scripture (see “Biblical scriptions for younger family most unifying influences of together to see Him coming Hermeneutics 101”). The members, friends, and new our church. At this time, in the blue skies. Our Lord is meaning of a word or phrase church members. I still wear when our unity is being so merciful toward us! and culture provides under- the Adventist Review pin sent threatened by such powerful ELAINE FARQUHARSON standing that makes the to boosters back when Wil- influences, we need the via e-mail Bible relevant, even in the liam G. Johnsson was editor. Review more than ever. twenty-first century. I am quite saddened to see BRAD JONES NATALIE DODD the publishing schedule of Charlevoix, Michigan We welcome your letters, noting, Centerville, Ohio the Review pushed back to as always, that inclusion of a letter once a month. I understand »»Bravo for the new Review! I in this section does not imply that Biblical the concern about our noticed the change instantly. the ideas expressed are endorsed by Hermeneutics 101 younger members. I have The feel of the paper and the either the editors of the Adventist »»In regard to “Biblical sons and their families, nonglaring pages. But can I Review or the General Conference. Hermeneutics 101,” I was whom I pray for, whose cop- survive a one-time-a-month Short, specific, timely letters have disappointed to think that ies of the Review remain issue? If I must, I must. the best chance at being published the author could not extend largely unread. When I As usual, I read from cover (please include your complete his understanding of God’s encourage younger members to cover. For all those address and phone number—even promises beyond the “in- of our local church to involved, it’s production to with e-mail messages). Letters will the-moment” to us who live become subscribers, they say, “praise God, from whom all be edited for space and clarity only. in these last days. Where else “Oh, I get the Review over the blessings flow.” Send correspondence to Letters to could we find “the blessed Internet.” But when I ask ROBERT ROUILLARD the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 hope,” and courage, in our about a certain article that I Lakewood, Washington Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD lives but in every promise in thought was of special inter- 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ est, the usual response is “I adventistreview.org.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (229) 5 Editorials Kicking Against the Goads WHY WOULD ANYBODY WANT TO MISTREAT JESUS? GENTLE JESUS, meek and mild, who bids all the children come, even when the suits try to officiously obstruct with their bureaucratic barriers, red tape, and turn taking. “Just let the children come,” Jesus counters. “I’m all about kids. Come on, everybody, let’s be kids forever.” Suits still resist. “It’s not that simple,” they argue. But whatever their objection, that is Jesus’ message (Mark 10:13-16). It so won the heart of one gifted, rich Jewish youth looking on that he came running after Jesus to ask what he could do to get into the kingdom too.1 Yet, as delightfully loving as Jesus is, gifted people have turned away from Jesus. Smart, suc- cessful, and very religious people have persecuted Jesus. Saul did, until Jesus asked him about it: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14, NASB).2 Saul had been doing what he thought he “had to,” torturing people on God’s behalf Lael (verse 9). Kicking against sharp iron goads makes no sense: it hurts your kickers! Caesar But Saul’s intelligence was no guarantee that what he was doing was sensible. His religiosity didn’t guarantee that what he was doing was godly. Being spiritual is no guarantee that what you are doing is holy. Moreover, kicking against the goads need have nothing to do with anti-religion. Persecuting Jesus need have nothing to do with godless atheism. It did not for Saul. Abusing Jesus may be nothing more than misunderstanding the sheer practicality of His gospel. Consider this unadorned denunciation: “He who despises his neighbor sins. . . . He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him (Prov. 14:21-31, NASB ’77).3 The Hebrew word for “reproaches” (ch-r-p) is here the antithesis of “honors”; it includes the sense of disgracing and blasphemy. Not caring for society’s needy constitutes a profound moral abuse of our Maker. Why would anybody want to do that? Why would anybody want to mistreat Jesus? Lyndelle Brower Chiomenti was painfully shocked when she realized how she had hurt Jesus by her refusal to help someone simply because of his uncomplimentary appearance. “Could you help me buy some food?” he had asked—because he thought she worked at the store. “I’m sorry,” she replied, misunderstanding that he had wanted money. In the end Lyndelle knew that her action had brought Jesus pain.4 Jesus makes it plain that how we treat or maltreat society’s vulnerable and marginalized is how we treat or mistreat Him. The rich youth couldn’t handle a lifestyle of service to the poor. He jammed his feet against the goads and went away hurting; but he still went away (Mark 10:22). Choosing Jesus’ way saves us the hurt of kicking against the goads; it protects us from the pain of remorse at our own uncharitable conduct; it relieves the pain of others whom life has kicked around. And it relieves the pain in Jesus’ own heart that He endures at the mistreatment of His own children. He is full of congratulations for those who, with childlike trust in Him, give their all in service to their fellow humanity: “Thank you for not starving Me, the hungry man; spurning Me, the foreigner; leaving Me exposed to the elements; thank you for visiting Me instead of rejoic- ing that they’d locked Me up and thrown the key away” (see Matt. 25:31-45). All those tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free—that’s Jesus. Why would anybody want to mistreat Jesus? n

1 See Ellen G. White, (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898), p. 518. 2 Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. 3Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. 4 Lyndelle Brower Chiomenti, “Playing It Safe,” in Ardis Dick Stenbakken and Carolyn Rathbun Sutton, eds., Altogether Lovely (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2014), p. 40.

6 (230) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 The Eyes of the Lord “THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE EVERYWHERE” (PROV. 15:3). Does this text bring fear to your heart? Does it convey a God who sits above the earth with intensely focused eagle eyes so as to catch you off guard in a moment of weakness? This worry seems to be justified by the rest of the verse, which says He is “keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” My wife and I recently enjoyed a walk on a beach in Florida. Although the sunshine was warm, the water was cold. There were warning signs of riptides. I noticed a stingray or two washed up on the beach. Windsurfers were jumping the waves at breakneck speed. Yet in spite of the danger- ous environment, a number of children were playing along the beach. Then I noticed something else: Moms were sitting close by, with eagle eyes watching every move of their children. If a child got toppled by a wave, or started to wander off, or got into a fight with a friend, a mom was right there to rectify the situation in case a judge was needed to settle E. Edward a dispute. The moms were rejoicing in the fun and pleasure their children were generating. Zinke Maybe God’s seeing eye is not so dreadful after all. God is intensely interested in us. He is there to guide our footsteps, to pick us up when we fall, to bring reconciliation when a wrong has been committed. I am glad that God sees the injustices, and that we are safe in His hands. God created us for fellowship. Christ came that our joy might be full (see John 15:11). He rejoices every time we turn to Him (see Luke 15:7). Just as those moms took pleasure in watching their children, so God takes pleasure in watching us. n

Figuring Out Millennials Churches of all faiths want to attract younger members. Often they adapt and change their programming, style of worship, time, and/or space to make themselves more appealing. The Barna Group recently studied millennials (individuals born between 1981 and 1997) to discover what type of church they prefer by handing them a list of contrasting words. They were asked to choose between the words to describe their ideal church. Their answers may surprise you (see several below). From this sampling, it would appear they are drawn to beautiful, traditional church spaces, but their comfort and ease is more modern and casual. How should churches respond? com com . com com . . . church

auditorium

thinkstock thinkstock / thinkstock thinkstock / / / adventist

day istock - scottsdale istock istock / / / stockbyte / lentz

seventh monino church

pictures david

juan x

gateway spencerville brand

78% Community Privacy 22% 77% Sanctuary Auditorium 23% 67% Classic Trendy 33% com com com com com . . . . . thinkstock thinkstock thinkstock thinkstock thinkstock / / / / / istock istock istock istock istock / / / / jung

steidl

kureith

gladkov

james jesse michael viktor

67% Quiet Loud 33% 64% Casual Dignified 36% 60% Modern Traditional 40% World News & Perspectives

offered the first Adventist literature storefronts and grew into Adventist Book Centers by 1972, with a wider range of books and plant-based health food products. Before demand began to decline about a decade ago, these centers were successful in meeting the needs of Ad- ventists and many others in the community. Today 45 Adventist Book Centers, all owned by conferences, operate in the , according to a directory on the online bookstore AdventistBook- Center.com. The directory lists a total of PHOTO: HEIDI BAUMGARTNER PHOTO: 87 Adventist Book Centers around the UP FOR GRABS: The interior of the Adventist Book Center in Auburn, Washington. world. ■■NORTH AMERICA The name “Adventist Book Center” can be used only by conferences and For Sale: An Adventist Book Pacific Press. Center in West Washington The Washington Conference regained ownership of the Auburn store on Feb- The sale puts a renewed spotlight on the ruary 14, 2014, when Pacific Press future of the struggling bookstores. ceased managing 17 bookstores across the United States in an effort to refocus By HEIDI BAUMGARTNER, North Pacific Union Gleaner, and ADVENTIST REVIEW STAFF its mission. Pacific Press had managed the Auburn store for the Washington CASTING A new spotlight on the future Book Centers and other bookstores. Conference for eight years. of Adventist Book Centers, church lead- The decline in book sales also played Throughout 2014 a special committee ers in the U.S. state of Washington have a key role in a decision by the General examined a number of management decided to put a struggling store up for Conference, the administrative body of models and opportunities for the book- sale in hope of finding an independent the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to store. The Washington Conference exec- owner. close one of the church’s two publishing utive committee reviewed the findings If a buyer is not found, the owner, the houses in North America. Print opera- and voted in January 2015 to place the Washington Conference, will phase the tions at the Review and Herald Publish- Auburn store on the market as an inde- Auburn bookstore out of business and ing Association in Hagerstown, pendently operated store. repurpose the building for ministry. Maryland, were closed at the end of the Carlson said the sale included “inven- “We’ll do our best to find ways to still year. Some of its operations were trans- tory, equipment, and goodwill” but not provide for the literature needs of our ferred to the other publishing house, the building, which is fully owned by conference,” said Dennis R. Carlson, the Pacific Press Publishing Association the Western Washington Corporation of interim manager of the Adventist Book in Nampa, Idaho. Seventh-day Adventists. He said the cor- Center. “When a long-standing door The history of Adventist Book Centers poration was willing to favorably nego- closes, we believe God will open new traces back to 1868, when a small group tiate building usage terms with the opportunities as we continue to pray of women began a prayer to peti- prospective buyer, who would need to and seek God’s direction.” tion God to work in the lives of their find a new name for the store. The sell-or-close ultimatum is largely children, neighbors, and friends. They An asking price has not been dis- owing to the changing purchase habits formed the Vigilant Missionary Society closed, but the conference has invited of Adventist readers, church leaders in 1869 to share Adventist literature. interested parties to e-mail abcstore@ said. No longer dependent on brick- This venture branched into the Tract waconference.org by April 15. and-mortar stores, an increasing per- and Missionary Society with global Carlson said the conference was also centage of people buy their books reach. open to the idea of partnering with online, putting pressure on Adventist In 1924 Book and Bible Houses another Adventist Book Center.

8 (232) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 John Freedman, president of the without a bookstore. “The need to share place,” he said. “There could still be a Washington Conference, said the con- our faith doesn’t change, even if our place for a physical bookstore; we’re ference remained committed to the dis- way of managing this process adapts to just not the ones to properly manage tribution of Adventist materials even meet the needs of our current market- it.” n

■■EGYPT Adventist Church Makes Inroads in Egypt A book fair addresses confusion over whether the church is a Christian denomination. By ANDREW MC CHESNEY, news editor, Adventist Review

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST staffers in Egypt in which they share their distributed tens of thousands of copies beliefs with both Muslims and Chris- of and other books at the tians from other faiths. NAGEH OF AMGAD COURTESY PHOTO: AT THE FAIR: Amgad Nageh, right, posing biggest book fair in the Arab world as “As a church we have the delicate bal- with a visitor at the Adventist booth at they sought to dispel misinformation ancing act of helping our Muslim the Cairo International Book Fair. that the Adventist Church is not a Chris- friends and neighbors understand that tian denomination. we are not like what they think of when Seventh-day Adventists Believe. Kleyton Feitosa, president of the Ad- they think of Christians,” said Homer Visitors came from all walks of life: ventist Church’s Egypt-Sudan Field, said Trecartin, president of the church’s Muslims, Christians, and atheists. Staff- the church made significant inroads by Middle East and North Africa Union. ers spoke with students from Al-Azhar organizing the booth at the 16-day Many Muslims believe that all Chris- University, the main Islamic learning Cairo International Book Fair, which tians eat pork, drink alcohol, pray to center in Egypt, and sold books to stu- attracted 2 million visitors and is con- saints, and live like characters in a Hol- dents from various seminaries. sidered the most important annual lywood movie, he said. One of the directors of the Bible Soci- event in the Arab publishing world. “At the same time, we have to help ety of Egypt came to the booth and “The results were just phenomenal,” our Christian friends and neighbors praised the Adventist presence at the Feitosa said. “It was very important to understand that we are indeed follow- second day of the fair, which ended Feb- have visibility among thousands of ers of Jesus who believe that salvation ruary 12, 2015. Egyptians—Christian and Muslim comes only through faith in Him,” he “Many people don’t know who you alike—during a time when many are said. are,” the director said. “It is good that still wondering whether we are Chris- At the book fair the Adventist booth you are here to answer questions about tians or not.” generated buzz as apparently the only your beliefs and faith.” Local Adventist leaders are especially vendor with free books. Adventist staff- Amgad Nageh, a comanager of the keen to clear up confusion after the ers handed out about 25,000 copies of booth, said he was touched by meeting Egyptian government considered legis- Keys to Happiness, the Arabic version of many young people searching for Jesus. lation late last year that would classify Ellen G. White’s Steps to Christ. “I could see a deep desire in their eyes— the Adventist Church as a non-Christian “This was one of the highlights of our a longing to know Jesus—and that denomination. The new civil law for booth since no other organization, as made me tear up for them,” he said. non-Muslim minorities was drafted far as we know, was giving books away Nageh asked for the prayers of Ad- without Adventist participation. for free,” Feitosa said. ventists around the world as he and fel- The government has responded A total of 55,000 books were printed low Adventists in Egypt build new favorably to an appeal by Adventist through the contribution of a private friendships after the book fair. leaders to rethink the bill, putting it on donor in the United States. “Pray that they come to know Jesus,” hold and promising to include Ad- The booth also distributed 15,000 fly- he said. “Pray that Jesus may reveal and ventist representatives in future discus- ers titled Get to Know Your Adventist make Himself known to them. They are sions, Feitosa said. Friends. The best sellers were health so very dear and precious to Him, and He Adventists face an unusual situation books and a book on church doctrines, really wants to see them saved. So do I!” n

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (233) 9 World News & Perspectives

sparse classroom space in old buildings until construction work started in ear- nest in 2012. “It was like a slum,” university rector Ngabo A. Sebahahashyi said at a Febru- ary 11, 2015, ceremony for the new complex. He said students used to sneak on and off the campus with “a sense of humiliation and frustration,” hoping that no one saw them. The new building contains 24 class- PHOTO BY CLAUDE RICHLI CLAUDE BY PHOTO rooms that can accommodate 40 to 60 GRAND OPENING: Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi cutting the ribbon of the Science students. Each classroom boasts a and Technology Center as Adventist Church leader Ted N. C. Wilson watches at the Adventist University of Central Africa in Rwanda on February 11, 2015. smartboard, replacing chalk or a felt-tip pen with a fully networked, digitally ■■RWANDA responsive whiteboard that facilitates presentations and the instant archiving Rwanda’s Prime Minister of lecture notes. The center’s computer Praises Adventist University labs are equipped with state-of-the-art networked technology that allows stu- Adventist University of Central Africa dents to study with teachers on-site or replaces chalkboards with smartboards. remotely. The university, which has about 4,000 By CLAUDE RICHLI, associate publisher, Adventist Review students, also broke ground on a new RWANDA’S PRIME minister cut the rib- ernment, we pledged to build a road. . . . guesthouse and dormitories. The rector bon at the grand opening of a state-of- Both promises have been kept. This is said a school of medicine would open in the-art facility that is expected to turn therefore an excellent partnership, and I 2016, the first in Rwanda and central the Adventist University of Central Africa look forward to many more years of Africa. into a leading provider of IT and com- fruitful collaboration.” Before the prime minister left the munication specialists for the region. The university, formerly located in campus, Wilson prayed for him, claim- The inauguration of the $2.4 million Mudende in western Rwanda, was ing for him a Bible promise regarding Science and Technology Center marked destroyed in the 1994 genocide. It wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, the transformation of the university reopened in Gishushu, along the main you should ask God, who gives gener- into a top-flight school. road between the country’s main air- ously to all without finding fault, and it Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi, port and the capital, Kigali, but offered will be given to you” (James 1:5). n who toured the campus with a delega- tion that included Adventist Church leader Ted N. C. Wilson, thanked Wilson for making good on a promise in 2012 to support health and education in Rwanda. Wilson in turn thanked Murekezi for fulfilling a government pledge to con- struct a one-mile (two-kilometer) paved road to the campus entrance. “Three years ago when breaking the ground for the building of this center, Pastor Ted Wilson left me with a prom-

ise of a church vision to support health RICHLI CLAUDE BY PHOTO and education in Rwanda,” Murekezi SMART COMPLEX: The Science and Technology Center has 24 classrooms that seat 40 said. “On our part as the Rwandan gov- to 60 students each.

10 (234) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 ■■WORLD CHURCH Computer Games Praised as Church’s Next Learning Tool What you need to know from the GAiN technology conference By ANSEL OLIVER, ANN, and ADVENTIST REVIEW STAFF

RADIO MIGHT sound outdated to a gen- would see the fun factor in the Ad- eration enamored with smartphones ventist World Radio game, whose and similar gadgets, but release date has not yet been Radio is determined to showcase the announced. medium’s significance through a game , meanwhile, that can be played on such devices. recently hosted a “game-storming” ses- Adventist World Radio is developing sion in which officials invited high

a game that teaches about its operations school students to games pro- ANN PHOTO: and engineering by enlisting players to moting healthful living, Harris said. The send programming from the network’s university is also developing games for mega station in Guam to countries the continuing education of medical throughout Asia. students and physicians at the univer- PLAYTIME: Heroes the Game is the first Players must bounce radio signals off sity hospital. and perhaps best-known Adventist game app. the earth’s ionosphere to win. The Ellen G. White Estate also has Sound like fun? Seventh-day Ad- joined the mix, rolling out the computer ventist technology specialists hope so. game Pitcairn in phases last year and tem as a way for the church to track how “Our challenge as educators is to cre- preparing for the launch of the app on many Adventists live in a particular area ate a learning experience that is engag- Apple iOS and Android. The game and which areas lack Adventists. Ad- ing, challenging, and achievable,” said teaches Pathfinders about prophecy and ventist Frontier Mission used the GIS 15 David P. Harris, vice president for infor- Adventist Church cofounder Ellen years ago to locate unreached people mation systems at Loma Linda Univer- White. groups in Thailand, resulting in the sity. “Games are now on the forefront of The first and perhaps best-known establishment of an Adventist congre- reaching people all over the world.” Adventist-sponsored game is Heroes gation and a radio station. Harris was speaking at the Adventist the Game, a time-based app that quizzes • The North American Division pre- Church’s online GAiN technology con- players about such people as Jesus, viewed Adventist Learning Community, ference, a five-day event in mid-Febru- Moses, and Peter. It was released in a Web portal at adventistlearning ary that was live-streamed to 3,800 2013. community.com aimed at boosting participants in more than 100 coun- Gungadoo, who is involved in the distance-learning opportunities. The tries from the Adventist world church development of Heroes, said three Ad- Web site was to open in March. headquarters in Silver Spring, ventist universities offer classes on • Dean Waterman, a pastor in Vir- Maryland. game development: ginia, promoted the model of multisite Daryl Gungadoo, research and devel- and Southern Adventist University in churches, where a single church meets opment engineer for Adventist World the United States, and Montemorelos at several locations and can be as simple Radio, underscored the importance of University in Mexico. as a sermon being shared with multiple mixing fun with education. He noted Among other news from the GAiN locations via live online streaming. He the relaunch of the once-popular geog- conference: said the model is relatively inexpensive raphy game Where in the World Is Car- • Italo Osorio, a senior Web manager and offers a faster way to plant a strong men Sandiego? met with disastrous for the Adventist Church headquarters, congregation in a new area, taking an results after its new owners made the announced that his team would soon average of five months instead of five learning objectives more overt. begin work on creating the first register years. “The kids smelled education a mile of Adventist apps. Videos from the GAiN conference are away and lost interest,” Gungadoo said. • Jerry Chase, a pastor in Ohio, available on the Web site gain.adventist. He expressed hope that players praised the geographic information sys- org. n

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (235) 11 World News & Perspectives

■■NORTH AMERICA

Atlantic Refuses and Colleges in 2011 over its inability to to Change Stance on Hell maintain the large financial reserve required by the association. It drops its accreditation application over the tenet. The college, which now offers certifi- By ANDREW MC CHESNEY, news editor, Adventist Review cate programs, hired Avis Hendrickson as president late last year to pursue wants to T. Paul Boatner, president of Transna- reaccreditation. regain accreditation, but it isn’t willing tional, confirmed to the Telegram that Brown asked for the prayers of the to change its views on hell. Atlantic Union College’s bid had ended, Adventist world church as the college The troubled Adventist-operated col- saying only that one item on the check- moves forward. lege in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, off list had not been met. He stressed “We believe that the Lord will allow has withdrawn a bid for accreditation that the decision was not linked to us to garner accreditation while still after the Virginia-based Transnational finances or academics. upholding the standards of the SDA Association of Christian Colleges Atlantic Union College, the Adventist Church, while at the same time offering insisted that it embrace the religious Church’s oldest campus, founded in a stellar educational platform,” she tenet that “all who die outside of Christ 1882, lost its accreditation from the said. n shall be confined in conscious torment New England Association of Schools for eternity.” Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Bible teaches hell is a onetime event ■■NORTH AMERICA in which the devil, his angels, and un- saved people are destroyed in fire and SWAU Gets $2 Million Gift brimstone after Jesus’ second coming. The endowment from System Gina Brown, the college’s academic will establish a new academic chair. administrator, said Transnational had agreed to waive the belief, listed in its By ADVENTIST REVIEW STAFF accreditation manual, when Atlantic Union College started the accreditation SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST University has received a record $2 million gift process last fall. from Adventist Health System to establish an academic chair. “They assured us that it would not be Adventist Health System, which operates 45 hospitals in 10 states, is extend- an issue and that they would make an ing the gift to the business department to create the “Adventist Health System exception,” Brown said by telephone. Endowed Chair of Business,” the university said in a statement. But Transnational later reversed “The $2 million endowed gift to Southwestern Adventist University from the course, causing the college to withdraw Adventist Health System will make a significant impact on our business its application, she said. department and will help transform the lives of our students for years to Transnational, on page 28 of its man- come,” university president Kenneth L. Shaw said. “God has blessed this school ual, says all applicants for accreditation in many ways, and He often does this through wonderful organizations and must believe in “the existence of a per- people who have a passion and love for Christian education.” sonal, malevolent being called Satan Earnings from the endowment will fund the chair’s position. who acts as tempter and accuser, for The $2 million is the same size as the largest gift ever received by the Keene, whom the place of eternal punishment Texas-based university: $2 million from the Southwestern Union Conference of was prepared, where all who die outside Seventh-day Adventists in 1996 for the completion of its men’s residence hall of Christ shall be confined in conscious Miller Hall. torment for eternity.” In September, Southwestern Adventist University received a $500,000 gift The association has accredited 58 col- from an anonymous donor that is, in part, providing its biology department leges and universities, including Bob with an additional full-time faculty member for the next four years. Jones University in South Carolina, In January, Adventist Health System gave $2 million to Andrews University in Trinity Baptist College in Florida, and a Berrien Springs, Michigan, to establish a chair for health-care administration at number of mostly Baptist institutions its School of Business Administration. n across the United States.

12 (236) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 MY PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH My prayer for the Adventist Church Dear Heavenly Father, In mercy

is first, that we as a people remain and love, look upon Your church. CREWS © TERRY faithful to our call of spreading the Reform, renew, and ADVENTIST LIFE three angels’ messages to the world; refresh Your people. My neighbor babysits her two grandchildren, Caleb, 7 second, that central to the procla- Send the Holy Spirit to (very serious for his age), and Juliana, 5 (vivacious and mation, my prayer is that we be will- increase our burden for a bit mischievous). Their parents are both busy physi- ing to give ourselves for the the lost. Help us be cians in the Fort Worth area. My neighbor periodically good of others and ask channels of Your unfailing and brings them to my home. I enjoy visiting with these two nothing in return, as did unchanging love to those who are bright kids. Jesus. May God grant us struggling in the turbulence and tur- One day she shared with me an experience that took the grace to do these two moil of the world around us as they place that morning as they were studying the children’s things. seek to make sense of life. Help us to Sabbath school lesson. The general topic was Creation —, EDITOR, ADULT lift our Savior up so that He can draw and, more specifically, the creation of Adam and Eve. SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE; all people to Himself, allowing us to Suddenly Caleb blurted out to his sister, “You have to COLUMNIST, ADVENTIST REVIEW experience the joy of salvation now listen to me because I was created first.” and a future in heaven with You. Without a moment’s hesitation Juliana replied, “But These mercies we ask in His blessed you were created from mud; I was created from bone.” LET’S PRAY name. That brought an end to the study of Creation, mainly Have a prayer need? Have a few —AUDREY E. ANDERSSON, EXECUTIVE because Grandma had to run to the kitchen to laugh free minutes? Each Wednesday SECRETARY, TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION quietly and unseen. morning at 8:15 EDT the Adventist —LAURICE KAFROUNI DURRANT, KEENE, TEXAS Review staff meets to pray for people—children, parents, friends, coworkers. Send your prayer requests and, if possible, pray with us on Wednesday mornings. Send requests to: Let’s Pray, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; SOUND BITE fax: 301-680-6638; e-mail: [email protected]. “The path to a changed life is a changed mind.” —PASTOR ANDREW ABBOTT, SPOKANE VALLEY, WASHINGTON

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (237) 13 Cover Feature SACVB PHOTO SACVB

ari Fordham, now THIS an assistant profes- sor of English at , was 14 years old at the 1990 General Conference (GC) ses- M M E sion in Indianapolis, Indiana. “My S U R father was a pastor, and so his employer IN was supporting his attendance. I believe we were there before the session began, San because there were meetings for minis- ters,” she remembers. Each session sees many kids—as Sari Antonio was—at the event because a parent or parents are there in some sort of work capacity. While they attend meetings or work in the exhibition hall, their kids either enjoy hotel amenities or explore BY WILONA the dome and corresponding conven- KARIMABADI tion center. The family unit may regroup for meals and attend evening programs together, or perhaps explore surrounding attractions. In Sari’s case the Indianapolis session GC SESSION created a unique, albeit accidental, vol- unteering opportunity. “My former ISN’T JUST FOR Sabbath school teacher [from many years earlier] had a baby and left me CHURCH WORKERS with his infant through the whole ses-

14 (238) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 sion,” she recalls. “I met another pre- gig, Sari remembers finding the whole an event—for those who may not know— teen, and we watched the baby together thing pretty interesting. “I was amused that now occurs every five years. The in one of the hotel lobbies near the con- at how often I would see one person world church gathered last in Atlanta, vention. Other parents attending GC walk up to another and say, ‘I recognize Georgia, in 2010 and will gather again in assumed [incorrectly, of course] we you,’ and they’d exchange information, 2020 back in Indianapolis, Indiana. were an official child-care center, and and actually not have a connection. Of These are challenging times in the we ended up with a group of five to 10 course, more often than not, people did world and certainly for the church. The kids on any given day!” she says. have a connection,” she says. past five years have seen many tough dis- But when the big Sabbaths hit with Let’s be honest: If you are Adventist, cussions about hot-button topics facing thousands of visitors flooding the even if you never attended Adventist our worldwide membership, and this venue, session turns into a giant mega- schools from kindergarten through col- year’s session will certainly address some church/camp meeting/reunion of sorts. lege, or worked in any of our hospitals of them. “Many important issues will be It is always a busy time, especially if you or organizations, there is a strong likeli- in focus at the session,” says General are there for work, because during the hood that attending GC session will Conference secretary G. T. Ng. “Worship week GC session functions as a series of result in a long-lost reunion with some- and fellowship notwithstanding, mission business meetings for the world church. one from your past. And truthfully, that will remain the main focus of the session. Important, yes. But summer vacation can be a lot of fun. But is taking an Matters pertaining to the Church Manual fun for the entire family? entire week of hard-earned vacation and fundamental beliefs will be dis- Many saints in this movement count time to bring your spouse and kids to cussed. Of interest will be the decisions attending a General Conference session San Antonio this July—if you are not a relating to women’s ordination,” he adds. as one of the highlights of their lives. church employee—worth the effort? “Reach the World,” a major initiative of Indeed, the opportunity to “Adventize” Reunions aside, what does this year’s the world church for the next five years, a prominent city—taking over a major event in Texas offer a family badly in will be introduced. The importance of the sports complex; filling it to the rafters need of a little summer vacation time? Spirit of Prophecy will be highlighted, as with fellow believers from all over the will the Mission to the Cities emphasis. world; and fellowshipping and wor- 60 Sessions In As with all sessions, nominating commit- shipping together—is pretty special. The San Antonio gathering will mark tee reports will be a major agenda item— Aside from the accidental babysitting the sixtieth General Conference session, as this is the time church leaders around

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (239) 15 Details, Details

WHEN July 2-11, 2015

the world will either continue on in their all family members, folk with whom posts or move forward to other service you share something deeply in com- opportunities. While delegates to the mon. Now close your eyes for a minute meetings will take an active part in deci- and listen to the sound of all those peo- sion-making, lay members are certainly ple singing a hymn, a hymn everyone not barred from witnessing the process. seems to know by heart. Listen to the SACVB PHOTO SACVB “Any layperson may attend GC ses- collective sound of all those people say- WHERE sion,” adds Ng. “The main floor is ing amen in unison at the conclusion of Henry B. Gonzalez reserved for delegates, but other than the a prayer. And watch the jumbotrons— Convention Center restricted area, members may sit any- instead of broadcasting touchdowns or 200 East Market Street where in the . The business meet- unbelievable interceptions, they’ll pan San Antonio, TX 78205 ings of the church are conducted openly across the room and show a lot of heads Alamodome and can be seen and heard by anyone. simultaneously bowed in prayer or 100 Montana Street Transparency is the order of the day.” chuckling at the same funny anecdote San Antonio, TX 78203 If you have the slightest bit of curios- the speaker shared. Honestly? It’s kind ity regarding the inner workings of of awesome. major church business, this event does Sabbaths in San Antonio will be a big THEME present an opportunity to come and see deal, but not just for the main service Arise! Shine! Jesus Is Coming! for yourself. portion of the day. There will be Friday To be well informed about the church night vespers programs on a much bigger you belong to is certainly not a bad scale than what you might be used to— thing, and we can help you with that. definitely an unforgettable way to bring Adventist Review becomes a daily in the Sabbath. And on Sabbath morning, publication during the ses- General Conference youth and children’s sion, carrying minutes and ministries invest a lot of time in creating proceedings from each day’s outstanding Sabbath school programs meetings, along with timely your kids can attend. Just as at your home reporting and related feature pieces church, but bigger. Much bigger. Begin- capturing the best of the session. Those ners, kindergarten, and primary will all bulletins will be available for sale daily at have their meetings on July 4 and 11, and many convenient locations throughout there will be juniors and senior youth the convention center and dome—just Sabbath programs on both the Friday and look for our News Kids and their kiosks. Sabbath of both session weekends. Rest assured, security is tight and ever-present Big Sabbaths in a Big House at these meetings, and there are systems If you’ve ever attended a large event in place for properly identifying children There’s an app for that too! in a sports stadium, you’ve likely and parents and making sure everyone is To learn more about the official noticed that there are an awful lot of properly connected to their guardians GC session 2015 app and all other people in the same place at the same and charges accordingly. Further infor- important details to help you time. If you dislike crowds, that can be mation on either of those programs can plan to be there, visit: an uncomfortable situation. But imag- be found by visiting www.gcchildmin.org http://2015.gcsession.org. ine that crowd of tens of thousands are and http://gcyouthministries.org.

16 (240) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 SACVB PHOTOS SACVB

But San Antonio? undertakes a variety of unique service Historical Park, the River Walk and River In the Summer? projects in the host city that run the Walk Cruise, SeaWorld San Antonio, So now that you know Sabbaths are gamut from street art to community Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Do Seum (a pretty special at GC session and that you service, to health ministry, and even 65,000-square-foot children’s museum), can sit in on business meetings, what else an outdoor youth rally/concert. Find Morgan’s Wonderland (the world’s only is there to do? Every GC session has a vast information at www.impactsa2015. ultra-accessible theme park for people exhibition hall in the convention center, com. of all abilities), the San Antonio Zoo, featuring booths from any Adventist Which leads us to that host city Botanical Gardens, and Japanese Tea entity you can think of. And yes, you will itself—San Antonio, Texas. So you’ve Garden. be filling up bags with lots of Adventist been to the dome and sat in on meet- “swag,” so you may want to take that into ings, you’ve attended and enjoyed the See You There? consideration in allotting packing space evening programs, you’ve been inspired There are a plethora of reasons to for the trip home. GC Children’s Minis- and blessed by the Sabbath experience, attend a GC session at least once in a tries will have resources to give away as and you’ve collected more swag than lifetime. And we hope you realize there well as puppet shows at certain times. you’d like to admit to at the exhibition really is something for everyone to be There will also be a resource room for hall. What then? Well, there’s still a found there. While the host city offers children’s ministry leaders from around pretty nice city to explore. fun attractions for the family, there is the world where you can pick up materi- Secure accommodations sooner indeed a great blessing to be found als free of charge. Many ministres will rather than later. Hotels within walking from the meetings themselves. offer similar things throughout the exhi- distance of the Alamodome include: Riv- You will hear from renowned speakers bition hall, which makes a visit—or erwalk Vista Inn, Valencia, Hotel Havana, you never thought you’d see in person, three—a must-do. the Menger, Crockett, St. Anthony, and and you’ll enjoy music from the best art- If you have members of the family in Sheraton Gunter; and larger delegate- ists this worldwide movement has to the 18-35 range, you probably don’t heavy places such as the Marriott River- offer. You will be reminded of the amaz- have much control over their atten- center and the Grand Hyatt. In the down- ing internationality of this church, and dance at session. But before you rule town area you’ll find Holiday Inn, La you will gain an education overall that out San Antonio for the millennial set Quinta, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton as will likely inspire and renew your per- altogether, we have three words for well. Book now, because places fill up sonal faith. Truthfully, you will likely you: Impact San Antonio. Impact San fast. Start at visitsanantonio.com/ never have the opportunity to worship Antonio (iSA) is the latest installment english/browse-book/lodging. and visit with the sheer magnitude of in a series that has run concurrently You might also put a call out on your this many like-minded believers until with previous GC sessions. According favorite social media outlets to friends heaven. And that alone is an experience to its Web site, “Impact San Antonio is living in the San Antonio area; they may that indeed points us to what we can a window of opportunity for the offer you a place to stay, or at least point look forward to. global Seventh-day Adventist young you in directions known only to the So how about it? This summer in San adult community (18+) to bring hope locals, which is always valuable. Antonio? n to the city. Organized in conjunction San Antonio is perhaps most famous with General Conference session, iSA is for the Alamo, a former mission that was WILONA KARIMABADI IS EDITOR an initiative of the GC Youth Depart- the site of an important battle during OF KIDSVIEW, AND IS LOOKING ment, hosted by the North American the Texas revolution. You’ll surely want FORWARD TO MEETING YOU IN SAN Division Youth Department.” During to visit that spot, but here are other ANTONIO. any GC session the Impact movement places to consider: Missions National

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (241) 17 Feature: Church Life

GOSPEL ORDER

BY HALVARD B. THOMSEN

18 (242) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 lmost every week my wide variety of situations incoming mail includes an before they surfaced, and gave advertisement for some Israel directions on how to han- product designed to orga- dle them. There were also times nize my garage, office, He waited until an event sug- Acloset, or some other room in my house. gested the need for law. He even The implied promise is that I’ll be more had to give them instruction on productive and live better if I and my personal hygiene: apparently they things are better organized. The January did not know some basic princi- 2015 Better Homes and Gardens magazine ples, and out of care for their well- children the value of cover caught my eye with an article, being, the Lord instructed them rules, and how they help people “Beautifully Organized: Tips and Tricks (Deut. 23:12, 13), and gave them a ratio- avoid conflicts. The family entered into a for Every Room.” The need to keep nale for His guidelines (verse 14). Dur- “Respect Agreement” that they posted in “stuff” organized for better living is ing their stay at Sinai they were also a prominent place in their home. She always with us—especially in light of given guidance on how to set up camp— credits the book Discipline That Restores, by the human tendency to accumulate. Judah on the east side of the sanctuary, Ron and Roxanne Claassen, for the idea.2 But my life has been more involved Reuben on the south, etc. (Num. 2). with people than with things. Do people When Israel left Sinai, they had What Are Rules For? need to be organized too? How would instruction—policies, or laws—organiz- As a young pastor I was asked to rep- you organize a group of youngsters into ing their encampments, guidelines for resent our church to the Montana legis- a fully functioning, learning commu- sanitation and health, laws on how to lature and watch for legislation that nity? How would you organize a group function as a nation, a systematized may infringe on our freedom to practice of people into a smoothly operating approach to their worship practices, our faith as conscience would dictate. worship community, or any other orga- even an outline for passing on their As I sat in the gallery listening to the WHY ORDER AND GOOD NEWS GO TOGETHER nization or club? What about a city or property to their children: five different introduction and debate of new legisla- nation: do they need to be organized? A categories of law, all based on the foun- tion, I realized that most legislation was popular question a few years ago was dation for all law, the transcript of God’s introduced to address a particular cir- “What would Jesus do?” It’s an excellent character we know as the Decalogue, or cumstance. Often that circumstance concept for dealing with people. And Ten Commandments. They were a well- dealt with conflicts among people. The when it comes to organizing people, He organized nation ready to conquer and legislature believed that a general law has given us a terrific example! settle in the Promised Land. The God would help others who faced the same who directs His church to do everything circumstance. Organized for Action “decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40, Several years later I was invited to par- Can you imagine a million or two NKJV)1 modeled that in Israel. We cannot ticipate in church administration and recently freed slaves who are unaccus- escape the realization that our Lord came face to face with the concept of tomed to self-government trying to make loves order! church legislation and law, what we their way through the desert to the land Schoolteachers quickly discover that know as working policy. When issues of their dreams, the land promised to outlining a structure for their class- would be discussed among administra- their ancestors for centuries? Where rooms keeps youngsters better focused tors, someone would ask, “What is the would you begin to organize this crowd on their lessons and enables them to policy?” I soon had opportunities to into a nation? How would you help them learn better. Frequently classroom rules watch policy be written and revised. enjoy their freedom? How would you are posted on the wall for everyone to Almost always policy was established to protect them from chaos and self- see. Well-defined groups and clubs have deal with a situation that had arisen destruction? The pattern for the Jewish rules, guidelines, or policies that dictate someplace in the church. Revisions nation was established while they were at their function. Cities and nations estab- would be made as time and experience the foot of Mount Sinai. Interestingly, one lish laws to prescribe and proscribe citi- indicated a different approach would of the first things the Lord taught these zen behavior. Even families function best prove to be more beneficial to all parties. freed slaves was how they were to treat when the rules are understood and fol- Even though there were times policy their slaves in the future (see Ex. 21)! lowed consistently by all family mem- seemed to be too confining, almost The Lord foresaw and addressed a bers. My daughter is teaching her always it was a relief to know that the

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (243) 19 circumstance or issue confronting us will be both specific to local needs and to carry the gospel to the world.”5 The had been faced—and addressed—by developed in harmony with the General gospel is God’s good news on saving someone else at another time and place. Conference Working Policy and that of the people. Everything the church does Like the guidelines, policies, and laws division of the General Conference oper- properly, legitimately, and well will be given to Israel, church policy often ating in their geographic territory. Like oriented toward saving people. Even in resolved conflict before it started, and the conference, union conference, and a church well acquainted with policy, saved many headaches. institutional policies, General Confer- policy must never be more important Still, you may ask, “Do we really need ence/division policies are adopted by than people. The Godhead illustrates church policy? Can’t we just function as their respective executive committees. this principle best of all. Policy was brothers and sisters without the com- clear: If you eat from the tree of the knowl- plications and restrictions suggested by Policy Men? edge of good and evil, you will die. If you sin, a book more than an inch thick?” The history of Israel as described in you die (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23). Can’t you I started ministry as a pastor of small the Bible, my observations of society, just hear the discussion after Adam and churches, always grouped in a district of and my experience in the church have Eve disobeyed? “We cannot just let two, three, or several more congregations. helped me understand that policy helps them die! What will become of their Church life was pretty simple. Eventually the church fulfill its mission, avoid children? We cannot just let them die, I was invited to pastor a single, larger chaos and conflict, and maintain either!” The divine character of love and congregation. I well remember the board smooth operation. During my experi- grace wrestled against “the broken law discussing an upcoming wedding. Some- ence I have also worked with some peo- of God [that] demanded the life of the one asked if it fit the church’s wedding ple who resist policy. Sometimes they sinner. In all the universe there was but policy! I was dumbfounded, though I try to use Ellen White’s words as a justi- one who could, in behalf of [humanity], didn’t admit it. A “wedding policy”? I fication for ignoring or even eliminat- satisfy its claims.”6 It was in this context never needed such a thing in the small ing policy: “When God raises up men to that Jesus, the Creator, Lawgiver, Policy- churches I had pastored! But it became do His work,” “they will be humble, maker par excellence, volunteered, “I obvious that guidelines for the use of the God-fearing men, not conservative, not will die in their place.” The policy held church, the choice of music, the use and policy men.”3 But a fair consideration of firm, sin resulted in death, but by operation of the sound system, actually the context for this statement shows becoming the substitute, Jesus took care were a benefit to the bride’s planning! that ignoring policy is not at all Ellen of His people. White’s intent. Indeed, it much more As delegates from all around our How We Make Our Rules surely supports those who will stand planet gather for the General Confer- Where are policies prepared and for what is right regardless of criticism: ence session in San Antonio in July, adopted? As suggested by the church’s “When God raises up men to do His structure and policy will be on promi- wedding policy, each congregation will work, they are false to their trust if they nent display. But in addition, it will also have policies guiding their organization. allow their testimony to be shaped to be clear that organization afforded by These policies are adopted by the church please the minds of the unconsecrated. policy has been effective in enabling board. In addition, congregations agree He will prepare men for the times. They our church to uplift Jesus and go to to operate under the guidelines of the will be humble, God-fearing men, not every kindred, tongue, and people with Church Manual, which seeks to address conservative, not policy men; but men the story of His care for the people He the operating style of Adventist who have moral independence and will created! n churches all around the world. The prin- move forward in the fear of the Lord. 1 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James ciples found in the Church Manual are They will be kind, noble, courteous; yet Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nel- intended to be useful for congregations they will not be swayed from the right son, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. in a variety of settings and cultures. The path, but will proclaim the truth in righ- 2 Ron and Roxanne Claassen, Discipline That Restores (BookSurge Publishing, 2008). Church Manual is adopted by the General teousness whether men will hear or 3 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain Conference in session. Necessary revi- whether they will forbear.”4 This state- View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, p. 263. sions suggested by the passing of time ment in its entirety, and Ellen White’s 4 Ibid. 5 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain and changing society are also adopted own history of support for organizing View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 9. by the General Conference in session. the church, make it clear that she stands 6 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Mountain A global church such as ours will need firmly on the side of development and View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1890), p. 63. policies that properly relate to their local principled use of church policy. circumstances. Thus conferences, union HALVARD B. THOMSEN IS A conferences, and denominational insti- People First RETIRED PASTOR AND LONGTIME tutions all have policies that are adopted “The church is God’s appointed CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR LIVING IN by their respective executive committees agency for the salvation of men. It was APPLE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, UNITED and/or governing boards. These policies organized for service, and its mission is STATES.

20 (244) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 Cliff’s Edge Pen Yamut Bamilchamah IN DEUTERONOMY 20:1-9 MOSES TOLD ISRAELITE SOLDIERS NOT TO FEAR because “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (verse 4). Moses then talked about giving draft deferments to any man who, for various reasons (just built a house, just got married, just planted a vineyard), shouldn’t fight, pen yamut bamilchamah (“lest he die in battle” [verse 7, KJV]). Lest he die in battle? The Lord just finished telling the soldiers not to fear, because He was going to “fight for you against your enemies.” Yet He still issued the caveat pen yamut bamilchamah? God fights for them, yet some might be killed anyway? Why not? Look at what Hebrews said happened to many of God’s faithful servants: “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated” (Heb. 11:36, 37). From all outward appearances, these people weren’t much better off than those Israelite soldiers who might have been killed in battle. Look at all that Joseph suffered, even though Scripture said that “the Lord was with him” (Gen. 39:21). And if any sinner ever had the anointing of God, it was certainly John the Baptist, whose stay in the big house didn’t end as nicely as did Joseph’s: “So [Herod] immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went [and] beheaded John in the prison” (Mark 6:27). Jesus said, “Among those born of women there is no one greater than John” (Luke 7:28). Yet this is what John gets? How could this be? It’s because our eyes, ears, noses, mouths, and fingers funnel to us a very limited view of what’s really out there. And what’s really out there is much richer, more multilayered and complicated, than what our narrow, filtered, and faulty senses reveal. Cliff In a hilarious poem called “Spiritual Chickens,” Stephen Dobyns wrote about a man “con- stantly being squeezed between the world and his idea of the world.” Isn’t that all of us? Goldstein We’re constantly bombarded by a host of unsensed forces, from the sun, from the big bang, from smartphones and tablets—neutrinos, gamma rays, electromagnetic radiation, muons— and who knows what else? How many million cell phone calls are zapping you right now, though you see, feel, taste, hear, and smell none of them, even if all of them are just as real as your own sweat and consciousness? Our neurons don’t sprout enough synaptic connections for us to conceive of the entire cosmos, much less fully grasp the spiritual forces, the principalities and powers, jousting in it (see Eph. 6:12). Poor Job’s sure didn’t. So many evil things happen at ground level that we can’t make sense out of because evil can’t be made sense out of. Only in the big picture, when God brings to “light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Cor. 4:5), will we come to understand at least what’s understandable. However bizarre his philosophy, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel believed that history was rational, and that it was moving toward a final goal. In this sense he was right, and that sweep of history itself, and that goal, are succinctly revealed in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, powerful evidence to buttress our faith until we reach the goal: “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever” (Dan. 2:44). More than a half century ago Albert Camus wrote: “This world has a higher meaning that transcends its worries, or nothing is true but those worries.” He was right. We believe that this “higher meaning” does exist, and that it was most powerfully revealed at the cross of Christ. The cross points us to a hope that goes beyond what our immediate senses could ever reveal, a hope that transcends this world and its worries, even when among those worries is the warning: pen yamut bamilchamah. n

CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN IS EDITOR OF THE ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (245) 21 AdventistLife

22 (246) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 BY ALEJANDRO MEDINA VILLARREAL

ave you heard that there’s a Conspiracy theories are nothing new; conspiracy going on inside they usually appear when a community the Seventh-day Adventist has lost their trust in religious or politi- Church, insidiously work- cal authorities. After World War II, for ing to destroy the people of example, Americans slowly lost their HGod? Or perhaps you’ve been told that faith in government; thus, anything Jesuits have infiltrated Adventist government officials did was under sus- Church leadership, quietly promoting a picion. Some people today believe that destructive agenda? I myself have been the Jewish Holocaust was a scheme accused of being one of these Jesuits! used by the United States government And what about a secret plan—accepted to gain control of the world. When Pres- by church leaders—to change Christian ident John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963, doctrines by using modern translations all kinds of conspiracy theories arose, of the Bible? some lasting even to this day. Then Such stories make me think that there are those who doubt that Neil we’re living in the midst of conspiracy Armstrong and the Apollo 11 crew actu- theories. ally landed on the moon in 1969; they believe it was just some form of Holly- What Does Conspiracy wood production to deceive the world. Theory Mean? And, of course, we have the September A conspiracy theory “explains an 11 attacks, a conspiracy de rigueur, dur- event or set of circumstances as the ing which, according to conspiracy lov- result of a secret plot by usually power- ers, nothing happened as it appeared in ful conspirators.”1 It also consists of “a the media. belief that some covert but influential Why are these often bizarre and organization is responsible for an unex- impossible-to-prove ideas so popular? plained event.”2 Because society has lost its confidence

ConspiracyTheories

IS THE CHURCH IMMUNE?

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (247) 23 © SCOTT BAKAL © SCOTT in government and any form of leader- day in the media we hear, watch, and can be inspirational and result in emo- ship or authority; ergo, whatever lead- read about accusations against govern- tional responses. But nothing can serve ers do is under suspicion. ments and politicians. Unfortunately, as an adequate substitute for actually Conspiracy theories are advantageous the idea that no one in authority reading God´s Word. to some people, though: those who gain deserves confidence remains in our Jesus warned us about deceivers in financially from them through books, minds. This influence carries over to the end-times: “And many false proph- videos, and Web sites. They know peo- God’s people in the church as well. ets will appear and deceive many peo- ple love a mystery, so they give them Human error. Errors are part of ple. . . . For false messiahs and false what they want. It’s a profitable human nature. We are not infallible. prophets will appear and perform great business. Sadly, when a pastor or other church signs and wonders to deceive, if possi- leader makes a mistake, it causes a lot ble, even the elect” (Matt. 24:11-24). The Conspiracy Inside of pain. We can’t, of course, justify those apostle Paul tells us about the danger of the Church? things that are clearly wrong. But it is just listening to the things we want to Conspiracy theories began emerging important to remember that these are hear: “For the time will come when peo- in the Adventist Church decades ago, usually isolated situations and gener- ple will not put up with sound doctrine. often with pastors and church officials ally not common. People who make a Instead, to suit their own desires, they as targets of the attacks. I remember a living from conspiracy theories, how- will gather around them a great num- particular conversation I had with a ever, proclaim that this is the way Ad- ber of teachers to say what their itching church member that went something ventist leaders perform, then they use ears want to hear. They will turn their like this: a very effective tool: generalization. ears away from the truth and turn aside “Pastor, I have a question for you,” he They infer that all pastors always act to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4). said. unscrupulouly. What do you want to hear? Do you “OK, ask your question,” I answered. Ineffective communication. When pas- want to hear innuendos about conspir- “Is it true that pastors have another tors do not keep their congregations acy theories in the Adventist Church? If book besides the Bible, a secret one?” updated on what they’re doing, where so, I’m sure someone will be happy to “Well, we have the Adventist hymnal, they are, and how their plans are devel- talk to you about them. But if you want but you can get one too.” oping, they’re preparing the soil for all to know truth as God has revealed it in “No, no. I’m talking about a book that kinds of rumors, gossip, and specula- His Word, then we should turn to the the General Conference gives only to tion. While serving as a pastor for sev- Bible to find it. Jesus promised that we pastors and other church leaders; a eral congregations in southern Mexico, I will know the truth and that “the truth book that the rest of us cannot get.” discovered this effective communica- will set you free” (John 8:32). “The Church Manual?” I suggested. tion approach: Along with other meth- Trust in the Lord, and be assured that “No, no. A more secret one,” he ods of communication, I published a in spite of our human weaknesses, He is insisted. monthly bulletin to inform my congre- leading His church. We are living in the “No, there is nothing; that story is not gations about my schedule, conference end-times, so we must encourage one true,” I assured him. Unfortunately, he plans, and local church events. It another and work toward unity in the wasn’t convinced. worked well. People appreciated receiv- church. Let us pray for our leaders, Why do we have conspiracy theories ing reports directly from the pastor, and other church members, and ourselves, even among our own church members? it helped me to avoid rumors, specula- that God will give us strength, courage, It’s because sometimes, for one reason tion, and gossip about my job. and wisdom to share the gospel mes- or another, some members have lost Lack of pastoral attention. Many prob- sage with those around us. Let’s espe- confidence in church leaders. Here lems can be avoided if church mem- cially pray for those who have been again, some people profit financially bers are given a little pastoral attention. called by the Lord to guide His people at from slandering church leaders at all When someone harshly criticizes the this crucial time in earth’s history, levels by using such means as videos, conference and its leaders, for example, because Jesus is coming soon! Web sites, or print publications. They perhaps they just need to discuss the 1 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed., s.v. make their living from scandals, contro- issues with the pastor. When access to “conspiracy theory.” versy, and rumors that spread among the pastor is unavailable, doubts can 2 Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th ed., s.v. “con- believers; and they present themselves grow, and rumors and inaccurate infor- spiracy theory.” as contemporary “saviors” ready to help mation can flourish. “open the eyes” of God´s people. Not enough time in serious Bible study. ALEJANDRO MEDINA VILLARREAL How could this happen to us? Here People today are hungry to believe, but IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF SAFELIZ are a few ingredients for that recipe: rather than think, many people just PUBLISHING HOUSE IN MADRID, The social context. We live in a world want to feel. Singing Christian songs or SPAIN. that’s open to conspiracy theories. Every listening to a preacher on the Internet

24 (248) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 NEW BIBILICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE PUBLICATION

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BRI_JesusofNazareth_FP-Ad_AR.indd 1 1/26/2015 9:07:33 AM Heart and Soul: Theology Bedroom Angels in the

This is the second of a series of three articles on human sexuality first presented at a conference entitled “Scripture, Sexuality, and Society,” in Cape Town, South Africa, March 2014.—Editors.

once heard of a woman who felt for it to play in marriage. The vital con- WHAT’S uncomfortable when she came nection between our sexuality and our RIGHT together with her husband in the spirituality is missing. bedroom. The source of her discom- On the other side of the issue is a the- ABOUT fort was a picture on the wall. She ology of sexuality still alive in some could not relax with her husband Christian communities that can be THAT sexually until she had turned the summed up in the expression “two picture of Jesus to the wall. clean sheets can’t soil each other.” The IAnother Christian woman with an idea is that once a person is baptized, he honest heart shared her conviction with or she is clean. Therefore, whatever her husband that since they were fin- takes place between believers with ished having children, there should be mutual consent is also clean, because no more sexual contact between them. “two clean sheets cannot soil each These incidents reveal a flawed view other.” BY JOHN S. NIXON of sexuality and the role God intends These experiences in the lives of sin-

26 (250) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 cere Christians are based on beliefs expression of our rationality, morality, both issuing from the same tainted pool rooted in a philosophy that came into and spirituality, then, is in the context of Greek dichotomy. The main form, the church as an alien influence; it was of relationship. Isolated rationality Gnostic theology, led to the sexual never part of the teachings of Jesus. But becomes irrational. Moral aloneness has extremes of asceticism and licentious- thanks to the Holy Spirit speaking to us no meaning, as it cannot be put into ness.4 from the pages of Scripture, we can practice. Spiritual life becomes unbal- Under the doctrine of asceticism, all rediscover the spiritual significance of anced without community to comple- physical enjoyment was to be rejected our sexuality as creatures made in the ment solitude. We are relational in favor of the mortification of the flesh. image of God. creatures, made to complement each Rituals such as self-imposed silence, the other as male and female. This is a social seclusion of the cloistered life Getting It Right human principle, expressed in our sex- (monasticism and nunnery), the glorifi- “So God created man in His own uality in the broader sense—not just cation of hardships, self-flagellation, image; in the image of God He created the “sex act,” but in all of our interrelat- celibacy, and other austere observances him; male and female He created them” edness. Our sexuality has to do with our came into practice. The idea was that the (Gen. 1:27, NKJV):1 the male and female entire being, not just our physical bod- body is evil and all of its appetites must of human nature is an expression of the ies. Our failure to consistently teach be denied. Physical pleasure was to be image of God in humanity. Just as God Christian sexuality in our churches, our avoided at all costs; the body must be reveals Himself to be plural in nature schools, and our homes is a large part policed and punished. (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three who of the crisis of sexuality we are now Origen, called the “father of Christian Angels 5 are one), so humanity in the image of experiencing. theology,” considered all sexual activity God is also plural in nature (male and Ever since the church gave sexuality to be sinful. Marital intercourse was female, two who are one). This rela- away to the world, the spirituality of permissible only for reproduction. And tional oneness in humanity has a basic sexuality has been lost sight of. The very after intercourse one should not take in the ontological meaning—that is to say, idea that sex is something spiritual is the Lord’s Supper. According to Rein- “male and female” interrelatedness lies alien to many of us. hold Niebuhr, Origen actually castrated at the root of what it means to be himself in order to eliminate sexual 6 human. And this concept is relevant to Sex in Church History passion from his life. everyone, whether married or single.2 It As the Christian church moved west Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430), is not the idea that every man must have through the Mediterranean, it became known as “the greatest thinker of Chris- a wife and every woman must have a more and more Hellenized. The influ- tian antiquity,” considered sin to be husband in order to be whole. That ence of Greek philosophy began to “basically sensuality, of which sexual would make Jesus less than human. affect the teachings of the church that lust was the principal example.”7 For Marriage is a choice; nature is not. came through the ministry of the apos- him, all sexual desire was considered “Male and female” in Genesis 1 and 2 tles. John, Paul, and Peter were among lust, even a man’s desire for his own refers to human nature, a specific the leading voices of Christian thought wife. Augustine surmised that before expression of plurality as creatures in the church’s first generation. The fol- the Fall sex would have been completely made in the image of God. lowing generations (i.e., the patristic rational, with no pleasure or excitement It is true that as individuals we all period) saw Christian thought shaped involved (“procreation without bear God’s image. We are rational, by Clement, Origen, Augustine, and oth- recreation”). moral, and spiritual creatures, after the ers, mostly trained in the religious and The vestiges of this philosophy still order of the divine nature. Rationally philosophical principles that developed exist in our churches, and perhaps even speaking, we are endowed with the in the school of Alexandria. among us. We may not go as far, but we power of reason: the ability to think, The Alexandrian mix of Christian the- still find something a little suspicious plan, and engage in reflection. Morally, ology and Greek philosophy had a syn- about sexual pleasure, even in mar- we have an innate sense of right and cretizing effect on church doctrine. riage. The apostles wrote emphatically wrong, the “sense of oughtness,” a con- Biblical interpretation incorporated Pla- against such teachings (see Col. 2:20-23; science. Even Gentiles who do not know tonic thinking into . Greek 1 Tim. 4:1-5). the law of God are possessed of a con- dichotomy contemplates a good spiri- Jesus Himself came “not to destroy science (Rom. 2:14, 15). And spiritually tual realm in conflict with an evil mate- the sacred relationship of marriage, but we know that deep within us “there is a rial realm. This principle applied to to exalt it and restore it to its original God somewhere” to whom we must give human nature led to the false teaching sanctity.”8 God does not forbid marital account. We have the “sense of deity.”3 of the immortality of the soul. Applied sex or simply just permit it. God cele- But the greatest of the divine attri- to sexuality, it distorted the biblical brates sexual intimacy in marriage butes is love: God is love. And love teaching and in the church has yielded when it takes place in the context of requires relationship. The fullest two streams regarding sexual practice, pure and genuine love. In fact, sexual

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (251) 27 BECAUSE THE CHURCH RARELY SAYS ANYTHING POSITIVE ABOUT SEX, IT EXISTS IN A VACUUM THAT THE WORLD FILLS WITH “YES.”

intimacy between husband and wife is thrown at them all the time, overt and embraced opposite extremes with God’s own idea (see 1 Cor. 7:3-5). subliminal. They grow up in a world of regard to sexuality. It has espoused Licentiousness is the reverse applica- alternative sexuality as the mainstream, “love without sex” in asceticism, and tion of the philosophy of dichotomy where marital sex is boring, and the real “sex without love” in licentiousness. between good spirit and evil body. It excitement is in the secret, steamy, lust- The Bible rejects them both. There is no teaches that though the body is evil, it ful extramarital affair. This is where need to turn the picture of Jesus to the does not matter, because it will eventu- true love is “rekindled” and a man is wall. The Bible has a message concern- ally pass away and leave only the delivered from a stifling relationship ing sex in the marital relationship, and immortal soul. Therefore, what is done and leaves his wife and children because it is a message of joy. No church is better with the body is of no consequence. “he deserves to be happy.” positioned to recover the biblical teach- “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow Beneath it all is the principle of self- ing of the spirituality of sexuality than we die.” In licentiousness, pleasure is worship, “my right to myself.” This is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. pursued as an end in itself. It is the con- the bankrupt sexual script of our cul- This is not a function of conceit or cept of sex without boundaries, what- ture, whether homosexual or heterosex- spiritual superiority. It is because of our ever consenting adults agree to. Sex is ual. Sex is about self-gratification and wholistic theology of human nature. We looked upon as harmless fun, a merely the selves entitled to it. are not immortal souls trapped in a physical act, denying the profound Because the church rarely says any- body waiting to be released at death, implications of sexuality for mind and thing positive about sex, it exists in a but an indivisible union of spirit, soul, spirit. vacuum that the world fills with “yes.” and body, each one related to the other The popular example of this is the The church’s problem may be its “no” and impacting each other. When we nightclub pickup where sexual partner- without a corresponding “yes” to sex. understand our sexuality in the wholis- ship depends only on willingness and Of course there is no “yes” to sex out- tic context, the beauty of its spirituality attractiveness. As to the latter there may side of God’s plan. Sex outside of mar- can truly come to light. n even be some flexibility. As one car riage is destructive. Even within 1 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King bumper sticker puts it: “Drink until he’s marriage, same-sex activity is against James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by cute.” the integrity of our nature as male and Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights Commenting on the monstrosity of female. reserved. 2 Paul K. Jewett, Man as Male and Female (Grand sex outside of marriage, C. S. Lewis But sex in accordance with the divine Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976), pp. 23, 24. wrote: “The Christian attitude doesn’t plan is a joy to God. It pleases Him to 3 For more on this, see John Nixon, Redemption in mean that there is anything wrong see it expressed in genuine love Genesis: the Crossroads of Faith and Reason (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2012), pp. 28-32. about sexual pleasure, any more than between husband and wife. It is not 4 Sakae Kubo, Theology and Ethics of Sex (Washing- about the pleasure of eating. It means something God just permits. It is some- ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), p. 9. that you must not isolate that pleasure thing He celebrates. He could have 5 Werner Jaeger, “The Greek Ideas of Immortality,” Harvard Theological Review 52 (July 1959): 146. and try to get it by itself, any more than made sexual intercourse a neutral activ- 6 Reinhold Niebuhr, The Nature and Destiny of Man you ought to try to get the pleasure of ity. But He made it intensely pleasurable (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1941), Vol. I, p. taste without swallowing and digesting, because He wants us to have pleasure in 228. 7 Jewett, p. 25. by chewing things and spitting them our marriages. “Marriage is honorable 8 Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Nashville: out again.”9 among all, and the bed undefiled” (Heb. Southern Pub. Assn., 1952), p. 121. 13:4, NKJV). The bedchamber is a place 9 In Kubo, p. 49. 10 E. G. White, p. 124. The Whole Picture “where angels of God should preside.”10 Unfortunately, that is the concept our For those who do not marry, our joy JOHN S. NIXON IS A PROFESSOR OF children grow up with, especially comes in keeping ourselves sexually RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY AT because the church has been silent on pure for God’s glory, so that His name SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY the issue and left it to the world to may be glorified in our chastity. Our IN COLLEGEDALE, TENNESSEE, define. In the highly sexualized culture sexuality belongs to God. UNITED STATES. HE PREVIOUSLY they inhabit, sexual messages are being The Christian church has historically SERVED 34 YEARS IN PARISH MINISTRY.

28 (252) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 Back to Basics Comforted and Challenged A LITTLE BOY ONCE TOLD HIS MOTHER THAT JESUS PROMISED TO GIVE HER another quilt. When pressed, he insisted that “in John 14:16 Jesus said God will send us another comforter.” There’s an important analogy between a quilt, also called a comforter, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. The former provides warmth and comfort for refreshing rest while we’re being deluged with days of pelting snow. The latter is the Comforter, who gives refreshing rest in Jesus, to be at peace at all times. There are other significant differences between the two. For while each person has to purchase their own quilt that is restricted to covering a bed, the Holy Spirit freely covers believers with a variety of gifts that edify the church (1 Cor. 12). When believers are hungry to know the Lord more intimately and examine the gifts of the Holy Spirit for revival, the Holy Spirit immediately puts a proverbial shovel and broom in their hands, because the first step in any spiritual renewal is demolition, the tearing down of strongholds with the dyna- mite of prayer! We cannot make headway in seeking and finding a deeper relationship with God that leads to more effective service for others without demolishing the accumulated junk in our spiritual lives. We have to shovel out every filthy, ignored, or excused habit, followed by a clean sweep of all the sinful debris left behind. Only then can we recognize the power of spiritual gifts and talents to transform lives and change the world. Several decades ago great debates about and books on the distinction between natural talents and spiritual gifts appeared. There should be no such difference, because every tal- ent—like spiritual gifts—comes only by the grace of God and the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit. We must understand the permanence of spiritual gifts. The New Testament nowhere indicates that gifts are given, then withdrawn. However, ample evidence exists that some gifts will recede and others will come to the forefront, while still others—unnamed in biblical lists—will manifest themselves according to the hour of earth’s history and the needs of the church before Jesus comes (see 1 Cor. 13:8-10). Spiritual gifts are given to serve God and others. They are not given to build our ego or increase our already-inflated views of ourselves. What counts most in heaven is our relationship with Christ. For decades we’ve mistakenly placed the emphasis on discovering our spiritual gifts rather than on using them. We’ve held seminars and workshops, conducted questionnaires and surveys. But God’s concern is not our scores, but that we use the many gifts He has generously endowed His beloved church, such as those nine listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. The first group is “gifts of special insights,” including wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of spirits. Hyveth Wisdom, an attribute appropriated by God to believers, has more to do with character and conduct (Prov. Williams 1:2-6). Knowledge comes from a fear of the Lord (verse 7) and intellectual enlightenment, or accumulation of facts. Together they mature into the gift of distinguishing or discerning between divine and counterfeit spirits. The second group consists of “gifts of utterance,” various languages with interpretation, considered infe- rior by Paul, and prophecy (the third in this group), which is numbered among the greater gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:1-5). The third group is “gifts of action,” such as faith, a special endowment from above to do exceptional exploits for God, beyond that which all believers are given. The gift of healing is marked by the possession of, and obedience to, divine knowledge, to heal those whom God has so ordained. The effecting of miracles is described in Greek as “mighty, effectual works of power,” but they are not the magic signs and wonders portrayed on television. Although it may involve some fantastic acts that defy the laws of nature, the real purpose of this gift is redemption, the greatest of all miracles. Let’s continue to pray for this Comforter. n

HYVETH WILLIAMS TEACHES HOMILETICS AT THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 | (253) 29 Ann Sheffer, and Geraldine Dider; and one sister, Carol Demsey; seven grand- one grandchild. children; and seven great-grandchildren. FARMER, William E.—b. Aug. 4, 1947, ROBERTS, Andrew W.—b. June 23, Cincinnati, Ohio; d. Aug. 29, 2014, 1925, Stamford, Conn.; d. Mar. 7, 2014, At Rest Tampa, Fla. He served as a school princi- Homosassa, Fla. He served as a teacher pal in Ohio and Florida. He is survived in Virginia and Maryland. He is sur- AMBLER, William G.—b. Feb. 25, by his wife, Walda; one son, William vived by his wife, Virginia; one son, Jim; 1922, Wilder, Vt.; d. Oct. 13, 2014, Hen- David; two daughters, Mist Dawn Wal- one daughter, Patti Aldridge; one sister, dersonville, N.C. He served as a pastor brigle and Ashley Pipkins-Smith; and Christine Carlo; and six grandchildren. in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, New five grandchildren. SCHIMKE, Alice S.—b. Mar. 27, 1922, York, North Carolina, Georgia, Michi- KARLOW, Marilyn C.—b. Jan. 6, 1941, Ritzville, Wash.; d. July 24, 2014, Port gan, and Iowa. He was director of trust New York, N.Y.; d. Dec. 7, 2014, Walla Charlotte, Fla. She served as a mission- services in the Georgia-Cumberland Walla, Wash. She served as a secretary ary to China and India. She is survived Conference. He is survived by his wife, in the Southern California Conference, by two sons, Dallas and Clyde; one Ruthe; two sons, Don and Bob; two , Washington daughter, Sharon Walsh; four grandchil- daughters, Sharon Harper and Beth State University, La Sierra University dren; and four great-grandchildren. McTaggart; nine grandchildren; and five church, and La Sierra University. She is SULLIVAN, Don Karl—b. Oct. 10, great-grandchildren. survived by her husband, Edwin; two 1930, Omaha, Nebr.; d. Aug. 19, 2014, BOND, E. Gerald—b. Dec. 17, 1943, sons, Marvin and Norman; one brother, Port Orchard, Wash. He served in Pilot, Va.; d. July 17, 2014, Longwood, Fla. Carlton Cross; and one grandchild. Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. He then served He worked at Adventist Book Centers in KEPPLER, Virginia E.—b. Feb. 2, 1918, in the Texas, Texico, and Southern Cali- Pennsylvania and Florida. He was a book Detroit, Mich.; d. July 28, 2014, Apopka, fornia conferences. He is survived by his department coordinator for the Review Fla. She served in the accounts depart- wife, Dorothy; three sons, David Kent, and Herald Publishing Association. He is ment of Fletcher Hospital. She is sur- Kim Alan, and Mark Kevin; one daugh- survived by his wife, Sue; one son, Scott; vived by one son, Leonard, Jr.; two ter, Jolene Devries; 15 grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Ratcliffe, Mary daughters, Judy King and Susan Weiss; and one great-grandchild.

30 (254) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 19, 2015 Reflections Paper Trail “THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN ARE ORDERED BY THE LORD: AND HE DELIGHTETH in his way” (Ps. 37:23, KJV).

It’s been exactly one year since my brother was laid to rest after a long struggle with cancer. He was 69. The cover date on this magazine, March 19, marks the very day that our family, along with a few of his closest friends and caregivers, gathered in New York for a private ceremony to reflect on my brother’s life and the relationships he developed over five decades. Afterward our group committed his body at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York. Bertram Medley (right), his friends and colleagues called him “Bert,”* was born and raised in Philadel- phia, and he had a long career in journalism and media production. For 30 years he worked for NBC-TV, serving in Cleveland, Atlanta, Tel-Aviv, New York City, and Secaucus, New Jersey. He traveled extensively around the world, finding stories for theToday show, Dateline, and other news programs. Upon completing his tenure at NBC, Bert went on to transform the media ministry at Trinity Wall Street, a 300-year-old Episcopal congregation in lower Manhattan. He later established a broadcast news operation in Nairobi, Kenya. (Read more about his life at the Web sites listed below.) The task fell to me, as one of Bert’s next of kin, to methodically go through his belongings and carefully decide what should be preserved, given away, thrown away, sold, or shredded. It’s a daunt- ing chore that continues as I write. For me, the very act of searching through his extensive papers and records was a sobering experi- ence. When it came to records, he never threw anything away. One glimpse at his storage lockers proved that fact. As I pored over the many notes of appreciation, the occasional letter from a female admirer, or the photographs of Bert with former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, Bishop Desmond Tutu, or journalist Katie Couric, I learned more about him than I ever had from our many phone calls and visits. Through the process it became clear that there was a powerful story in the stacks of travel vouchers, utility bills, tax returns, credit card statements, equipment invoices, receipts, insurance claims, confidential invest- ment proposals, interview transcripts, lease agreements, court filings, Rolodexes, policy books, business plans, software manuals, and videotapes. I could see where his life diverged and intertwined with my own. For example, I discovered my paternal grandmother’s death certificate and papers from her funeral and burial. I also found appraisal documents for my maternal grandfather’s house, major events in my past. In searching through a pile of boxes, dresser drawers, and file folders, I discovered my brother’s paper trail. I could see the many key events in his life—his relocations, changes in assignments, major accomplish- ments, and some missteps. Throughout this whole tedious ordeal I’ve wondered, What message will my life give to my children? What values will it reveal? Where are my priorities? Will my life show flamboyancy or frugality? Will it be consistent with my public persona today? What can I do now to ensure that my legacy will be a positive one? As Christians, we must honor God in everything we do. The apostle Paul says that Christians are letters from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets but on the heart (2 Cor. 3:3). That means that Christ’s virtue and integrity should be reflected in each letter we write, each tax return we file, or every bank loan we apply for. Each time we put our signature to paper or make a verbal promise, they become a witness to the values we hold and a testimony to our character. Even today I ask myself, What will my paper trail say about me after I’m gone? What will your paper trail say about you? n

* “Bert Medley, Broadcast Journalist, Digital Innovator, Succumbs to Cancer,” http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/12/bert- medley-broadcast-journalist-digital-innovator-succumbs-to-cancer; “Remembering Bert Medley,” www.today.com/news/remembering-bert-medley- nbc-news-producer-digital-pioneer-2D79364261.

CARLOS MEDLEY IS ONLINE EDITOR FOR ADVENTIST REVIEW.

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