December 2007
BIBLE ADVOCATE B A
Apocalypse Ahead Revelation’s music (p. 4) Beyond death (p. 9) Understanding Islam (p. 18) Articles 4 songs of the Apocalypse — by Jason Overman 9 Beliefs About the Afterlife — by Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi 4 11 Are You Ready for the Return? — by Brian Knowles 13 Why I Study Bible Prophecy — by Godwin Prospere 14 sitting Shiva for the Second Coming — by Michael Flores 16 Prophecy Sampler 18 Islam: Facing the Challenge — by William C. Hicks 11 Departments 3 First Word — Journey’s End? 8 Questions & Answers 14 22 Youth Reach 24 mail Bag 30 International Tour — The Philippines 31 Last Word — Lamplighters 16 27 COG7 IN ACTION mts, NAMC, and more
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A publication of the Church of God (Seventh Day) This magazine is published to advocate the Bible, represent the Church, and Journey’s End? glorify the God of grace and truth. ife is like a journey. It begins the day Volume 141 • Number 8 “ we are born and reaches its end the © Copyright 2007 by the Church of God day we die.” So we wrote here last January. Now it’s time to (Seventh Day) L close the book on ‘07 and complete our quick trip along the Bible’s All material in this issue is subject to U.S. and international copyright laws and may not “Route 66.” At the end of this year, there’s 2008. And the journey goes be reproduced without prior written approval. Permission may be obtained by writing the on. editor. Almost all things come to an end. At the end of birth pangs, there’s The BIBLE ADVOCATE (ISSN 0746-0104) is new life. At the end of one generation, another. At the end of a river, published eight times a year January-Febru- ary, March, April-May, June, July-August, the ocean. At the end of pain and sorrow, relief. At the end of each September, October-November, and December workday, rest. And the Sabbath mercifully ends each week. by Bible Advocate Press, 330 W. 152nd Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020. Periodicals postage At the end of the Bible, there’s a last book. Our first article by Jason is paid at Broomfield, CO, and at additional Overman (p. 4) puts delightful melody to the mysteries of Revelation. offices. Subscription is free to any who ask. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bible At the end of this age, there’s a Second Coming (p. 11) — before new Advocate Press, Box 33677, Denver, CO 80233- heavens and earth. This BA is planned to pique your interest in these 0677. and other prophetic themes (pp. 13-17). Speaking of piquing, don’t Bible Advocate Press miss Bill Hicks’ analysis of Islam (p. 18). Calvin Burrell: Editor At the end of life, we’ve one last breath to take. What happens Sherri Langton: Associate Editor then is debated by Bible students. Samuele Bacchiocchi’s article (p. 9) Keith Michalak: Director of Publications, outlines popular views. His online biblical essay (see note on p. 10) graphics can help dispel some fog from the future we all face. As a Seventh-day Sylvia Corral, Raul González: Translation, proofing Adventist scholar, Dr. B holds a position on personal eschatology that LeRoy and Hope Dais, Linda Michalak: is near what we’ve long held in Church of God (Seventh Day). Correspondence, proofing, clerical At December’s end, the BA moves to another year, with fresh themes planned. Our main subject matter, however, never changes. Subscriptions and Orders Bible Advocate Press We’re here to advocate the message of grace and truth revealed in P.O. Box 33677 God’s written and living Word: the Bible and the Lord Jesus. This we Denver, CO 80233-0677 tel: 303/452-7973 will do as far and wide as God gives resources and energy to achieve. fax: 303/452-0657 Thank you for reading, and thanks for your support! e-mail: [email protected] orders: [email protected] At the end of death, for the redeemed, there’s an awesome grave- break to eternal life. More about that on page 8. At the end of eternal life — there’s an oxymoron for sure! He who walks with God not only Notice: Send all address changes and other arrives at a great destination but also finds ever-fresh joy and purpose correspondence to the address above. along the way. This journey never ends. Publications Agreement No. 40042428 — Calvin Burrell Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted. The Bible Advocate Online appears at www. cog7.org/BA. Cover photo: @James Steidl—Dreamstime.com
December 2007 • Songs of the Apocalypse
• Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA
@ Jeff Dalton—Dreamstime.com Enjoying seven lyrical strains in Revelation. by Jason Overman
he Apocalypse of Jesus of this prophecy, and keep those before him, what John sees de- Christ does not just signal things which are written in it; for fies rational explanation. To be Tthe end of the Bible; it dis- the time is near” (1:3). Revelation “in the Spirit” is to be transported closes the very end of time. If the grants seven blessings to those out of the prosaic confines of apparent doom it forecasts does who risk reading, watching, and the literal and logical into the not discourage us from further obeying (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; startling world of metaphor and examination, then the bizarre 20:6; 22:7, 14). For all its dread mystery (1:10; 4:1; 17:3; 21:10). imagery clinches it. The book is and difficulty, this book above Seven times in twenty-two chap- formidable, to be sure. all others bids us to take notice, ters (1:3; 11:6; 19:10; 22:7, 10, It is peculiar that a volume this to hear its strange music, and to 18, 19) Revelation describes itself obscure should be called Rev- embrace its burning message. as prophecy. God will “show His elation. Despite the avoidance I can no more refuse it than servants — things which must of many, I am drawn to it. It is master it, as the epic proportion shortly take place” (1:1; Amos as incandescent as it is searing, and audacious color that is the 3:7). as illuminating as it is disorient- apocalyptic spectacle compels But the future that John expe- ing. If we can endure the initial me to “Come and see” and to riences and conveys is not brute cacophony of its symbolism, we “hear what the Spirit says to history but more poetry. The may detect a rhythm to Revela- the churches.” My mind aches divine glimpse of reality has ur- tion, that it is as much beginning in wrapping itself around the gency and grandeur that conven- as end. Like a woman in labor, images, and I wonder, Is not the tional discourse cannot contain. the melody of travail contains meaning of it as beyond me as is Heaven opens, human expres- both sorrow and joy — culmina- the blessing? sion fails, and only inscrutable tion and inauguration. If we are I take comfort in Jesus’ words awe remains. Beauty is indefin- to see the birth of new heavens to those who asked the meaning able and melody unexplainable; and new earth, we must first of one parable: “Blessed are your they must be experienced, not navigate the exertion that is the eyes for they see, and your ears translated, to be known. end of the old. Such a task is not for they hear” (Matthew 13:16). Revelation is such a melody. It for the faint or comfortable: The The blessing in Revelation com- calls us to be a prophetic people, songs of the Apocalypse are as mences when we are inquisitive not just farsighted but capable of fearsome as they are demanding. enough to ask, to break from all mediating in the Spirit the melo- The seven tunes that greet us distractions, and, like the nov- dious beauty of encounter with in chapter 1 are simple themes, ice taking up a new instrument, the divine (1 Corinthians 12:10; and they direct much of the cos- simply begin. 14:1-39; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7). mic concert we call Revelation. The prophecy The sevens The blessing The Apocalypse speaks the lyr- If Genesis is the alpha of time The Apocalypse offers a ical language of dream; our old and Scripture, Revelation is the reward: “Blessed is he who reads senses cannot comprehend it. As omega — the finale. These two and those who hear the words with the seers Ezekiel and Daniel poles — origin and destiny — are
December 2007 • intimately linked. The end is the The Word In God, tomorrow and yesterday beginning writ large. Revelation The Apocalypse weaves the are one; the eternal, recurring expresses this with the num- fabric of vision from the thread Word is like its Author, who is ber seven, significant from the of memory. John states that his and was and is to come (Revela- Creation. God’s seven-day work prophecy is the “word of God,” a tion 1:8; Exodus 3:14). and rest forever imprint upon phrase he uses seven times in the seven this idea: completion of book (1:2, 9; 6:9; 17:17; 19:9, The testimony divine project. In the Apocalypse, 13; 20:4). But this new song is The Apocalypse discloses seven churches and seven spirits taken from the old (5:9; Psalm Christ; its witness is from Him of God (1:4) are arrayed against 96:1). Hardly a verse in Revela- and to Him. The “testimony of the seven-headed dragon and tion does not echo the story and Jesus” is the heartbeat of Rev- beast (chaps. 12—13). The Spirit style of the Old Testament. elation (1:2, 9; 12:17; 19:10), of God and the old serpent were When John writes of the the Lamb its central character. both active in Eden. Now each pierced One coming in the Both appear in multiples of is augmented to the ultimate clouds (1:7), we hear an echo of seven, fourteen and twenty-eight proportion of seven. Daniel and Zechariah. When he times each. Like the Word of Revelation employs this sees the First and Last (v. 17), it is God, this testimony looks both number often as it orches- these again plus Exodus, Isaiah, forward and backward. Jesus is trates the crowning crescendo and Ezekiel. The apocalyptic not just He who is coming but — from seven churches (chaps. themes are ancient: The dragon also He who first “loved us and 1—3) to seven seals (4—7) to wars in Genesis 3:15; Babylon washed us from our sins in His seven trumpets (8—11) to seven falls in Jeremiah 51:8; kings and own blood” (1:5-7). The Christ plagues (15—16), on the way to priests reign in Exodus 19:6; new who comes quickly is never a “new heaven and a new earth” heavens and earth are seen in far removed from the Lamb (21—22). The apocalyptic choir is Isaiah 65:17. On a new stage, slain (3:11; 5:12). For the New amplified more and more until a the script is well worn; the law Testament writers, the end is Lamb with seven horns reigns: “It and prophets have long an- always near because Jesus lives is done!” (5:6; 21:6). This prodi- ticipated this end. Like the living and is Lord already. The apoca- gious chant of finality checks our creatures with eyes before and lyptic throng sings the song of tendency to live futureless lives, behind (Revelation 4:6; Ezekiel the Lamb. They have made His to scoff, as some do, that no end 10:12), Revelation sees what testimony their own, and they is in sight. God will do from what He has bear witness as a living refrain. done. We look forward by look- Christ crucified and cominghas ing back, and vision is memory. defeated and will defeat dragon and death alike (12:11; 15:3). The “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” because all ike the living God’s Word points to the “Lamb . . . slain from the foundation of Lcreatures with eyes the world” (19:10; 13:8). before and behind, The patience The Apocalypse sings the Revelation sees what praises of endurance, to trust and obey despite circumstances. God will do from what Patience appears seven times in Revelation (1:9; 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10; He has done. 13:10; 14:12). The first finds John on Patmos as our “com-
• Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA panion in the tribulation and @ John Vernon—Dreamstime.com kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.” Patience rebukes those bewitched by the now, for it is a word bound to a future. In the New Testament, this future is conditioned by kingdom expec- tation. In the context of great persecution and Christ’s coming, Jesus says, “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19). s Revelation concludes, it insists thrice For Paul, tribulation produces patience; by it we persevere, “ea- Athat Jesus is coming quickly. This is the gerly waiting for . . . the redemp- tion of our body” (Romans 5:3; rhythm of the saints; we stand ready. 8:22-25). James calls us to “be patient . . . until the coming of the Lord.” came down (Exodus 19:13-19). scendo of this orientation. Now Like the prophets who suf- Later the prophets embodied the more than ever, we need vision- fered or the farmer who looks blast as they gathered, warned, ary eyes like John’s to distinguish for the early and latter rain, we and called Israel to repentance dragons from living creatures, wait patiently and “count them in preparation for God’s comings Babylon from Zion, to be moved blessed who endure” (James 5:7- (Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 4:5; Eze- in worship and wonder at our 11). Revelation’s last nod to the kiel 33:3; Joel 2:1). Then Jesus Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation ballad of prophetic endurance predicted the sign of His com- bears witness to this truth. It is a calls the “patience of the saints” ing, the end of the world, and “a score that dazzles and disturbs, those who “keep the command- great sound of a trumpet” (Mat- pulls and provokes, alters and ments of God and the faith of thew 24:2, 31) that announces expands as it confronts and Jesus.” Resisting the beastly en- the ultimate return and resurrec- denounces all false security with ticements of the immediate, the tion (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thes- the brightness of His presence. saints are the real dragon slayers. salonians 4:16). As Revelation The Apocalypse has much concludes, it insists thrice that to say to the churches, but it Jesus is coming quickly (22:7, is at least blessing for all who The trumpet 12, 20). This is the rhythm of the read, prophecy for all who see, The concussion that is the saints; we stand ready. Our reply, completion for all who labor, the apocalyptic warning pierces the no less than John’s, is “Even so, word for all who remember, testi- air with a wail: the voice of a come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20). mony for all who follow, patience trumpet (1:10; 4:1). Its tempo for all who hope, and trumpet for disrupts, its urgency grips; it Masterpiece all with ears to hear. upends our complacency and demands our attention. The The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ is not just the last book of intensity is palatable, the beat Jason Overman serves the Church the Bible; it is a way of looking at bold, as it shows what “must in Jasper, AR, the whole. The world-shattering, shortly take place,” for “the time with his wife, world-forming Christ event called is near” (1:1-3; 22:6-10). Seven Stephanie, and for an explanation of apocalyptic angels with trumpets prepare to their five- dimensions. The cosmic sig- sound, “God is coming!” (8:6). year-old twins nificance of Christ crucified and The sound of the trumpet Tabitha and risen stands behind and within was heard as Israel awaited her Isaac. He also every word of the New Testa- encounter with God at Sinai, works for a lo- ment. Revelation is but the cre- growing in volume until God cal newspaper.
December 2007 • Questions& Answers
Was Jesus’ resurrection really a spiritual and not a as our death, burial, and resurrection, and in Ephe- physical event, as some claim? How many resur- sians 2, where he affirms that those saved by grace Qrections will follow the first one at Christ’s return, through faith have already been resurrected (from and when will each be? Will some people not be their sins) along with Jesus to God’s right hand in resurrected? the heavens! In this sense, Christians have already been raised from the dead. The Bible reveals several resurrections of great 3. The resurrection of the righteous dead from import, not counting the temporary ones like Laza- their graves when Christ returns to begin His earthly Arus (John 11), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), and others reign is taught in Revelation 20:1-6, where it is who later died another “first” death: called the “first resurrection.” From a pre-millen- 1. The resurrection of Christ from the tomb is re- nial perspective, this is the same resurrection Paul ported at the end of all four Gospels (Matthew 28, anticipated for the saints in 1 Corinthians 15:23, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20). Along with His death, 51-57 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This marvelous Jesus’ resurrection becomes the centerpiece and event reflects the reality of Christ’s bodily resurrec- cornerstone of the good news in Acts (2:24ff, for tion two thousand years ago. As one was a physical example) and the Epistles (1 Cor. 15:1-4ff). event, so will the other be. We have many reasons to believe that this was 4. The general resurrection of the dead after a physical event. Examples: 1) His tomb and grave Christ’s one thousand-year reign, foretold in Revela- clothes were emptied, and no one ever produced tion 20:7-15, leads to the final Judgment at the great the corpse; 2) Jesus showed the disciples His white throne. At this time, all those who reject the scarred, resurrected body; 3) He ate food; and gospel of life are cast into the lake of fire, along with 4) the quick transformation of the apostles after death and the grave. This passage harmonizes with Christ’s raising is best explained by His physical 1 Corinthians 15:24ff: “Then comes the end . . . For appearances, not “spiritual” ones. As firstfruits from He must reign till He has put all enemies under His among the dead (vv. 20-23), Jesus’ literal return feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” from the grave was the prototype of our own bodily Some students theorize that not all the dead resurrection in the future. will be raised at the end, but only those who have 2. The resurrection of the believer from spiri- trusted and obeyed the Lord. Jesus, however, says tual death to new life in Christ is also a fact of the that “all who are in the graves” will come forth for gospel. It is taught by the Lord Jesus when He says, the judgment — both those who have done well and “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead those who have done evil (John 5:28, 29). Hebrews will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those 9:27 and Revelation 20:13 confirm this: All will be who hear will live” (John 5:25) — an idea fully con- resurrected; none shall escape this final appoint- sistent with Jesus’ teaching elsewhere in John. Paul ment with God. elaborates in Romans 6, where he identifies baptism — Elder Calvin Burrell
• Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA he belief in some form of life after death is common Tto most religions. A major reason for this is belief in the immortality of the soul — that conscious life continues after the death of the body. This axiom of most religious people is consid- ered by this author contrary to Beliefs the Bible, which defines death as the cessation of life for the whole person. In this article we will ob- serve how three major wings of About Christianity view life after death: Roman Catholics, conservative Protestants, and liberal Christians. the Afterlife Roman Catholics The Catholic Church teaches that when a person dies, the soul Christian confidence in life after death comes in leaves the body and is immedi- several packages. by Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi ately evaluated in a particular judgment that determines three www.comstock.com possible destinations for the disembodied soul: heaven, hell, those who die in a state of mor- paid the residual temporal pun- or purgatory. tal sin, descend into hell, where ishment for their sins. The more Heaven. The new Catechism they suffer the punishment of hell purging is necessary, the longer of the Catholic Church explains – ‘eternal fire.’”4 a soul must suffer in purgatory that the souls of a few believers The torment of hell will last until he becomes fully cleansed “who die in God’s grace and forever, without any prospect of and acceptable for admission to friendship and are perfectly puri- relief or mercy, but the level of heaven. 1 fied, live for ever with Christ.” torture depends on the serious- As stated in the Catechism of They are taken immediately to ness of the individual’s sin. the Catholic Church, “the Church their eternal rewards in heaven, The teaching that sinners commends almsgiving, indul- where they enjoy the commu- burn eternally in hell makes God gences, and works of penance nion with the Trinity, the Virgin appear like an inhumane father undertaken on behalf of the Mary, the saints, and the angels. who locks away His rebellious dead.”6 This means that friends “In the glory of heaven the children in a horrible hovel and and family can shorten the stay blessed continue joyfully to fulfill forever throws away the key. of their loved ones in purgatory 2 God’s will.” Purgatory. The Catholic by paying for masses, praying, Hell. Hell is where those Church teaches that “all those buying indulgences, and making who have died “with grave and who die in God’s grace and pilgrimages to holy shrines. unrepentant sins” which have friendship, but still imperfectly not been wiped clean by church purified, . . . after death they 3 Conservative Protestants rituals, will be severely punished undergo purification, so as to The Protestant Reformation without any hope of relief, for achieve the holiness necessary to started in part as a reaction eternity. As stated in Catechism enter the joy of heaven.”5 Souls against superstitious medieval of the Catholic Church: “Imme- in purgatory are systematically beliefs about the afterlife in pur- diately after death the souls of tortured with fire until they have
December 2007 • gatory. The Reformers rejected such as the Catholic purgatory, is Two assumptions as unbiblical and unreasonable merely an “invented” doctrine. Catholic and Protestant views the practice of buying and selling Heaven. Heaven is reserved of life after death stem from two indulgences to reduce the stay for those who have been justified assumptions: 1) Death is the of the souls in purgatory. How- by faith in Christ’s saving work. separation of the immortal soul ever, the Reformers continued to The souls of believers ascend to from the mortal body; 2) The believe that the souls of believers heaven immediately after death soul is an independent, immateri- enjoy the bliss of heaven, while to live in the presence of Christ al, and immortal component that those of the unbelievers suffer while awaiting the resurrection of survives the death of the body. the torments of hell. At the resur- their bodies. At the final resur- Are these assumptions cor- rection, the body is reunited with rection, disembodied souls will rect? Does the Bible teach that the soul, thus intensifying the receive new incorruptible bodies death is the separation of the pleasure of paradise or the pain and will live in the presence of immortal soul from the mortal of hell. Since that time, belief Jesus Christ in the new earth, body? Does the soul survive the in heaven and hell has been where there is an absence of death of the body and continue accepted by most Protestant pain, disease, and depression. to exist in the bliss of paradise or churches and is reflected in vari- Hell. Conservative evan- the torment of hell? To answer ous Confessions. gelicals believe that at death the these questions, we turn our For example, the Westminster souls of those who have rejected attention to the biblical view of Confession (1646), a definitive Christ will be sent to hell, a death. statement of (Calvinistic) Presby- place of punishment and eternal Editor’s note: The author’s terian beliefs in the English-speak- separation from God. Views vary views of biblical teaching on life ing world, states: on what torments hell may hold after death, closely approximating The bodies of men after beyond isolation from God. those of the BA, may be read at death return to dust, and see www.cog7.org/BA. .org corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep) Liberal Protestants having an immortal subsis- In general, liberal Protestants tence, immediately return believe that at death, people go Samuele Bacchiocchi is a re- to God who gave them. The either to heaven and the pres- tired professor at souls of the righteous, being ence of God or to hell — i.e., Andrews University then made perfect in holi- separation from God. But liberals in Berrien Springs, ness, are received unto the hold to a wide range of non-tradi- MI. This article is highest heavens, where they tional views. For example, some from his forthcom- behold the face of God in light defineheaven as the triumph of ing book Popular and glory, waiting for the full self-giving, not as a new heaven Beliefs: Are They redemption of their bodies: Biblical? and the souls of the wicked and a new earth. “Heaven is are cast into hell, where they cordial, honest, loving relation- References 8 remain in torment and utter ships,” says Gordon’s Kalland. 1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, darkness, reserved to the judg- Conversely, the same author 1994, p. 267. ment of the great day.7 writes that “Hell is estrangement, 2. Ibid., p. 268. 9 3. “Hell,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Most conservative Protestants isolation, despair.” Dr. John R. C. Broderick, Ed., 1987. believe that there are only two Macquarrie of Union Theologi- 4. Catechism of the Catholic Church, possible destinations for the soul cal Seminary describes hell as 1994, p. 270. 5. Ibid., p. 268. after death. One either passes “not some external or arbitrary 6. Ibid., p. 269. immediately into the glories of punishment that gets assigned 7. Westminster Confession, chap. heaven and the presence of God for sin, but simply the working 32, as cited by John H. Leith, ed., or is sent straight to the flames of out of sin itself, as it destroys the Creeds of the Churches, 1977, p. 228. hell for eternal punishment, with distinctively personal being of 8. “New Views of Heaven & Hell,” no possibility of reprieve. Any the sinner.”10 Time, Friday, May 19, 1967. other destination for the soul, 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid.
10 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA uring the first forty of the fifty days between His last DPassover and Pentecost, Jesus continued to instruct His disciples. Just before He ascend- ed to heaven, He told them they would soon be baptized with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to witness all over the world (Acts 1:5, 8). Suddenly, Jesus rose and dis- appeared behind a cloud (v. 9). The disciples looked in- tently at the sky, trying to figure where Jesus had gone and per- haps when or whether He was coming back. Then two “men” (angels, evidently) appeared before them to explain: Are You “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here look- ing into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will Ready for come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (v. 11). This inspired promise forever settles the question of whether the Return? Jesus would return to earth. What we don’t know, however, is when Christ will return. Nearly Don’t misunderstand divine delay. by Brian Knowles two thousand years have elapsed since the angels spoke those www.comstock.com words, and Jesus still has not come back. it’s His Father’s time (Matthew Jesus instructed us to prepare for From time to time, some 24:36; Acts 1:7), Jesus will show His return and to watch. prophecy buffs claim to know up as suddenly as He left. And almost exactly when the Lord will when He does, big things will Avoid deceptions happen. Our Lord is coming to return. They base their predic- One way of preparing is to complete the parts of His divine tions on a variety of calculations avoid deceptions. In His Olivet commission not fulfilled the first and convoluted theories. Most of prophecy concerning end times, time around (Isaiah 61:1, 2; Luke us, if we’re honest, have no idea Jesus said: “Watch out that no 4:14-19). when Christ will again set foot on one deceives you. For many will Jesus could return within the this earth. We just know He will. come in my name, claiming, ‘I lifetime of people reading this Nor do we have any real need am the Christ,’ and will deceive article; many expect He will. Or to know precisely when Jesus many” (Matthew 24:4, 5). another century, another mil- will return. We do not need Prior to the appearance of the lennium, could pass before He to understand the mechanics true Messiah, a plethora of false arrives on the scene. The point and logistics of that event. All messiahs will appear — not a few, is, every generation of Christians we need to know is that when but many! Jesus warned against has a duty to live in readiness.
December 2007 • 11 able of the ten virgins (25:1-13). Only half of them were prepared to meet the Bridegroom. ecause of the years that have To be ready for the Lord’s elapsed since Jesus’ departure, return according to this story, we B must keep a constant supply of people are tempted to conclude that oil so that our lamps (lights) shine steadily through earth’s dark it’s just not going to happen. night. The light motif is often used in Scripture to describe the true faith and earnest practice of being fooled by them (vv. 23-27). leadership. A wise servant will be God’s converted children (see One characteristic of false found zealously carrying out his Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:4-9; 2 Messiahs is that they always duties to the church. He will be Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8- seem to be “hidden” in secret feeding the flock with sufficient 13, 14; Philippians 2:15). In each caves or desert locations until and nourishing spiritual food, no text, the light that shines through a moment of revealing. Or they matter the doctrinal differences believers is evidence that they may reside in an obscure monas- or personal quirks. The same call have known the Lord Jesus Christ tery high in the Himalayas. Their to loyalty and diligent service and are daily influenced by His appearance is often accompa- clearly applies to all who are fol- Spirit residing within. nied by prophets, gurus, and ora- lowers of Christ, whether or not According to God’s Word, cles who claim inside information they are leaders. some Christians will give up on about the figure soon to appear. Because of the years that have the idea of His return. Some will Their job is to create a sense of elapsed since Jesus’ departure, degenerate to unChristian behav- expectation and anticipation. people are tempted to conclude ior. Others will begin to abuse Almost every religion – includ- that it’s just not going to happen. their fellow Christians. Some will ing Christianity – is capable of Almost two millennia is a long carelessly allow the Spirit within producing a false Messiah. When time to us. But to the Lord, it’s them to run dry and be caught the real Anointed One of God only a couple of days (2 Peter with their spiritual pants down. appears, He will be visible to all. 3:8). The danger of delay is that Ideally, when Christ returns, It will not be a clandestine arrival leaders and laity alike can slip He will find us maturing as Chris- but one that is like lightning flash- back into the careless behav- tians on every front. Those of us ing across the sky. Jesus left in ior of the unconverted. They’d who highly value Jesus will be clouds; He will return in clouds. rather party than serve the cause living as though His coming were of Christ. Jesus addressed this: imminent, because it is. We will “But suppose that servant Faithful in service be filled with the Spirit — the oil is wicked and says to himself, in our lamps — and be growing in Another way to prepare for ‘My master is staying away a the Second Coming is to remain long time,’ and he then begins the grace and knowledge of our faithful in service to Christ. This to beat his fellow servants and Lord (2 Peter 3:18). is especially important because to eat and drink with drunk- Perhaps it’s time to do some Jesus will return when people in ards” (Matthew 24:48, 49). soul-searching and take inventory general are not expecting it (Mat- Our Lord’s warning to anyone of our spiritual condition. thew 24:36-44). His faithful and who abandons his brethren to wise servants, though, will be resume the ways of the world is found doing His work when He a strong one (vv. 50, 51). Brian Knowles comes back. Jesus commends writes from Mon- rovia, CA. Scrip- them (v. 46). Wise waiting Because Jesus spoke these ture quotations Many more passages could words to His core disciples, He were taken from be brought to bear on this issue. likely was referring to church the New Interna- Not the least of them is the par- tional Version.
12 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA prophecy results in misinterpreta- tion of Scripture, thus repeating the miscalculation of many in the Why I Study past. Setting dates and seasons when Christ will return has af- fected the credibility of Scripture for many and has caused the impious to ridicule. Bible Prophecy We should learn from the mis- takes of teachers in the past. We can avoid such errors if we allow by Godwin Prospere Scripture to interpret itself and if we avoid fanaticism. Putting prophecy on the back burner is like rejecting the Bible because rophecy and history are the • An understanding of Bible witches used it to cast spells. same events described in prophecy is cutting edge tech- Abuses should be refuted, but Pdifferent tense. What is his- nology to the believer. New Age we should continue to make a tory today was prophecy in the teaching, Eastern philosophy, and concerted effort to study proph- past. What is prophecy today will Western religion have disillu- ecy through the Spirit’s direction. become history in the future. The sioned the minds of the masses. It is also widely believed that two concepts are inseparable, Scientists’ theories of relativism, the prophetic texts are mostly yet different in time. Consider evolution, and naturalism assault inscrutable, so why waste time why the study of prophecy is the nucleus of biblical principle. trying to decipher esoteric writ- important. We desperately need scripturally ing? Why read the perplexing • It validates the accuracy of sound prophetic interpretation. symbolic language of Revelation? Scripture. The fulfillment of hun- • Prophecy is an effective tool It is an exercise in futility. dreds of prophecies from various in evangelism, a fundamental God’s divine declarations are messengers testifies that God’s component of the church’s mis- the projection of His plans and Word is true. sion (2 Peter 1:16-19). A sound purpose for the world. God is • It elevates the Messiah to knowledge of scriptural eschatol- sovereign; His supreme pur- His rightful place in the universe. ogy enhances our evangelistic pose will be fulfilled unimpeded From Genesis to Malachi, many efforts. (Isaiah 14:24-27). The sure word predictions of Christ’s first com- • Bible prophecy is the single of prophecy maintains its validity ing, highlighting every facet of source of understanding God’s and authenticity, even if it is mis- His life, have been fulfilled. plan for Israel. God made a cov- interpreted or misrepresented. • Though given by different enant with Abraham, established The church needs to pay more prophets at different times, divine this unique relationship with his attention to eschatological events revelation has no discrepancies. descendants (2 Samuel 7:24), but must maintain equilibrium In this postmodern age, prophe- and promised its unchange- among the various elements of cy serves as a sanctuary of hope, able nature irrespective of their biblical studies. A glimpse of the tranquility, and spiritual therapy fidelity. Prophecy unlocks the future helps us focus and gives to satiate empty hearts. mystery of current world events, greater urgency and purpose as • Prophecy purifies the believ- the Middle East crisis, and the we press to the mark of our high er. It affords deeper understand- uncertainty about Israel’s future. calling in Christ Jesus. ing of practical Christian living, as Despite the reasons to study well as the destiny of humanity. prophecy, some Christians have It propels us to walk carefully in abandoned it. They believe, Godwin Prospere serves at the the corridor of righteousness and evidently, that future events are Tower of Faith CoG7 in Orlando, escape the pending judgment of irrelevant to us today. FL. God. Some say that studying Bible
December 2007 • 13 eath feels stuffy and heavy. Standing over my Dgrandmother’s coffin, I thought the chapel seemed that way. I hugged my grandfather and father; their tears moved me to trembling. The words and tears that fell on me increased the burden I felt. Now I wonder if anything I said or did caused my fellow mourners to tremble anew at the hope of God’s promise. One Bible writer claims that the day of mourning is better than the day of feasting (Ecclesi- astes 7:2). A person’s death often awakens our sense of mortality, and that weighs us down. We feel like Loretta Lynn sang, “Ev- erybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.” Even Jesus displayed this hu- man trait by asking for His cup of mortality to pass from Him (Matthew 26:39). Death is scary, sad, confusing — an apparent end shrouded in mystery. And we Sitting shrink from it. Have we lost the Bible’s per- spective? Jesus taught that death is not the end. There is rescue, Shiva for hope, and life in the resurrection when He returns. That presents another prob- lem. Often we view the second coming of Christ with the same the Second fear and confusion with which we view death. But Jesus wants us to understand how to wait Coming productively for His return. Jewish tradition We can do that by understand- ing the Jewish tradition called We need not dread death — or Christ’s return. “sitting shiva.” Shiva is a seven- by Michael Flores day mourning period after death that allows surviving family and friends to focus on their feelings in the healing process. It allows survivors to struggle through to Andy Heyward—Dreamstime.com
14 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA an acceptance of life without the deceased. Consider Lazarus’ death. hen the end time When Jesus showed up at provokes insecurities, Bethany, He entered the house W of mourning where Martha, we need to sit with each Mary, and their companions had been mourning four days other and struggle together — sitting shiva. Jesus joined the other mourners, weeping (John with our doubts. 11:35). However, Jesus did not accept death as the end: “Your brother will rise again,” He told with each other, by joining in the Non-stop living Martha (v. 23). His confidence in company of fellow strugglers. Just Sitting shiva is not only about the face of death contrasted with as Jesus was moved by mourners mourning but also about living. Mary’s acceptance of the obvi- when Lazarus died, so we should The purpose of shiva was to al- ous (vv. 21-27). be moved by others’ sorrow. But low the survivors to return to life. we must remember, as Jesus did, When Jesus participates in this Shiva and the that we don’t sorrow in vain. tradition, He is participating in A resurrection is coming once Second Coming humanity’s attempt to continue Jesus returns! living. After death comes life; Jesus’ observance of Hebraic Sitting shiva with others can after the end comes the new tradition by sitting shiva with move them to hope just as Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus is calling His Mary and Martha parallels the faith in God’s promise of res- people to never stop living. larger story we live daily and our cue moved Mary and Martha When death takes a loved expectation of Christ’s return. to confidence. Does your faith one, we weep with each other Just as most of us feel uncom- re-inspire your neighbor’s faith in and keep each other confident. fortable around death, so many God? When the end time provokes people are apprehensive about The communal ways we cope insecurities, we need to sit with the Second Coming. Like Chick- with death may help us keep each other and struggle together en Little, we may look for the sky faith in Christ’s return. Living with our doubts. Together we to fall and associate the return after the death and burial of our can cope and find meaning in mostly with fear and confusion. Savior, we all sit shiva for His re- death and in times like these. As The inevitable end of this world, turn. We wait and struggle to find one people, we wait in a world perhaps not far off, sometimes a way to live without His physical of shiva for the clouds to roll evokes feelings we would rather presence in a post-burial world. back, the trump to resound, and avoid. At some time we all look We must wait together. the dead to be raised! up and wonder, “Is He coming? Unlike the earthly tradition of When? What will it be like?” shiva, we wait expecting rescue — similar to the questions we ask as Jesus did for Lazarus. This may Michael Flores about death. be a post-burial world, but it is serves at the Death, then, is both a reflec- also a post-Resurrection world Willard St. tion and a preview of Christ’s to those who believe. Struggling church in San return. Both are ends; both with our faith, we may, in our Antonio, TX. evoke similar feelings. Maybe we human nature, wilt under doubt. He and his should take a similar approach to But in a communal shiva with the wife, Victoria, each. Spirit’s presence, we find inspira- expect their We can cope well with death tion. Each believer reminds the first child in by keeping faith in the Second other of the coming promise: January. Coming. Jesus’ example shows Jesus is risen, and He will return! us that we do this by waiting We believe together.
December 2007 • 15 Prophecy Sampler
in Judea fled to the mountains, and the Jews were Daniel 9: Past or Future? without a homeland (Daniel 9:26b, 27b) until 1948, when the modern state of Israel was formed. n this chapter, we find Daniel much concerned Thus, the 70 weeks of Daniel 9, a great proph- Iabout what would happen to Jerusalem after ecy of the coming Messiah, was fulfilled in the first the 70 years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah century. And the wider effects are still seen and felt (25:11). In the first 23 verses, Daniel prayed, con- today. fessing his sins and the sins of his people. Then the — Wilburn McDowell angel Gabriel came, touched Daniel, and gave him McMinnville, TN the information he sought (see vv. 24-27). To understand this vision, we use prophetic time in which each day counts for a year (Numbers F F F F F 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6). Thus, the 70 weeks spoken of by the angel would be not just 490 days but 490 years. The beginning date for this prophecy was 457 b.c., when the command to restore and rebuild Watching the Signs Jerusalem went forth (Ezra 7:11-26). From that time until the coming of Messiah, the Prince (Jesus) “ ill Syria Retaliate for Israeli Air Raid?” was the would be seven weeks (49 years) plus 62 weeks Wheadline in a 9-21-07 newsletter from Jeru- (434 years), or a total of 483 years until the anoint- salem. Reading the account, I noted that the U.S. ing of the Most Holy. It was 483 years after 457 b.c., media carried no major report of the incident. or about a.d. 27, that Jesus was baptized and the Later I found it buried in the back pages of our Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. news. On September 6 Israeli warplanes surgically Now we still have one more week (seven years) targeted a small area at Bir al-Harj on the Euphrates of the prophetic vision to account for. Daniel 9:26 River, near Syria’s border with Turkey. The target says the Messiah (Jesus) would be cut off after was a facility, disguised as an agricultural research (seven and) 62 weeks. Isaiah 53:8, 9 tells why He center, which Israel believes is used for testing would be cut off (“For the transgressions of My weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, chemical, people”), and Daniel 9:27 tells us when: “Then he biological. North Korean experts are known to visit shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; the facility and assist in the experiments. but in the middle of the week . . .” (after three-and- North Korea’s agreement with the Bush Admin- a-half years of ministry and on an actual Wednes- istration to shut down its nuclear program has been day), Jesus was crucified, causing the sacrifice and prominently in the news. This includes a ban on oblation to cease (Matthew 27:50, 51). North Korea’s sale of nuclear material to certain The disciples continued to confirm the covenant other governments. It appears that some heads of with signs and miracles for three-and-a-half more North Korea’s nuclear industry and army generals years until Paul was chosen as Apostle to the Gen- may have acted fast to move banned merchandise tiles (about a.d. 34). Before that generation had fully out of the country. U.S. intelligence reportedly fol- passed, General Titus came with his Roman armies lowed undercover transactions, resulting in nuclear- and surrounded Jerusalem, placing it under siege related merchandise being designated as “cement” and great tribulation until it fell in a.d. 70. Those and loaded on a 1,700-tonne freighter under a
16 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA @ Aron Brand— @ Anne-britt Svinnset—Dreamstime.com www.comstock.com North Korean flag. Americans refrained from halting And men were judged, each according to what he or searching the vessel before it docked on Sep- had done” (Revelation 20:12, 13). tember 3 and delivered its load to the phony Syrian All. When we read that word in John 5:28, we agricultural station on the Euphrates. think of every human being: our ancestors, people It appears that Israel clearly welcomed the op- here and now, and those yet to come. portunity to destroy the Syrian facility engaged in But is that all? What about those who many of us developing nuclear weapons. It is also reported that only hear about or are vaguely aware of: the little this episode that centered on the Israeli air attack is ones who die before being born? Are they included part of a comprehensive campaign only just begun. in the “all”? Does God include children who die Will Syria retaliate for the Israeli air raid? This is before birth in the number of people to be resur- the pending question three weeks after its alleged rected, or, as J. B. Phillips puts it, to rise again to life? WMD factory was destroyed. By the time this is What we think on this subject is less important published and read, we should know the answer. than what God thinks. As the Scriptures indicate in Daniel 2:44 and Look at the first sentence in the quote from John elsewhere, the Lord God is bringing the nations of 5:28, 29. It mentions those who have done right the world to a great climax. Someday — we know and those who have done wrong. Surely, unborn not when — Jesus will return to earth, set up His babies have done neither, just like those little ones kingdom, and restore all things. The signs implore who are born. And we call them innocent, don’t us to be prepared by proper relationship with the we? heavenly Father through His Son Jesus, be ener- Imagine the multiple millions of mums and dads gized by the power of the Holy Spirit, and learn to coming up in their resurrection, parents who had think and live like Jesus in our worldview. lost children before birth, or not many years after. — David Kauer, Pastor Imagine a loving, caring, and merciful God rais- Sacramento, CA ing back to life those young children, popping them into the laps of their mums and dads and saying to them, “Here is your chance to love them and to F F F F F rear them up.” Neither the parents nor the children had seen justice in this life. At the resurrection, they will Don’t be Surprised rise to face justice because Jesus is the judge. You couldn’t get a more compassionate judge than He. o, do not be surprised — the time is coming Impossible? The Bible tells us about the resur- Nwhen all those who are dead and buried will rection of the dead. It also records Jesus as saying, hear his voice and out they will come — those “With men this is impossible, but with God all who have done right will rise again to life, but things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). those who have done wrong will rise to face All things. judgment! And if someone is still in doubt: As I have said to That’s how J. B. Phillips rendered Jesus’ words in many an atheist, just wait and see. John 5:28, 29. St. John described the same in anoth- Or, as J. B. Phillips says, don’t be surprised. er book: “The sea gave up its dead, and death and — Ernie Klassek the grave gave up the dead which were in them. Perth, Western Australia
December 2007 • 17 Islam: Facing the Challenge
The Bible declares curses on anyone who preaches a message other than the Jesus of Scripture. by William C. Hicks
18 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA
@ Mario Savoia—Dreamstime.com ince the terrorism of Sep- eternal welfare of those trapped beliefs and practices of millions tember 11, 2001, the by it. who claim Mohammed as their SWestern psyche has been The neutrality and blindness of prophet and Allah as the only awakened to an age-old competi- the West in our politically correct true God. I offer this article tor for the heart, mind, and soul openness toward Islam are two hoping that readers will better of humanity. Even in our post- reasons people embrace it. This prepare themselves to give a bib- modern mindset where the mysti- is in stark contrast with the clar- lical defense against Islam in all cal and eclectic are viewed with ity expressed by those who live of its manifestations and to give a greater interest than the faith of with Islam daily. After months clearer testimony of the only way our forefathers, Islam has been of dialogue, I am counseling for of salvation offered to human- met with paranoia, skepticism, baptism a former Muslim who ity by faith in the Jesus Christ and concern because of the pro- now trusts the biblical Christ, in of Scripture alone. The Allah of pensity for violence in its funda- contrast to the false Jesus Islam Islam and the God of the Bible mentalist expressions. The open teaches. This man, now living are definitely not the same! challenge presented by a religion in an Islamic state, is quick to seeking nothing less than world remind me that despite current Why Islam? domination threatens to capsize concerns over countries like The term Islam is derived from our Western moral ambivalence Iran, the God of Scripture has the Arabic verb “to submit” (to that values plurality and religious used these “Persians” in His Allah’s will). It is by no means a tolerance above all. For contem- plans throughout history for His unified religion, having various porary Christians, compelled by glory. He also informs me that divisions and sects such as Sunni, the Word and Spirit to witness the Muslims in his homeland do Shi’ite, Sufi, Wahhabi, Druze, Ala- Jesus to those imprisoned in such not reflect the same tolerance wism, Ahmadya, and Sikh. It is a false religion, the challenge is for Christians that we western- simple religion that sees itself as enormous. The body of Christ is ers give Islam in this culture. The the legitimate successor to Juda- ill prepared for it and ignorant of legislated religious freedom and ism and Christianity. Islam is the the beliefs and practices that are indifference of the West do not correct name for the religion that taking millions to destruction. exist in the Islamic republics, nor the prophet Mohammed claimed This article offers a scriptural is this freedom the goal of Islam was revealed to him by the angel perspective that reveals Islam in general. He has warned me Gabriel. The content of the Ko- as a doctrine of demons and that should I have opportunity ran (Quran), however, will assure suggests that our ignorance and to pass within contact range for Christians who read it that the indifference help drive Islam his baptism, we could both be angel speaking to Mohammed toward its goal of world domina- executed — if discovered. was not the Gabriel in our Bible. tion. My work in missions on five I haven’t based this writing Even Mohammed and his wife, continents has brought contact on some academic or linguistic Kadija, wondered if it had been with various expressions of this introduction to Islam in a theo- a demonic experience that left religion that may be the fastest retical sense. Rather, I intend to him in seizures, making noises growing on earth. It is the great- raise awareness to the basic est threat to the world order of my lifetime. What draws so many to this religion? What do we as Chris- he desire to find a way to coexist tians need to know to correctly address Islam? Much of the con- Twith Islam seems to override our cern about Islam today appears to be a reaction to its violence concern for the eternal welfare of rather than a realization of its inherent evil. The desire to find those trapped by it. a way to coexist with it seems to override our concern for the
December 2007 • 19 fantastic claims to spiritual origin Devil’s Fingerprint? from their “angel” draw many in for a closer look. Islam can be summarized in six basic beliefs, six religious duties, Though Islam is growing and worship on the sixth day. rapidly where poverty and igno- • Six basic beliefs rance provide opportunity for its Allah. He is one, with no partners or equals. promotion, it is finding allegiance Angels. Koran came from “angel” Gabriel to Mohammed. even in the West. The open Holy books. Old Testament Law and Psalms (both now corrupted), anti-Christian bias of the secular plus the Koran. intellectual establishment cannot Prophets. Allah sent 124,000 prophets; Mohammed is greatest be overestimated in the spread — the “Seal of the prophets.” of Muslim faith. Today it is not Predestination. All is determined by Allah’s will. unusual to see historic, humanist, Judgment. People’s lives will be placed on a scale. If good works and liberal “Christian” teachings outweigh the bad, people go to paradise. If not, they go to — particularly those that deny the hell. Christ of Scripture and His writ- ten Word — quickly embraced by • Six duties Islam. One can read quotes by Shahada - testimony, creed of Islam. “There is no god except Al- Western authorities like Thomas lah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.” Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln Salat - prayer. Muslims pray five times a day, bowing toward in the Islamic training materials Mecca. today. Zakat - almsgiving. Muslims give a percentage of income to char- For example, Know Your Islam, ity. by Yousuf N. Lalljee, opens with Sawm - fasting. During the lunar month of Ramadan, food and this from a well-recognized No- drink are forbidden from sunrise to sunset. bel Prize winner: Hajj - pilgrimage. Once a lifetime to Mecca. If any religion has a chance Jihad - struggle. Muslims war to get victory in their personal of ruling over England, nay lives, or to defend Islam against its enemies. Europe, within the next hundred years, it can only be Islam. . . . I believe, that if a • Sixth day honored. Friday is its special day of prayer. man like Muhammad were to Is the apparent affinity to the number six indicative of the real assume the dictatorship of the identity of the angel that gave this religion? The 666 here may be modern world, he would suc- speculative, inflammatory, or it may be relevant. Are we witnessing ceed in solving its problem, the rise of something of biblical proportions (Revelation 13:18)? Let in a way that would bring the reader judge. it much needed peace and — William C. Hicks happiness. — George Bernard Shaw (preface). Even the recent movies that like an animal as he received the accounts of various events are deny the deity of Jesus, such as testimony. This admittedly illiter- also different from the biblical The Da Vinci Code, find great ate fellow then had others write accounts. The Muslims teach a support in Islam. The anti-Chris- down the words given him in Jesus who was not deity and was tian media and other liberal those encounters (seizures), and not crucified or resurrected. They elements in the West make them he later organized them into the deny any need of atonement great allies. Koran. before their Allah. They redefine Muslims claim that the Scrip- the terms messiah and prophet ture of Jews and Christians is cor- and attribute to Mohammed What Christians can do rupted and not trustworthy, while many of Christ’s unique claims: Concerning the realties of our they also give lip service to some prophet, intercessor, Savior, and conflict in this world, Paul wrote: of its teachings. The Koranic Lord. Their strict dogma and “For we wrestle not against flesh
20 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA and blood, but against princi- palities, against powers, against Recommended Reading the rulers of the darkness of this Answering Islam: The Crescent and the Cross, by Norman L. Geisler, world, against spiritual wicked- PhD, and Abdul Saleeb (Baker Books) ness in high places” (Ephesians Reaching Muslims for Christ, by William J. Saal (Moody Press) 6:12). The Dark Side of Islam, by Dr. R. C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb (Cross- He said not to be surprised way Books) that false apostles should come Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s look at Muslim Life and Beliefs, by Ergun based upon the existence of evil Caner, PhD, and Emir Caner, PhD (Kregel Publications) angels: More than Prophet: An Insider’s Response to Muslim Beliefs About For such are false apostles, Jesus & Christianity, by Emir Caner, PhD, and Ergun Caner, PhD deceitful workers, transform- (Kregel Publications) ing themselves into the Christian Jihad: Two Former Muslims Look at the Crusades and Killing apostles of Christ. And no in the Name of Christ, by Ergun Caner, PhD, and Emir Caner, PhD marvel; for Satan himself is (Kregel Publications) transformed into an angel The Facts on Islam, by John Ankerberg and John Weldon, PhD (Har- of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers vest House) also be transformed as the Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions About the World’s Fastest Growing ministers of righteousness; Faith, by Robert Spencer (Encounter Books) whose end shall be according to their works (2 Corinthians we look into false religion to find ened, there should no flesh be 11:13-15). truth. We must confront them saved: but for the elect’s sake And so it is that what could with the truth of Scripture in the those days shall be shortened. be the fastest growing religion hope that some will escape even Then if any man shall say on earth was started by a lying the fires of hell (Jude 23). unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or “angel” who made Mohammed there; believe it not. For there his apostle centuries ago. This is shall arise false Christs, and not about intolerance; it is about Cause for concern false prophets, and shall shew truth and lies. It is a life-and- The willingness of some even great signs and wonders; inso- death issue. in historic Christian circles to much that, if it were possible, In full agreement with these embrace Islam should cause they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you statements, Paul warned in Ga- us great concern. Recently an before” (Matthew 24:21-25). latians 1:8, 9 that even an angel Episcopalian priest referred May our heavenly Father give from heaven preaching any other to herself as a Muslim, and a us courage to face the challenges gospel than the grace of Christ Catholic priest in Europe has ahead. May those He calls out should be accursed, not toler- called for using the term Allah as of religious confusion, including ated. This speaks to the condi- God in their services, apparently Islam, hear His voice clearly and tion of false religionists before to open the door to Muslims. worship His Son for their own God and not in any way to our God only knows what could be salvation and His glory (Philippi- actions to harm them. Our goal next as Islam is embraced by the ans 2:9-11). is to reach them with the truth in religious confusion that engulfs Christ alone, not to convert them many because of their neglect by force. Jesus laid down His life in remembering our Book: the William C. Hicks serves the for His brethren, and we should Bible! Read the warning of our Church as pastor in Dryden, VA, not be surprised if His call to Savior Jesus again: and in Kingsport, TN, and as direc- witness of Him to those who are “For then shall be great tor of G. C. Missions Ministries. lost might require the same of us tribulation, such as was not Scripture quotations are from the (John 13:34, 35; 15:9-14). since the beginning of the King James Version. The entire Therefore, we must not be tol- world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except text of this article is available at erant of those who teach against those days should be short- www.therestofgod.org. the gospel of Christ, nor should
December 2007 • 21 December 2007
From MISSION POSSIBLE ‘06 in Jasper, AR Youth Reach
Don’t Watch Your Words! “Oh, my God!” How many times did you hear that today? Or has it become forget . . . so common that you don’t even notice? Count the number of times you hear this phrase tomorrow. Include the times you say it, too. • SWD Winter Youth You may be thinking, Oh, now you’re going to tell me that people who use this phrase are swearing. You’re right. It fits with “Jesus Christ,” “God d___ it,” and similar Retreat in Midlothian, phrases. TX, December 27-30 So what’s the big deal? Well, God’s Word tells us, “Do not swear” (James 5:12, NIV). This is really telling us not to make an oath we can’t keep. Don’t • MISSION POSSIBLE say irreverent or irrelevant words — anything without value. June 22-29, 2008 What is valuable is God’s name. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord Conroe, TX your God” (Exodus 20:7, NIV). God doesn’t mess around when it comes to Contact: Kurt Lang, His name and character. God is a holy God. He deserves, even demands, that His name be honored. Every time we use His name carelessly, we misuse it. National FYC director, The big deal is that our culture has misused God’s name so long that it 541-517-1079 or nfyc@ no longer has any meaning, and God himself no longer has much meaning. We cog7.org have a choice: Either join the crowd and dishonor the Almighty, or step up Jesus did the impossible: our commitment to properly honor our heavenly Father. He came to serve and to While I’m on my “Jesus freak rampage,” how about we quit substituting the give His life as a ransom “f” word with frikkin or flippin? It’s the same attitude without the vulgar word. for many. You ready to do We shouldn’t let the culture press us into its mold. We’re better than that. the impossible and follow Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, in His footsteps? though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us (1 Peter 2:11, 12, NIV). ‘Nuff said. — Kurt Lang NFYC Director
22 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA 2T4G Contest Winners!! Dear Young Person: Congratulations to these writers for their win- When I was your age. . . . You love that beginning, ning submissions to the BA contest. don’t you! First place: Brian Franks (Colorado Springs, CO), Way back then, somebody in NFYC challenged me “Through Him” ($100) to use at least five minutes every day to listen to God Second place: Arno Jacob Argueta (Ontario, CA), and talk to Him. 2T4G, they called it: Take Time for God. “You Loved Me So” ($50) Third place - Natalie Rivas (Dallas Melbourne, TX), So, still a teenager, I began reading Scripture daily. “For the First Time” ($15) I haven’t been perfect at it, but somewhere from 300 Unfortunately, no winning photos were submitted. to 350 days each year, I read the Word. More than any Thanks to these writers for sharing their work other one thing, this helps me be a serious student of with us. Now we’d like to share the first-place winner the Bible and a disciple of Jesus Christ. with you: Youth Reach Would you like to develop the 2T4G habit next year? We can help by sending you the easy-read One Minute Bible to get you started. Just e-mail us with 25 words Through Him or so of why you’ll “Take Time for God” in 2008. If you’re There’s a mark on my head, 1st one of the first 25 youth to do that, we’ll send you the Place Bible. Make sure you include your mailing address when Given by my Father you e-mail us at [email protected]. Who art in heaven. One more thing: I want to say thanks to the NFYC I’ve had it since the day I died. leaders and writers who got me started with 2T4G There’s a cross upon my shoulders; 50 years ago. Thanks, Elden and Cecyl Fischer. Thanks, I cannot lift it Hope Dais. Thanks, Dale Lawson. You guys were great! With all my strength, — Editor Calvin Burrell And I never will.
There’s a thorn in my side, Western Canada One that threatens the life of me, Winter Retreat One that I can never pull free. “Staying Alive” There’re chains about my wrists. I’m a sinner, December 28 – 31, 2007 A slave for all these years, • Place: Island Lake Conference Centre at In need of mercy. Crowsnest Pass, Alberta There’s a stumbling block before my foot. • Price: $100 per person; $210 per family I need light • What to bring: sleeping bag or bedding, pillow, Just to guide my steps, towel, hygiene supplies, Bible, positive attitude, That I may see my path. warm clothing, snow boots, and a desire to become “spiritually fit.” There’s a spirit on my heart, Contact: Francisco or Deborah Chavez: 403-590- One that will lift my cross, remove my thorn, 6976; 403-312-8823; 403-831-6221; fm.chavez@ Undo my chains, and light my way. shaw.ca; [email protected] Through man, impossible; Through God, all things are achievable. — Brian Franks December 2007 • 23 For more events and pictures, visit http://nfyc.cog7.org Mail Bag full third of that chapter names the the stability and safety of modern Levitical offerings and sacrifices that democracy, but how might it have were essential to the feasts. been read by those being persecuted by these same “authorities”? If we Words on war hear this text as one living under dic- I received my first BA, read this tatorial oppression or as an American article [“Passing His Peace Along,” during the Revolution, it takes on a p. 8], and closely agree. Once a more radical (nonviolent) outlook. Marine in Vietnam, I am now 100 percent disabled with PTSD (Post- Women in church Traumatic Stress Disorder). First Corinthians 14:33-37 is G. H. written for “all churches of the Gainesville, FL saints” [“Q & A,” p. 7]. God com- Relaxed allegiance? mands women to be “under obedi- Was that Christ on the cover I hate war. I also believe that ence” by quietly listening as the [September ‘07]? Don’t send me any warfare is part of the imperfect hu- male teacher reads and explains the more issues that have an imposter man condition we all contend with. Scriptures. The plain sense of this, there or inside. Have you relaxed The author made a valiant attempt, coupled with 1 Timothy 2:8—3:13, your allegiance to Exodus 20:4-6? but the New Testament doesn’t ad- is that women are not to hold T. A. dress this question concisely. All we church offices or teach in an author- Birmingham, AL have are hints and random verses itative way, but be in subjection “as that we vainly attempt to mesh into also says the law.” When a church Editor’s reply: We wanted to de- a coherent answer. It feels forced. lays aside this word on leadership pict the written Word and the “flesh” The question of warfare will con- roles, it is a sign the Holy Spirit is that the Word became. We worship tinue to vex Christianity, and try departing. The next step is always the Father and Son. The second com- as we might, we don’t have a solid casting aside other clear scriptures. mandment prohibits, not the making theological answer. M. B. of, but the worship of any physical The cut point in this article was Evarts, KY symbol of deity. the way certain verses (Rom. 13:1- 5, for example) were used. Essen- Editor’s reply: I admire your ‘Beyond Sabbath’ tially, I must see the Bible through defense of the written Word. What Your list, unfortunately, co- the eyes of those who wrote it. We is “plain” for you, however, is not mingles the holidays of men with often assume the Bible was written always so — in light of other texts. the holy days of God [“First Word,” with our cultural understanding. The instances of female prophets p. 3]. Birthdays, anniversaries, Rather, it was written with ancient in both Testaments don’t find much national holidays, Mother’s and Hebrew and first century Christian space in your paradigm. To harmo- Father’s days, etc., may be holi- cultural understanding. nize all related passages, the “si- days of choice reflecting freedom P. R. lence” texts must be read in a sense in Christ, but God provides no such Arvada, CO not fully literal. Women have long freedom regarding His law. Leviticus spoken and sung in public worship 23 contains the laws concerning Author’s reply: Considering the so- with God’s blessing, still obeying the festivals — the appointed feasts of cio-political climate of the first cen- call to submission. Finding balance the LORD. tury (the Jews’ rebellions, the Zealot among these texts is no step toward R. S. option), Paul’s advice in Romans 13 apostasy. It likely requires, however, Westminster, CA served more to steer Christians away that Paul’s words cited above reflect from violent resistance than to en- some first-century cultural influence. Editor’s reply: When Leviticus 23 dorse all governments. We are accus- is considered a part of God’s law tomed to reading this passage from for Christians, problems follow: A
24 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA There is a pattern past the here and now There is a rhythm greater than this beat There is a path that leads us up from here One day we’ll see the whole, complete.
The fragments and the pieces all will fit Into a grander picture then, though now We’ve only ragged chunks of days, all varied hues Some dark with stain, others shaft with light.
Hang on; don’t recklessly give up Stand fast, press past this present pain Tomorrow comes; take a firmer grip The dawn is just ahead; you’ve heights to gain.
Your victory will surely come With soft and gentle tread and quiet beat There is a pattern past the here and now One day we’ll see the whole, complete. Petey Prater
December 2007 • 25
@ Shuttlecock—Dreamstime.com CoG7 in Action
GMinistries What’s new with . . . C National FYC • sWD Winter Youth CoG7 Ministries Training System Retreat, December 27-30, in Midlothian, Calvin Burrell, Director TX; 281-379-3964 or Since Summit School of Theology’s closure in 2001, MTS has pro- [email protected] vided six years of biblical and Christian ministry studies for the Church. More than a thousand students — both men and women — have Missions Ministries completed one or more courses in our regional and online classrooms. And more than a hundred of these express interest in preparing for the • Pioneer Missionary Church’s vocational ministry through intensive sessions and by other Training to Monterrey, means. Mexico, December 23- Want to learn more about MTS? Visit our Web site: http://mts.cog7. January 1 org. There you’ll find a list of classrooms, their dates of operation, and courses to be taught. Regional classroom study is open to any member of the Church who has a high school diploma. Publications Our next intensive Summer Session for both English and Spanish • new study on language students is scheduled June 2-12, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. Characteristics of the It is planned especially for pastoral prospects, and a letter of invitation Early Church begins will be mailed in early January. If you want to be considered, call Cal- vin Burrell (303-452-7973) or Raul Lopez (713-828-9969). January 5 MTS continues to expand its curriculum of online courses as well. Early in ’08, for example, Church Polity, Church History, Biblical Inter- Ministries Training pretation (Part 1), and Emerging Culture and the Church will be of- System fered. Be sure to visit the Web site or e-mail [email protected] for more information. • mtsonline course on Church Polity begins January 6
Spring Vale Academy • second Semester begins January 7; www. springvale.us
Winter G. C. meetings in Denver, February 1-5
26 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA Day) in the same southwest Michigan area where it CoG7 began in 1858. The council’s agenda will include consideration of a comprehensive study guide to accompany the newly adopted Statement of Faith (2006) and a report from the New Covenant Study Committee. Throughout this session, the council will host a CoG7 leadership conference. It will provide in- structive seminars designed for the Church’s lay leadership, along with the opportunity to observe the council in action. All lay pastors and lay Church leaders are invited to attend this council and confer- ence. Mark your ’08 calendar now. — Robert Coulter NAMC President
Dedication in Aurora Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; lunch provided The Spanish church in the Denver, Colorado, Location: 4520 W. McDowell Rd. area purchased and remodeled a building in the Guests: Bill Hicks; Larry Zaragoza suburb of Aurora, then dedicated it on September All Arizona and Nevada churches welcome 8. Guests included several from El Paso, Texas, and from the Denver English Church. Central District Superintendent Tim Endecott, Denver English Pastor Mike Vlad, and G. C. President Whaid Rose took NAMC Headed Back Home part in the dedication ceremonies. The North American Ministerial Council (NAMC) will convene again October 6-11, 2008, at Gull Lake Ministries, a Christian conference center be- tween Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Us- ing the theme “Equipped for the Journey,” ministers and other attendees will mark the sesquicentennial year of the founding of the Church of God (Seventh
Seekers A Bible-based program for ages 9 to 12, Seekers puts Jesus Christ at the center of all its activity. Designed and updated by the North American Aurora, CO, church board: Women’s Ministry, Seekers Top row: Fidel Jimenez and Ramon Mendez is a must for every church Bottom row (L to R): Refugio Aranguti, with children. Eddie Villalba, and Surisadai Mendez To learn more, contact Dorothy Keim, 845 Elm Drive, Eugene, OR, 97404; 541-688-1707; [email protected].
December 2007 • 27 Remarkable Family. William and Ivol Wallen of Milton-Freewater, OR, members in Walla Walla, WA, celebrated their 70th anniversary in September. Ivol was among the 27 children born to John W. Williams, a family whose influence in the Church is felt from Alabama to Oregon and beyond. William and Ivol met in the Crowder, OK, church in the 1920’s. Their CoG7 four children — Dean, Dennis, Beth (Carlson), and June (Brown) — are all married to their first spouses and are all active in CoG7.
LITES on in Stanberry Vegas, NV; Habacuc Jara, The Dalles, OR; Leah New year for the LITES team began in September Wallace, Eugene, OR; and Ambar Pereira, Knoxville, with a week of “boot-camp” at the Jasper, Arkansas, NC. For more information, visit the Web site, lites. campgrounds, followed by a few days of service cog7.org; phone 660-783-9555; or write LITES Min- nd with the senior retreat at the Dover, Oklahoma, istries, 214 E. 2 St., Stanberry, MO 64489. campgrounds. Back home in Stanberry, Missouri, the team anticipates further study and challenge Left to right: Pastor Melvin Sweet, Oscar Suarez, Habacuc in applying the principles that were introduced in Jara, Tim Howell, Caleb Cortez, Jordan Schlenker, Susan Steinhauser, Tim Steinhauser, Bryan Cleeton, Makayla these early experiences. Schlenker, Leah Wallace, Philip Leach, Ambar Pereira, Five new members joined the team this fall: Andrew Fernandez, Marybell Sweet, and Larry Marrs, Bryan Cleeton, Sacramento, CA; Oscar Suarez, Las LITES director
28 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA CoG7
Invitation to join . . .
Central States Senior Retreat attendees pose outside the The Editor’s Circle assists in placing the print- dining hall of Dover Campgrounds near Kingfisher, OK. ed gospel into people’s hands for their salvation This annual event, scheduled the third week of September, and spiritual growth. enjoys improved camp facilities that accommodate over • Has the Bible Advocate blessed you? 200 persons through camper hookups and in • Do you ask God to use the magazine to modern dorms at Dover. bless others also? • Will you give $60 or more per year ($5 per month) to the BA so others can be blessed? Spring Vale Academy alumni groups made If you answered yes to these, please join the the most of fellowship opportunities at CoG7 Editor’s Circle. Your support will help us reach convention in Overland Park, KS, in July. new BA readers with the grace and truth of Christ. Return this coupon. ______
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STATEMENT
Of the ownership, management, and circulation (required by the Act of Congress of August 12, 1970; Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code) of the BIBLE ADVOCATE, published ten times per year at Broomfield, Colorado for September 30, 2007. Publisher: Bible Advocate Press, 330 West 152nd Ave., Broomfield, Colorado. Editor: Calvin Burrell, Box 33677, Denver, Colorado. Owner: The General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day), 330 West 152nd Ave., Broomfield, Colorado 80020. The average number of copies of each issue of this publication sold or distributed through the mail and otherwise, to paid subscriptions during the 12 months preceding the date shown above is 14,738.
December 2007 • 29 International Tour
The Philippines
The Church in the Philippines celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in April 2007 at the Opol Con- vention Center near Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao Island. Up to 900 persons attended this event, using the theme “Building More Bridges for Success.” Pastor Baltazar Wooton, the Kordahi also visited the church God’s work, with strong faith Church’s national president, recently planted near Manila, as the only weapon to conquer reported 4,000 members and 84 on the Island of Luzon, where all trials and hindrances of our congregations in thirteen dis- he was hosted by Pastor Mike spiritual lives.” tricts, with 135 baptisms in 2006. Dizon. His time with the pas- Though not fully organized In the wake of steady increase, tors and leaders was productive until 1957, the Philippine church the Church members believe for the work of the gospel and traces back to about 1939 when they can keep growing. brought these national groups in a Filipino discovered the Church Children and teenagers of the IMC Zone 6 closer together. of God (Seventh Day) while visit- Philippine church participated President Wooton’s words to ing in California. Upon return to in all facets of this conference, the Church during this fiftieth his homeland, he started a mis- including athletic and other anniversary included these: “This sion church that has developed contests. The youth proved them- is not the end of achieving great to the current size and scope. selves ready and willing to serve, success in God’s ministry but the The Philippine church is a charter especially when it came time for beginning of what we envision member of the International Min- worship. for the future. May I inspire all isterial Congress. Sponsored by Missions brethren to make yourselves Abroad, Phil Kordahi of Aus- more useful and productive in tralia represented the Interna- tional Ministerial Congress at this golden jubilee event, giving work- shops and the final sermon. He reports that construction of the new conference hall is nearing completion. Some of the districts have built bamboo huts on the same Church property to ac- commodate their brethren who attend conference meetings. While in the Philippines, Elder
30 • Bible Advocate - www.cog7.org/BA Last Word
Lamplighters
mong the things 2007 will be remembered significant ways. Two of for is the release of Amazing Grace, the them, Jerry Falwell and D. Acompelling film about the life of William James Kennedy, left this Wilberforce. This man dared take the British Empire earthly life in 2007. to task over the African slave trade two centuries The controversial Falwell ago. “So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did sometimes blundered the [slave] trade’s wickedness appear that my own and had many enemies. mind was completely made up for abolition. Let Yet a Christianity Today article stated, “Falwell the consequences be what they would: I from this helped many recover a heritage in danger of be- time determined that I would never rest until I had ing eclipsed” (July ’07). Through his Thomas Road effected its abolition.” Through his efforts, the Slave Baptist Church and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Trade Act was passed in 1807, and this paved the Virginia, Falwell lived true to his own words: “. . . I way for abolition of slavery in the British Empire by not only believe in prayer and preaching, I also be- 1833. lieve in good citizenship. Americans must no longer The cause of the kingdom in every generation linger in ignorance and apathy. We cannot be silent has advanced through the efforts of Christians about the sins that are destroying this nation” (Chris- who understand and embrace Scripture’s cultural tianity Today, July 2007). mandate to be salt and light in the world (Mat- Few understood the cultural mandate better than thew 5:13-16). Some stand out more than others: D. James Kennedy, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyte- Florence Nightingale, pioneer of modern nursing; rian Church and founder of the multi-faceted Coral Harriet Beecher Stowe, anti-slavery writer; Elizabeth Ridge Ministries in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. And Frye, prison reformer; Sojourner Truth, abolitionist few lived out that mandate more effectively. As an and champion of women’s rights; Harriet Tubman, intellectual, he engaged a different segment of the an escaped slave who led hundreds to freedom; culture: those who opposed Christianity based on and William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. history, science, evolution, and other fields. Of all Only Jesus can meet the deepest need of the hu- the words that could describe his life and calling, man heart, but blessed are the movers and shak- Kennedy chose lamplighter. ers whose bold and compassionate activism have The cultural mandate calls Christians to light furthered God’s kingdom on earth. candles, not curse the darkness. “For the darkness By mid-twentieth century, American Christianity shall turn to dawning/And the dawning to noonday struggled between a narrow, inward fundamental- bright,/And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on ism and a newer evangelical faith that included earth,/The kingdom of love and light.”* social concerns and political activism. Carl F. H. As these lamplighters exit this life and others ad- Henry’s book The Uneasy Conscience of Modern vance in age, three questions should haunt us: Who Fundamentalism sounded the alarm for Christians to will take their place? Will you be among the next engage culture. Then Francis Schaeffer enlightened generation of lamplighters? Even now, is your light the church on the broader implications of Supreme shining to brighten the corner where you are? Court rulings like Roe v. Wade and helped Chris- — Whaid Guscott Rose tians to become culturally relevant, not just doctrin- ally accurate. * “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” Several evangelical leaders answered that call in
December 2007 • 31 National Hispanic Women’s Retreat
For twenty years, our Hispanic sisters have proclaimed their faith and friendship in retreats. Here are three of the 213 women who recently met in El Paso, Texas, celebrating traditional Mexican dress and folkloric dance. Future retreats are planned in Texas, California, Washington D.C., and Colorado. Thanks to the many who work hard for these events that have come to mean so much to Hispanic women, for God’s glory.
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