Division to develop Pacific peace strategy RECORD 8 2 0 0 0
A day in the 10/40 windon,
"I had no joy like this joy" AWR letters
Book review: Unleash the Dream
"If I were a rich man!" editorial a THE CHARACTER TEST 've given in to temptation, that's perfectly normal desires in a wrong conflict—but on conditions. why I like the story of the testing way or at the wrong time. Satan "They're yours—lock, stock, and Iof Jesus by Satan (Matthew 4:1- always attacks at our times of great- barrel. Just go down on your knees 11). It shows it's OK to admit we've est weakness, because that's when and worship me" (Matthew 4:9). been tempted. It also shows its OK we're most likely to fall. But without Whoa! Jesus worshipping Satan. to ask forgiveness for giving in to testing—without the opportunity to Unthinkable. This is Satan at his temptation because Jesus resisted choose to do right or to do wrong— most evil. The prince of the world temptation and stands in our place we don't develop character. It's by has come to Jesus offering to satisfy before God. Here's the story: resisting temptation we develop the cravings of human desire: greed; power to withstand temptation. lawlessness; popularity; and power. Barren hills west of Jericho Still Jesus doesn't give in, not a a Soon after the high of His bap- Temple wall, Jerusalem centimetre. Having made his boldest tism, Jesus is driven by the Holy Jesus still hasn't proved He's move, Satan has nothing more to Spirit to the wilderness where He God's Son, so Satan tries to attack offer. "Beat it" says Jesus, before doesn't eat for 40 days and nights. His potential insecurity. And, falling exhausted to the earth. We're at our weakest when we're because Satan's smart, he quotes a hungry, tired and unfit. Satan knew couple of verses from Psalm 91 to The lesson this. He'd witnessed Jesus' baptism "convince" Jesus to sin. But he Satan wants us to believe two in the Jordan River, heard God say, quotes them out of context. "[God] things. Both are lies. "This is my Son, chosen and marked has placed you in the care of angels. 1. Giving in to temptation once by my love, delight of my life" They will catch you so that you won't hurt, and (Matthew 3:17*). He'd followed Him won't so much as stub your toe on a 2. Now you've given in to tempta- into the wilderness and watched as stone" (Matthew 4:6). tion, you're beyond God's use and He became hungry and tired, then What the verses in the Psalm are might as well enjoy giving in to famished and worn. really saying is, God will protect us temptation again and again. a "Look at you. You're about to die. when He feels its necessary. Temptation is real, but so is the Are you really God's Son?" he So, in verse 7, Jesus quotes back. possibility of overcoming it. chides, echoing what God had said "Don't you dare test the Lord your What temptations are you giving at the Jordan just 40 days earlier. God." (See also Deuteronomy 6:16.) in to? Confess and resist them. What "Speak the word that will turn To give in to this temptation— people are you with and in which these stones into loaves of bread" demanding God prove He was the settings when you give in to tempta- (Matthew 4:3). Father rather than accepting what tion? Avoid them. What props do What a test! Satan doesn't tempt He said at the Jordan—would have you have that support giving in to Jesus inside the Temple or at His shown Jesus lacked faith. temptation? Eliminate them. baptism but in the wilderness, where Remember, God will never let you He is alone, hungry and tired. And Mount Nebo? down; He'll never let you be pushed Satan knows physical temptations Satan's got nothing from Jesus, so past your limit; and He'll are strongest. in a last-ditch effort he takes Him to always be there to Food and hunger are good, but the peak of a huge mountain and help you come the timing here is wrong. Jesus is in stands before Jesus in his assumed through it. the wilderness to fast, not eat. He role as prince of the world. He ges- a replies, probably softly, "It takes tures expansively toward the earth more than bread to stay alive. It and gloats about the "dazzling glo- Brenton Stacey takes a steady stream of words from ries" of human prowess. Satan knew God's mouth" (Matthew 4:4). Jesus had come to contest his claim *All Bible quota- We also may be tempted to satisfy and offered to surrender it without tions from The Message.
Next week Official Paper Mail: Signs Publishing Company, 3485 Warburton South Pacific Division Highway, Warburton, Victoria 3799, Australia ACN 000 003 930 Phone: (03) 5966 9111 SEVENM-I-DAY ADvEsTNrri Fax: (03) 5966 9019 Editor Bruce Manners CHURCH Email letters: editorOsignspublishing.com.au Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan Email news: recordOsignspublishing.com.au The trauma of Assistant editor Brenton Stacey Email advertising, manuscripts, obituaries and Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough wedding notices: editorsecOsignspublishing.com.au losing a baby. Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions South Pacific Division (by surface Vol 105 No 27 mail), $A40.00 $NZ73.00. Other regions, $A70.00. Cover photo: Electronic Clipper Printed weekly.
Ju ly 8, 2 000 f 1 a shpoint EVANGELISTS MAKE IMPACT IN SA -1 ixty-five people are on the Sabbath that happening," he says. attending his prophecy interested in becom- they're going to have to Pastor Fehlberg's evan- seminar. sing Seventh-day find a new gelistic pro- "It's really encouraging Adventists after attending denomina- gram began to see so many attend- two evangelistic programs tion," says in early ing," says Pastor Kent. He in South Australia. Pastor April. says church members and Twenty-two are attend- Fehlberg. Thirty are local ministers Pastor ing a prophecy seminar He attending Allan Croft, Pastor Ross run by Pastor Don reports the church in Simon and Darren Slade Pastor Don Pastor Anthony Fehlberg at the Spencer couple and Fehlberg. Kent. Morphett have been "very support- Institiute of TAFE's cam- their chil- Vale after ive." pus in Whyalla. dren have since attended attending Pastor Anthony Pastor Kent's evangelis- "One couple who wor- church in Whyalla. Kent's evangelistic pro- tic program program also ship on Sunday said after "The members are very gram at the Noarlunga began in early April.— hearing the presentation excited about what is shopping centre. Sixty are Brenton Stacey
Tension forces church in Fiji volcano spewed ash over SDA students sign in stadium during Jesus march to suspend worship services the New Britain New ree hundred Worship services at the Ireland office in Rabual Seventh- University church in Suva, (pictured). The mission has day Adventist Fiji, have been suspended students from because of the ethnic ten- Sydney and sion in the city. Most of the northern New students at the University South Wales of the South Pacific were Ern signed for a evacuated soon after the 7000-strong 0 civil takeover of the Fijian choir during government. "Entire fami- the Global lies had to leave, which March for affected the schooling of been based in Kavieng and Jesus at some children," reports Kokopo since then. Staff Stadium minister and chaplain helped turn the first of four Australia in Sydney, June 10. Wame Sausau. "The stu- hectares—the largest block "It was just spectacular," says North New South Wales dents, and their children, of land granted by the gov- conference youth director Pastor Wayne French. "The will sit exams in their own ernment to any church choir received some very positive comments from those countries before returning group—on June 11. The in the crowd." to Fiji." University internal grant is in exchange for Students represented the Avondale, Mountain View, auditor Afaese Manoa, also the land at Rabaul. The Port Macquarie and Toronto Adventist Primary Schools, the church elder, has mission has also purchased and the Avondale Adventist High School. opened his house for Bible at cost price land for studies and worship ser- departmental staff housing vices for those who remain. within walking distance of "I still visit the students to the office site.—Bill mony in London last grimage—described as a encourage them and pray Truscott month, will help promote "pilgrimage to the heart" with them," says Mr the UN's Water4Life and a chance for a "just Sausau. "The crisis is wak- WA student becomes appeal.—ANN reconciliation between ing a lot of people up from youngest UN ambassador races, cultures and church- their spiritual slumber." Laura Sweeting, a 16- Leaders' desert trek es"—began on June 4 in year-old student at bridges Australia's divisions Canberra, where Governor- New mission office Stanborough School in Leaders of nine General Sir William Deane built on New Britain Watford, England, has Australian denominations bade farewell to the pil- A new mission office is become the youngest have completed a pilgrim- grims. The journey wound being built in Kokopo, goodwill ambassador for age of reconciliation—a up seven days later at Papua New Guinea, six the United Nations (UN). week-long 3000-kilometre Uluru with an ecumenical years after the Tavurvur Laura, appointed at a cere- bus trip to Uluru. The pil- Pentecost service.—EN/
I Ju ly 8, 2000 newsfront I SPD TO DEVELOP PACIFIC PEACE STRATEGY neither Jew nor Greek" (Galatians human hands (Exodus 20:13; Ministers to teach 3:28). Matthew 19:18). Christians are how gospel applies Seventh-day Adventists therefore instructed to "love your enemies and deplore any attitudes or activities do good to them that hate you" to human relations. that incite tribal or ethnic conflict or (Matthew 5:44). promote racial divisions. The church Seventh-day Adventists are there- he South Pacific Division is rec- upholds the ideal of racial equality fore opposed to bearing arms and Tommending a representative and international harmony. taking up weapons in time of con- group meet to develop a Pacific Seventh-day Adventists want to be flict. Rather than inflicting injury or peace and human relations strategy. faithful to the reconciling ministry harm on fellow human beings, the As part of a "Statement on ethnic assigned to the Christian Church. As church encourages service to their and political tensions in the South a worldwide community of faith, the country through loving ministry to Pacific," the division says it Seventh-day Adventist Church wish- the sick or injured. The church acknowledges the need for adminis- es to witness to and exhibit the upholds the ideal of peaceful resolu- trators and ministers to take a more unity and love that transcend racial tion and of practicing the Golden active role in educating church differences and overcome past alien- Rule to "do unto others what you members and the community about ation between races. would have men do to you" how the gospel applies to human (Matthew 7:12). relations. Politics and religion With sadness and regret the The statement reads: Scripture clearly teaches govern- church acknowledges that in recent The Seventh-day Adventist Church ment is divinely ordained, and while ethnic and political conflicts and recognises this present world is our first and highest duty is to God, coups in the Pacific, some former plagued and divided by the results the Bible instructs Christians to be Seventh-day Adventists and current of sin, greed and hatred. A long his- subject to "the powers that be" members have been involved. This tory of tribal conflict, conquest, war, (Romans 13:1) and to perform their would suggest the church may have occupation and political division has duties as faithful citizens (Matthew failed in promoting the ideals of left many people dispossessed of 22:21). peace, equality and lawfulness. We their land and displaced. There are Seventh-day Adventists therefore confess in the past our attitudes to no totally human solutions to the do not support the overthrow of other Christians and those of other ethnic conflicts and racial injustices governments by force. The church ethnic origins may have been unlov- that exist. However, the church upholds the rule of law in a peace- ing and less than the ideal. The val- believes in the gospel of Jesus ful society. ues of human dignity, integrity and Christ, there is healing for human The Seventh-day Adventist Church humility may not have been demon- hearts and hope for a new world believes in the separation of church strated as they should have. where justice and righteousness will and state and maintains neutrality We therefore appeal to all prevail. Human dignity and equality towards politics. The church Seventh-day Adventists to put away can be restored through the grace of respects the various political all ethnic and tribal differences and God in which humans see each processes that exist in different help create an atmosphere of coop- other as members of the family of forms of government, but does not eration and understanding between God. In the light of Calvary, hatred become involved in advising church all races, cultures, faiths and political a gives way to love, selfishness and members in political matters or in persuasions. We call on members to greed are replaced by respect and supporting any particular parties. respect governments and the sys- service for others. Freedom and Church members involved in tems of law and justice, to be peace- peace are the fruit of a life con- political or public life by their own makers and agents of reconciliation trolled by the Spirit of Christ. personal choice are urged to do in their communities. nothing that will discredit the cause We urge all men and women to Racism of God or compromise the standards pray for the peaceful resolution of Scripture plainly teaches every of the church. They are encouraged present tensions and conflict. We person was created in the image of to serve their country and communi- challenge all church administrators God, who "made of one blood all ty in a way that will uplift society and ministers to pursue a more nations of men to dwell on all the and bring glory to God. active role in educating members in face of the earth" (Acts 17:26). Racial a proper understanding of the and ethnic discrimination is an Non-combatancy Gospel and biblical principles in offence against our fellow human Scripture reveals life is sacred and respect to human relations, armed beings who were created in the has its source in God (Genesis 1:11- conflict and our relationship to God image of God. In Christ "there is 27) and should not be taken by and Government.
Ju ly 8, 2000
n e w s f r o n t A DAY IN THE 10/40 WINDO very day in the 10/40 Window, break and burn it, she will Etraditional healers defraud inno- get better. They do as cent, hard-working people of their they are told, but land and possessions, and young she still does not girls are bought and sold for sex. get any better. The Km Kamai Fraud in the 10/40 Window tells them the A well-to-do farmer in the Siem evil spirits have Reap area of Cambodia lives with gone into the other his wife and children in a wooden cart. Again they house on stilts on high ground. He break and burn it, but also owns several acres of wet land the woman still cannot walk. for growing rice, two ox carts and Her husband has now contracted several oxen. tuberculosis from the poor living the beer they are promoting. One day his wife feels a large conditions, she is still sick and their One day a woman comes and growth in her groin area that begins well-to-do status has been invites two of the girls to a party the to give her a lot of pain. It grows destroyed. next day where they are promised a rapidly until she can hardly walk. Tim and Wendy Maddocks, two lot of tips if they serve beer to the Instead of going to the local govern- self-supporting missionaries from guests. The two accept the invita- ment hospital, she sends for the Australia, meet the family. They help tion, but when the car they travel in local Km Kamai, or traditional heal- the woman lance the cyst, provide arrives at the party, they are told it er. He consults the spirits and tells medicine for the man's tuberculosis has been moved to a place further her if she wants to get better the and help them understand a God down the road. family will have to move their house who does not charge for cures or When they reach the new loca- into the rice field. reduce people to poverty when they tion, the woman in the car pulls out So the family hire some men to come seeking help. a gun and tells them they are being take the house down and rebuild it abducted. The girls are taken to a over the water in the rice field. To Prostitution in the 10/40 Window brothel to join 16 other 13-19-year- pay for the work they give the men Friday afternoon. Pastor Chhom olds. They are tortured for several some of the materials from the Samithy and I are called to the Prey days until they agree to sleep house. It is now only 30 centimetres Veng Province. The previous night a locked in a second storey window- above the water, one wall is missing terrified 19-year-old girl had scram- less room and deal with up to 12 and the family has to walk through bled up the side of a pastor's two- men a day. the water to get in or out. storey apartment and pled for pro- After six months the two and Even though they have followed tection. another girl decide they cannot the suggestions of the Kru Kamai, Six months earlier she had been stand it any more. They climb care- the woman still cannot walk. When working as a "beer girl" in a restau- fully into the rafters and remove the Km Kamai comes again, he tells rant in Phnom Penh. Beer girls several of the roof tiles. The owner them the evil spirits have gone into encourage patrons to drink by wear- of the brothel hears them climbing s one of the ox carts, and if they ing a sash with the brand name of on the roof and, with his gun, demands they crawl back inside. As two of the girls climb back, the 19- Reaching the heart of the need year-old jumps from the roof. Unhurt, she runs down an alley and Whe Seventh-day Guam and in Italy, and hundreds climbs into the pastor's apartment. Adventist Church of new churches in unentered The brothel owner and the police collects a General areas. search for the girl the next morning. Conference Offering The General Conference 2000 The pastor calls Chhom and I. We for a high-priority pro- Offering, called "For the heart of dress the girl in men's clothing, ject every five years. the need," will be used by divi- hurry her into the car, and drive her Each division rallies to sions facing huge Global Mission back to her family in Phnom Penh. help a needy area— challenges to establish 1040 new Sex slaves are a thriving business even if it's outside their territory. churches throughout the 10/40 in southeastern Asia and in many Past offerings have helped build Window—Global Mission's highest parts of the 10/40 Window.—Bruce Adventist World Radio stations on priority. Bauer, president, Cambodia Attached District n e w s f r o n t • "I HAD NO JOY LIKE THIS JOY"
In a country of speaker. Why? Because we figure this: "These letters stir up my com- southeast Asia, the that if the devil is mad at us for mitment for my country in spite of good news via accepting the message—and we are all the hardship and opposition I Adventist World just the listeners—then the devil will have to face. I give all the glory and NNE/ Radio (AWR) is "run- be even angrier with you, because praise to our Lord. I am looking for- ning like wildfire" you sow the seeds of truth! We pray ward to the day when we see a mil- through the towns and villages. that God will be with you so that lion men and women from my Persecution often follows—from you will continue to bring us the country in God's kingdom." the government, or other Bible message. And one day you Christians—but the believers* hold will see that your efforts are not in •AWR must often leave out information • firm. They meet openly: vain, because we are growing in and change names to protect producers "Since the day I was born until faith and truth." and new believers in areas where persecu- now, I had no joy that can compare The speaker for this language says tion is prevalent. to the joy that I have in my heart since I began to hear about peace and happiness on AWR. I save AWR: A short history money to buy Bibles. I introduce the radio program to other people, and ventist World Radio beamed its first broadcast in 10 languages from a we study together and listen to the d50 kilowatt transmitter in Sines, Portugal, to Europe and the Union of program. Many have accepted Jesus Soviet Socialist Republics in 1971. It now broadcasts in 50 languages from 10 as their Saviour. transmitters in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. "All the children love the stories, The number of broadcast languages is scheduled to increase by one each and the adults love the preaching. month over the next year. The more they listen, the more their I hearts are changed. Some with phys- ical illnesses have been healed com- pletely. We praise the Lord. "There are now a lot of us meet- ing in this area. Some have said to children me, 'Other churches have ministers to lead them, but we don't.' If you Find the words in the puzzle below. approve, we will form a temporary church board to give leadership to W V R M Y B U 0 DAVID STONES our group, and we wait to hear SLING Q 5 V J E E P L from you." GOLIATH At the request of the radio speak- PHILISTINES FIGHT F E I R H U ARMY SAUL er, a church member visited the vil- B U P I J I lage recently and reported that GIANT SWORD "things are very bad in this area. We W S P B N T U B 5 Q need to pray for these people." C I From another group of listeners WW H L H H E comes a similar story: V 0 I C K T "We give thanks to the Lord— everyday there are more people P R L I L Q L Y L joining our group because they M I F G R T T learned more about the truth from the radio program. Y B L T Y G N Y "Because of this, some other K C M N V J R M churches in this area stepped up persecution of us—in cooperation Y V I E R I A H with the government. But we stand J N 5 K G B A I firm in our belief—by the grace of God! Y E H T I I T G "Please don't worry about our sit- c=• T W T M H Y C L uation. Everyday we pray together 5 F for the Lord to protect you, the B F I G H T N J 0
July 8, 2 000 off the record p Everyone smiles at 50th Newswatch Illhese men Skateboarders on a roll with God I are smiling The Christian Outreach Centre at Wanneroo, WA, runs during the a skatechurch offering four hours of free skateboarding recent 50th on Sunday afternoons to those who attend a morning ser- anniversary cel- vice. The church owns a skate park that is considered ebrations of the one of the best in Australia. Katoomba, The plan is to "get them into the building" so God can NSW, church. work in their lives, says the ministry's Ben Hawksworth. The church About 250 skaters have professed faith in Christ at skate- began with a church, he adds. couple of fami- Skatechurch changed 18-year-old Bradley Monk's life. "I lies meeting in their homes. It grew to the point where a just sat up there in the stands, bawling my eyes out," he small wooden church was built. This is now used as the says. "Normally I would listen to my [radio], or try and church hall, with a brick church serving the congregation. avoid the conversation, but that day I just started to listen. "Many people came a long way to join in a day of great All of a sudden I just started crying. I received Jesus into celebrations," reports the church's communication secretary, my life and I've been full on since then."—Religion Colleen Jackson. Among those present were (left to right): Today/www.RehgionToday.com Ray Archer from Queensland, who had served the church as a volunteer pastor; Pastor Graeme Bradford, the Trans- Tasman Union Conference ministerial secretary; and Pastor Here's a fine fellow Westmeade Hospital in Jan Knopper, the former Publishing Director for the South John McMahon became a Sydney. The son of doctors Pacific Division (now retired). Fellow of the Royal Austral- (Hal and Phyllis of ian College of Surgeons on Melbourne), he has been May 20 after completing accepted for post-graduate • The band plays on new captain is Maurice Dell, neurosurgery training at training at Dallas, Texas. Crosslands Youth and press foreman at Signs Convention Centre (Sydney) Publishing Company. "If man is the bead, she [woman] is the crown, a crown to her hus- played host to 122 students band, the crown of visible creation. The man is dust refined, but the at the annual Adventist woman is dust double-refined"—Mattbew Henry (on Genesis 2) schools band camp. The stu- ADRA reports its report dents were from Sydney, The Adventist Develop- Port Macquarie and Toronto. ment and Relief Agency's Dollars help sick kids in Lismore What began on a bad note (ADRA) Annual Report has (the instruments were out of just been printed and is tune) ended three days later available, free, to any who with a concert that have an interest. Phone impressed. 1800 242 372 (Australia only) or write to ADRA Australia, PO Box 129, Honoured fireman Wahroonga NSW 2076. Forty-four years of volun- tary service to Victoria's Country Fire Authority was Perth is on the move recognised when Barry Perth church, WA, has Marshall (pictured) of voted to sell its property Warburton, and relocate. This was the Vic, was overwhelming vote at a Iismore church's (NSW) recent walkathon raised
s awarded the business meeting earlier this dio Mm$A2390 to renovate the children's ward of the
Stu Australian Fire year. The church has been
Lismore Base Hospital. Minister Pastor John Skrypaszek ry Service Medal at its current site since 1958, (right) presents the cheque to Jenny Hicks, the bu
lis in the Queen's but had come to a point Community Relations Officer for the Northern Rivers Sa Birthday where it had to either refur- Area Health Service. Senior elder, Max Miller, looks on. Honour's list. For 22 years bish, redevelop or relocate. he was brigade captain, a The sale of the property role he relinquished on June will include what was the July 22 Bible Sabbath 30, but he will continue as WA Conference office next August 5 Signs of the Times rally day of • the brigade president. The door to the church. August 12 Adventist Media Centre Offering July 8, 2 0 0 0
f ea t u r e "IF I WERE A RICH MAN" by No rman H Young
hat the world sings Kiyosaki encourages people to "be A rich man's farm pro- about is what the world a little greedy" and to follow radio duces an abundant crop, thinks about. And high on station WE-FM, that is, to ask WII- but then, so does every- Wits list of topics is money. FM—"What's In It For Me?" Yet, sur- one else's. The glut caus- Who, other than the already rich, has prisingly, given such ideas of wealth es a drop in prices. The not fantasised about being wealthy? creation, Kiyosaki's rich "dad" rich man decides to And endless songs have put our "believed firmly in tithing." Rich build bigger barns to musings to music. For example, in "dad's" constant advice was "if you store his grain and the musical comedy Fiddler on the want something, you first need to await a better price. Roof the poor Ukrainian Jew, Tevye, give." Or in Kiyosaki's own words, Many others do the laments his poverty with the wishful "All you need to be is generous with same, causing a words "If I were a rich man,/ ya ha what you have, and the powers will shortage in a time deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle be generous with you." That may not of abundance and dum./ All day long I'd biddy biddy be pure altruism, but it beats stingi- forcing the price up. bum./ If I were a wealthy man./ I ness by a clear mile. In a peasant society wouldn't have to work hard/ . . . If I this brings great dis- were a biddy biddy rich man." Jesus' view of money tress on the poor. Other songs that eulogise money The New Testament isn't like This is the back- include: "Money for Nothing" (Dire Kiyosaki's middle class, who are ground of the proverb: "People curse Straits); "Money—That's What I Want" reluctant to discuss money. The New a man who hoards grain, waiting for (Barrett Strong); "The Money Tree" Testament speaks frequently about a higher price, but they praise the (Margaret Whiting); "Money Talks" money. But it does come down one who puts it up for sale" (AC/DC); "Money Changes decidedly on the side of a radical (Proverbs 11:26, GNB). Everything" (Cyndi Lauper); "Money" generosity. "Lend," Jesus said, "to What the rich man failed to factor (Pink Floyd). them without expecting to get any- into his life was the reality of death. Paul Clitheroe's popular TV money thing back" (Luke 6:35).* That pro- Having decided to expand his storage show commences appropriately with foundly qualifies "rich dad's" radio space, the rich man contemplated a an arrangement reminiscent of Abba's WII-FM. long and prosperous life (Luke well-known pop song "Money, Yet, paradoxically, Jesus speaks of 12:19). But that night he died. Who Money, Money." The chorus goes like returns: "Then your reward will be will now have his hoarded wealth? this: "Money, money, money/ Must great, and you will be sons of the Jesus asks. The Psalmist noted the be funny/ In the rich man's world/ Most High, because he is kind to the folly of a person who "heaps up Money, money, money/ Always ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35). A wealth, not knowing who will get it" sunny/ In the rich man's world/ Aha- few verses later He seems to endorse (Psalm 39:6); "the foolish and the ahaaa/ All the things I could do/ If I "rich dad's" philosophy of giving: senseless alike perish, and leave their had a little money/ It's a rich man's "Give, and it will be given to you. A wealth to others" (Psalm 49:10). world." good measure, pressed down, shaken Far better to share one's wealth by Such songs catapulted the four together and running over, will be choice than by death. It's Jesus' view Swedes into the very rich man's poured into your lap. For with the that being rich toward God (verse 21) world they sang about. But how do measure you use, it will be measured means giving generously to the those of us who lack Abba's musical to you" (Luke 6:38). needy. Want to know where your flair make a fortune? Jesus' view seems to be to give heart is? Follow the money, is Jesus' with no expectation of a return and advice (Matthew 6:21). Robert Kiyosaki's view then, and only then, God will bless Jesus' second story about money is Many have turned to Robert the benefactor. "The Great Banquet" (Luke 14:12-24). Kiyosaki's best-selling Rich Dad, Poor Jesus told four parables that pierce Jesus admonishes His followers when Dad for guidance. The book's basic our basic selfishness. The first, com- giving a banquet to invite those who thesis is that the middle-class work monly known as "The Rich Fool," is are unable to give a reciprocal invita- for money (and to pay taxes), while in the setting of two brothers' dispute tion. Invite, He says, not rich neigh- the rich make money work for them over the family inheritance. The para- bours, but the poor, the maimed, the (and avoid taxes). ble rebukes their greed. lame and the blind (verse 13).
Ju ly 8, 2 000 f eature
In first-century Palestine, a person's among your brothers in any of the wise of such charity? guest list indicated one's social status. towns of the land that the Lord your Is it wrong to invest to make a Jesus dismisses this convention by God is giving you, do not be hard- good return? This seems to most urging His disciples to include those hearted or tightfisted toward your Christians to be a wise use of means. of low status. That is, to give expect- poor brother. Rather be openhanded Is planning for one's retirement self- ing nothing in return —a principle and freely lend him whatever he ish? Again most Christians think this is contrary to ancient customs of needs . . . do not show ill will toward good stewardship because it takes patronage (and hardly compat- your needy brother and give him personal responsibility for one's aged ible with today's commercial nothing. He may then appeal to the care. Is personal comfort and enjoy- methods). Lord against you, and you will be ment inherently wrong? Few Western Jesus' point is this: The found guilty of sin. Give generously Christians live in tents! kingdom of God is not to him and do so without a grudging These are a few of the many valid formed along the lines of heart; then because of this the Lord questions that can be asked, but in society's rules—the nobod- your God will bless you in all your the end the words of Jesus, Paul, yes, ies, not the well-to-do, make work and in everything you put your and even of Singer, disturb our com- up the bulk of its guests. hand to" (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). fort zone and rouse our conscience. God is generous to those If Jesus' fourth parable is to be Neither Jesus nor Paul set down who have nothing to believed, how we use our money precisely defined limits or rules for bring to the table, but influences our final destiny. But then giving. Since most of us suffer from the barriers of wealth that's His teaching wherever you look selfishness rather than extreme gen- (verses 18-19) and family (see for example Matthew 5:42; 6:2-4; erosity, they hone in on the need for ties (verse 20) prevent 25:45). us to act against our natural inclina- others from entering the tions. They exhort a radical generosi- kingdom (verse 33). The challenge continues ty and leave it to each of us to The whole point of Paul's understanding of generosity respond from our own hearts. They Jesus' third story, the is the same as his Lord's. By using the rely on the gospel to remind us con- "Unjust Steward," is that the children same terms to describe both Christian tinuously of the needs of others as of light must use their possessions giving and the gospel, Paul ties the well as of our own needs. just as cleverly as an unscrupulous two closely together. Paul refers to "Be generous" is the gospel imper- worldling (Luke 16:1-9). The dishon- giving money for the needy as a "ser- ative; not to impoverish us, but to est steward manipulated his master's vice" (2 Corinthians 8:4); "an act of encourage us to share our surplus money to provide a secure future for grace" (verse 6); "a liberal or gener- with those who lack (2 Corinthians himself. Jesus urges us to use our ous gift" (verses 12, 20; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; 9:10-11). money in this life to help the poor so 9:5); "sharing" (verse 13; Philippians Above all it's the gospel's example that when money's usefulness is over 4:15); "the offering" (verse 19); "the that guides and compels Christian they (either God or the poor) will proof of your love" (verse 24); "a fra- generosity: "For you know the grace welcome us into eternal dwellings grant offering, an acceptable sacrifice" of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though (verse 9). (Philippians 4:18). Clearly, for Paul, he was rich, yet for your sakes he The fourth story is in some ways liberality for the needs of others is a became poor, so that you through his the most powerful of all (Luke 16:19- basic element in the Christian ethos. poverty might become rich" (2 31). A rich man dies and ends up in The ethic of Jesus and Paul includ- Corinthians 8:9). III a place of torment. A poor man, ed an attitude of generous giving. But Lazarus, who used to beg unnoticed how do we implement that attitude in Unless stated, all Bible texts are from the at the rich man's gate, also dies and a modem welfare state? Are we to go New International Version. fmds himself reclining in the compa- to the lengths of Melbourne bioethi- ny of Abraham. cist Peter Singer? Singer suggests that This is the seventh in a series of articles The rich man begs for Lazarus to unnecessary expenditure is equivalent defending the practical implications of the come across to him and provide fundamental beliefs of Adventism. Many to criminal negligence, for every $300 people question the relevance of doctrine, some relief from his torments, but he we spend on luxuries could have seeing it as the preoccupation of nit-picking is told this is impossible. The rich saved the life of a third-world child. theological minds. Doctrine is simply teach- man then pleads for Lazarus to go Singer has a simple formula: ing. Doctrine becomes sterile when isolated and warn his five brothers about the "Whatever money you're spending on from Jesus and the realities of life. This series place of torment. If they don't heed luxuries, not necessities, should be presents Adventist beliefs as issuing from Moses, the rich man is assured, then given away." Jesus and as impacting on our lives. his brothers would not heed a visit of But is Singer's philosophy practical? Lazarus from the dead. Who are the poor in our society? Are What should they have heeded handouts what they need? Should Norman H Young is a senior lecturer in New from the Law of Moses? Passages like Christians give to the poor without Testament at Avondale College, Cooranbong, the following: "If there is a poor man any thought of the benefit or other- New South Wales.
Ju ly 8, 2000 9
feature • CROOKS AN D CHURCHES by Ross Chadwick
f you want to hatch chickens, foreign environment of God's grace. ter than a common task. Leave the you have to put eggs under It needs to learn to breathe the air soldiers in the barracks and give chooks. More chickens more of forgiveness and acceptance. Who them no time in action and watch eggs. If you want to catch fish, provides that environment? what happens to their attitude. iyou have to use bait. Soul-winning Churches that don't fish, fight. They'll start inventing things to corn- must be the church's vocation, not a When the energy intended for use plain about. The bunks are too hard, vacation. outside the church is used inside, the food too drab, the leadership Like all good boats, the church the result is explosive. Instead of too tough, the company too stale. needs ballast (a good budget) to casting nets, we cast stones. Instead They'll even start squabbling among maintain the balance, and people to of extending helping hands, we themselves. operate the vessel and haul in the point accusing fingers. Rather than However, place those same sol- nets. But statistics in Australia and helping the hurting, we hurt the diers in the trenches where they New Zealand tell us that, on aver- helping. have to duck a few bullets and the age, we win one new soul per year The result? Church Scrooges, hum- barracks becomes a haven. The for every 32 church members. bug spirituality, beady eyes search- beds feel great, the food ideal, the How would you respond if you ing for warts on others, while ignor- leadership courageous, the company sent 20 fisherpeople out on a boat ing the warts on their own noses, exciting and yes, they'll even have a for one year and they returned with crooked fingers that bypass few stories to tell. only one fish? And, if it struggled, strengths and point out weaknesses. Why has the church's trumpet a gasped or wriggled too much when Sadly, the result of all this is the been muted? Too much of our atten- pulled on deck, they hit it with a poor go hungry, the confused with- tion is focused on the wrong things. stick? out counselling, the lost without Focus not on the failure of the The reality direction. church, but the power of the mes- should be that Note the other side of the tale; sage. Have the courage to change when a soul is when those who are called to fish, the way of doing things. Return to rescued from fish, the church flourishes. Nothing Three Angels preaching that is this cosmic cures a church's intestinal gripes spearheaded by the gospel. Get sea, it needs to than an outreach program. Next back to the original church be born time you feel like complaining planting philosophy. again and about something in your Let's put more nurtured church, stand in the local eggs under in the cemetery and weigh up your com- chooks before new plaint in the light of eternity because the last roost- and where they are, you soon will be. er crows. 119 Ask, In the light of mortality, does it a matter? We're soldiers of the kingdom on Ross a campaign in a foreign land (see 1 Chadwick is Peter 1:17). When the trumpet the minister sounds all the troops rally to their of the Shed posts. What's your spiritual gift? Community Church in Remember when Gideon fought Yallah, New the Midianites? It's time for us to South Wales. sound the trumpet, break the pitchers and let the light of the gospel shine to those around us. Nothing unites sol- diers bet-
I 0 Ju ly 8, 2000 book review UNLEASH THgream
t could have been sub-titled: we do better than we've "We reckon the Seventh-thy done in the past. Adventist Church should get on The essays in Unleash the with being the church we should Dream are arranged in GENERATION /and can be." Instead, it's a little alphabetical order by more succinctly and diplomatically author's name and so repre- CHALLENGES S sub-titled: "A new generation chal- sent no order of priority as THE CHURCH lenges the church they love." far as issue or topic is con- THEY LOVE Initiated and edited by Andy cerned. As editor, Nash sug- Nash, former assistant editor of gests reading them in any Adventist Review, Unleash the Dream order. Indeed, there are a is a collection of essays by 12 writ- variety of approaches from ers aged between 20 and 35. While which to choose. Grenville Kent and Gary Krause There's consideration contribute Australian touches, it given to church structure, does have a North American flavour. administration and the However, the issues and topics have importance of the local far-reaching significance. church. Issues within church The young are not the church of life such as identity, the way tomorrow, they're the church of we treat each other, race ID today. It's becoming a cliché. But it's relations and mentoring are obvious from reading Unleash the discussed. Dream these young adults don't How we—as a church— have much say in the church of relate to the broader com- today. If they did, it would be a dif- munity is recognised as ferent church. important. Positive, relevant These voices are not simply mak- and pro-active engagement ing noises from the edges of the with the media and popular significant book: it church. Most of them work for the culture are seen as vital. recognises shortcomings and calls church and were invited to con- Importantly, spiritual concerns per- for improvements. While being criti- tribute because of their previous vade Unleash the Dream. These are cal, it's undeniably positive. The fact writing for various church publica- specifically addressed in essays on that such a book is published within tions. Unleash the Dream comes revival and freedom in our Christian our church is a signal of a healthy from a collection of young adults lives and in the life of the church. organisation. If the issues raised can who have something to say. And, despite the assurance of objec- be further considered and debated A recurring theme is summarised tive alphabetic ordering, the final at all levels, we will be a better 5 by a quote from one of the essays: essay does constitute something of a church. "I wish that our church got excited summary of the preceding 11 in its And if these and other voices call- about change, about growth, about call for excellence in all facets of ing for positive change are heeded, all the new ideas we have" (Shasta personal and church life. leading to greater focus and commit- Burr). It's not about change for the Unfortunately, the impression ment, the Seventh-thy Adventist sake of change; it's about possibili- from reading the 12 essays is they Church will be a great church— ties. were limited for space. Some big through the power of God. IS In some instances, the suggestion issues are raised and not given the is the church needs to go back to space they deserve. Because of the the future—to rediscover some of difficulties associated with some of Unleash the Dream, edited by Andy Nash, the ideas and energy we seem to the topics under consideration, these Review and Herald Publishing Association, have lost. But the church also needs essays would have benefited from a Hagerstown, Maryland, 1999, softcover, re-inventing to play its role in a more in-depth examination. It's a 144 pages. Price: $A20. 75; $NZ25.95; changing world. good starting point, but there seem K28.95. Available through Adventist Book Centres. Reviewed by Nathan Brown who is Ultimately, the various writers to be few forums in which the studying honours in literature at James urge us to find ways to be a better debate can continue. Cook University, Townsville, Queensland. church—often simply by doing what However, Unleash the Dream is a S Ju ly 8, 2000 adventist life I "WHO HAS BLOOD ON "DEAR JESUS" HIS HANDS?" by Kate Vogel
T unch time. A visit to the bank Dear land just enough time to wan- Jesus, der through the adjoining St I Vincent de Paul Society shop dwent before heading back to school. to have my As I inspect the bric-a-brac, I shower notice a small dynamo of activity this morn- and noise. She moves from one ing, item to another, calling her moth- turned on er's attention to the virtues of the radio each, requesting it be purchased and and insisting loudly it will add to flicked the quality of their lives. through Why isn't she at school? She to find looks old enough. Surely, Mum my would enjoy the break? favourite Suddenly, the energy and station. It movement come to a halt. The wasn't playing child stands immobilised in front anything I liked, I of the obligatory statue of Jesus. except a song that Turning to her mother, eyes reminded me of one wide, voice strangely restrained, of Michael W Smith's. I she asks, "Who's that king with saw a CD of his on top of blood on his hands?" the sound system, placed it in My heart skips a beat. I wait, the player, put "I Will Be Here for return your love. pretending to be interested in the You" on repeat and carried on with "Don't be sad, you're not alone/I items on the shelf, wanting to my shower. will be here for you." overhear this mother retell the "Let me in your world/All you Tears filled my eyes. There's greatest story that ever happened. need is someone you can hold." nothing to fear. The mother, who has ignored You were talking to me through Will You be my best friend? I'm her daughter's boisterous behav- the words of the song. I've needed scared of what's around the corner iour, snaps to attention. She gags a really good friend to get me in my life and want You to be the the little girl's mouth with her through some of the things that One who holds my hand. hand, reprimanding her for ask- have been happening lately, some- We'll be best friends forever. ing silly questions and hurries her one who could always be there for Wait and see. • out of the shop. me and I for them. But I don't have Sunflowers are my favourite flow- Somewhere in My Town is a one. Not that I don't have friends, ers. They make me feel so special. little girl who has an unanswered it's just no-one is particularly close. Thanks for creating them. If I could question. Please tell her and her As the song repeated the third get something for You to show mother about the One who was time I thought, I've been baptised how much I love You, I'd pick a pierced for our transgressions, but haven't really kept to the sunflower. A perfect one for a per- who was crushed for our iniqui- promise of the marriage of love for fect Lord. Every sunflower I look at ties, who bore the punishment God. It's been four years and I've from now on will be like looking that brought us peace and by finally realised You're always there into my best friend's face. whose wounds we are healed. for me. I love You. You fill my life Thanks for loving me. Tell them the story of the King with . . . life! Kate tri who has blood on His hands. IN It's said You're the Father of all nations, that means we're your chil- dren and, like a newborn child has Kate Vogel was 16 and living in Glenda Neuschulz writes from an instinct to feel love for their par- Huntingdale, Western Australia, when she Wodonga, Victoria. ents, I now feel that instinct to wrote this.
1 2 Ju ly 8, 2 00 0 letters I
We also need to "post a guard" and persistently pray that God will protect those parts of the church left exposed and damaged by the devil
Source of solace frustrated it, we all returned to the access to the facilities of the church," AUDREY WAITS, SA wall, each to his own work" (verses but God has made men and women Concerning the rights of Christians 13, 14, NIV). quite different in how they deal with to appeal for human help in the face This is the key to victory over divi- life. There is a need for ministry and of persecution and pain (Editorial, sion. We also need to "post a guard" resources to help women grow per- June 3), did not Jesus find His great- and persistently pray that God will sonally and spiritually. est help in prayer? (Remember protect those parts of the church left The North New South Wales Gethsemane?) His closest human exposed and damaged by the devil. Conference recently held a confer- friends failed Him, but did He not These include the issues of worship, ence-wide Women's Ministries retreat, find His greatest solace in approach- ordination of women and manifesta- attended by more than 150 women ing His Father for strength, mercy and tions of the Holy Spirit. (three men as well!). They left having justice? Why do we fight each other in the been spiritually and personally Before He left this planet, Jesus flesh when we should seek the will refreshed. A special offering for the promised an omniscient replacement of God on our knees and fight two women's refuges in the confer- whose guidance, help, justice and against the devil with the spiritual ence raised over $1000. A number of comfort would supersede that of any weapons that God has given us (see women donated their pillows, doonas human agency. Even at this late point Ephesians 6)? When we've fought and blankets. The ministry is not only of history most haven't yet learned each other, Satan's attack has been an in-reach, but also an outreach to that it is the Holy Spirit to whom we powerfully effective. When we stop the community. should appeal. Poor Holy Spirit, we and pray, God wins the battle. Why doesn't "Reverse discrimina- have so neglected Him. It's small tion" begin a men's ministry in their wonder, then, that we rarely see Him Now hear this! own conference or church? Or are manifest the power He's promised BARB SADLER, NSW men too afraid to discuss their spiritu- (see John 14:13, 14; Luke 11:13; and 2 I read "Reverse discrimination?" al journey and personal issues? I'm Corinthians 13:14). (Letters, June 3) with a smile. Why do sure there are many areas where they men feel threatened when a bunch of could be involved in outreach. Then Battle for unity women get together? Perhaps they wouldn't have time to worry JAIU DERRICK, VIC "women are not inherently spiritually about being discriminated against by I believe the editorial of May 20 disadvantaged, and have the same mere women. ("Building a community of faith") uncovers a vital concern about unity. The story of the rebuilding of the Just a coincidence wall of Jerusalem (symbolic of the church community) in Nehemiah 4 tells of the threat Sanballat made to the Jews: "Before they know it or see NEV !- us, we will be right there among noun, stoo ' Ju ly 8, 2 0 0 0 n o t i c e b o a r d I builder and above all, a Bible student. He 1999 trusted his Lord till the end. Position vacant Lance Butler, Ken Low ADRA A Primary Teacher, Auburn Adventist School—Greater Sydney Frey, Walter Hermann, born Conference is seeking to appoint an experienced Primary Teacher for a full- Annual 13.11.26 in Ludwigsburg, Germany; time position commencing August 14, 2000. This appointment is an opportu- died on 4.5.00 at home in Albury, nity to join an excellent team of professionals in a very good school. Report NSW. He is survived by his wife, Applications in writing (including your resume) should be forwarded to Paul Erika; his children, Margaret, Sandy Devine, Education Director, Greater Sydney Conference, 4 Cambridge To receive your copy phone or write: and Michael; their spouses; and three Street, Epping NSW 2121; fax (02) 9868 6533; phone (02) 9868 6522 or email ADRA Australia, grand daughters. He was a much- i Ju ly 8, 2 00 0 n o t i c e b o a r d Youth Con delivering hope... At Cairns! '11 "I have cancer and I don't know what is the future. BE QUICK... I am reading your Health OVER ONE THIRD FILLED ALR booklets and without thinking have been changing my life espiring Speakers... d ao style and eating habits." vgbrisAr Theme... U2 Can have an g ACTS Two Ex ference Offering bane 2nd Jan 2001 www.caims4u (c_, 2ipworld July 29 spouses, Katherine and Rod Hutton Western Australian Confer- WTS Furniture Removal. Local, Solicitor, NNZ. John Anderson, for- (Brisbane, Qld), Evelyn and Elmo ence Triennial Session. Notice is country and long-distance. Storage pro- merly of Te Awamutu, is now practis- Charles (Berwick, Vic) and Meryl and hereby given that the Seventy-first Tri- vided and packing supplied. All goods ing in Katikati. For farm, home and Laurie Heymer (Brisbane, Qid). Margaret ennial Session of the Western Aus- insured. Free quote. PO Box 214, business transactions, leases, family had a gifted singing voice which she tralian Conference of the Seventh-day Williamstown Vic 3016. Phone (03) 9397 trusts, wills, deceased estates and gen- used for the glory of God. She will be Adventist Church will be held at 7190 all hours. Mobile phone 0412 383 eral legal work phone (07) 549 3446 sadly missed by all who knew her. Advent Park, 345 Kalamunda Road, 140. New depot in Brisbane, mobile (anytime); fax (07) 549 3454; email Paul von Bran, John Lang Maids Vale, September 8-10, 2000. phone 0418 732 773. ID Ju ly 8, 2000 I 5 Yes, you can just SEND MONEY We know the problem. You want to support Signs of the Times, but you just don't know who to send it to. Problem solved. We have a desperate need for more Signs in airport and ship ministry, for literature evangelists and places of accommodation. And that's only for I starters. That's why we say, if you're sold on Signs and just want to send money, we have the need. Simply fill in the form below, with your details. Or talk to Pastor Des Hills, the volunteer Signs coordinator: phone/fax (02) 4973 3520 or email [email protected] After 114 years, Signs has a proven track record in evangelism. And it's here to stay, with your help. Yes, I want to send money for Signs: Name Address Postcode Please print clearly to avoid mail difficulties Enter card number here ❑ Bankcard ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Signature Expiry Date / Clip and post coupon to: Signs, PO Box 201, Warburton, Victoria 3799, Australia or Signs, PO Box 97-019, South Auckland Mail Centre, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand ACN 000 003 930 Australasian Conference Association Limited oth