JULY/AUGUST 2015

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PRAY, PLAN & ORGANIZE: This is your “magic toolbox” for beginning success in evangelism: Prayer: It is a duty and privilege to pray for the blessing of the Lord. Planning and Organization: Ellen White makes it clear in the book Evangelism that for an evangelistic series of meetings to be successful, the church needs to plan and be 1. thoroughly organized. Heaven’s counsel is as relevant today as the day it was written. PRE-WORK AND EXTENSIVE ADVERTISING: Pre-work such as Bible studies, felt need seminars, health events, fellowship meals and socials insure you will have an audience when you advertise for your evangelistic meetings. As savvy clients know, advertising is vital to success. Advertise, advertise, advertise, to your own 2. church members as well as the community. Advertising must include news releases, newspaper articles, colorful invitations such as brochures or large postcards, posters, billboards and word of mouth.

REAPING SERIES AND FOLLOW-UP: For the church that has invested heavily in pre-work, the reaping series will bring satisfying results. Follow-up is vital to success in evangelism. You do follow-up, don’t you? Keep interests on a master list and mail them invitations to all church events. It may take a period of time, 3. but churches that follow-up will find their “reaping “ to be successful beyond their wildest dreams.

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Call 800.274.0016 or Visit HOPESOURCE.COM Today! Hamblin’s Outreach Publishing Enterprise 109 E. Logan St. | P.O. Box 350 | Tecumseh, MI 49286 Call: 800.274.0016 | Visit: hopesource.com Email: [email protected] or [email protected] CONTENTS

Published by the Seventh-day Adventist Longing for His appearing Church. Read by clergy of all faiths. 06 Alberto R. Timm—This article deals with the time element as related to the Second Coming and the establishment of God’s kingdom. 04&05 Editorials Final breakthroughs for mission 10 Jerry N. Page—Because we are in the last great crisis of this earth’s history, the author asks, “Will we 18&29 Revival and listen to the warnings and appeals of our loving God and grasp the opportunity to be a part of the final breakthroughs before Jesus comes?” Reformation Resources Focus on Christ, not the crisis: A discussion on end- 58 13 time events 60 Dateline Norman R. Gulley—This article unfolds different aspects of the end-time crisis and points the way to survive it. 62 The Pastor and Health

Living in expectation of the second coming of Jesus

Elizabeth Ostring—“How does one’s understanding of eschatology impact daily living?” asks the ® 16 MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL EDITORS author. And how can a pastor help parishioners hasten the day that they long for? International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, French-Bernard Sauvagnat MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Indonesian-Edwin T. Pandjaitan Japanese-Masaki Shoji “Going home”: Good news from the second angel www.ministrymagazine.org Korean-Soon Ki Kang 19 Murray House—The second angel’s message has not often been delivered as a relevant message for us [email protected] Portuguese (South America)-Zinaldo but rather as one needing to be delivered to others. EDITOR Santos Derek J. Morris Russian-Michael Kaminsky Spanish (South America)-Marcos Blanco ASSOCIATE EDITOR Spanish (Inter-America)-Pablo Perla Preparing the world for the coming of Christ Willie E. Hucks II Robert Costa—How do we reach people from all walks of life and cultures with the gospel message? INTERNATIONAL 23 CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR ADVISORS John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Myrna Tetz Mario Brito, Michael D. Collins, Daniel Devadhas, Carlos Hein, Michael Kaminsky, The last generation: How the Advent hope defines us EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Janos Kovacs-Biro, Armando Miranda, Skip Bell—The author asks, “Could Jesus return today?” and hopes to be among the last generation Sheryl Beck Rudatinya M. Mwangachuchu, Daniel 26 Opoku-Boateng, Jongimpi Papu, David when Jesus returns! FINANCE AND Ripley, Hector Sanchez, Branimir Schubert, TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Houtman Sinaga, Artur Stele, Ivan L. Preaching the Second Coming John Feezer IV Williams, Ted N. C. Wilson 30 Willie E. Hucks II—Those who attend our churches need to be reminded that Jesus is coming again and that His coming is both sure and imminent. ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] 12 issues: United States US$32.99; Canada and overseas US$47.00. To order: send Enough fuel to make it home SUBSCRIPTIONS/ name, address, and payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Abraham Guerrero—Do we have sufficient fuel left to propel the gospel vehicle to reach every RENEWALS/ADDRESS 34 Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. unreached area or population segment in the world before Jesus returns? CHANGES www.ministrymagazine.org/subscribe [email protected] DIGITAL DELIVERY Engaging a heart for mission to children +1 301-680-6511 Print subscribers can sign up for digital deliv- 38 Linda Mei Lin Koh—Read the five reasons and the five benefits of why we should minister to children. +1 301-680-6502 (fax) ery at www.ministrymagazine.org/digital TO WRITERS COVER We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Why did Jesus promise signs and wonders? 316 Creative/iStock Before submitting, review the writers’ Derek J. Morris—Should we not focus on signs and wonders? We should focus on Jesus and His Word. guidelines at www.ministrymagazine.org. 42 LAYOUT Please send manuscripts via email to

Impacting the world—one life at a time 316 Creative [email protected]. 46 Jim Ayer—How does Adventist World Radio (AWR) broadcast day and night in more than 100 languages? Read how AWR ever expands and seeks to fulfill the great commission of our Lord. Co-hosts Anthony Kent and Derek Morris www.MinistryinMotion.tv Noticing where God is already at work 49 Shawn Boonstra—The writer posits, “There is no such thing as a ‘cold interest.’ ” Read his thoughts on sharing the good news. MINISTRY® has been published PRINTER Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., monthly since 1928 by the Ministerial 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.® Ministry is a Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. Adventist mission: From awareness to engagement— peer-reviewed journal. (ISSN 0026-5314) 52 Part 1 SECRETARY Jerry N. Page Member of Associated Church Press. Marcelo Dias and Wagner Kuhn—As we celebrate the past and are challenged by the future, we ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES must reflect on the reason for the Seventh-day Adventist presence in this world. Jonas Arrais, Robert Costa, Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and Willie E. Hucks II, Anthony Kent, Ministry® are the registered trademarks Derek Morris, Janet Page of the General Conference Corporation of MINISTERIAL RESOURCE Seventh-day Adventists®. BIBLE CREDITS Scriture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. Used by CENTER COORDINATOR permission. All rights reserved world wide. Scriptures quoted from NKJV are from the New King James Version, copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Scriptures Cathy Payne Vol. 87 Numbers 7/8 © 2015 quoted from NASB are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by 888-771-0738, +1 301-680-6508 permission. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.ministerialassociation.com PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. EDITORIAL TED N. C. WILSON

A pastor after God’s own heart

ne of the greatest privileges rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering God’s own heart. You can then identify is to be a pastor for Jesus and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). with Paul, who said, “I have fought the OChrist during these last days In order to do this, it is so important good fight. I have finished the race, I of earth’s history. Without question, to be daily connected with Christ—to be have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid Christ is the Head of the church, and He revived and reformed by the Holy Spirit up for me the crown of righteousness, is the Chief Shepherd. And as such, He for our mission of lifting up Christ, His which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has called you and me as His ministers, love, His righteousness, His plan of salva- will give to me on that Day, and not to to be special servants and pastors tion, the sanctuary service, the three me only but also to all who have loved after His own heart. In Jeremiah 3:15, angels’ messages, and His soon coming. His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8). God says, “ ‘I will give you shepherds We are to proclaim in word and in practi- Jesus is coming soon! In the near according to My heart, who will feed you cal activity His Advent message of truth future, we will look up and see a small with knowledge and understanding.’ ” 1 to “reach the world.” We are told, “The cloud that will get larger and brighter. secret of success is the union of divine Soon it will fill the whole sky—all of power with human effort. Those who heaven poured out for this climactic achieve the greatest results are those who event of earth’s history. And there, In the near future, rely most implicitly upon the Almighty seated in the center of the cloud of Arm.”2 This is the secret of your power angels, will be our Savior and Chief we will look up and as a pastor after God’s own heart. Every Shepherd. The One who came to this morning, place yourself in God’s hands earth; lived a perfect life; died for us on asking that He lead in all that you do. the cross as the perfect, sinless Lamb; see a small cloud When I was a freshman in college, rose again; and ascended into heaven my father took the time to write me a to become our High Priest, where He that will get larger letter and enclose a beautiful handwrit- is interceding on our behalf in the Most ten quotation from the book Steps Holy Place at this very moment. But He and brighter. to Christ. I have never forgotten it! will take off those priestly robes and put Pastors, take time to write, call, or text on His kingly robes to return and claim your children. Let them know of your us as His own. We will look up and say, spiritual interest in their lives. Here is a “ ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited The work of the local pastor is vitally portion of the quotation that my father for Him, and He will save us’ ” (Isa. 25:9). important and foundational to the suc- sent to me: “Consecrate yourself to God And Christ will look down and say, “Well cess of God’s church throughout the in the morning; make this your very first done, good and faithful servant and world. Thank you for the very important work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O pastor, enter into the joy of your Lord” work you do: feeding, nurturing, and Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans (paraphrase of Matt. 25:21). Through guiding God’s people; leading out in at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Christ’s grace, let us plan to be there! dynamic evangelistic outreach and train- Abide with me, and let all my work be Arise! Shine! Jesus is coming! ing members for active participation wrought in Thee.’ . . . Surrender all your (one of your most important duties); and plans to Him, to be carried out or given Yours in the blessed hope, sharing the Word of God in its complete up as His providence shall indicate. message from Sabbath to Sabbath. Thus day by day you may be giving your As you go about the work of pasto- life into the hands of God, and thus your Ted N. C. Wilson, President ral ministry, remember that the Head life will be molded more and more after Seventh-day Adventist Church Shepherd is constantly by your side to the life of Christ.”3 strengthen, encourage, and guide you. As you allow the Lord to lead you 1 All Scripture references are from the New King James Version. 2 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Washington, DC: Review God has called you, and His orders are each day, your ministry will flourish and and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), 509. clear: “Preach the word! Be ready in become a great blessing as you become 3 White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., season and out of season. Convince, a pastor who is more and more after 1956), 70.

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 EDITORIAL DEREK J. MORRIS AND WILLIE E. HUCKS II

Faithful to the end

n behalf of the entire Ministry “ ‘Go therefore and make disciples of collection of resources. Each day of the team, we want to thank you, all the nations’ ” (Matt. 28:19),1 and our upcoming General Conference session, Othe many clergy who read this blessed hope is certain: “ ‘I will come July 2–11, 2015, you can also download journal, for your faithful ministry. And again and receive you to Myself; that a different free book from our Web site when we speak of the team, we recog- where I am, there you may be also’ ” www.MinistryMagazine.org. Visit daily nize that it takes more than an editor (John 14:3). We believe that soon to download the complete library of and associate editor to produce this “the Lord Himself will descend from 11 books. publication. Indeed, this monthly maga- heaven with a shout, with the voice For those of you who will attend zine would not exist were it not for the of an archangel, and with the trumpet the General Conference session in San scores of behind-the-scenes personnel: of God. And the dead in Christ will rise Antonio, Texas, please stop by and visit our editorial specialist, our finance and first. Then we who are alive and remain us at the Ministerial Association booth technology manager, our subscription shall be caught up together with them area (B401) in the Henry B. Gonzalez manager, our editorial consultants, our in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” Convention Center. graphic designer, international advisers (1 Thess. 4:16, 17). May you find strength and comfort and editors, our advertising representa- We want to share with you some in the words of Jesus: “ ‘Lo, I am with tive, and the Pacific Press Publishing good news: this entire double issue you always, even to the end of the age’ ” Association team. is immediately available at www (Matt. 28:20). In this double issue, we focus on the .MinistryMagazine.org.2 On that Web site important themes of the second coming you will also find archived materials, 1 All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. of Jesus and mission. These two themes searchable by author or topic, dating 2 Normally, unless you are a subscriber signed up for digital are inextricably linked together. Our back to the inception of Ministry in 1928. delivery, only the lead article can be read immediately; the mission assignment from Jesus is clear: Please take advantage of this valuable complete issue is unavailable online for three months.

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Book Downloads JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE ALBERTO R. TIMM

Alberto R. Timm, PhD, serves as an associate director, Ellen G. White Estate, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Longing for His appearing

hen I arrived home Christ to occur in the near and not-so- that “at some earlier period in His after a long trip several near future. From the near perspective, ministry Jesus believed the coming years ago, my family Christ states, for instance, that “ ‘you of the Kingdom closer than turned Wwelcomed me back will not have gone through the cities of out later to be the case.” So, “under warmly, except for our little son, Israel before the Son of Man comes’ ” the pressure of certain circumstances, William. My wife explained that during (Matt. 10:23); “ ‘there are some standing Jesus became convinced that the end my absence he had missed me and even here who shall not taste death till had been postponed.”2 gotten sick, and now he was hiding from they see the Son of Man coming in Much in the same line, Schweitzer me. But in a short while he showed up His kingdom’ ” (Matt. 16:28; cf. 2 Pet. suggested in 1906 that Jesus’ early very excited, saying, “Daddy, I already 1:16–18); “ ‘this generation will by no Messianic expectation was that He know what I will be when I grow up! means pass away till all things take would soon be “supernaturally removed I will be a pilot, and we will have our place’ ” (Luke 21:32); and “ ‘Surely I and transformed,” and then “revealed own airplane. So, we will always travel am coming quickly’ ” (Rev. 22:20). The as the Son of Man” in the Parousia. But together as a family, and I will take you apostle Paul reflected the same view in the nonfulfillment of the promise of wherever you need to go.” William’s the inclusive expression “we who are Matthew 10:23 frustrated His plans and creative idea cut my heart, but this alive and remain until the coming of the became “the first postponement of the thought reflected his strong desire to Lord” (1 Thess. 4:15). Parousia.” For Schweitzer, the whole keep us all together as a family. From the not-so-near perspective, history of Christianity down to the The Adventist movement com- Jesus mentioned some general signs present day “is based on the delay of prises a worldwide spiritual family (cf. of the times, and then warned, “ ‘but the Parousia, the non-occurrence of the Eph. 2:19) that misses Jesus’s physical the end is not yet’ ” (Matt. 24:4–6). To Parousia, the abandonment of escha- presence and longs for His return. this He added, “ ‘And this gospel of the tology, the progress and completion Already during His earthly ministry, kingdom will be preached in all the of the ‘de-eschatologizing’ of religion the disciples asked, “ ‘Tell us, when will world as a witness to all the nations, which has been connected therewith.”3 these things be? And what will be the and then the end will come’ ” (v. 14). In By contrast, C. H. Dodd advocated a sign of Your coming, and of the end of a similar tone the apostle Paul stated realized eschatology when he argued in the age?’ ” (Matt. 24:3).1 Just prior to His that the Second Coming would occur 1936 that the content of Jesus’ message ascension, the disciples inquired again, only after the great “apostasy” and the was not a future coming and a future “ ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the manifestation of “the man of lawless- kingdom, but rather a kingdom that had kingdom to Israel?’ ” (Acts 1:6). Almost ness” and “the son of destruction” (2 already arrived.4 2,000 years have passed, and Jesus has Thess. 2:1–12, NASB). Avoiding the previous one-sided not yet come. Several scholars have tried to solve perspectives, Geerhardus Vos and This article deals with the time the tension between these two types George E. Ladd argued for an insight- element as related to the Second of statements regarding the Second ful already-and-not-yet eschatology, Coming and the establishment of God’s Coming and the establishment of implying that God’s kingdom is already kingdom. God’s kingdom. Johannes Weiss and present but not yet fully installed. In Albert Schweitzer proposed a kind of 1930, Vos suggested that “the world to An imminent expectation frustrated eschatology. Assuming that come” is already “realized in principle,” The New Testament speaks of a “there are no stages of” the coming of and overlaps with “this age or world” literal and visible second coming of God’s kingdom, Weiss argued in 1892 from the resurrection of Christ to the

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 Parousia.5 For Ladd, “at the heart of of Christ.7 So, God’s children are still in will take place. Ellen White affirms, Jesus’ mission was a spiritual struggle the world without being of the world “But like the stars in the vast circuit of with the powers of evil. In Jesus’ person (John 17:14–16). In Christ they already their appointed path, God’s purposes and mission the Kingdom of God was dwell “in the heavenly places” (Eph. know no haste and no delay.”9 conquering the kingdom of Satan” to 2:6)8 and experience “the powers of the On the other side, we are faced such an extent that “the death of Jesus is age to come” (Heb. 6:4, 5; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; with the notion of a “delay” of the both an act of Satan and an act in which Gal. 1:4; Col. 1:13, 14). Second Coming. In the parable of the Jesus wins the victory over Satan.” So, But if the kingdom of grace was wise and foolish virgins, Christ stated the time between the resurrection of established without any delay at that “ ‘while the bridegroom was Jesus and His parousia is “a time of the Christ’s death in the middle of the delayed [Greek chronizontos], they all overlapping of the two ages.”6 seventieth week of Daniel 9:24–27 (cf. slumbered and slept’ ” (Matt. 25:5).

God knows precisely when Christ will return, even though the time when that event will occur is at least partially dependent on human behavior and performance.

Back in 1888, Ellen G. White empha- Gal. 4:4), can we speak of a delay of the Commenting on 2 Thessalonians 2:3 sized a twofold understanding of the Second Coming and, consequently, of (“for that Day will not come unless”; kingdom of God. She pointed out that the establishment of the kingdom of emphasis added), Ellen White stated the expression “kingdom of God” is glory? that the Second Coming “could not employed in the Bible to designate both take place before” the end of the the kingdom of grace and the kingdom The dilemma of the 1,260 year-days in 1798.10 But from of glory. The proclamation “ ‘The time delay the late 1860s she spoke of an actual is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at The Bible says that in God “there delay of the Second Coming and even hand’ ” (Mark 1:15) referred to the king- is no variation or shadow of turning” presented basic reasons for it.11 dom of grace “established by the death (James 1:17), and that His purpose Different attempts have been of Christ” and characterized by “the always “prevails” (Prov. 19:21, NIV) and made to solve this tension as well. With work of divine grace upon the hearts cannot “ ‘be thwarted’ ” (Job 42:2, NIV). emphasis on the human endeavor, of men.” But the kingdom of glory (see In regard to the Second Coming, Christ Seventh-day Adventists eventually Matt. 25:31, 32) is yet future and will not even stated that God the Father knows became convinced that the Second be installed before the second coming the “ ‘day and hour’ ” when that event Coming was an unconditional event

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE ALBERTO R. TIMM

that will occur only when the Adventist Dealing with the two perspectives, up denying any delay of the Second message is preached to the whole Ralph E. Neall admitted to feeling uncom- Coming. Those who accept process world (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 14:6, 7).12 But fortable with the attempts to harmonize theology tend also to believe that some authors have subscribed to the the tension in Ellen White’s writings on God’s foreknowledge is causative, but so-called harvest principle, suggesting the subject, “except perhaps by sug- they provide room for human free will that the Second Coming will take place gesting that the time of the end is fixed by denying that God actually knows only when God’s people reach the from God’s viewpoint but delayed from future human decisions, but only the stage of sinless perfection.13 man’s.”16 Studying those writings, Neall possibilities.19 However, if we agree Looking more from the divine grasped that in Mrs. White’s thought “the that God’s foreknowledge is absolute perspective, various authors believe Lord is waiting for the church to finish but not causative,20 then there is room

Bible hope is anchored on a sound dialogue between the eschatology of the world . . . and the eschatology of one’s own life.

that there is no real delay of the proclaiming the three angels’ messages for a delay of that event. Second Coming. For example, in his along with her parallel teaching that According to Siegfried J. Schwantes, book The Apparent Delay, Arnold V. the church must proclaim the message “the Biblical view of history rejects Wallenkampf argued, “By saying that because the Lord is coming soon.”17 casual determinism as undermining God had to postpone His Son’s second Should we simply live with such an personal responsibility.”21 In the Bible coming because of our dalliance, we unsolved tension, or is there something there is an ongoing interplay between deprive Him at one stroke of both else that can shed light on this complex God’s sovereignty and a human’s moral His foreknowledge and omniscience. matter? responsibility for his or her own actions. In so doing we lower our omniscient God even “altered the details of His God to our own level.”14 Mario Veloso Divine foreknowledge plans because of man’s perversity and suggested that there could be a delay Crucial for the whole discussion sometimes because of his repentance,”22 only if Christ “had set an announced is the interplay between human free as is well illustrated in the case of the time for His return” and if there will and divine foreknowledge.18 Those Flood (Gen. 6:1–8) and Nineveh (Jon. 3). would be no more historical events who believe that God’s foreknowledge But no local and temporal adjustment to manifest themselves prior to His is causative usually also accept double can take God by surprise or frustrate His manifestation.15 predestination and, consequently, end ultimate goals (cf. Dan. 4:32).

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 The notion that God’s foreknowl- kingdom of God can be harmonized 2 Johannes Weiss, Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, eds. Richard H. Hiers and D. Larrimore Holland (Philadelphia, PA: edge is absolute and not causative through the already-and-not-yet con- Fortress, 1971), 73, 85, 86. means that “free actions do not take cept and the twofold view of a present 3 Albert Schweitzer, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, trans. W. place because they are foreseen, but kingdom of grace that precedes the Montgomery (Mineola, NY: Dover, 2005), 356–358, 363. they are foreseen because they are to future kingdom of glory. The tension 4 C. H. Dodd, The Apostolic Preaching and Its Development take place.”23 From a more practical between the fact that God knows (Chicago: Willett, Clark, 1937), 142–149. 5 Geerhardus Vos, The Pauline Eschatology (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, perspective, God knows whether I will the time of Christ’s return and the 1994), 38, 39. be saved or lost, and even so, I am free delay of that event can be synchro- 6 George E. Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament, rev. ed., ed. to choose my own destiny. In a similar nized through the notion that God’s by Donald A. Hagner (Cambridge: Lutterworth, 1994), 66, 67, way, God knows precisely when Christ foreknowledge is absolute but not 192, 713. 7 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific causative. But one may still wonder Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 346, 347. The wording goes back to the why such tensions were left in the 1888 edition. New Testament. Could not the Bible be 8 For a further study of the meaning of the expression “in the more explicit on these matters? heavenly places,” see Carmelo Martines, “Una re-evaluación de la frase ‘en los lugares celestiales’ de la carta a los Efesios,” Bible hope is We have to realize that “some DavarLogos 2, no. 1 (2003): 29–45. passages of Scripture will never be 9 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Oakland, CA: Pacific Press perfectly comprehended until in the Pub. Assn., 1898), 32. future life Christ shall explain them”24 10 White, The Great Controversy, 356. anchored on a 11 See Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, DC: Review and and that to a certain extent our own Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), 694–697. sinful nature limits our understand- 12 See P. Gerard Damsteegt, Foundations of the Seventh-day sound dialogue ing of truth (John 16:12). So, in His Adventist Message and Mission (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, teachings, Christ sought to encour- 1977), 271–293. 13 E.g., Herbert E. Douglass, “Men of Faith—the Showcase of between the age and prepare His disciples for the God’s Grace,” in Herbert E. Douglass et al., Perfection: The future, without deceiving them “with Impossible Possibility (Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., false hopes.”25 We are told that while 1975), 9–56; C. Mervyn Maxwell, “Ready for His Appearing,” in answering the disciples’ question, Herbert E. Douglass et al., Perfection: The Impossible Possibility, eschatology of the 137–200; Herbert E. Douglass, Why Jesus Waits: How the “ ‘Tell us, when will these things [the Sanctuary Message Explains the Mission of the Seventh-day fall of Jerusalem] be? And what will Adventist Church (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. world . . . and the be the sign of Your coming, and of the Assn., 1976). end of the age?’ ” (Matt. 24:3), Jesus 14 Arnold V. Wallenkampf, The Apparent Delay: What Role Do We Play in the Timing of Jesus’ Return? (Hagerstown, MD: Review “mingled the description of these two eschatology of and Herald Pub. Assn, 1994), 91, 92. events,” so as not to discourage His 15 Mario Veloso, “There Is No Delay,” Ministry, December 1996, disciples.26 6–8. Bible hope is anchored on a sound 16 Ralph E. Neall, “The Nearness and the Delay of the Parousia in one’s own life. the Writings of Ellen G. White” (PhD diss., Andrews University, dialogue between the eschatology of 1982), abstract, 246. the world (vv. 29–31) and the eschatol- 17 Ralph E. Neall, How Long, O Lord? (Hagerstown, MD: Review ogy of one’s own life (Heb. 9:27). Christ and Herald Pub. Assn., 1988), 114. not only warned, “ ‘Watch therefore, 18 For further discussion of the subject, see James K. Beilby et al., eds., Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views (Downers Grove, IL: for you do not know what hour your InterVarsity, 2001), 32. will return, even though the time when Lord is coming’ ” (Matt. 24:42) but even 19 Clark Pinnock et al., The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge that event will occur is at least partially contrasted the faithful servant who to the Traditional Understanding of God (Downers Grove, IL: dependent on human behavior and waits for the imminent coming of his InterVarsity, 1994), 32. 20 Steven C. Roy, How Much Does God Foreknow? A Comprehensive performance. So, “the Lord is not slack Lord (vv. 43–47) with the evil servant Biblical Study (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2006), 32. concerning His promise, as some count who says, “ ‘ “My master is delaying 21 Siegfried J. Schwantes, The Biblical Meaning of History slackness, but is longsuffering toward his coming” ’ ” (vv. 48–51). This blessed (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1970), 32. us, not willing that any should perish hope has warmed the hearts of past 22 George E. Shankel, God and Man in History: A Study of the Christian Understanding of History (Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. but that all should come to repentance” generations and should do the same Assn., 1967), 205. (2 Pet. 3:9). for ours. As my son longed for me to 23 Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology (Valley Forge, PA: return, we, too, long for the coming of Judson Press, 1907), 286. Conclusion the Master. 24 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, rev. ed. (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1948), 312. The foregoing discussion suggests 25 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, CA: that the tension between the various 1 Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture references are from the Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 21. New Testament statements about the New King James Version. 26 White, The Desire of Ages, 628.

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® JERRY N. PAGE

Jerry N. Page, MDiv, serves as ministerial secretary, General Conference of Seventh- day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Final breakthroughs for mission

y wife, Janet, sometimes providences, and many other ways. All All of the prophets have always gives me warnings. I do too often we hear them as harsh and been ridiculed and attacked, and Ellen not always like to get threatening, but they are always an White is no exception. This sign of Mthem but I am blessed opportunity if we would but listen and making of “none effect” the testimonies if I listen attentively. I remember the respond appropriately. also happens by simply ignoring or time I returned home late Sabbath We are in the last great crisis of this failing to read and follow the counsels afternoon exhausted after a long day earth’s history. Will we listen to the and warnings the Lord has given us. of ministry. I was scheduled to lead warnings and appeals of our loving God This is the very last deception, and it is a meeting at a local church where and grasp the opportunity to be a part happening now. members had strong, conflicting views of the final breakthroughs before Jesus We can read the second sign, found on an important subject. It would be comes? He has sent us clear warnings in Matthew 24:14: “ ‘And this gospel of difficult. In love and concern, Janet and signs that His return is soon. the kingdom will be preached in all the suggested I take a short nap or delay the As we look at Matthew 24, we real- world as a witness to all the nations, meeting because I was so tired and my ize how clearly those signs are being and then the end will come’ ” (NKJV). emotional reserves might not be strong fulfilled. Natural disasters, uncontrol- It really is amazing what the Lord enough for the hard meeting. I decided lable political and military upheavals, has done with this last-day movement to ignore the warning and press forward people’s hearts full of fear, false prophets since the disappointment of 1844 and in my own strength with little prayer. and religions, moral decay, and sinful- the call He gave the new Sabbath keep- However, after keeping my emo- ness are rampant around this world. ing believers to take the three angels’ tions in control, even with unfair messages to the world. That small attacks, I was less than Christlike with The last two signs movement has grown into a worldwide a couple of individuals in private con- I believe there are two signs just church that has more than 18 million versations after the meeting. In short, before Jesus comes that we are seeing members speaking 926 languages and the meeting did not end well. I should fulfilled right now. Ellen White describes that preaches the last-day messages of have listened to my wife. the first: “The very last deception of Revelation 14 in more than 200 coun- Later that week, while praying and Satan will be to make of none effect the tries. Today, every 29 seconds a new studying, I felt convicted by the Holy testimony of the Spirit of God.”1 person is baptized as a Seventh-day Spirit that I needed to call the entire The Word of God is under attack. Adventist, about 3,000 people a day. group back together the next Sabbath The Seventh-day Adventist Church is And about every 4 hours a new church to apologize, which I did. It was hum- one of a very few Protestant churches is organized.2 bling, but I learned a good lesson. that still believe in the literal seven-day In October 2013, General Creation week. Of course, much of the Conference leaders called an Urban The final crisis rest of Scripture and its miracles are Evangelism Conference. First, the The Lord is so good. He always challenged by others as allegories and archives and statistics specialists gives us warnings. They come through myths. The Bible certainly is not seen brought in facts and reports of how conviction from the Holy Spirit, as the truthful, inspired writing of our the Lord has blessed the Global Mission Scripture, prophets’ writings, friends, Lord through His messengers. initiatives started 25 years before.

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 So many unentered territories back world, and all agree that a major event power of the Holy Spirit will accomplish then now have Adventist work, and we like that can certainly be known by the final breakthroughs so the mission rejoiced to see what the Lord has done. everyone in the world in a short span will be finished and Jesus will come! Yet, more needs to be done. As of of time. Second appeal: A movement of 2013, about half of the world’s popula- So, if Jesus could have come back prayer—personal and united prayer. tion (about 3.5 billion) now lives in the in the 1800s and certainly wants to Joel chapters 1 and 2 and the book of major cities, a percentage that will now, He could do one or two major Acts make it clear that the final break- continue to grow because people are paradigm-shifting miracles or events, throughs will come only in response to constantly migrating from rural areas. turning the attention of the whole much prayer. In Joel 2:28, 29, leaders At the same time, more than 500 cities world in a few days to the three angels’ and people were called to consecrate have more than one million people; 236 messages. He then, in a very short time, a fast, call the inhabitants of the land of these are in the extremely difficult- could return. into the house of the Lord, and cry out to-reach-evangelistically areas of the Why does He not do it? What is He to Him. “ ‘And afterward, I will pour out 10/40 Window (Northern Africa, Middle waiting for? my Spirit on all people. Your sons and East, India, China, and Southeast Asia). daughters will prophesy, your old men Other statistics about these cities are Three appeals will dream dreams, your young men just as sobering: I believe that God has given us will see visions. Even on my servants, • There is an average of one Adventist three extremely urgent appeals. He is both men and women, I will pour out congregation for every 89,000 still waiting in mercy for His people to my Spirit in those days’ ” (NIV). people intensely answer His three appeals. In his book Partners in Prayer, • 100 cities have fewer than 1 When that happens, the three angels’ John Maxwell recalls a quote from an Adventist for every 20,000 people messages will fly to every corner of the evangelical pastor, “In Acts chapter • 45 cities have fewer than 10 world, completing the mission. two, they prayed for ten days. Peter Adventist believers What are the appeals? Major lay preached for ten minutes and 3,000 • 43 cities are without even one member involvement in the mission; were saved. Today, churches pray for Adventist congregation3 a powerful movement of prayer—per- ten minutes, preach for ten days and • Some cities probably have never had sonal and united with others; and true three get saved.”8 an Adventist even set foot in them4 repentance, confession of sin, and “A revival of true godliness among reconciliation for one accord among us is the greatest and most urgent of Work to be done our Lord’s last-day people. all our needs. To seek this should be Jesus told us through His messen- First appeal: A major lay movement our first work . . . . Our heavenly Father ger Ellen White that He could have come to accomplish the mission. “The work is more willing to give His Holy Spirit soon after 1844.5 We must mourn the in the cities is the essential work for to them that ask Him, than are earthly fact that we have not responded as we this time. When the cities are worked parents to give good gifts to their chil- should have and are still in this world. as God would have them, the result dren. But it is our work, by confession, How long will it take until our mis- will be the setting in operation of a humiliation, repentance, and earnest sion is finished and Jesus comes? What mighty movement such as we have not prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon is He waiting for? Even as we inten- yet witnessed.”6 This promise is for a which God has promised to grant us His sify our current efforts to use Christ’s movement greater than the Pentecost blessings. A revival need be expected method to reach the cities, the work in Acts 2. only in answer to prayer.”9 before us remains daunting. We know it will take more than Prayer is such a precious gift. Several years ago I was speaking just public proclamation. But Christ’s Through this communion, we experi- to a group of pastors and local church method alone, mingling with the peo- ence intimate relationship with Him, His leaders in Africa. “We would never ple, sympathizing, ministering to their presence, and what He can do when He want this to happen,” I asked, “but if needs, winning their confidence, and unleashes His power. the president of the United States was calling them to follow Jesus, includes Why do we resist? One reason many suddenly killed, how long would it take what it will take to finish the work. This avoid more prayer is because often we for every villager in Africa and everyone work cannot depend on paid pastors are reminded of what is separating us in the whole world to know?” and other gospel workers. We need a from Him—our sins. We do not really One man answered, “Two days.” culture of lay involvement. want to surrender them, to be cleansed Others shook their heads and said, The promise is given, “Accompanied and allow His character to form in us. “One day.” by the power of persuasion, the power We do not want to be still and listen to Most of the others were convinced it of prayer, and the power of the love Him in prayer. would take only a few days. Since then of God, this work will not, cannot, be Third appeal: True repentance, con- I have asked many groups all over the without fruit.”7 When this happens, the fession of sin, and reconciliation for one

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® JERRY N. PAGE

accord. It is the upper room experience, hard-heartedness, licentiousness, and We have been warned, over and a time of heart searching, of confessing evil practices. Even among those who over again. The question remains: Will and putting aside all known sin. In Joel preach the sacred word of God, this we listen and obey? and in the days of Acts, God’s people state of evil is found.”10 were called to prayer that led to specific Jesus wants His last-day people to 1 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 1 (Washington, DC: confession of all known sin. That led to follow Him and enter into the upper Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), 48. a body of believers fully surrendered room experience. The Holy Spirit is 2 “Seventh-day Adventist World Church Interesting Facts and Figures,” documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/Other to their Lord and in one accord. Then waiting for us to be ready. Our Savior /InterestingFacts2013.pdf. the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost with longs to pour down the latter rain and 3 “It’s Time: The Urgency of Urban Mission,” news.adventist.org power so His followers could take the fill us with His power, to take the mis- /fileadmin/news.adventist.org/files/news/2013/It_s_Time_ gospel to the whole world. sion out of our weak hands and finish document.pdf. Information on the Mission to the Cities initiative Ellen White writes, “We have been it in glory to Him! can be found at missiontothecities.org. asked why it is that there is so little Like the disciples gathered in that 4 Heard in verbal presentation by a leader in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Union Mission. upper room waiting for the baptism of power in the churches, why there is so 5 See White, Selected Messages, v. 1:67–69. little efficiency among our teachers. the Holy Spirit before they went out, we 6 Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry (Mountain View, CA: Pacific The answer is that it is because known need much intense personal and united Press Pub. Assn., 1963), 304. sin in various forms is cherished among prayer, much heart searching with con- 7 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: the professed followers of Christ, and fessing and repenting of all known sin, Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 143, 144. the conscience becomes hardened by reconciling all differences. Then we can 8 John Maxwell, Partners in Prayer (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1996), 10. long violation. . . . As a result we see go forward as a powerful movement 9 White, Selected Messages, v. 1:121. manifested in the church selfishness, involving every member to share the 10 Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers covetousness, pride, strife, contention, last-day message and mission. (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1962), 162, 163.

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 NORMAN R. GULLEY

Norman R. Gulley, PhD, is research professor in systematic theology, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee, United States.

Focus on Christ, not the crisis: A discussion on end- time events

hat is the sign of your deceives people (v. 24) and robs them No question, the world and the coming?” (cf. Matt. of salvation. church are facing stupendous events 24:3b),1 the disciples Ellen G. White said, “Satan is not as we reach the end of time and the Wasked Christ. They permitted to counterfeit the manner final crisis that precedes it. This article expected a specific answer. Instead, of Christ’s advent. . . . As the crowning unfolds different aspects of the end-time Christ replied: “Don’t be deceived” act in the great drama of deception, crisis and points to the way to survive it. (cf. v. 4a), a word He used three times Satan himself will personate Christ. . . . in Matthew 24. He was concerned that Satan will, if possible, prevent them Look to Christ, not to “ ‘great signs and wonders’ ” could from obtaining a preparation to stand the crisis deceive even the “ ‘elect’ ” (v. 4b). in that day.”2 No wonder Christ spoke of Looking to Christ, not to the cri- Besides the warning about decep- deception. The greatest crisis precedes sis, is a timeless principle in Scripture. tion, Christ mentioned crises to occur the true Second Advent. In order to be For example, when God’s people were prior to His coming: wars (v. 6), famines relevant, Satan’s counterfeit must come in the land of promise, the Moabites, and earthquakes (v. 7), persecutions before the genuine. Christ is saying do Ammonites, and Meunites came to (v. 9), and many apostasies (v. 10, 12). not be captivated by a counterfeit Christ make war against King Jehoshaphat and He also exhorted His followers to study on earth. Look to the biblical Christ and Judah. They made up “ ‘a vast army’ ” the abomination in Daniel (v. 15; see avoid the great crisis. (2 Chron. 20:1,2). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) and to keep the At the true Second Advent, Christ sought the Lord in prayer and with Sabbath (Matt. 24:20). will send His angels “ ‘with a loud fasting. “ ‘Our God, will you not judge Finally, after all these, Christ trumpet call’ ” to gather His people them? For we have no power to face answered the question the disciples (v. 31). Paul adds that these people this vast army that is attacking us. We had asked. He said, “ ‘Then will appear will rise up to meet Christ in the air, do not know what to do, but our eyes the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. and together go with Him to heaven (1 are upon you’ ” (v. 12). He looked to the And then all the peoples of the earth Thess. 4:16–18). The rendezvous with preincarnate Christ, and not to the crisis, will mourn when they see the Son of Christ will be in the sky, not on earth. So and great was the victory. Man coming on the clouds of heaven, anyone claiming to be Christ on earth When the Egyptian army was with power and great glory’ ” (v. 30). is a counterfeit. Christ does not return behind them and the Red Sea in front His glory is like lightning flashing to this earth to set up a kingdom or to of them, God’s people were trapped. across the heavens (v. 27). A coun- rule a kingdom already set up—various They faced annihilation. “They were terfeit Christ, out in a desert or in an views of nonbiblical theology.3 The sign terrified and cried out to the Lord” inner room, cannot come through the is Christ coming in the sky. Above all (Exod. 14:10). “Moses answered the heavens in blinding glory (v. 24–26). other signs, Christ wanted His disciples people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm But a counterfeit Christ powerfully to know the sign. and you will see the deliverance

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® NORMAN R. GULLEY

the Lord will bring you today. The How can we avoid the to stay. Christ said, “ ‘Remain in me, as Egyptians you see today you will never “thief in the night” crisis? I also remain in you. . . . Apart from me see again. The Lord will fight for you; Christ spoke of ten virgins, rep- you can do nothing. . . . If you remain you need only to be still’ ” (vv. 13, 14). resenting those who believed in the in me and my words remain in you, ask They were to focus on Christ, not on second coming. But five of them lacked whatever you wish, and it will be done the crisis. Had they forgotten what oil (Matt. 25:1–4). The foolish virgins for you’ ” (John 15:4, 5b, 7). Christ had already done for them? Had were superficial, unprepared, and left Christ continues, “ ‘As the Father not Christ protected them in Goshen, out of heaven (vv. 9–13). They were has loved me, so have I loved you. when plagues fell on Egypt? (Exod. seemingly unaware of their crisis, not Now remain in my love. If you keep my 8:22, 23). Had not the Jewish firstborn looking to Christ. For some time they commands [commandments, New King been spared through the blood of the were satisfied with their state. After James Version], you will remain in my lamb when the Egyptian firstborn per- all, they were virgins waiting for the love, just as I have kept my Father’s ished (Exod. 12:6–13)? The deliverance Bridegroom. But they were satisfied commands and remain in his love. I at the Red Sea will be repeated by the with only a little of God’s oil when they have told you this so that my joy may end-time deliverance in Armageddon. really needed much. They still had a be in you and that your joy may be Whereas only the greatest contempo- flickering flame, for their lamps had not complete’ ” (vv. 9–11). rary military opposed God’s people at gone out as stated in the King James the Red Sea, nearly the entire world Version of Matthew 25:8. They were not Keep looking to Christ will be against God’s people in the end candidates for the sealing. Every day, preferably first thing, we time (Rev. 13:3b, 4; 16:12–16). End-time Christians have a form need to set aside time to mediate on of godliness but deny the power of Christ. We then need to commune with “Thief in the night” crisis God (2 Tim. 3:1–5). Christ speaks of the Him through the day and revel in His Now fast-forward to the end time. end-time church as Laodicea, which embracing love. If we want to spend Christ said the end would come when thinks it needs nothing but really needs eternity with Christ, we need to spend the gospel is preached to the whole everything that counts for salvation. time with Him each day now. As we do world (Matt. 24:14), but it will still be a They keep Christ outside of their lives this, we will grow so deeply in love with complete surprise, like the global flood. (Rev. 3:14–21). They are defeated by the Him that nothing, no crisis, “will be able Christ therefore urged “ ‘keep watch’ ” crisis of self-satisfaction, not looking to to separate us from the love of God that is (v. 42)—“ ‘be ready, because the Son of God for wisdom and guidance. in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38, 39). Man will come at an hour when you do Looking to Christ, not to the crisis, Here are some lessons from The not expect him’ ” (v. 44; Luke 12:40), just includes the knowledge and experience Desire of Ages regarding the life of Christ like a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 that will allow them to be sealed (cf. that we should dwell on: Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3). Rev. 7:1–3). Ellen G. White defines the 1. “Jesus did not count heaven a place But how can Seventh-day Adventists sealing as “a settling into the truth, to be desired while we were lost. He experience the thief in the night at both intellectually [knowledge] and left the heavenly courts for a life of Christ’s second advent? Would they spiritually [experience], so they cannot reproach and insult, and a death of not expect His return after the Sunday be moved.”4 So, the sealing involves shame. He who was rich in heaven’s law, death decree, and plagues? Surely, a deep study of and a deep love for priceless treasure became poor, they will not be surprised? But what if truth. The sealing takes place at the that through His poverty we might the thief in the night experience takes outpouring of the latter rain. Without be rich.”5 place before the Second Advent? What the seal, or without the latter rain Holy 2. “Christ was treated as we deserve, if it takes place at the coming of the Spirit, no one can survive the times of that we might be treated as He latter rain? trouble. But the good news is that all deserves. He was condemned for There are two comings of God in who are sealed cannot be moved. Look our sins, in which He had no share, the end time: the coming of the latter to God’s gift of sealing, and be unmoved that we might be justified by His rain, and the coming of Christ. Just as by the coming crisis. righteousness, in which we had no Christ comes a second time, the coming Looking to Christ, not to the crisis, share. He suffered the death which Pentecost is the second coming of the means looking to Christ in order to gain was ours, that we might receive the Holy Spirit. Preparation for the coming knowledge of Him and to have an expe- life which was His. ‘With His stripes of the Holy Spirit is the most important rience with Him. When we receive this we are healed.’ ”6 need for us today. This is why the call for dual gift, we find ourselves hidden away 3. “Satan with his fierce temptations revival and reformation is so timely. We in Christ. Jesus said, “ ‘Come to me, all wrung the heart of Jesus. The must be ready to be sealed by the Holy you who are weary and burdened, and Saviour could not see through the Spirit in order to be ready for Christ’s I will give you rest’ ” (Matt. 11:28). But portals of the tomb. Hope did not second advent. coming to Him is not enough. We need present to Him His coming forth

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 from the grave a conqueror, or tell pluck them out of My hand.’ The like him” (v. 2b). This is the ultimate in Him of the Father’s acceptance of the soul that has given himself to Christ looking to Christ, and not to the crisis. sacrifice. He feared that sin was so is more precious in His sight than Christ promises, “ ‘Surely I am with you offensive to God that Their separa- the whole world. The Saviour would always, to the very end of the age’ ” (Matt. tion was to be eternal. Christ felt the have passed through the agony of 28:20b). “ ‘Be strong and courageous. Do anguish which the sinner will feel Calvary that one might be saved in not be afraid or terrified because of them when mercy shall no longer plead His kingdom. He will never abandon [or the coming crisis], for the Lord your God for the guilty race. It was the sense one for whom He has died. Unless goes with you, he will never leave you nor of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath His followers choose to leave Him, forsake you’ ” (Deut. 31:6). upon Him as man’s substitute, that He will hold them fast.”8 made the cup He drank so bitter, and 1 Unless otherwise stated, the 2011 New International Version is broke the heart of the Son of God.”7 Conclusion used throughout this article. 2 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific 4. “Though now He has ascended to There is a principle in Scripture, that Press Pub. Assn., 1950), 625, 624. the presence of God, and shares by beholding we become changed. This is 3 For example, Augustine in the fourth century considered the the throne of the universe, Jesus good news for those concerned about the millennium (or kingdom) to be the duration of the Christian has lost none of His compassionate coming crisis. Paul says God’s people “are age. In our postmodern era, Emergent and National Apostolic Reformation movements focus on building the kingdom on earth nature. Today the same tender, being transformed” by “beholding . . . the to prepare for the second coming of Christ. sympathizing heart is open to all the glory of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18, NKJV). This 4 Ellen G. White, Last Day Events (Boise, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., woes of humanity. Today the hand is in the present continuous tense. Every 1992), 220. that was pierced is reached forth to day we dwell upon the lavish love of Christ 5 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific bless more abundantly His people (cf. 1 John 3:1), we are being transformed, Press Pub. Assn., 1940), 417. 6 Ibid., 25. that are in the world. ‘And they shall or becoming like Him. That is why John 7 Ibid., 753. never perish, neither shall any man says, “When Christ appears, we shall be 8 Ibid., 480, 483.

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JANUARY 6-16, 2016

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® ELIZABETH OSTRING

Elizabeth Ostring, PhD, is a pastor for It Is Written Oceania, residing in Auckland, New Zealand.

Living in expectation of the second coming of Jesus

or two millennia Christians this momentous event seems straight- that mainstream Protestantism has have prayed, “Thy kingdom forward. This involves transforming our embraced postmillennialism, with its come.” With awe and immense world, its governments, and its services emphasis on transforming society, but Fgratitude they have looked under the guidance of the Holy Spirit suggests that premillennialists have back to the first coming of Jesus, in into a place of peace and perfection placed the emphasis on the saving which the whole course of human ready for the reign of Jesus. of the individual soul. Miller does not misery was changed. Now they look Swedish theologian Göran Agrell discuss the possible dangers of a focus forward to a renewed earth, where noted, “Variations in the view of work on the transformation of society, that death and tears will be wiped away are related to different ways of looking is, the possibility of coercion might be and they can spend eternity with their at eschatology.”1 Miroslav Volf rec- employed in order to achieve what the beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ognized the significant connection majority perceive as perfection. Contemporary Christians, like the between eschatology and approaches For many premillennialists (who disciples of Jesus, want to know exactly to ordinary work and noted that there believe that Jesus comes before the when Jesus will return. It is not easy to are “two basic positions on the escha- millennium), the saving of the indi- accept His declaration, “ ‘But concern- tological future of the world. Some vidual soul is considered to culminate ing that day and hour no one knows, [have] stressed radical discontinuity in (as some believe) a secret rapture, not even the angels of heaven, nor between the present and future orders, an individualistic focus of personal the Son, but the Father only’ ” (Matt. believing in the complete destruction safety, and removal from the end-time 24:36, ESV). Yet Christians take comfort of the present world at the end of the horrors of this world. While the world from one biblical text: “waiting for and ages, and creation of a fully new world. stays enveloped in chaos and misery, hastening the coming of the day of Others postulated continuity between the “saved” soul escapes to the glory God” (2 Pet. 3:12, ESV). Peter implies the two, believing that the present of God. that Christians can actually hasten the world will be transformed into the new Seventh-day Adventists are pre­ waiting process and bring forward the heaven and new earth.”2 Volf subscribes millennialists, and they have placed a coming of Jesus. to the last view and offers a generally great deal of emphasis on the saving of But how does one’s understanding hopeful theology of human work that individual souls. However, they argue of eschatology impact daily living? encourages all efforts that lead to the that the context of Matthew 24:40, 41 More importantly, how does a pastor transformation of the world and thus (the unknown hour and the history help parishioners hasten the day that usher in the millennium of peace prior of the days of Noah and the Flood) they long for? to the return of Jesus. suggests preparation rather than the Christian mission, meanwhile, has secret rapture. The impact of long been regarded as a major avenue But a premillennial focus on indi- eschatology on work to hasten the coming of Jesus. David vidual salvation could result in the For Christians who have a postmil- W. Miller3 and David J. Bosch4 agree perception that hastening the coming lennial understanding (Jesus comes that Christian mission is, in essence, of Jesus is demonstrated in conversion after the millennium) of the second about transformation but in the context statistics and church growth rates. coming of Jesus, the “how” of hastening of millennialist theology. Miller says Because this seems to be work for the

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 trained pastor, it generally appears involved in gospel-sharing outreach blessings.5 At the center of God’s call daunting or even irrelevant for the activities. But the discourse of Jesus was a command, “Be a blessing!”6 Rather ordinary layperson. indicates that the pinnacle of second- than the text being a passive “you will be coming hastening activity is found in a blessing,” this call is an imperative.7 The hastening strategies kindly involvement with other people Abram was called to leave his own world of Jesus and their needs. This involvement is not and enter one where he could work to When Jesus’ disciples asked about an extra activity that good people do be a blessing to others. To be a blessing the “end of the age” and He discussed after they have attended to their routine means not only kindliness but also the His second coming with them, He did work activities but rather is simply how development of appropriate expertise, not seem to endorse either a trans- these servants, those blessed by their as demonstrated in the narrative of formation of the world or a specialist Master, approach their life and work. Joseph and his work in Egypt, first with approach to soul saving (Matt. 24:3–14). They care about others, whether they Potiphar, then in the prison, and finally He did not describe a transformed are thirsty or hungry; in need of cloth- as a senior official working for the good society and clearly indicated that the ing, health care, or comfort; or in need of the whole kingdom. problems of natural disasters (earth- of spiritual food. Their relationship to Jesus’ parable of the sheep and quakes and famines) and human-fueled others demonstrates they are citizens goats endorses this approach to life. calamities (wars and rumors of wars) in God’s kingdom and reflects their While the greatest blessing that can be would continue until the end. However, relationship with Jesus. offered another person is the good news He does indicate that the most sig- This means that car mechanics of Christ’s death, not everyone is imme- nificant sign of the imminence of His hasten the coming of Jesus by offering diately ready to receive it. Jesus’ own return would be the proclamation of the best possible service at reasonable life showed a dedicated commitment the gospel to all the world, yet appar- pricing to those whose vehicles are to offering practical blessing to humans ently without offering strategies for not performing well, thus blessing of all ages, nationalities, and genders. achieving this. the owners. It means plumbers fix the For much of His life, He performed the However, Jesus closed His discourse leaky pipes of elderly widows cheer- work of a tradesman, assisting people with the three well-known parables in fully, and maybe at a reduced cost. It with their practical needs. A carpenter Matthew 25 that do offer strategies: the means that schoolteachers not only of His day was involved with the work ten virgins, emphasizing being ready, offer information but also recognize of a builder, cabinetmaker, toolmaker, and especially having the oil of the Holy that the troublesome student in their and mechanic. The extended time Spirit in each believer’s life; the talents, class is a child coping with severe Jesus spent on these practical duties indicating the good stewardship of the family dysfunction and in urgent need indicates the importance He ascribed to servants of the man going on a journey of love and support. It means that the them in meeting the ordinary needs of by their use and improvement of the city employee, paid to collect rubbish, people. Even when He began His public abilities each was given; and, finally, the willingly picks up the scattered mess of ministry, He did not confine His work to parable of the judgment of the sheep a trashcan overturned by a carelessly preaching but, by His practical work of and the goats, which highlights the backed car or perhaps waits a few sec- healing, showed how much He cared activity of the good servants. onds while a tired and tardy shift worker about people’s suffering. The surprise of these parables is drags a can of rubbish to the curbside. Jesus’ own life thus clearly shows their focus on the ordinary, everyday It means, simply, that whatever these that meeting the practical needs of work of the servants and that good people do, while waiting eagerly for people opened their hearts to receive servants do ordinary things. They feed the coming of their Lord, they do it the good news of His saving power. the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome with love and care, and with all their Although the witness of His public work strangers, visit prisoners, and give might (Eccles. 9:10). They are actually supports the value of a health ministry water to the thirsty. The activities are transforming the world, making heaven as a tool to reach the needs and hearts so ordinary that the righteous “sheep” a little closer for those with whom they of people, the hidden years of His life in have no realization of having done come in contact. Of course, their care of Nazareth indicate that He was fulfilling anything important. “Lord, when did others includes sharing the good news the command given to Abram 2,000 we feed you or clothe you?” they ask of the gospel whenever they have the years earlier (“Be a blessing!”) by faith- in shock. appropriate opportunity. fully carrying out His ordinary work as a carpenter. Encouraging the An ancient command ordinary parishioner This approach to life fulfills an Reaching the Pastors interested in the salvation ancient command. When God called postmodern heart cry of individual souls rightly encourage Abram from the culture of Ur of the Ideologies of various colors and their parishioners to become actively Chaldeans, the call consisted of seven descriptions clamor to be regarded as

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® ELIZABETH OSTRING

the answer to human misery, from the the Second Coming. They mingle with that it becomes second nature. They dogmas of Lenin and Mao to New Age people in the course of their daily work talk to others about Jesus because philosophies. Christianity can be easily and seek to understand and meet the He is their friend, and if no one wants regarded as just one of these numerous needs of those around them. Then they to listen, they still pray. Their focus competing dogmas or, worse, relegated can share the good news of Jesus and remains on their Savior and not on their 8 to the status of an outdated ideology bid people “Follow Him.” own performance, critical though that responsible for war and international The work of a pastor becomes may be for sharing the good news with misunderstanding. that of coach, but not purely coaching others. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” is Truly, Seventh-day Adventists, as people in associate pastoral duties. both their focus and their cry from the premillennialists, have a deep inter- The pastor shows each person how est in individual salvation. They long they can use their regular duties as depths of their hearts (Rev. 22:20). for the good news to be proclaimed opportunities to minister. The pastor 1 Göran Agrell, Work, Toil and Sustenance, trans. Stephen throughout the world. But they also takes the deep doctrines of the Bible Westerholm (Lund: Verbum-Hâkan Ohlssons Förlag, 1976), 151. recognize that the soil of each heart and translates them into parables that 2 Miroslav Volf, Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work must be prepared before the seed of his or her parishioners can live out in (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2001), 89. the gospel can be received and grow. their daily lives. 3 David W. Miller, God at Work: The History and Promise of the Postmodern people, like everyone Faith at Work Movement (New York: Oxford University Press, else, feel an intense need to have the When did we? 2007), 24, 25. 4 David J. Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology problems of their lives solved. The The most striking thing about the of Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), xv. postmodern slogan, What is right is hastening activities of the righteous is 5 Umberto Moshe David Cassuto, A Commentary on the Book of what is right for me, has an element of that the performers were completely Genesis (Part 2): From Noah to Abraham, trans. Israel Abrahams truth. When people are starving, they unconscious of what they had done. (Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1964), 312. need food; when they are sick; they They do not add good deeds to their 6 C. Marvin Pate et al., The Story of Israel: A Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004), 37. need health care; when they are lonely, already overloaded programs. Doing 7 Laurence A. Turner, Genesis (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, they need a friend. Meeting these needs good to others is simply part of their 2000), 64. when we can is what God’s righteous total commitment to Jesus and is so 8 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific people do and how they can hasten programmed into their approach to life Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 143.

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God uses children October 27, 2012, witnessed this family for some years for prayer the closure of a seven-day reaping sessions and Bible study. Early in campaign held at the Jakarta Pastor Rambi’s visits, the family’s International Seventh-day Adventist oldest son, Wira, who was 12 years old Church in Jakarta, Indonesia, where at that time, decided to be baptized. 277 people were baptized. When the evangelistic meetings were broke down and wept. Deswanto After the baptism and just before scheduled, Pastor Rambi invited the carried his wife, Augustina, in his people filed out of the church, a man couple to attend, but they refused. arms and walked in to the baptismal walked forward pushing a tearful lady Unknown to Pastor Rambi, pool. They were both baptized. in a wheelchair. Speaking through a from the time Wira was baptized, There was hardly a dry eye in the translator, she told the preacher that he tirelessly talked to his parents church. though the baptism had already taken concerning Bible truth. Now, four Definitely, God uses children. place, she wanted to be baptized. years later, a tearful Wira had left The lady was Augustina, and the for the last day of the meetings after —Saustin Sampson Mfune is associate man pushing her was her husband, failing to convince his parents to director, Children’s Ministries Deswanto. come for baptism. Department, General Conference of Pastor Ronny Rambi, the pastor When Wira saw his parents go Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, of this church, had been visiting forward, not believing his eyes, he Maryland, United States.

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 MURRAY HOUSE

Murray House, PhD, is senior lecturer in ministry and theology at Avondale College of Higher Education, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia.

“Going home”: Good news from the second angel

istorically, Seventh-day angels’ messages. The messages move proclaimer of the three angels’ mes- Adventists have seen their from the everlasting gospel to the com- sages rather than the ones who are mandate and message as mandments of God, from grace to law. called to live them. However, in each Hrooted in the urgent call of They move from a message of mercy of the three angels’ messages, the the three angels of Revelation 14:6–12, to the announcement of an impending focus remains on everyone. From the more familiarly known as the three executive judgement. They move from first angel we learn that “every nation” angels’ messages. Sadly, the second a message filled with hope to a solemn (v. 6) gets to hear the gospel. The sec- angel’s message has not often been warning to those who would be murder- ond angel attests that “all nations” delivered as a relevant message for us ers of God’s people. They begin with the (v. 8) who have heard of Babylon’s but rather as one needing to be delivered worship of the Creator and then focus deceptions also hear of God’s merciful to others. Our practice ignores our belief on those who worship the beast. They response. The third angel is similarly that the three angels’ messages should contrast the rest that the Creator gives all-inclusive, focusing on God’s judg- be a central platform in preparing all the to those who worship Him with the ment for anyone and everyone (vv. 9, people of God for the last days. experience of the beast worshipers who 11). We cannot exclude ourselves from The Elijah message of Malachi 4:5, receive no rest (Rev. 14:11). The picture these preparatory messages. How does 6, the final appeal of the Old Testament that emerges is one of a panorama of the second angel’s message fulfill its and echoed in the New (Luke 1:17), acceptance and rejection, of salvation role as a preparatory message for the warns the world and prepares a people and damnation. saints? for the great day of God and has been It is easy to see the good news in seen by Seventh-day Adventists to the “everlasting gospel” (v. 6), the good Significance of “Babylon” be fulfilled by both John the Baptist news that Jesus came to live, die, and Revelation 14:8 comprises the first (Matt. 17:11–13) and the three angels’ be resurrected as our Savior.1 The first time “Babylon” is introduced in the messages. All three angels have a angel expands on this good news by book of Revelation.2 But it is only in restoring, reforming message to ready reminding us that Jesus is our Creator, the later chapters of Revelation that God’s people for Jesus’ return (Rev. due our worship, and a judgment is we learn about the all-encompassing 14:14–20). They are God’s response announced that confirms those who identity of Babylon.3 In the first use of to the beasts of Revelation 13—the are trusting in the everlasting gospel. the word, John intends to point the “present truth” needed and delivered Rewards can then be given accord- early Christians to Daniel’s time, when by those enduring these end-time ingly. The first angel’s message further Babylon ruled the world and the false events. As a preparatory message, how includes the good news that we can religion of Babylon dominated the does the second angel’s message have reverence God and give God glory by people of God.4 The book of Daniel relevance for all the people of God? our choices, worship, and lifestyle, all of begins with Yahweh apparently losing which are elements that can be readily the war against Babylon’s gods. Yahweh Overview of the three shared, indeed must be shared, within allowed the temple to be destroyed angels’ messages our community and with others. and the people of God to be taken off An amazing progression of focus Often, as deliverers of these to Babylon as captives. The vessels and teaching characterizes the three messages, we see our role to be the of the temple were placed within the

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® MURRAY HOUSE

Babylonian temple of Bel and Marduk, NKJV). The repetition encourages all God’s people in Babylon are called out emphasizing Yahweh’s apparent defeat the saints. The certainty of Babylon’s so as not to be morally corrupted by and shame (Dan. 1:1, 2). fall is definitely good news for them. her sins (Rev. 18:4). However, those sins The Babylon of Daniel’s day offers God’s people have long hoped for lead to Babylon’s fall and destruction. false worship, deifies the king, and the fall of their enemy, symbolized in In Revelation 18, we see the destiny expects the worship of an image “60 Babylon. When the enemy falls, the of Babylon: “she will be consumed by cubits by 6 cubits” (Dan. 3:1). Babylon’s people of God are free. In Daniel’s time, fire” (v. 8), “your doom has come” (v. philosophy is “bend or burn”: failure to the people had expected deliverance 10), “has been brought to ruin” (v. 19), worship as Babylon requires is punish- after their 70 years of captivity, expect- and “thrown down, never to be found able by death. Babylon is the epitome of ing that the fall of Babylon would see again” (v. 21, NIV). Our conquering all that sin represents. Satan’s govern- them returning home. So the fall of King does more than put a stop to the ment can be seen.5 Sin has matured to Babylon was a time of great rejoicing.7 monstrous depravities of Babylon or the point where Satan will kill all those Just as the fall of ancient Babylon was mete out justice—our King comes to

This is a message of mercy. Clearly this message reveals that the door of mercy is still open—that one’s location does not determine one’s destiny.

who are opposed to his will and his a God-ordained certainty (Isa. 21:9) for deliver His people. Our King comes to right to rule. the Israelites of Daniel’s day, so will the defeat Babylon so that He can take Babylon includes more than false fall of end-time Babylon be a certainty us home “together” (1 Thess. 4:17). worship and an illicit union of church for God’s end-time people. As Jon Paulien states, “In Revelation and state.6 It also has a false way of God’s present people need to hear God sends his end-time Cyrus to dry salvation, teaching that, through the that the fall of Babylon means that they, out the end-time Euphrates to deliver works of one’s hands, one makes too, can go home. Our heavenly home God’s end-time Israel from end-time appeasement to God. The Babylonian awaits us. The “kings of the east” (Rev. Babylon so that they can live in a new gods save through a mixture of human 16:12) that cause the fall of Babylon Jerusalem.”9 effort and atonement. Babylon has during the sixth plague make it possible The message of the fall of Babylon therefore counterfeited the whole of the for us to go home. King Cyrus8 came contains wonderful news also for those first angel’s message. Both their gospel from the east to defeat Babylon. So our who are prisoners within Babylon. and their law are counterfeits. King Jesus, our Christ and our Cyrus, This is a message of mercy. Clearly this comes from the east to deliver us. The message reveals that the door of mercy Exploring Babylon’s final fall of Babylon means we are fully is still open—that one’s location does multiple falls free and can go home. not determine one’s destiny. The love The angel announces to John that Often we have looked at Babylon’s of Jesus in the hearts of those who are “ ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen’ ” (Rev. 14:8, fall as simply being moral. It is clear that called “my people” (Rev. 18:4) within

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 Babylon is more important to God than end-time Babylon will meet the same gospel and all that Jesus has done for their badges and labels. How urgently fate as her predecessor. Jesus alone us. The second angel announces that does the heart of God plead that His defeats Babylon (vv. 15,16), and His Babylon’s works and salvation are love should reach even those within war is on behalf of the saints. The fall fallen while God’s people are destined Babylon to help them realize that they of Babylon is Armageddon. As Hans to go home. Each of these three mes- are not where He wants them to be? LaRondelle states, “Armageddon and sages of Revelation 14 is indeed a love How important it is for the people of the destruction of universal Babylon message that comes from the heart of 10 God to sound like God as they learn to are therefore identical.” Jesus comes God not only to warn the wicked but to utter these words with compassion. to deliver the proclaimers of these prepare the people of God for what lies So, the call for them to come out of three messages and those who have left ahead. As messages of mercy, they are Babylon is a call of amazing mercy and Babylon. Thus, the preaching of Jesus’ good news. If we can but reframe our grace. They are called to go to a better return is integral to the second angel’s focus, we can see the true heart of God place and serve a better gospel than message. Jesus’ return is a message and His purposes in having these mes- a gospel limited by a belief in an ever- full of hope, anticipated by the saints sages delivered to everyone. They are burning hell. They, too, can go home for millennia (Rev. 22:20). This message timely, true, and still our message and because Babylon’s fall does not need means that we can all go home to be mandate. As preparatory messages for to include them. They can be free from with Jesus forever. God’s people, they help us see things the deceiving experiences and false The second angel’s message is from God’s perspective. They can be promises of Babylon. This message largely a future message. We are still of freedom and deliverance for those waiting for “all nations” to be deceived.11 summed up quite succinctly: God listening and responding continues The long process of this moral fall is hates sin, and Jesus wins so that we the wonderful good news of the first climaxed, like in the case of literal can go home together. angel. I often wish that we could have Babylon (Dan. 5:26–28), in an utter 1 For a textual comparison of Revelation’s gospel with Paul’s the pathos of Jesus in calling people eschatological destruction of spiritual gospel, see P. Richard Choi, “Paul and Revelation 14,” Journal of into the light of the everlasting gospel Babylon. For this ultimate deliverance the Adventist Theological Society 20, no. 2 (2009): 223–243. that they might see that the everlasting we must wait until Babylon’s guilt is 2 For an extensive study of the typological implications of gospel teaches that God achieves a complete and God’s mercy is exhausted Revelation’s use of “Babylon” and its fall, see Hans K. LaRondelle, complete solution to sin. (Rev. 18:5–8). The end of the systems Chariots of Salvation: The Biblical Drama of Armageddon (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1987), So often people who are locked that would kill God’s people is greeted 82–107. into confusion have been told that the by a resounding cry of Hallelujah (Rev. 3 See the work of Edwin E. Reynolds, “The Sodom/Egypt/Babylon Cross is so small that God can only 19:1). Sin’s reign on earth is over for Motif in the Book of Revelation” (PhD diss., Andrews University, quarantine sin, sinners, and Satan in the saints. They are on their way home. 1994). 4 For example, Richard Bauckham writes that the allusions hell. This hell, they are taught, goes on No wonder the celebration dwarfs any to the Old Testament in Revelation are meant to “recall the eternally. How wonderful is the good previous celebration on planet Earth. Old Testament context, which thereby becomes part of the news that Jesus is mightier than they These additional thoughts do meaning the Apocalypse conveys, and to build up, sometimes had ever thought. Jesus has come to not contradict what we have always by a network of allusion to the same Old Testament passage deal with sin fully and finally. They taught on the moral fall of Babylon, but in various parts of the Apocalypse, an interpretation of whole passages of Old Testament prophecy.” The Climax of Prophecy: can now believe the promise, given rather they expand them and show that Studies in the Book of Revelation (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, to Adam, that Satan’s head will be Revelation 14:8 is more than a moral 1993), xi. crushed (Gen. 3:15). This is God’s sov- fall. The fall of Babylon is a message 5 The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary reminds us that ereign plan. The message we have to that Jesus is coming soon. As such this “the prophet Isaiah identifies Lucifer as the invisible king of Babylon (see on Isa. 14:4, 12–14).” Francis D. Nichol, ed., vol. 7 share with Babylon about the everlast- message prepares the people of God (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1957), 829. ing gospel is a bigger concept of God’s for that “ ‘great and dreadful day of the 6 Ibid., 831. love and what Jesus did by His life and Lord’ ” (Mal. 4:5, NKJV). It is hope that 7 “The description of the collapse of end-time Babylon in death. This bigger gospel teaches that purifies (1 John 3:3), and it is the return Revelation is based on the fall of ancient Babylon.” Ranko sin has an end and that Jesus’ victory of Jesus that reminds us what persons Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the Book of Revelation (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, over sin is final and conclusive. we ought to be (2 Pet. 3:11). The good 2002), 447. The fall of end-time Babylon is tied news of Jesus’ return is a preparatory 8 Cyrus and Christ both mean “anointed one.” directly to the plagues in Revelation message for all people. 9 John Paulien, What the Bible Says About the End-Time 16:12–16. The physical fall of ancient (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1994), 135. 10 LaRondelle, Chariots of Salvation, 100. Babylon echoes through the drying Conclusion 11 To see the author’s perspective on this being a future message, up of the Euphrates, thus further reas- The second angel tells of a system see Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: suring God’s end-time people that that has actively tried to hide the Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950), 389, 390.

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® Empowering Your Ministry

Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program Strategies to affect individual, organization, and community changes. Session I April 18-21, 2016 Session II October 10-13, 2016 Southern Union Conference | Norcross, GA

IICM Community Services & Urban Ministry International Institute of Christian Ministries

A curriculum that helps equip church members to serve their community and minister programs that meet expressed needs of the residents of these communities.

communityservices.org

| community development/urban ministry | YES! (Youth and young adults Empowered to Serve) | spiritual & emotional care | tutoring and mentoring | disaster response | elder care | Hope for Humanity |

@nad_acs @Adventist Community Services @nadacs ROBERT COSTA

Robert Costa, MAPMin, serves as associate ministerial secretary for evangelism, General Empowering Your Ministry Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Preparing the world for the coming of Christ

NonprofitL eadership Certification Program ecently on a flight overseas, But for many today, truth is a mat- has never changed—Adam and Eve I struck up a conversation ter of convenience. That is why some accepted salvation by faith in the Lamb Strategies to affect individual, organization, and community changes. with my seatmate. When he may attend a church on their street who was to come, just as we accept Rlearned I was a pastor, he just because it is close to home or go to it by faith in the Lamb who died for asked the all-too-familiar question, a large community church farther away us—some aspects of truth for each Session I April 18-21, 2016 “How can you be sure you’re in the right because of its outstanding musical generation do change. church when they all claim to have the program, and even one in a neighbor- Every generation had a particular Session II October 10-13, 2016 truth?” And then he added, “Is it really ing town for its church school. truth to proclaim. Noah accepted the that important? After all, don’t we all The landscape of Christian America gospel message of salvation by faith Southern Union Conference | Norcross, GA believe in the same God?” changed radically with the 1960s in the coming Messiah, but he had If you are a pastor or if you have “revolution,” disrupting the traditional a distinct message to present to the ever discussed religion with a person order of things and challenging every world: the earth would be destroyed on the street, you are sure to have aspect of American life. This landscape by water, and all who would be saved encountered similar questions. That is introduced new lifestyle options into must enter the ark. Elijah, too, had a IICM Community Services & Urban Ministry because more and more people today mainstream America, both in the secu- message, as did John the Baptist and International Institute of Christian Ministries are buying into the belief that truth is lar and the religious sphere, blurring all the prophets throughout the Bible, relative—there is your truth, and there the lines of demarcation. all within the context of the gospel. is my truth, but ultimately, there is no If we add the influx of Middle A curriculum that helps equip church members to serve their community and absolute truth. Eastern and Eastern religions (e.g., Presenting today’s minister programs that meet expressed needs of the residents of these Or worse yet, many believe that Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam), the message truth is irrelevant. Since truth cannot truth would appear to have been Martin Luther was a devout Catholic communities. be determined, we should stop trying lost somewhere in translation. Our monk who desperately sought the favor and focus on what is really important: distinct beliefs became just one more of a harsh and exacting God, following personal fulfillment. option among thousands, and with the rules of his order to the letter. But no yardstick in common by which to the harder he tried, the less deserving The postmodern measure truth, truth became relative. he felt, until that fateful day when, in Christian abject despair, he climbed on his knees One hundred years ago, and as The challenge up the marble staircase purported to recently as the 1950s, the questions How, then, do we reach people have been climbed by Jesus on His way people posed were very different. In from all walks of life and cultures with to the cross. He felt that maybe this a predominantly Christian America, the gospel message? And more impor- would finally atone for his sin. people were searching for biblical truth. tantly, how do we reach the world But that day, everything changed, communityservices.org Pointing someone to a certain Bible with the three angels’ messages—the because he suddenly understood with truth was proof enough for the sincere distinct biblical truth for our time? lightning clarity the text that flashed | community development/urban ministry | YES! (Youth and young adults Empowered to Serve) seeker, and the Bible alone was the This involves a double challenge, through his mind: “The just shall live | spiritual & emotional care | tutoring and mentoring | disaster response | elder care | Hope for Humanity | yardstick by which truth was measured. because while the core gospel message by faith” (Rom. 1:17, KJV).

@nad_acs @Adventist Community Services @nadacs

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® ROBERT COSTA

As the light of truth flooded his Cain’s idea may not be a bad one and anybody of anything. But what I can mind and filled his heart with joy, may have made complete sense. But it do—what we have been commanded he jumped up and resolutely walked was not what God required. to do—is to present the gospel message down the steps, to the astonishment Whenever we deviate from God’s regardless of how futile or hardened of those around him. explicit Word and follow a form of our audience may seem, because the Why is this so relevant today? worship of our own making, we are Holy Spirit is at work. Because 500 years later, people are still rejecting salvation by grace. We are Recently, I was in a country where climbing stairs, creating a salvation believing that our method, tradition, Christianity is a small minority. I had of their own making. If there is one ideas are better suited to work out our been asked to speak at a very well-to- thing that distinguishes the gospel salvation. We stop trusting implicitly in do church on Sabbath morning, and message from every other religion a “thus says the Lord,” and our straight before the service began, I asked one of and philosophy in the world, it’s that and narrow becomes a thousand wind- the elders whether he knew how many justification is by faith in the works of ing roads of confusion. visitors were present because I always Someone else and not our own. It is a When we look at the three angels’ like to pray for them at the end of a gift from God. messages, we see in them salvation service. “Sir,” he told me emphatically, The only staircase that matters by faith adapted to what God’s people “we do not have visitors in this church.” is the shining staircase that Jacob will face in the time of the end. They To my surprise, there was a hint of discovered nearly 4,000 years before, are a call to face the judgment through pride in his voice: pride at a church when he, too, was at a low point: a the merits of Jesus, to come out of so exclusive that visitors opted to go staircase that leads straight to heaven. a form of worship that God does not elsewhere. That staircase is Jesus Himself. He approve, and to trust implicitly in the At the close of the service, I describes it in John 1:51: “ ‘you will Word of our Creator. This constitutes decided to risk the elder’s ire and see heaven open, and the angels of a call to examine what He has said in ask, anyway, whether there were any God ascending and descending on the His law and abandon what He has not visitors present. Five people stood up, Son of Man.’ ”1 sanctioned so that we may receive the and I invited them to come forward for That is our distinct message. Jesus seal of God. a special prayer. As one of the ladies is the only One who bridged the gap approached, I noticed two burly body- between heaven and earth. His sacri- The mission guards flanking her and then retreating fice allowed heaven to come down to But the question remains: If our as she reached the front. us and our prayers to ascend to God’s central message centers on the gospel After the prayer, I spoke a few throne. We are not climbing Jacob’s in the context of the three angels’ mes- words with each guest and asked them ladder toward our salvation! sages, how do we convince people who to whom I had the pleasure of speak- The gospel message is distinct do not accept our yardstick? ing. The lady said, “I am the wife of the in that it is a message of grace and We do not. We do not have to con- postmaster general of the country. I forgiveness. “He does not treat us as vince anybody. We just have to present have been attending this church for our sins deserve or repay us according the message. We have been called three months, and this is the first time to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10). He took to take the gospel to every nation, anybody has spoken to me.” Nobody our punishment and died for us that kindred, tongue and people. And while had invited her, she said; she had been we might live (Isa. 53:5). searching for methods and studying attending because she wanted to know To the Christian, salvation is by cultures to better reach people is more about the Christian faith. grace: being justified by faith through imperative, ultimately, the work of the merits of Jesus who died on the conversion is not ours, because we God’s work, not ours cross to save us. That is our distinct cannot change a single heart. Jesus said, “ ‘And I, when I am lifted message. What we sometimes forget is that up from the earth, will draw all people But all Christians believe in that. we are not struggling alone to fulfill to myself’ ” (John 12:32). If we believe So how is it distinct, and how does our commission. In fact, this is not this, we must know that we are not salvation by grace tie in with the three even our work—we are just co-laborers working alone and that the work of angels’ messages? with Christ. It is His work through the conversion is His. Jesus said that if we Look for a moment at Cain and Holy Spirit that changes hearts. are silent, “ ‘the stones will cry out’ ” Abel. Both desired to worship God. We are not even asked to be (Luke 19:40). And if God can use stones, Abel threw himself on God’s mercy and successful. We are only asked to be He can use you and me. But we must trusted Him implicitly. Cain believed faithful in proclaiming the message. speak up and not be silent. he had a better idea than what God The results belong to God. If I have There will soon come a time when required: a form of worship of his own learned anything in 32 years of min- God will pour out His Spirit, and we making, a salvation by his own works. istry, I learned that I cannot convince will see Jesus and His sacrifice as we

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 have never seen Him before. Zechariah unity is good, unity in error is not—and coming when people will be called to described this in his book in chapter never unity at the expense of Bible take a stand: “Servants of God, with 12, verse 10: “ ‘I will pour out on the truth. their faces lighted up and shining house of David and the inhabitants But God also has three angel mes- with holy consecration, will hasten of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and of sengers who are calling the world to a from place to place to proclaim the supplication. They will look on me, the place of reunion. They are not going message from heaven. By thousands of one they have pierced, and they will to the kings to enforce civil laws but voices, all over the earth, the warning mourn for him as one mourns for an going to every person on the planet, will be given. . . . Thus the inhabitants only child, and grieve bitterly for him speaking to their hearts and calling of the earth will be brought to take as one grieves for a firstborn son.’ ” them to a reunion on Mount Zion. their stand. God does not say He will pour They are calling people to come out of “The message will be carried not His Spirit on the whole world, but on error and trust implicitly in what God so much by argument as by the deep His people—His church, the spiritual has said in His Word. The three angels’ conviction of the Spirit of God.”2 Israel. And as a result of that weeping, messages are God’s last message of As the earth plunges into ever- “ ‘A fountain will be opened to the love and mercy to the world. deeper moral, political, economic, house of David and the inhabitants of We know that whenever God’s and ecological chaos, the Bible clearly Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin people have been faithful throughout describes those who stand for truth and impurity’ ” (Zech. 13:1). history, this faithfulness has incited the and proclaim the message during this

Whenever we deviate from God’s explicit Word and follow a form of worship of our own making, we are rejecting salvation by grace.

God’s people will be cleansed and fury of those who are not. God rejected time: “ ‘Those who are wise will shine purified. The Holy Spirit will be poured Cain’s worship, and Cain despised his like the brightness of the heavens, and out in full measure to enable us to fin- brother and set out to destroy him. those who lead many to righteousness, ish the work of proclaiming the gospel That pattern has continued through- like the stars for ever and ever’ ” (Dan. to the world. What a time that will be! out history. 12:3). Now, as the world spins toward the Great times are ahead for God’s The grand finale final battle between Christ and Satan, people, and the best chapters of the There are incredible signs impos- we are being asked to take a stand and book of Acts have yet to be written. sible to miss taking place right now proclaim with power God’s distinct When we embrace evangelism and in the sociopolitical world. We know message for our time. There are more make it a part of our ministry, we that Satan has “three impure spirits than 3,000 different evangelism and place ourselves in the center of God’s that looked like frogs” going to the outreach methods, and they all work if action—and what a place to be! kings of the world “to gather them we just try them—because God’s Spirit for the battle on the great day of God seizes any opportunity to influence 1 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture passages are from the New International Version of the Bible. Emphasis in this passage Almighty” (Rev. 16:13, 14). We know hearts. added. that Satan calls the world to a place In her book The Great Controversy, 2 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific of reunion, to a false unity. And while Ellen White describes the time that is Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 612.

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® SKIP BELL

Skip Bell, DMin, is professor of Christian leadership and director of the doctor of ministry program, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

The last generation: How the Advent hope defines us

hope to be among the last genera- proclaimed the promise of His return: sinfulness of this world assault my con- tion on earth when Jesus returns. “ ‘This Jesus, who was taken up from fidence in the promises of the second As an Adventist Christian, I long to you into heaven, will come in the same coming of Jesus. At such times the Holy I see Jesus; and I believe our Savior way as you saw him go into heaven’ ” Spirit uses these inspired texts to keep will physically return. Now in my 60s, (Acts 1:11). The earliest believers in the blessed hope alive in my soul. All of strong in my faith that death is only Christ were comforted with the promise us disciples of Jesus must constantly a rest until He comes, my longing for just as we are: reinforce the blessed hope with these the imminence of His return continues. assurances from Scripture. My desire for an end to sin and the Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall consequent suffering that destroys life not all sleep, but we shall all be The problem of time on this earth has only increased with changed, in a moment, in the twin- Time is a problem for us. We have the passing of years. kling of an eye, at the last trumpet. waited, and our hope for Christ’s The term “last generation” evokes For the trumpet will sound, and the return has subsequently moved from differing mental images. For some, dead will be raised imperishable, expectation to disappointment. I recall the term introduces the horrifying and we shall be changed. For this the lament of a faithful uncle who reality of earth’s inability to infinitely perishable body must put on the had experienced the great American sustain life; for others, the devastating imperishable, and this mortal body Depression in the 1930s, World War II, destruction of nuclear warfare; and for must put on immortality. When the nuclear fears during the cold war, and others, an impending cosmic calamity. perishable puts on the imperishable, countless calamities. He had given a Ironically, for those who anticipate the and the mortal puts on immortality, lifetime of Christian service, but in the return of Christ, these fearful predic- then shall come to pass the saying end felt let down; that belief in the tions are themselves affirmations of that is written: “Death is swallowed return of Christ seemed a vain hope. Christ’s return, and they sustain our up in victory.” “O death, where is For some, the response to waiting hope to be among the last generation. your victory? O death, where is your has been to seize on some means for sting?” (1 Cor. 15:51–55). controlling the determined moment Promises of the Second of Christ’s return rather than submit- Advent I find it helpful to rehearse these ting to His providence, as though we As others do, I often review the and many other familiar Bible pas- might, through some effort of our own, promises of Jesus’ return provided sages that proclaim the return of become that last generation. within Scripture. “ ‘In my Father’s house our Lord (for example, 2 Thess. 1:10; We are a bit like the disappointed are many rooms. If it were not so, would 1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 22:7). The blessed disciples of Jesus who treasured the I have told you that I go to prepare a hope (Titus 2:13), the return of Jesus, idea of the restoration of the glory of place for you? And if I go and prepare is central to my faith and to that of Israel in their lifetime. Ellen White’s a place for you, I will come again and others who share biblically grounded account of their confusion as Jesus will take you to myself, that where I am Christian beliefs. I readily confess turned to Jerusalem and the cross you may be also’ ” (John 14:2, 3).1 When there are times when secular concerns, reveals that Jesus attempted to nur- Jesus ascended from this earth, angels disappointments, suffering, or the ture their longing for the kingdom

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 into enduring trust in His providence. His coming that every generation has (Matt. 24:6); “ ‘famines and earthquakes She wrote of their experience, “Then observed as harbingers of His return. in various places’ ” (v. 7); “ ‘false prophets for their encouragement He gave the will arise and lead many astray’ ” (v. 11); promise, ‘Verily, I say unto you, There Signs of the Second “ ‘lawlessness will be increased, the love be some standing here, which shall Advent of many will grow cold’ ” (v. 12); and then not taste of death, till they see the Since my childhood, events in the my favorite, “ ‘And this gospel of the Son of man coming in His kingdom.’ natural world and affairs of our society kingdom will be proclaimed throughout But the disciples did not comprehend have been noted as signs of Christ’s soon the whole world as a testimony to all His words. The glory seemed far away. coming. These events have provided a nations, and then the end will come’ ” Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer source of encouragement in one sense. (v. 14). These and many other Bible view, the earthly life of poverty, humili- Sabbath School teachers, pastors, a references to signs on earth or in the ation, and suffering. Must their glowing succession of evangelists, and even my expanses of our environment affirm, expectations of the Messiah’s kingdom mother all described natural disasters, and create, a sense of the imminence of be relinquished?”2 political and religious events of impor- Christ’s return as years pass. How shall we relate to our hope? tance, and the increase of knowledge But time has become a problem Faced with waiting, hope creates ten- in our society as certain signs of Jesus’ for us. Reflection on the redundancy of sion. This tension does not constitute soon coming. Though such signs often these signs as my years advanced led something negative; rather, this ten- are in the context of horrific human me to examine the urgency of my hopes sion is positive, even necessary. The suffering, the words of Jesus serve to in light of the providence of God. Jesus tension challenges us to exercise faith remind us during such times that He is did caution us to understand that there while living as His good stewards (Matt. coming to put an end to this age. is an appointed time that we do not 24:45–51) in the present time, actively To recognize these events as signs know. “ ‘See that you are not alarmed, and joyfully caring for His household. is not simply wishful thinking. Jesus for this must take place, but the end is Jesus apparently recognized, even nur- taught that such events are signs of His not yet’ ” (v. 6). “ ‘All these are but the tured, that tension by providing signs of return: “ ‘wars and rumors of wars’ ” beginning of the birth pains’ ” (v. 8).

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® SKIP BELL

“ ‘But the one who endures to the end through the Spirit-led testimony of believing we have delayed His return or will be saved’ ” (v. 13). “ ‘Therefore, stay Scripture and years of working with can hasten His return. Clothed in reli- awake, for you do not know on what day people that love draws one to Christ, gious tones, this provides the control your Lord is coming’ ” (v. 42). Believers and love has a far greater power than we need. in Thessalonica were cautioned to wait fear. “Hope does not put us to shame, Thus, we drift from believing His expectantly but without identifying the because God’s love has been poured coming is so near that we are the last day of Christ’s return (2 Thess. 2). Jesus into our hearts through the Holy Spirit generation to believe that we may apparently intended for us to rehearse who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5). become, by our own efforts, the last the promise of His coming daily but “God shows his love for us in that while generation. This seems honorable. to trust in His providence while caring we were still sinners, Christ died for us” We determine within ourselves to be for His household—the world and its (v. 8). “Christ may dwell in your hearts a people of a special quality, a distinct citizens, whom He so passionately through faith—that you, being rooted people like the world has never before wishes to redeem. and grounded in love, may have strength known, fit for the return of Christ. to comprehend with all the saints what We certainly pray earnestly for that Theological tension is the breadth and length and height and transformation. To be more like Christ In her work on the life of Jesus, Ellen depth, and to know the love of Christ is the longing of our hearts. And, as the White cautioned Christian disciples: that surpasses knowledge, that you may Scripture affirms, the longer we follow “But the day and the hour of His com- be filled with all the fullness of God” Jesus, the more His transforming work ing Christ has not revealed. He stated (Eph. 3:17–20). Love sanctifies: “For the will be experienced: “And we all, with plainly to His disciples that He Himself love of Christ controls us, because we unveiled face, beholding the glory of could not make known the day or the have concluded this: that one has died the Lord, are being transformed into the hour of His second appearing. . . . The for all, therefore all have died; and he same image from one degree of glory to exact time of the second coming of the died for all, that those who live might another” (2 Cor. 3:18). Exegesis of the Son of man is God’s mystery.”3 no longer live for themselves but for him text suggests Paul’s ambiguous sense In the earliest years of my pastoral who for their sake died and was raised” of reflecting the righteousness of Christ ministry I came to realize the impor- (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). while, at the same time, experiencing tance of both nurturing the blessed If received, this caution regarding continuing and progressive transforma- hope and avoiding sensationalizing how we regard the signs of Christ’s tion provided by the Holy Spirit. No that hope. Generations of Christians coming will, in fact, strengthen our sense in the text exists suggesting that have waited expectantly. In their hope church and its mission, not weaken it. work has an ending point. of Jesus’ return, people can be manipu- Truth is powerful. And the truth? We Rightly understood, the ongoing lated through the coming and passing do not know when Christ will return transformative work of the Holy Spirit of current events. Some become skilled (Matt. 24:44), nor are we to know. Just helps us understand the mission of at manipulating these events. The news as I believe He is coming very soon (and the church. That is, the call of the from any particular day can be heralded the signs encourage me in that belief!), church to gather a people who are as the last warning, and fear may fill so my great-grandmother believed. becoming more and more like Jesus empty church pews. And if we are still here on this earth a while anticipating the day of His return. Certainly, God wishes us to hold on century from now, I hope and pray my Ellen White wrote, “Had the church of to His promise. We should reflect on great-grandchildren will treasure that Christ done her appointed work as the His Word constantly. However, we can belief as well. They should likewise Lord ordained, the whole world would so sensationalize every devastating review the signs of Christ’s coming. But before this have been warned, and the earthquake, every outbreak of human if sensational messages are substituted Lord Jesus would have come to our violence, and every political or religious for careful exegesis of the Word, that earth in power and great glory.”4 event that it eventually undermines hope will dim. Careful attention to her thought faith. Our need is to affirm the inspira- is important. She states in the same tion of Scripture, proclaim the gospel, The last generation context: “By giving the gospel to the magnify the love of God, so that every After years of serving God’s church, world it is in our power to hasten our reoccurrence of these signs serves as my observation is that faithful steward- Lord’s return.”5 The context of these com- a reminder that our Lord promised to ship in the proper tension with hopeful ments is her reflection on the intention return and will return. expectancy yields to the control of our of God for the mission of the church. Is this caution a threat to our faith? human need. The transition is a subtle We are to gather people who are being No. No one comes to Christ through one, clothed in spiritual language, transformed as they anticipate and long fear. Some may come to the church or but nonetheless human in nature. for the return of the Lord. We do not to a decision to exercise greater moral We drift to believing we influence the satisfy our mission by issuing warnings resolve through fear. But I am convinced determined time of the return of Christ, but by leading people to Jesus. She

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 underscores the mission the church is to performance produces a focus on our- His providence, it may be the next engage in and suggests that the end of selves. Inevitably, such a focus leads generation, or generations from now. this history could have been before our us to moralism and perfectionism as We do not know when He will return. time had that work been faithfully done. ends in themselves and as substitutes Nor do we need to know. Several points are worth noting when for faith and humble proclamation of He will come at a time we do not examining her thought: (1) this refers to the grace of God. The vital tension of expect (Matt. 24:44). The conditions on a sign—the worldwide preaching of the faith with a transformed life can be earth affirm that the Second Advent is gospel; (2) the thoughts are not formed lost. The message of the last genera- near. Could Jesus return today? That as a reference to a supposed higher tion is the love of God, His grace, His question creates some tension. We spiritual nature of God’s people; and redeeming power, the call to serve as anticipate a time of trouble greater (3) there is no reference to the human enduring stewards of His household in than the world has known (Mark 13:19) moral condition being determinative. the present time, and joy in the promise while we acknowledge that for many White’s thoughts reflect on the call to of His return. of God’s children on this earth, that mission. In the context, she repeats the several biblical references to the gospel Conclusion time is here. The last generation may being carried to the entire world before Long for the return of Jesus! Rejoice be surprised by His appearing! Jesus returns. in the promise of His return! At the same This we do know: Jesus is coming It is compelling to note, and impor- time, knowing this is God’s world, be again. Time is not a problem for God. tant to repeat, that the aforementioned active in the concerns that impact The redeemed will give Him glory and thoughts responded to Jesus’ speaking human experience. Share the gospel. Be welcome Him with joy at the appointed of the call to disciples for engagement engaged in issues of poverty, climate, time. in mission. Waiting for Jesus to return health care, pollution, hunger, and Meanwhile, let us be about our means caring for His household, sharing violence. We are His stewards, servants Father’s business. the gospel, sharing His love. Waiting is of the One who has redeemed us, who is not idleness nor focused on self. Indeed, risen from the grave, who ministers for 1 All scripture references are from the English Standard Version. Jesus called us to be a selfless and us in heavenly places, and is returning. 2 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898), 417. serving church as we wait. Serve in love and joy! 3 Ibid., 632, 633. Believing we become the last I long to be among the last gen- 4 Ibid., 633, 634. generation by our own spiritual eration. Perhaps you do as well. In 5 Ibid., 633.

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Preparing for His return Now more than ever it is time to of this life that we forget what really prepare the church for the return of matters. Jesus Christ. Make no mistake—Jesus As we draw closer to Christ’s Christ will come again, and God second coming, it is imperative that has given us specific instructions we are prepared and eagerly waiting. Christ. He wants you to reflect His regarding what we should do while Indeed, we have entered the fearful character in your daily life. “Christ we wait. As spiritual leaders, we have end-time years that are the grand is waiting with longing desire for a special mission to teach and preach climax of human civilization. If ever the manifestation of Himself in His the Word. there was a time to pay attention and church.”* We need to pay careful attention get prepared, it is now. to the world around us while keeping If you have a real sense of Christ’s —Jonas Arrais, DMin, serves as an the lightest possible hold on the imminent return, it will also impact associate ministerial secretary, things of this world. Obviously, we the way you live (1 John 3:3). God’s General Conference of Seventh-day live in the world, but this doesn’t ultimate goal for your life on this Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, mean we have to be of the world. In earth is not comfort but character United States. other words, we should take care not development. He wants you to to become so involved in the things grow up spiritually and become like * Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, 69.

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® WILLIE E. HUCKS II

Willie E. Hucks II, DMin, serves as associate editor, Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Preaching the Second Coming

had a vivid imagination as a Losing focus anxieties of life’ ” (Luke 21:34)?1 Do we child. Perhaps it was because I Before I turned 20 years old, how- find it easier to preach to the needs was an only child until my sister ever, something happened. My vivid of our congregations, whether such I was born nine years later, so I imagination began to dissipate. This needs are real or perceived? Have we, had to learn how to entertain myself. undoubtedly happened because of the as preachers, become illiterate as it I would imagine what life would be demands of high school and university relates to our understanding of the like if I had brothers and how good we life. But more important, my dissipated prophecies of Daniel and Revelation; would be in athletic competition. Of imagination affected how I saw—or as such, is it more convenient to course, I would be the best of us all. in this case, did not see—the second preach things that do not require as My imagination would extend to coming of Christ. I was busy laying much mental exercise to comprehend spiritual matters as well. This began the foundation for my career in gospel and share? Or might we avoid preach- while viewing the Sabbath School ministry. Looking back on it all, I find ing the Parousia because the Second picture rolls of life in heaven: play- it embarrassing that I was preparing Coming brings an end to our current ing with nondomesticated animals, for a life of service to the Seventh-day ways of living and ushers in final judg- sitting with other smiling children in Adventist Church yet was no longer ment for which many ministers of the the presence of Jesus, and having a giving much thought to the reality of gospel do not feel ready to face? mansion built just for me. My child- the Second Advent. hood was happy, but life as portrayed But I was not the only one losing Regaining focus in these pictures was even better than focus on the Second Coming. As a Thirty years ago, I was focused on what I was already experiencing. child, I heard countless sermons that starting my ministerial journey—being The Apollo space missions, in heralded the message, “Jesus is com- the best pastor I could be, caring for which men landed on the moon and ing again. Are you ready to meet Him?” my church members, attending to walked on its surface, also sparked But with each passing year, I heard less the needs of my three-church dis- within me a desire to travel through and less about Jesus’ return and more trict. Maybe one day the conference space to worlds unknown. That is and more about the “how-tos” of life: leadership would ordain me. I had my what I wanted to do when Jesus came how to have a better marriage, how to priorities straight. Or did I? back to earth at the Second Coming. deal with anger, and a host of other Thirty years later, with more yes- I was told by pastors and evangelists worthy topics. I heard little that took terdays in my ministerial rearview that the journey to heaven after Jesus me beyond the now to the not yet. mirror, the question constantly arises comes to earth again will take seven Why do many of us not preach the in my mind: Should I redeem the time days; and I could picture myself float- Parousia like we once did? I could offer and preach the Second Coming like the ing in weightlessness upward with a number of suggestions; but they preachers of my childhood did? loved ones, angels, and Jesus. I was might prove to be merely anecdotal. I need to do so because I must so excited to know that these things Has the pursuit for wealth—albeit a recapture those same spiritual ele- would soon take place—perhaps even relative concept—infected us with ments of that vivid imagination I had before I became an adult. “ ‘dissipation, drunkenness, and the as a child. Life was simpler then, as

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 it should have been. But amid the let him who does right continue to do Paul, who believed that many in his complexity of adult life in the twenty- right; and let him who is holy continue generation would still be alive when first century, it becomes easy to forget to be holy’ ” (vv. 10, 11). When I preach Jesus returned. When members of the that God has the present in His hands the Second Coming, I am constantly church in Thessalonica saw their loved and our glorious future under control. reminded that the God of love wants ones passing away, Paul, upon receiv- It becomes easy to fall into the trap of to judge me as worthy to eternally live ing word of their concerns, comforted wanting to fix everything, to guarantee with Him because I have allowed Him them with the promise of a future that all things—both personally and to live in and through me. When we resurrection (1 Thess. 4:13–16). Yet professionally—transpire exactly as preach the Parousia, it should spur and still, he believed that some of we believe they should. both us and those who listen to our them—including himself—would be It also does well to preach the sermons to strive for holiness (see alive to witness the Second Coming. Second Coming because it serves as an 2 Pet. 3:10–13). Several years later, when writing to antidote to the infection of dissipation, the church in Corinth, he still held that drunkenness, and the cares of this life. Sharpening focus same view (1 Cor. 15:51). If his was a The promise of Christ’s return reminds When we deepen our commitment mistaken notion, how could he have me that “the world and its desires pass to preaching the Second Coming, we made such a mistake? Certainly he away” (1 John 2:17) and that “ ‘the God need to inspire people with a vision of was aware of what Jesus had taught of heaven will set up a kingdom that the not yet; and in doing so, we need the Twelve about His return.

Could it be that our use of the term soon,

while well intended, serves to encourage

date setting as it relates to what is better

described as Christ’s imminent return?

will never be destroyed, nor will it be to be faithful to the text, allowing In addressing His disciples’ query left to another people. It will crush all it to speak from its life setting into about the sign of His coming and the those kingdoms and bring them to an our twenty-first-century life setting. end of the world (Matt. 24:3), Jesus end, but it will itself endure forever’ ” Pastors serve as resident theologians spoke extensively about a number (Dan. 2:44). in their congregations; and one of our of things for which they should look. Ministers must also preach the key responsibilities is to maintain a During the discourse, He told His dis- Second Coming because the message sharp focus on allowing God’s Word ciples to learn a lesson from the twigs of Christ’s return points to judgment to explain itself, especially as it relates and leaves of the fig tree. The budding that results in deliverance for His to helping people understand various of the leaves signals the arrival of saints. John wrote Revelation 22:7–11 questions surrounding the Second summer (v. 32). In the same way, Jesus within the context of Christ’s imminent Coming. continued (referring to His return), return, and he concludes with these How near is “near”? One of the “ ‘when you see all these things, you words: “Then he told me, ‘Do not seal biggest questions generations of know that it is near, right at the door’ ” up the words of the prophecy of this Christians have asked is, “What’s tak- (v. 33). Greater confusion could arise book, because the time is near. Let him ing Jesus so long to return?” For 2,000 because of verse 34: “ ‘this generation who does wrong continue to do wrong; years, Christians have believed in the will certainly not pass away until all let him who is vile continue to be vile; imminent return of Christ—including these things have happened.’ ”

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® WILLIE E. HUCKS II

Many years after Paul’s martyr- do not know the day or the hour’ ” groups (see Matt. 24:14). We do so ever dom, John the revelator shares the (Matt. 25:13). The parable of the talents keeping in mind that “like the stars words of the True Witness who says speaks to using that which has been in the vast circuit of their appointed “ ‘I am coming soon’ ” (Rev. 22: 7, 12, entrusted to us, not for ourselves, but path, God’s purposes know no haste 20). How, then, are we to understand wisely and with an eye toward the and no delay.”3 the concepts of near and soon? The future—a caution against living for word employed for soon is the Greek today. The parable of the sheep and Restoring focus term tachu, from which is derived the goats speaks to our responsibility to Finally, we need to cast a vision for medical term tachycardia. Tachycardia others, uncovering that horizontal our listeners of what Jesus is prepar- comes from the Greek, loosely trans- spiritual dimensions are an important ing for us. That is what He did for His lated “sudden heart” or “quick heart.” life factor as are the vertical dimen- discouraged disciples. After predicting While the quickened heart rate is the sions. Jesus connects our duty to His betrayal and imminent departure most notable result of the condition, others with fitness for His eternal (John 13:21, 36), Jesus pointed them its asymptomatic nature sounds the kingdom (vv. 34–40). to their future reality. “In my Father’s potential alarm. One never knows As preachers, we often focus on house are many mansions. . . . I go to when the next battle with tachycardia the spiritual disciplines of prayer and prepare a place for you. And if I go and will come; it simply comes! Bible study as essential elements of prepare a place for you, I will come As preachers, we need to express character development. But Jesus again, and receive you to myself; that the biblical concept that the nearness clearly teaches that our unselfish and where I am, there ye may be also” of Christ’s return reflects an event that altruistic relationship with the impov- (John 14:2, 3, KJV). transpires suddenly. When it happens, erished, disenfranchised, and outcast Those who sit in our churches need it happens in a flash. Paul employed serves as the practical outgrowth of to be reminded that Jesus is coming the “thief in the night” concept (see time spent in secret with God. In other again and that His coming is both 1 Thess. 5:2) to express the nature of words, Jesus is coming back for those sure and imminent. They need to see the return of Christ. In fact, in verse 3, who walk with Him and others—includ- the glory of His return (see Rev. 1:7). he uses the word suddenly to describe ing “ ‘the least of these brothers of They need to hear the loud trumpet the Day of the Lord and its accompany- mine’ ” (v. 40). call that dispatches the angels who ing events. Peter, as did Paul, had to address will “ ‘gather his elect from the four Could it be that our use of the term those who questioned whether Jesus winds, from one end of the heavens soon, while well intended, serves to would return (2 Pet. 3:4). He acknowl- to the other’ ” (Matt. 24:31). They need encourage date setting as it relates edged that the concept of time in the to know that they will be reunited with to what is better described as Christ’s sight of mortals greatly differs from their loved ones, who on that day will imminent return? Could such use also that of divinity (v. 8). Then he shared a be resurrected (1 Thess. 4:16), and unintentionally discourage people reason for the delay, pointing to divine that they will be free from all traces of from appropriately preparing for the patience (v. 9). disease (1 Cor. 15:52, 53). They need to Second Coming because they have But divine forbearance is not to be one day sing and shout “ ‘Hallelujah! heard of this soon return year after year taken for granted, as if God is One who Salvation and glory and power belong after year? A focus on the imminent practices theological Universalism. to our God, for true and just are his nature of His return encourages me to Divine patience should be welcomed judgments’ ” (Rev. 19:1, 2). “Alleluia: “ ‘be ready, because the Son of Man with human readiness. We “ought to for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” will come at an hour when [I] do not live holy and godly lives as [we] look (v. 6, KJV).4 expect him’ ” (Matt. 24:44). forward to the day of God and speed In short, they (and I) need the How does one become ready? Never its coming” (vv. 11, 12). imagination of a child. should we preach Matthew 24 without But how do we “speed its coming”? also preaching Matthew 25. The former The Greek verb employed connotes the 1 Unless noted otherwise, all scripture is from the New tells us Jesus is coming; the latter tells concept of “striving for” something.2 International Version. us how to prepare. Our responsibility, as preachers, is 2 F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian In giving us instructions on readi- to exhort our listeners (including Literature, 2nd ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979), ness, Jesus shared three well-known ourselves) to live the commands and 762. parables. The parable of the ten virgins principles of Matthew 24 and 25—not 3 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific speaks to preparing for the coming of only what was previously mentioned Press Pub. Assn., 1898), 32. 4 For a picture infinitely brighter and better than I could ever the Bridegroom and closes with the in light of the three parables but also attempt to paint, see Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy counsel to “ ‘keep watch, because you to proclaim the gospel to all people (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1888), 635–652.

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015

ABRAHAM GUERRERO

Abraham Guerrero, PhD, is a pastor in the Orlando, Florida, area and an adjunct professor of world mission and church history at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

Enough fuel to make it home

ichelle was really late percent of the world population belong The Seventh-day Adventist Church for work. Her 35-minute to other smaller religious persuasions, was officially organized in 1863 with drive seemed like an secular, nonreligious, animist, atheist, 3,500 members. In 1979, 116 years Meternity to her, but she or agnostic groups.1 later, worldwide church membership made it on time for work. The work Just the varying religious groups, was only about 3.5 million. The next 30 day went off as usual, but as she was each one with millions of people, con- years would see the church’s member- starting for home, the car’s low fuel stitute how far Christian witness has ship jump from that number to roughly warning light came on. She made it to to go to reach the world. Add to this 16.9 million in 2010, which means that the nearest gas station, but her eyes daunting task another dimension: it during those three decades, the church almost popped out when she realized is estimated that 42.1 percent of some received five times more members than she had left her wallet at home. No 16,000 people groups in the world have in the rest of its previous history. From cash, no credit or debit cards. She took not yet been reached with the gospel,2 the time the church was organized in out her phone and posted her desper- and about 2,000 language groups do 1863 to the present, Adventists have ate status on Facebook: “I still got some not have even one verse of Scripture.3 given over US$60 billion in tithe and 30 miles to go and the low fuel warning The task is staggering. offerings to advance the mission of light is already on. Do I have enough fuel The idea that other religions are just the denomination.7 I cannot help but to make it home?” as good as Christianity or even better praise the Lord for the blessed hope (and that trying to convert people from that has fueled the hearts of so many Enough fuel for a other religions to Christianity might be people and has made it possible for the daunting task unnecessary or even an absurd interfer- Seventh-day Adventist Church to reach Like Michelle, Christians are driving ence in their private lives) is not new4 so many people from all over the world. a vehicle, called witness to the world. and is gaining more adherents than As this vehicle makes its journey to ever. Some argue that “there are nine A little more fuel for many points in the world, the time has thousand and nine hundred distinct and our car come to raise the question: Do we have separate religions in the world, increas- But not everything is bright and nice sufficient fuel left to propel the gospel ing by two or three religions every day.”5 in our mission endeavors. Sometimes vehicle to reach every unreached area As the Seventh-day Adventist Church we find ourselves a little too busy run- or population segment in the world? drives on the highway of mission, do we, ning the church, and we forget about Consider the current world popula- as a church, have enough fuel to finish mission. Russell Staples suggests that tion’s allegiance to various religions. Of the task that was given to us? this should not be a surprise because the total world population, Christianity expansion and other circumstances still claims the most adherents with Fueling the hearts often cause agencies and institutions more than 2 billion (strong and nominal) The Seventh-day Adventist mes- of different sorts to slowly deviate from believers—and this is still a minority, sage is now being proclaimed through the original purposes for which they with only 33 percent of world popula- the written and spoken word in at least were established.8 tion. Islam comes next with about 1.5 914 languages and dialects, and the In 2011, when G. T. Ng presented his billion (21 percent of world population). church has been adding more than General Conference Secretary’s Report Hinduism claims 900 million believ- one million people to its membership to the Annual Council, he explained that ers (14 percent). Over 370 million are every year for ten years in a row. Some as the church grows, it tends to become Buddhists (6 percent). The remaining 24 125 people join the church every hour.6 institutionalized and to spend more

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 resources on baptized membership had defeated death and rose from the disciples as the Lord used them than on mission, and while “mission is the grave, He was soon to break their in fulfilling the Great Commission. not forgotten,” it is “sidelined amidst hearts again because He was about to This blessed hope also fueled early pressing demands of programs and leave them and go to heaven. Adventists into fulfilling their God-given institutions.”9 After Christ’s ascension, two of mission. Adventists are not alone in this the most exalted angels were sent to trend, however. For example, it is esti- bring comfort to the brokenhearted The hope that fueled mated that 73.1 percent of foreign disciples. “ ‘Men of Galilee,’ ” the angels mission among early missionaries of all denominations are said, “ ‘why do you stand here looking Adventists being deployed to places with access into the sky? This same Jesus, who has When his friends started question- to Christian witness and where most been taken from you into heaven, will ing the 34-year-old former deist William people would say they are Christians; come back in the same way you have Miller right after his decision to follow another 24.5 percent of missionaries seen him go into heaven’ ” (Acts 1:11).11 Jesus, he suddenly found himself with are sent to places where people have When the disciples went back his back against the wall. access to Christian witness although to town, the people in Jerusalem “How do you know there is a many have not decided to become expected their faces to appear down- Savior?” they asked him.

Could it be that we need to stop for a moment and drive to the nearest gas station to get a little more fuel for our mission endeavors?

Christians; only 2.4 percent of mis- cast and ashamed after all they had “It is revealed in the Bible.” sionaries are serving in places where gone through. But they were not filled “But how do you know the Bible most people are not Christians and do with sorrow and defeat. In their hearts is true?” not have access to a Christian witness. were only gladness and triumph. Though perplexed, Miller decided Simply put, only 2.4 percent of the “Their faces were aglow with a hap- that he would not give up. He would missionaries who are being deployed piness not born of earth. They did not rather study the Bible thoroughly and to foreign fields are actually working mourn over disappointed hopes, but do his best to harmonize all of its appar- among the 1.6 billion people who have were full of praise and thanksgiving ent contradictions. not had a chance to hear the good news to God. With rejoicing they told the William Miller’s famous two-year of the gospel.10 Could it be that we need wonderful story of Christ’s resurrection journey through the Scriptures might to stop for a moment and drive to the and His ascension to heaven, and their have first been propelled by peer pres- nearest gas station to get a little more testimony was received by many.”12 sure. But at the end of that period, the fuel for our mission endeavors? The message they heard from those farmer came to a conclusion that was two angels changed the way the dis- far beyond his initial expectations and Enough fuel from ciples looked at Jesus’ departure. They would stand the fiercest opposition: by the Olivet knew their Master had been separated 1818, he had concluded “that in about Without knowing it, the disciples from them and that they were surely twenty-five years from that time all the “drove” to such a “gas station” in the going to have a hard time struggling affairs of our present state would be Olivet some 20 centuries ago. And they with the trials and temptations of the wound up; that all its pride and power, desperately needed this. Jesus, their world, but the Bible says they “returned pomp and vanity, wickedness and beloved Master, had been crucified. to Jerusalem with great joy. And they oppression, would come to an end; and And they thought that all their hopes stayed continually at the temple, prais- that, in the place of the kingdoms of this had also been nailed to the cross ing God” (Luke 24:52, 53). The good world, the peaceful and long-desired with Him. Although their faith came news that one day Jesus would return kingdom of the Messiah would be back to life when they realized Jesus became a most effective fuel to energize established under the whole heaven.”13

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® ABRAHAM GUERRERO

Through the blessed hope of Jesus’ world.” In an effort to calm his dis- their God-given Great Commission. It second coming, God touched the heart tressed conscience, he promised God was the blessed hope that has fueled of that humble farmer and invited him that if someone would come and invite the efforts of so many dedicated to share his convictions with others. him to preach, he would go. His burden leaders in Adventist history, taking “For weeks, months, yes, for years, seemed to go away immediately. After them to the ends of the earth to bring the command, ‘Go tell it to the world,’ all, he had never received an invitation God’s end-time message of hope to all had been impressed more and more to preach, and who would invite a peoples of the world. And it will be the deeply on his heart.”14 But William did 50-year-old, slow-of-speech farmer to same blessed hope that will encourage not want to do it, and he had many preach? Seventh-day Adventists in our days to But the test to his promise would reach and disciple some three billion come almost right away as his nephew, individuals who have no fair access to Irving, arrived with a message: there the gospel. was no preacher for the next day in We have a way to go to fulfill our their church, and Irving’s father wanted mission, and the low fuel warning Miller to share with the small congrega- light already glows. May God fill our tion what he had been studying about hearts with the wonderful fuel of His the second coming of Jesus. promise: “ ‘Yes, I am coming soon’ ” William Miller was flabbergasted by (Rev. 22:20). this sudden invitation. “Surprise gave way to rebellion. And rebellion quickly 1 See Adherents.com, “Major Religions of the World Ranked by ripened into a determination to break Number of Adherents,” accessed December 10, 2010, www .adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html; David Van Biema 15 his covenant.” But without answering and others, “Should Christians Convert Muslims?—Religion: a word, he turned his back on the boy. Missionaries Under Cover.” After about an hour struggling with God, 2 Joshua Project, “All Progress Levels,” accessed March 26, 2013, Miller decided to go preach. The 16-mile joshuaproject.net/global-progress-scale.php. 3 Paul Eshleman, “World Evangelization in the 21st Century,” ride to that small church would be the October 22, 2010, joshuaproject.net/assets/media/assets first of William Miller’s many preaching /articles/essential-elements-of-great-commission.pdf, 5. appointments. Some have said that he 4 See “The American Board: Eighty-Eighth Annual Meeting at New Haven,” Christian Work: Illustrated Family Newspaper 63, no. 1601 gave at least 3,200 lectures between (1897): 654. 1832 and 1844. He faced tremendous 5 See Jorge N. Ferrer, “Spiritual Knowing as Participatory Enaction,” in opposition, but he kept up with his God- The Participatory Turn, eds. Jorge N. Ferrer and Jacob H. Sherman given mission, not dismayed because of (Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2008), 135. 6 2014 Annual Statistical Report, in documents.adventistarchives it all but fixing his mind on the blessed .org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2014.pdf, 2. hope, “the appearing of the glory of 7 Ibid. our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” 8 Russell Staples, “Maintaining the Adventist Mission,” Ministry, (Titus 2:13). February 1997, www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1997/02 /maintaining-the-adventist-vision. Just like Miller, plenty of others in 9 G. T. Ng, “Membership Dilemma: Promise and Peril, Secretary’s the Millerite movement gave up every- Report to the Annual Council,” slide 33. reasons for his decision: he was not thing they had for the sake of mission. 10 Global Frontier Missions, “State of the World—the Task Remaining,” accessed March 27, 2013, www a trained preacher, he was not quite These God-fearing people who came .globalfrontiermissions.org/stateofworld.html. ready, he was slow of speech, and the from different religious backgrounds 11 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture is from the New conclusions of his study might be wrong saw themselves as participants in a International Version of the Bible. after all. So he studied and studied the prophetic movement whose task was to 12 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. 16 Assn., 2006), 832. subject for another thirteen years until prepare the world for Christ’s return. 13 Paul A. Gordon, “William Miller: Preparing to Preach,” Adventist it all seemed clear in his mind, and he Even after the great disappointment in Heritage Ministry, www.adventistheritage.org/article/50 found no workable objections to his 1844, a faithful remnant emerged from /resources/pioneer-stories/william-mller-preparing-to-preach. own theory. But by 1831, Miller had the scene and came to be known as the 14 Matilda E. Andross, Story of the Advent Message (Takoma Park, 17 MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1926), 9. another reason not to preach; he was Seventh-day Adventist Church. 15 Ibid. too old. 16 See P. Gerard Damsteegt, Foundations of the Seventh-day One Saturday morning, as Miller Enough fuel to make it Adventist Message and Mission (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, was studying his Bible, he felt God’s home 1977). 17 See Andrew Gordon Mustard, “James White and the Development voice talking to him with greater It was the blessed hope that ener- of Seventh-day Adventist Organization, 1844-1881” (PhD diss., urgency than ever, “Go, tell it to the gized the disciples in the fulfillment of Andrews University, 1987).

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 By Drs. Claudio and Pamela Consuegra Also Available in Spanish

Help! I’m a Parent will inspire and encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers as they journey toward becoming disciple-makers of their children. It addresses common challenges experienced when raising children from birth through age seven. This resource is ideal for use individually, as a couple, or in a small group.

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English Language DVD Features: Drs. Claudio and Pamela Drs. Leslie and Consuegra, Prudence Pollard, NAD Family Ministries Oakwood University Hosts Topic: Relationships & Rivalry Dr. Sung Kwon, Mike and Gail Tucker, Adventist Community Faith for Today Services Topic: Firm Topic: Sharing & Foundation Service

Additional Presenters: Dr. Christine & Pastor Kevin Bryne Scan to watch a video Dr. Rose Gamblin featuring Drs. Claudio and Dr. Katia Reinert Pamela Consuegra or go to Dr. Cesar & Carolann DeLeon https://vimeo.com/86716931 Dr. John & Janice Mathews Edwina Neely & Carolann DeLeon

Available from AdventSource at www.AdventSource.org or 402.486.8800. For more information visit www.HelpImAParent.org. LINDA MEI LIN KOH

Linda Mei Lin Koh, EdD, serves as director of Children’s Ministries, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Engaging a heart for mission to children

hen Jesus gave us the “He called a little child to him, and was a boy king whom God used to Great Commission in placed the child among them. And he reform the religious state of Judah Matthew 28:19, 20 to said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and bring the people back to God bring the gospel to all and become like little children, you will (2 Kings 22). Wthe people of the world, I believe He never enter the kingdom of heaven. God used children and young was also including children. While we Therefore, whoever takes the lowly people as special instruments at a evangelize adults, we must not forget position of this child is the greatest in special time. They are valuable in the that children need the Lord too. In fact, the kingdom of heaven. And whoever kingdom work of the Savior. Can we millions of children, especially in the welcomes one such child in my name do anything less? 10/40 Window, have never heard the welcomes me. Many children live in the 10/14 name of Jesus. We want to bring them “ ‘If anyone causes one of these Window. Luis Bush’s study on reaching to Jesus and prepare them to meet Him little ones—those who believe in and evangelizing children in the 10/40 when He comes again. me—to stumble, it would be better Window reveals fascinating figures Wess Stafford, president emeritus for them to have a large millstone of this group, ages 5–14, worldwide. of Compassion International, advo- hung around their neck and to be Topping the chart is India. With 20 per- cates for a major paradigm shift in drowned in the depths of the sea’ ” cent less population than China, India our thinking in the church. He believes (Matt. 18:1–6, NIV). has over 30 percent more children and that children are too important and Have we truly listened to Jesus’ youth. This is due to China’s one-child intensely loved by God to be left teaching about the place of children policy. Nigeria and Indonesia, with behind or left to chance. Children in the kingdom of God? Children model half the population of the United belong to all of us; we are compelled faith and discipleship by showing us States, actually have more children to intervene on their behalf.1 We adults how to humbly repent and and teens in absolute numbers. In must invest in their spiritual welfare. trust in the God of salvation. When we the United States, 25 percent of the Hence, we need to be intentional in welcome them, we are accepting and nearly 42 million school-age children our mission to children. respecting them as Christ Himself did. are Hispanic—though Hispanics com- Notice that Jesus made it very clear prise only 15 percent of the general Mission to children that if we neglect and abuse them or population. And, as the map indicates, Why should we minister to chil- turn them away from faith in Christ, in Africa and the Middle Eastern coun- dren? The following are some reasons we will face severe judgment from God tries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, we need to get involved in the mission Himself. and others, 40 to 50 percent of the to children. In Scripture, we see examples of population are less than 15 years old.2 Children are valuable to Jesus. God using children to transform their The 10/40 Window is home to 65 Jesus recognized the importance of world. Remember Samuel, who was percent of the world’s population and children and youth. He was asked by just a child but used by God to deliver to the largest population (86 percent) the disciples, “ ‘Who, then, is the great- a needful but difficult message to Eli, of unreached people groups. These est in the kingdom of heaven?’ the high priest (1 Samuel 3)? Josiah people have never heard the name of

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 are the most susceptible to the teach- POPULATION OF CHILDREN AGES 5 TO 14 ings of the gospel; their hearts are BY COUNTRY (2010)3 open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received.”9 TOP TEN COUNTRIES George Barna’s research indicates that 32 percent of those who accept INDIA 248,253,120 Jesus as their personal Savior are children between 5 and 14 years old. CHINA 180,084,594 He cautions that if individuals do not accept Jesus before they are 13 years INDONESIA 42,716,276 old, the chances of their doing so at a later time is rather slim.10 NIGERIA 42,716,276 Children can become effective mis- sionaries. From a mission standpoint, USA 41,819,347 our interest in the 4 to 14 age group is not only because they are receptive PAKISTAN 38,118,459 but also because they can become effective agents to carry the gospel BANGLADESH 36,068,928 commission forward. Once you tell a child, he tells the world. Children are BRAZIL 35,263,734 our best evangelists! Clifferson Araujo dos Santos from ETHIOPIA 23,990,943 Manaus, Brazil, runs a small group for 23 to 28 children in his neighborhood, MEXICO 20,855,453 many of whom are poor or have par- ents in prison. He shows them a video TOTAL (TOP TEN) 709,595,962 of a Bible story and then leads them to study that story. Each child is given a TOTAL (OTHERS) 508,921,404 Bible, and they passionately underline the Bible verses as they discuss the GLOBAL TOTAL 1,218,517,366 lesson. Only 11 years old, Clifferson is a real missionary at work in preaching the gospel. Jesus; they do not have the Bible and young, it takes little effort to make an Ellen G. White reminds us that have few Christian friends and neigh- impression that can last a lifetime.6 “whole armies of children may come bors. Most of the world’s Buddhists, In the United Kingdom’s Nutbrown under Christ’s banner as missionaries, Hindus, Taoists, and Muslims live Review for early childhood education, even in their childhood years. Never within the 10/40 Window. And within Cathy Nutbrown affirms that “the love repulse the desire of children to do this window are many children who and care that children receive from something for Jesus. Never quench need to know the Savior and be pre- their families . . . are fundamental to their ardor for working in some way for pared for His return.4 their healthy growth and development. the Master.”11 Children are most receptive. Major Parents influence children’s values, We need to reach kids in cities. As child development theorists like Erik behaviours and ambitions, and lay the we noted that many children below Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence foundations of who their children are the age of 15 live in the 10/40 Window, Kohlberg echo vehemently that there and what they might become.”7 within this window, many are in big are critical periods or sensitive periods Ellen G. White held a similar view cities. The world’s cities present the during the early years of childhood when she wrote, “Too much impor- Seventh-day Adventist Church with a when values, morality, cognitive think- tance cannot be placed on the early formidable challenge in evangelism ing, worldviews, and perspectives of training of children. The lessons that as more people are moving from rural life are shaped either positively or the child learns during the first seven communities to big cities where jobs negatively.5 years of life have more to do with are available. Wess Stafford of Compassion forming his character than all that it Statistics from Christianity Today International resonates the same learns in future years.”8 tell us that in 2008, for the first time, belief, that the spirit of a little child is At another time, Mrs. White also the world’s population was evenly split a lot like wet cement. When a child is stated that, “It is still true that children between urban and rural areas. “Fewer

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® LINDA MEI LIN KOH

than 30 percent of the world’s 2.5 to share Jesus with their friends. That service to the less fortunate and for billion people in 1950 lived in cities. By is when we need to involve children in God. 2050, almost 70 percent of the world’s mission at home and abroad. We can One seventh-grade student, estimated 10 billion people will do so, start training them to be Christ’s wit- Chris from the Spencerville school in according to the United Nations.”12 In nesses and to serve others unselfishly. Maryland, participated in a mission fact, Ellen G. White strongly advocates In fact, Ellen G. White counsels, project in Central America to help build such work: “There is no change in the “By precept and example parents are a church and run children’s programs. messages that God has sent in the past. to teach their children to labor for the He testified afterwards, “Mission trips The work in the cities is the essential unconverted. The children should be have changed my outlook in life. It work for this time. When the cities are so educated that they will sympathize helps me think more of others and less worked as God would have them, the with the aged and afflicted and will of myself. Doing even little things can result will be the setting in operation of seek to alleviate the sufferings of the change lives. Mission is for me.”

WORLD POPULATION UNDER 15 YEARS OLD

0–20%

20–30%

30–40%

40–50%

Data Source: Operation World

a mighty movement such as we have poor and distressed. They should be Children develop compassion. not yet witnessed.”13 taught to be diligent in missionary Children should be given an opportu- The church needs to be intentional work; and from their earliest years nity to respond to the needs of their and serious in planning its mission to self-denial and sacrifice for the good world. Getting children involved in children within both the church and the of others and the advancement of helping at a shelter, praying for the community. Included in their strategic Christ’s cause should be inculcated, sick, and giving their money and toys plans should be projects to evangelize that they may be laborers together for flood victims helps to develop their children—Vacation Bible School, health with God.”14 compassion for the less fortunate. expos, evangelistic campaigns, craft The following are some benefits of Giving and serving from childhood help days, and Bible camps—projects that involving children in mission. them grow into caring adults. reach community children with the Children’s lives are transformed. After moving to the United States, gospel of love. Children and teens who have par- the Owino brothers, Brian, Calvin, and ticipated in mission or community David, received word that some of Children in mission service have positive responses. They their cousins had died of HIV/AIDS. So When children accept Jesus as come home excited and inspired to they launched the BCD Can Project to their special Friend, they are inspired recommit themselves for greater raise funds to help HIV/AIDS children

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 in Malela, Kenya. They collected soda passionate in fund-raising for mission We need to sow the seeds of mission pop cans every day after school, then projects than are many adults. interest in our children at an early age if cashed in the deposits and sent the When we brought our two sons to we expect to reap missionary recruits money to AIDS orphans in Africa. They help distribute food baskets to the poor and strong mission supporters in the have raised US$33,000 in four years families and help children living by the years ahead. Time is short. Jesus is com- and have helped more than 400 AIDS railroad tracks, we noticed that, after ing soon. Involve our children now. orphans. getting home, they pulled out a lot of Children learn to share Jesus. When their books, toys, and clothes to give to 1 Wess Stafford, Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2007). children are inspired and trained to the poor children. 2 Luis Bush, “Raising up a New Generation From the 4/14 Window witness and share the gospel with their Children learn to trust in God. After to Transform the World,” 4/14 Window Movement, accessed friends and schoolmates, they experi- participating in mission projects, chil- March 22, 2015, www.4to14window.com/wp-content ence joy in seeing others accept Jesus. dren learn to trust God to help them /uploads/2013/06/4-14%20Window%20Booklet%20Full%20 Resolution.pdf. Mateus Soares from Brazil started out of situations. Once, a group of 3 Ibid., Indonesia and Nigeria populations [sic]. sharing Jesus when he was eight years preteens was helping build a church 4 Ibid. old. He visited his neighbors to pray in Guatemala. When the rains threat- 5 Angela Oswalt, “Sensitive Periods in Child Development,” MentalHelp.net, updated January 17, 2008, www.mentalhelp for them and then invited them to his ened to destroy the roof, they prayed

We need to sow the seeds of mission interest in our children at an early age if we expect to reap missionary recruits and strong mission supporters in the years ahead.

Bible study class. After some time, he earnestly for God to hold back the rain .net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7923&cn=28. brought 25 people to the Lord, and they until it got dry. God answered their 6 Stafford,Too Small to Ignore, 248, 249. 7 Cathy Nutbrown, Foundations for Quality: The Independent Review were baptized into the church. prayers. This situation strengthened of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications, Final Report, June Ellen G. White points out that “in their faith and trust in God. 2012, www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads their early years children may be useful Yes, it is imperative that we see /attachment_data/file/175463/Nutbrown-Review.pdf, 11. 8 Ellen G. White, Child Guidance (Washington, DC: Review and in God’s work. . . . He desires them to children and young people as a crucial, Herald Pub. Assn., 1954), 193. be His little missionaries, denying their strategic force that can finish the task 9 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press own inclinations and desires for selfish of the Lord. Ellen White wrote, “In the Pub. Assn., 1940), 515. pleasure to do service for Him; and this closing scenes of this earth’s history 10 George Barna, Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2003). service is just as acceptable to God as many of these children and youth will 11 Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him (Washington, DC: Review is the service of grown-up children.”15 astonish people by their witness to the and Herald Pub. Assn., 1964), 42. Children learn generosity. Parents truth, which will be borne in simplicity, 12 Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, “Urban Urgency: Missionaries Follow Migration to City Centers,” Christianity Today, August 16, 2010, whose children have been involved yet with spirit and power. . . . In the near www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/august/21.14.html. in missionary projects or mission future many children will be endued 13 Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press trips testify that their kids become with the Spirit of God, and will do a Pub. Assn., 1932), 304. more sensitive to the needs of the less work in proclaiming the truth to the 14 Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), 487. fortunate and are more generous in world, that at that time cannot well 15 Ibid., 486, 487. donating their own money to help out. be done by the older members of the 16 Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students In fact, they are more enthusiastic and church.”16 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1943), 166.

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® DEREK J. MORRIS

Derek J. Morris, DMin, serves as editor of Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Why did Jesus promise signs and wonders?

f we believe all of the analysis about gospel to every creature,’ ” He gave this had heard many things about Him, and our postmodern, post-Christian promise: “ ‘These signs will follow those he hoped to see some miracle done by culture, it is not going to be an who believe: In My name they will cast Him” (Luke 23:8). easy task to share the gospel in out demons; they will speak with new Was Herod Antipas genuinely inter- I 1 the twenty-first century. Many are tongues; they will take up serpents; ested in the word of truth that Jesus disillusioned with organized religion and if they drink anything deadly, it had brought from His heavenly Father? and have rejected the Bible as a reliable will by no means hurt them; they will Not in the least. Notice Herod’s behav- source of truth. “You can decide what’s lay hands on the sick, and they will ior when he does not get his way: “Then right for you,” we are told, “but don’t recover’ ” (Mark 16:17, 18). Jesus was Herod, with his men of war, treated tell me what’s right for me.” aware of the challenges His followers Him with contempt and mocked Him, As followers of Jesus, we long for would face preaching the gospel to an arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and His return in glory and the establish- uninterested, hostile culture. But why sent Him back to Pilate” (v. 11). Herod ment of new heavens and a new earth did He promise that supernatural signs was not interested in the truth. He where righteousness dwells, but first and wonders would accompany the did not want to hear the testimony of we have a mission assignment to preaching of His word? Jesus. He was just curious. He wanted complete: “ ‘Go into all the world and to be entertained. But God does not preach the gospel to every creature’ ” Not to entertain the send supernatural signs and wonders (Mark 16:15).2 However, those of us curious to entertain the curious. who are called to share the truth about Clearly, Jesus did not promise When Jesus sent the apostles out Jesus in the twenty-first century face supernatural signs and wonders to to preach the gospel to every nation, a massive challenge. This is the same entertain the curious. How do we know kindred, tongue, and people, He never daunting task that the apostles faced that? Consider an incident from the life intended that they should gain a hear- when they set out to share the gospel of Jesus: He had just stood before Pilate ing by conducting a religious circus, a 2,000 years ago. They were called to and heard the declaration, “I find no supernatural road show, as it were. be witnesses, not only in welcoming fault in this Man.” But Pilate refused communities but “ ‘in Jerusalem, to take the responsibility for releasing Not to appease the and in all Judea and Samaria, and to Jesus. So, hearing that Jesus came from critics the end of the earth’ ” (Acts 1:8). The Galilee, Pilate shifted the responsibility Why, then, did Jesus promise that apostles were also dealing with an over to Herod Antipas, tetrarch over supernatural signs and wonders would uninterested, hostile culture. Rational Galilee. This is the same Herod Antipas accompany the preaching of the gospel argument or quoting from the Sacred who ordered the execution of John the message? It was not an attempt to Writings was not enough. What would Baptist. appease the critics. it take to get a hearing and for people Luke records the following encoun- In Luke 23, Jesus has been unjustly to sit up and listen? ter between Jesus and Herod Antipas: condemned to death, even though Jesus knew the answer to that “Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was Pilate found no fault in Him. And Jesus question. Right after His challenge to exceedingly glad; for he had desired could have delivered Himself by calling “ ‘go into all the world and preach the for a long time to see Him, because he 10,000 angels to come to His aid. But He

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 willingly laid down His life as an atone- that the stone be rolled away. Then He this paralytic on a stretcher and were ment for our sins. As He was hanging on cried out in a loud voice, “ ‘Lazarus, so determined to get their friend to the cross, His critics taunted Him: “ ‘He come forth!’ ” And the Scripture records, Jesus that they literally tore up the saved others; let Him save Himself if He “And he who had died came out bound roof. What a picture of godly friend- is the Christ, the chosen of God’ ” (v. 35). hand and foot with graveclothes, and ship! Mark records, “When Jesus saw Were these mockers anxious to hear his face was wrapped with a cloth. their faith, He said to the paralytic, the life-changing testimony that Jesus Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you’ ” could share with them? No. They were let him go’ ” (John 11:44). As a result of (Mark 2:5). Apparently, Jesus discerned determined to kill Him. And yet they this amazing, supernatural sign, many that this man needed spiritual healing taunted Him, urging Him to perform a believed in Jesus as the Messiah—but even more than he needed physical supernatural sign by coming down from not His critics. The enemies of Jesus healing. When Jesus offered forgive- the cross. Could Jesus have done that? began to develop a plan to kill Him. By ness to the paralytic, His authority Absolutely. But He never performed the time of His trial, His enemies were was immediately challenged: “ ‘Who supernatural signs and wonders to more determined than ever to silence can forgive sins but God alone?’ ” (v. appease the critics, for nothing would Him. They would not believe even if 7). Jesus responded, “ ‘Why do you

When Jesus sent the apostles out to preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, He never intended that they should gain a hearing by conducting a religious circus, a supernatural road show, as it were.

be accomplished by such action. Some someone came back from the dead. reason about these things in your of the critics who stood before the cross, No supernatural sign or wonder would hearts? Which is easier, to say to the mocking Jesus, had already witnessed have made any difference to them. paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you,” several supernatural signs and wonders or to say, “Arise, take up your bed and just a few hours before in the Garden To confirm the Word that walk”? But that you may know that of Gethsemane. They had witnessed a is proclaimed the Son of Man has power on earth to miraculous demonstration of Christ’s Why then did Jesus promise that forgive sins’—He said to the paralytic, glory as the only begotten Son of God, signs and wonders would accompany ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and they had also witnessed a miracle those who went out to preach the and go to your house.’ Immediately, of healing. But they persisted in their gospel? Mark provides this testimony: he arose, took up the bed, and went opposition of Jesus. No supernatural “And they went out and preached out in the presence of them all, so that sign or wonder would convince them. everywhere, the Lord working with all were amazed and glorified God, Their response was the same when them and confirming the word through saying, ‘We never saw anything like Lazarus was raised from the dead. the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20). this!’ ” (vv. 8–11). Without a doubt, this miracle was one Jesus promised supernatural signs and The supernatural wonder that of the most remarkable signs that Jesus wonders to confirm the word that was occurred was a confirmation of the was, indeed, the Messiah. Lazarus proclaimed. word of truth that Jesus had pro- had been dead for four days. No one Jesus was teaching in Capernaum claimed. The sign validated the word. challenged that fact. But Jesus made when four individuals brought their The sign did not make the word true. His way to the tomb and commanded invalid friend to Jesus. They carried The word that Jesus spoke was already

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® DEREK J. MORRIS

true, and the supernatural sign simply Quoting the words of Jesus recorded not prophesied in Your name, cast out confirmed that fact. in Mark 16:17, Ellen White affirms: demons in Your name, and done many The same was true for the apostles wonders in Your name?” And then I as they boldly preached the gospel of This is the privilege of God’s will declare to them, “I never knew the kingdom. Peter bravely declared children, and faith should lay hold you; depart from Me, you who practice on the Day of Pentecost, “ ‘This Jesus on all that it is possible to have as lawlessness!” ’ ” (Matt. 7:22, 23). God has raised up, of which we are all an indorsement of faith. We should not focus on signs and witnesses. . . . “They shall lay hands on the wonders. We should focus on Jesus “ ‘Therefore let all the house of sick, and they shall recover.” This and His word. As we boldly proclaim Israel know assuredly that God has world is a vast lazar house, but Christ that word, God will perform the signs. made this Jesus, whom you crucified, came to heal the sick, to proclaim We proclaim; God performs. We focus both Lord and Christ’ ” (Acts 2:32, 36). deliverance to the captives of on the proclamation; God gives the Undoubtedly some questioned, Satan. He was in Himself health and confirmation. The supernatural signs “How can I know that Peter’s testimony strength. He imparted His life to the and wonders are God’s responsibility, about Jesus is true?” The answer comes sick, the afflicted, those possessed not ours. He will confirm the word in Acts 3. Peter and John were on their of demons. He turned away none that is proclaimed in the way that He way to the temple to pray. At the gate who came to receive His healing chooses, at the time that He chooses. called Beautiful, they came across a power. He knew that those who But of this we can be certain: as we lame man who was begging. Peter petitioned Him for help had brought boldly proclaim the word, God will focused his attention on the lame man disease upon themselves; yet He did perform the signs. and said, “ ‘Silver and gold I do not not refuse to heal them. And when In response to the promise of Jesus, have, but what I do have I give you: In virtue from Christ entered into these the apostles prayed a bold prayer that the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, poor souls, they were convicted of I believe would be a very appropriate rise up and walk’ ” (v. 6). The subse- sin, and many were healed of their prayer for us to pray today, both as quent supernatural sign, performed in spiritual disease, as well as of their individuals and as a church. In the midst the name of Jesus, confirmed the word physical maladies. The gospel still of an uninterested, hostile culture, this about Jesus that was proclaimed. What possesses the same power, and why was their prayer: “ ‘Now, Lord, look on the apostles had testified about Jesus should we not today witness the their threats, and grant to Your servants 4 was true. same results? that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand The promise of Jesus for We can expect the promise of Jesus, to heal, and that signs and wonders today recorded in Mark 16, will be fulfilled in may be done through the name of Your What about today? Can we expect our day. In the midst of an uninterested, holy Servant Jesus’ ” (Acts 4:29, 30). that the promise of Jesus recorded in hostile culture, the gospel will be heard. The early Christian leaders real- Mark 16 will be fulfilled in our day as The strongholds of the enemy will be ized the challenges of their mission we prepare for the imminent return of torn down. People will be transformed. assignment were great, but they knew Jesus? Is it still God’s plan that super- We always need to remember that Jesus had promised divine assistance. natural signs and wonders confirm the the supernatural signs are not an end in Supernatural signs and wonders would word about Jesus that we proclaim? I themselves. If we preoccupy ourselves confirm the word that they proclaimed. would suggest to you that we need this with simply looking for supernatural The same supernatural confirmations promise of Jesus fulfilled more than signs and wonders rather than boldly can be expected today as we complete ever. Ellen White makes this bold asser- proclaiming the word, we will be our global mission assignment with the tion regarding signs and wonders in our deceived. Why? Satan can also perform promise of Jesus ringing in our ears: day: “The promise is as far-reaching as signs and wonders. The apostle Paul “ ‘This gospel of the kingdom will be the commission. Not that all the gifts prophesied, “The coming of the lawless preached in all the world as a witness are imparted to each believer. The Spirit one is according to the working of Satan, to all the nations, and then the end will divides ‘to every man severally as He with all power, signs, and lying wonders, come’ ” (Matt. 24:14). will.’ 1 Cor. 12:11. But the gifts of the and with all unrighteous deception Spirit are promised to every believer among those who perish, because they 1 See “Engaging Adventist Millennials: A Church That Embraces according to his need for the Lord’s received not the love of the truth, that Relationships,” by Clint Jenkin and A. Allan Martin, Ministry, May 2014. work. The promise is just as strong and they might be saved” (2 Thess. 2:9, 2 All quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible. 3 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press trustworthy now as in the days of the 10). Jesus warned, “ ‘Many will say to Pub. Assn., 1940), 823; emphasis supplied. apostles.” 3 Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we 4 Ibid.

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 If you are looking for keys to answered prayer, success in ministry, or if you are tired of just getting by spiritually and long for more in your walk with God, Daring to Ask for More will challenge you to recognize the unlimited possibilities that are within your grasp if you will only pray in faith.

“Melody Mason’s book, Daring to Ask for More, is driving me to my knees. My needs are so great, and my resources so few, what self-righteousness it is to pray so little. Thank you for that push!” —Frank Fournier, president, ASI

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Jim Ayer serves as vice president for advancement, Adventist World Radio, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Impacting the world— one life at a time

never knew in all my life that Antonina continued to listen to our geographical restriction—mountains, there was any religion other than programs, eventually deciding to be jungles, and so on. To know that AWR is Buddhism and Hinduism—until baptized. She sent a letter to our studio normally able to reach past any and all I you introduced me to Jesus Christ. in Tula, but a response did not come restrictions in order to bring the hope Thank you for allowing me to taste the quickly enough for her liking. How did of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying sweetness of God.” Responses like this she deal with this problem? She went world is exciting. one from listeners across the planet down to the river and baptized herself! Shiva was one such person— are what keep Adventist World Radio Yes, she was on fire for God, and noth- discouraged and experiencing (AWR) broadcasting day and night ing was going to stop her desire to hopelessness—until someone told in more than 100 languages—ever serve her new Lord. Eventually, one of him about Jesus. He was thrilled to expanding—ever seeking to fulfill the our pastors did make the journey and hear of a God who would die for him, great commission of our Lord, “Go officially baptized her. but as soon as he shared his newfound ye into all the world, and preach the To see and hear this level of excite- faith, the Hindu village rose up against gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). ment from listeners is not unusual. him and made his life horrible. It was As the radio arm of the Seventh- While in Nepal, I spoke with a middle- not long before he made the choice to day Adventist Church, AWR strongly aged fellow who was a tailor by trade. forget this new God and return to the believes that “this gospel of the king- He worked and lived in a very remote thousands of gods of his fathers. dom shall be preached in all the world and mountainous region. One day, This reversal of belief brought little for a witness unto all nations; and then as he was tuning his radio to the BBC peace to his life. Yes, the persecution shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). News, he came across our program. had ended, but there was a great Our studios in Tula, Russia, receive The messages were far different from emptiness. One day, while tuning bags of mail on a regular basis. I what he had been accustomed to his shortwave radio, he heard AWR’s discovered the story of Antonina, hearing as a Hindu, but after listening Voice of Hope broadcast. “The moment who lives several hours outside of for some time, he gave his heart to the I heard about Jesus,” he said, “my Moscow. She said, “I grew up under Lord. Then he began radiating a smile heart jumped for joy. I began listening communism so God was not talked that was infectious as he shared with every day, and every day my faith grew about. When Easter or Christmas came me, “I am responsible for many people stronger.” around, that was the time to remem- coming to Christ.” Life was different for Shiva this ber Christ. When I was going through “How many?” I asked. time. Now he had the daily support of hard times I would pray. During good With an even bigger grin, he said, the radio broadcasts. He soon found times, I forgot about God.” But then “Two hundred and fifty!” the courage to change his name something happened in her life. “I and For a large percentage of the world, from Shiva—the destroyer god of the my son began studying the Bible,” she radio is one of the few effective means Hindus—to Solomon—a strong biblical said, “but there was no one to turn to of sustainable evangelism. The reasons name. He began inviting his family to for answers until someone told me are many, such as laws that prohibit listen to the radio broadcasts and then to listen to AWR’s Voice of Hope radio sharing the gospel one-on-one, reli- his neighbors. It was not long before program.” gious intolerance and persecution, or the Holy Spirit assembled a large AWR

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 listener group. (This is not unusual. for the 250 people who faithfully hud- AWR constructs FM studios across We have listener groups all over the dle into the tiny, brick-enclosed yard. much of Africa and supports FM world consisting of 30–100 listeners. It The radio giveaway program has work throughout Central and South starts with one person inviting another been a highly successful means of America, as well as in many nations. to listen, and soon the flame of the spreading the gospel to the far corners Truly, the task is massive, and much Spirit has caught an entire village on of civilization. The units are compact in more must be done to take this gospel fire for Christ.) size and have four sources of power: to the world, but God continues to When I met Solomon, he was crank generator, solar, battery, and open new and exciting opportunities building a large bamboo home. I was electric. This affords the user a wide every day. amazed to discover that the entire variety of options. For those of us who Several years ago we began to third floor was a church sanctuary. can afford batteries and have easy podcast. I must admit that, at the time, And on the very pinnacle of his new access to megastores, the need for most of us knew little about this new three-story home, centered in a Hindu other sources of power may escape technology—at least the potential to village, Solomon placed a towering our notice. But we know of listeners reach such massive audiences using Christian cross. What had changed in Africa, for instance, who have gone such simple means. We began by from his first encounter with Christ? without food for three days just so they purchasing a media assets manage- Receiving the daily support and com- can afford to buy batteries for their ment tool for our offices in England. fort he needed to sustain his young radios in order to listen to AWR. That’s This hardware/software tool reduced faith via the radio. how strong the desire is to hear the our program editing time to almost He told me, “So many people are Advent gospel of Jesus Christ. nothing. What would normally take attending services on Sabbath that we In addition to radios, we also dis- half an hour of manual labor to edit no longer have room for the children, tribute a unit called a Mega Voice. These a single program for the Internet now so we had to move them downstairs for are solar powered units, about the size took less than a minute. separate services.” That is the power of of a small smartphone, that can be In 2014 alone, four years since we God using radio! preprogrammed with up to 500 hours of went operational with this new tech- While traveling in Madagascar, gospel content. Even though the unit is nology, we experienced 8.75 billion we were told by our radio producer small in size, the audio speaker is large program downloads in more than 100 in that region that they had recently enough to be heard by 50–100 people languages. And some of the countries discovered more than 25 AWR lis- in a village setting. Units such as these that have the greatest religious restric- tener churches. Many of these groups allow us to provide in-depth training tions are the countries experiencing had constructed their own churches, for listeners who many not have Bibles, the greatest number of downloads. acquired Bibles, and were meeting Spirit of Prophecy writings, or other To date, AWR is the largest pro- for weekly Bible study, worship, and study materials available. vider of audio content for iTunes in prayer. Most groups have never had— An exciting example of our the world, and our chief engineer tells or have rarely received—a visit from giveaway program comes from the us that podcast growth doubles every a minister. Radio has become their country of India. We gave out T-shirts six months. People are hungering for pastoral support and lifeline to the and hats that read Adventist World the Word of God, and He is leading church. Radio, radios, and bicycles to 50 Bible many of them to AWR. Even more I visited a family who had been workers. In two years, these traveling exciting, we have come to realize that entrusted with a solar-powered radio workers had won 6,000 souls to Christ. this form of media—podcasting—is that they received some years ago Yes, people are responding to typically a young people’s media. during a radio giveaway program God’s Word daily. Some of the coun- This means that God has enabled us sponsored jointly by the government tries we work in are too sensitive to to reach an entirely new audience. and AWR. They were so proud of their share what the Holy Spirit is doing, If you are seeking to reach lan- radio they could not wait to show it but allow me to give you an example. guage groups in your area, you can to me. Leading a huge procession of From our Guam shortwave complex, visit awr.org and download a small, listeners, the patriarch ushered me we have five antenna arrays that are but colorful, invitation that says past the farm animals to his humble each about the size of a football field something like “I have discovered home, all the while negotiating deep (visualize them resting on their side). peace and happiness through pro- ruts in the red clay earth. Several of these arrays blanket all of grams such as these. I hope you and Each evening, after everyone China with the gospel for ten hours your family will experience the same returns from laboring in the fields, he each day. We cover the great nation of joy we have experienced.” The hand- ascends his wobbly staircase to the India in 12 languages, plus we cover out lists the Web location for that second floor deck, hooks up the radio, North Korea, Bhutan, Tibet, Indonesia, particular language—Vietnamese, and proceeds to play the AWR program and Saudi Arabia. And the list goes on. Hmong, or Spanish, for example. To

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® JIM AYER

witness easily—you do not need to ushered me inside during the time my life. It was not like anything I had speak the language—just smile and of the evening service, where dozens ever experienced.” hand them the colorful invitation of monks blew their mighty horns in Then Mila told me he could no written in their native tongue. unison. My entire being experienced longer be a monk. “I must follow Jesus If you are seeking to reach the the vibration as the sound resonated Christ.” He then shared, “I save enough big cities of the world, radio is your throughout my chest cavity. The strik- money each week so I can take the key to success. Have you ever been ing of tiny brass cymbals created a bus to church. It costs me most of stuck in traffic in Mumbai? How about sweet sound in my ears while mingling my weekly earnings. People in my Dhaka, Rio, Los Angeles, or New York? with the powerful, but delicate, smell town say, ‘You only go to that church Ask yourself, What does almost every of incense. because they pay you.’ I tell them I go driver have in common? Answer: They But this former monk humbly because I am in love with Jesus.” are listening to their radios. shared with me, “I had no peace in I asked him, “If there was one thing There are millions of people hun- my life.” Yes, it may be hard for some in the whole world you could have, gering to hear the spoken word. I met people to think of a monk without what it would be?” Mila, a Buddhist who had been a monk peace, but then he added, “I was His response was rapid: “If I could his entire life—I am guessing he was in tuning my radio to the BBC News and just win one person to Jesus Christ!” his late 60s. He took me to his monas- found your program. The speaker was That is also our mission—helping tery and showed me the gold-covered talking about Jesus Christ and His people to experience a saving relation- walls and stunning vistas that shouted amazing love. At that very moment, ship with Jesus as we prepare for His magnificence from every corner. He an unexplainable peace poured into glorious return.

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 SHAWN BOONSTRA

Shawn Boonstra is speaker/director of Voice of Prophecy, Loveland, Colorado, United States.

Noticing where God is already at work

know we often talk about them, grace. He developed an idea that some Middle East, threats against the nation but the last couple of decades would consider the middle ground in of Israel, the rumors that Saddam have taught me that there is no the Calvinist-Arminian debate. God Hussein considered himself a modern- I such thing as a cold interest. If retains His sovereignty, making the first day Nebuchadnezzar with plans to someone shows an interest in what move in the sinner’s heart. He wakes rebuild the city of Babylon. you have to say about Christ, it is up the conscience, making a person But where did my strong, sudden because God has already been wres- spiritually receptive—but the individual interest come from? I had read through tling with him or her. retains the ability to choose. He or she the book of Revelation as a child, but When Peter baptized 3,000 in a can respond or refuse. Wesley’s idea fits my upbringing did not offer much in the day, his audience was “devout men, the biblical data: God arouses interest way of prophetic study or interpreta- from every nation under heaven” in a sinner’s mind, and then He sends in tion. The churches I had attended (Acts 2:5).1 They were already spiritu- the preacher or teacher. treated the book of Revelation as a ally inclined. The Ethiopian eunuch? mysterious appendage to what would Already studying the book of Isaiah My personal testimony be considered the more serious por- before Philip gave him a Bible study. This was also true for me. A direct tions of Scripture. We never heard a Saul of Tarsus? Already had an encoun- path into the church was charted the sermon from Revelation. ter with Christ before Ananias showed moment the first Gulf War broke out in So, why was I suddenly obsessed up. Cornelius, the first Gentile convert? the early 1990s. For some reason, that with the idea that the world might be Already a “devout man” who gave of his event completely arrested my atten- ending? Why was this so dramatically possessions. tion. Every evening, I was riveted to irresistible? It seems strange to write, my television. I also heard the endless but in a peculiar way, Hal Lindsey God always takes the string of evangelical commentators may have actually helped me into the initiative speculating that the next development Seventh-day Adventist Church. In spite Every time someone comes to would likely be Russia joining the Arab his book’s obvious flaws, his writing Christ, you will discover that God was nations and ushering in the battle of proved to be a catalyst. He imparted working with that person long before Armageddon. a sense of urgency to his readers. He you came into the picture. God has It was irresistible, because when I gave his audience a distinct sense already stirred the heart and made a was younger, I had read The Late, Great that it is no longer business as usual person interested. Paul is pointed in Planet Earth. Much of what Hal Lindsey on planet Earth, and in that regard, his remarks: “But the natural man does was saying did not make sense. But he was right. not receive the things of the Spirit of then the war started years later; and for In hindsight, I can easily identify God, for they are foolishness to him; a moment I found myself wondering, many other factors that contributed to nor can he know them, because they Was he right? Some of what was hap- my arrival at the doors of a Seventh-day are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14). pening in Iraq seemed to square with Adventist church. Some were subtle; John Wesley would have spoken of the predictions of the dispensationalist others dramatic—even miraculous. An this phenomenon in terms of prevenient preachers: the world at war in the Unseen Hand carefully choreographed

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® SHAWN BOONSTRA

my journey to the baptistry, all without right now, at this very moment, God A relevant message for violating my freedom of choice. is busy in every community, waking the 21st century The pastors and evangelists were people up. It is important to remember that the simply the final contact before the The same is true of evangelistic twenty-first century did not catch God decision. God did absolutely everything advertising. People have pleaded with by surprise. He did not fail to anticipate else. I have met tens of thousands of me that the time has come to move secularism or the postmodern gen- new Adventists over the last couple away from prophecy in public outreach. eration; postmodernism, in fact, was of decades, and they all tell the same And naturally, there is room for other already being shaped in the minds of story: it happened over years, and God approaches. No two people are alike; philosophers at the very moment the did it. God labors with people on numerous Second Advent movement was taking fronts, using many different subjects. root. Current interest in end- But every time I advertise the book of Experience has shown me that time events Revelation, the hall is full. And it stays our message actually sells better to I have discovered that few things full for weeks. this current generation. I get better arrest public attention like the Second Pay careful attention to the enter- audiences now than I did 20 years ago, Coming and other apocalyptic themes. tainment industry, where executives and that is because God has been busy

Preaching the Second Coming works because there is a growing sense of unrest in the hearts of many people and a struggle to make sense of an increasingly confusing world.

It flies in the face of conventional church sink millions into marketing research. building the audience. In fact, my very board wisdom, which has been increas- Look through available programming best audiences are almost always found ingly telling us that we need a new and note the large number of programs in places that are traditionally difficult approach to the public, one without with an apocalyptic flavor. They air or notoriously non-Christian. There are beasts or atom bombs. And every so those programs because the audi- thousands of people going through the often, I have experimented with trying ence is interested. They are not guided same experience as I did many years to attract the public with other themes. by evangelistic conviction but by the ago. They might treat your claims with But nothing has drawn a crowd like the bottom line, and the Apocalypse sells— skepticism; they might actually be end of the world. more than ever. dismissive to your face. But that does For a number of years now, I have In 2014, nearly half of Americans (49 not mean they are not interested. It been putting a simple card in the mail, percent) believed that extreme weather might mean that you are not approach- inviting people to take Bible studies. patterns are a sign of the end. That is ing them the right way, but it does Some have raised their eyebrows when up from 44 percent in 2011. Of course, not mean they are not interested. It is they see what I have printed on the America is still quite religious, but even important to understand that you and card: Interested in Bible Prophecy? “Tell among the religiously unaffiliated, a I are not in the business of converting me you’re not going to put that in the full one-third believe that changing people; we’re in the business of finding mail! In this day and age? This is the weather is a sign of an impending people that God is converting. postmodern, secular world!” apocalypse.2 Those people are our audi- People have asked why I continue There is no way I could make a truly ence. They are already awake, trying to use the second chapter of Daniel as secular person interested in spiritual to make sense of a quickly changing my opening night topic. The answer matters. But I also understand that world. is simple: it works. I have never seen

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 anything arrest—and keep—attention Conclusion Every time I launch a public event, like that statue. For the Christian (or the If you know people personally, you I now pray for one thing: Lord, fill person with a Christian background), can start your spiritual discussion with these seats with the people who have Nebuchadnezzar’s dream seems just about any topic, particularly if the been hearing Your voice. Allow me to exciting because it provides powerful topic is one they are most interested in. give them what You gave me when and clear affirmation that the Bible But when it comes to a large audience, I came to one of these meetings. Let is reliable. For the non-Christian, it is the best approach is to follow the order them recognize that the Voice in this like a bucket of cold water—stunning of subjects, step by step, that God used Book is the same Voice that has been evidence that the Bible is no ordinary to build this movement in the first place. whispering to their hearts for years. Let book and that somebody or something He started us on the Second Coming them recognize this moment as theirs, must be working behind the scenes. and then worked His way through the the moment when they will finally come The second chapter of Daniel demands message of Revelation 14. home. attention and speaks powerfully to the Preaching the Second Coming works That is the kind of prayer God unrest, the deep interest, the sense because there is a growing sense of loves to answer because He has been of eternity that God places in human unrest in the hearts of many people and a waiting for us to notice where He is hearts. struggle to make sense of an increasingly already at work. But approaching the public with confusing world. The topic of the Second the Second Coming also makes sense. I Coming works because it answers the 1 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the New King James have opened public events with all sorts disquiet that God plants in the heart. It Version. of topics over the years, but nothing works because God designed it that way. 2 Emma Green, “Half of Americans Think Climate Change Is a Sign of the Apocalypse,” The Atlantic, November 22, 2014, www has consistently captured and retained Every time you preach it, He has already .theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/11/half-of-americans audiences like the return of Christ. got an audience for it. -think-climate-change-is-a-sign-of-the-apocalypse/383029/.

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AT THE 2015 GC SESSION PRAYER ROOM COME JOIN US JULY 2 – 11, ALAMODOME, MEETING ROOM F, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. PRAY! “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® MARCELO DIAS AND WAGNER KUHN

Marcelo Dias, MPTh, is a PhD candidate in mission and ministry studies at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States. Wagner Kuhn, PhD, is a professor of mission and intercultural studies and director of the doctor of missiology program at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

Adventist mission: From awareness to engagement—Part 1 An invitation to focus and unity around every Seventh-day Adventist’s reason for being

ore than 140 years included (1) the membership growth its pioneers and founders—namely, that have passed since J. (from 6,000 to 2.4 million); (2) the geo- Christ, the Redeemer of all men and the N. Andrews left for graphic expansion (from exclusively in Lord of this world, has now entered the MEurope as the first the United States to 80 percent of the last phase of His mission, the judgment, official Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) members living in other countries); to bring about the restoration of the missionary. The decision by the General (3) the ethnic diversity of missionar- kingdom of God in full glory.”2 Conference Mission Board to spon- ies (despite no exact numbers, it was sor “the ablest man in all our ranks,”1 supposed that non-American mis- More than 40 years ago coupled with Andrews’s passion and sionaries accounted for 60 percent of In 1974, the most striking change disposition to face the life-threatening those coming from North America); (4) in the nature of Adventist mission had challenges and take a special pro- the immense and continuous growth of been the shift from pioneer evangelism phetic message overseas, marked the the Advent movement around the globe and the planting of churches to the consolidation of a deep revelation- (nearly 5.7 percent per year); (5) the specialized ministries of education, inspired conviction and established large number of institutions (hospitals hospital work, technical assistance, and a paradigm for the missionary ethos and clinics, colleges and academies, administration. Less than 2 percent of of the Adventist movement. As we elementary schools, publishing houses, all missionaries were called to work on celebrate the past and are challenged orphanages, and old peoples’ homes, the ground as grass-roots missionaries. by the future, it is time to reflect on the food factories, 70,000 employees); and The large majority was part of the reason for the Seventh-day Adventist (6) the high per capita giving (US$161.31 institutional ministry of service. In presence in this world. per year). many places in Latin America, Africa, What amazed him, however, was and Asia, that was the natural result After 100 years not just that information, as incredible of a growing church, which had then In September 1974, Ministry as it was, but a more remarkable aspect developed a support system through published an article titled “Adventist of a century-old Adventist mission: its its institutions. Mission: After a Hundred Years” by unity. “After a hundred years Seventh- Besides the need for a continuous Gottfried Oosterwal. His assessment day Adventist mission, universally,” the fostering of the true nature and mission of the first century of official Adventist article says, “is still fervently proclaim- of the church and a clear theology to mission noted some trends that ing the same message that also moved guide that enterprise, two trends of the

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 mid-1970s were listed as limitations: of 2013, the Adventist Church had more percent of membership) contributed “one is the all-too-exclusive emphasis than 18 million members6 (18,143,745), 56.5 percent of world tithe in 2010, of our overseas missionary movement while an estimated 25 to 30 million the membership of the Global South as an intrachurch program, with its men, women, and children attend has become a more significant world lack of evangelistic outreach to all weekly Adventist worship services in contributor in recent years. In 2010, the the peoples on earth; the other is the 76,364 churches and 68,845 companies Global South contributed $885 million concept that missionaries should return around the world. 7 (43.5 percent) of the world tithe.16 home as soon as there are indigenous Sabbath School membership con- Another trend in the last few workers and leaders prepared, able, or tinues a trend of being higher than decades is an increase in the number willing to take over their specialized actual church membership.8 The last 40 of Adventist institutions. By 2012, ministries.”3 years witnessed a membership increase the church had more than doubled Whatever the challenges after 100 of 659 percent9 with an average annual the number of secondary and ter- years of mission, the overall assessment growth of 4.76 percent.10 In the last tiary schools, reaching a record high was optimistic due to the fact that the ten years, more than a million people of 2,128 institutions. The number church’s diversity had not affected its have joined the church every year.11 of orphanages, nursing homes, and unity. The writings of Ellen G. White Adventism, it turns out, is the fastest- retirement centers also more than were cited as one of the causes because growing denomination in countries like doubled since 1980. 17 When including they had given “the church not only a Australia and the United States.12 food industries, hospitals, clinics, and

While the church has rejoiced in its advance in many fronts, both internal and external challenges remain.

common authority but also a common A study of the reality of the church publishing houses, the total number of principle of hermeneutics on almost today will underline interesting trends. institutions hit a record setting 2,841 every aspect of church life and theol- In the last four decades, there has been (besides 5,714 primary schools). The ogy.” 4 Common polity, theology, and a clear shift in the world Adventist pres- 14 media centers account for a new brotherhood were other important ence. Following the general trajectory category created since the 1980s.18 elements of a dynamic that maintained of Christianity from the Global North The same trend is identified in terms the unity of the church. Despite the to the Global South, the majority of of administrative organizations. In challenges, one thing certainly was Adventist members today live in what 2012, there was a record high number evident in 1974—the missionary era were once missionary-receiving areas: of union conferences and missions had not ended. 6.6 million in Africa, 5.8 million in Latin and local conferences and missions. America, and 3.4 million in Asia.13 Consequently, the number of general Today Membership has also increased and institutional employees more than A close look at the annual statistical in the 10/40 Window.14 Following the doubled since 1980.19 reports of the General Conference and growing membership, tithes and offer- A more missiological reading of the other recent information should help ings also increased in the last 40 years. reports may give clues to the outreach describe Adventist mission after 140 In 2012, there was a record high total approach the Adventist Church as a years. The Adventist work has been in tithe and offerings ($3,276,600,259): world denomination has employed. officially established in 208 of 232 70.6 percent from tithes, 4.1 percent countries (recognized by the United from world mission (including Sabbath 1. The traditional group of literature Nations). From the seven billion people School and other GC and ingathering evangelists seems to have been who live in the world, only about 155 funds), and 25.3 percent from intradivi- steady from 2008 to 2011 at around million live in countries without any sion and local church funds.15 While 7,000 (credentialed and licensed) Adventist established work.5 At the end the Global North (approximately 8.5 around the world. In 2012, 13,543

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® MARCELO DIAS AND WAGNER KUHN

full-time literature evangelists were 5. The main evangelistic thrust of auditing. In 2013, the membership listed under publishing. the church, however, remains at increase (262,254) was lower than the 2. Media ministries also continue to the local level by the laity involved number of those who left the church be part of the outreach strategy in Bible schools. In 2012, 716,162 (the total of persons who joined the following general tendencies of baptisms (compared to 193,783 church was 1,091,222).21 Some have society. Compared to 1980, the in 1980) were reported as being pointed out that the process of insti- church owned and operated only a direct result of that outreach. tutionalization has not been efficiently one-seventh of the radio stations Interestingly enough, Bible school connected with the purpose of the in 2012, and more than doubled the enrollments have decreased. In church they serve, instead making television stations. 2012, only 545,374 enrollments it even harder to fulfill the Adventist 3. The creation of Women’s Ministries (down from 700,777 in 1980) and mission. Others have been concerned (in the 1990s) has helped local an unusually high number in 2012 about the laity commitment to mission. churches focus on the needs and of lay campaigns/seminars with Even though mission offerings hit a interests of that particular segment 1,198,968 (compared to 251,691 in record high $85,254,154 in 2012, it has of the population. In 2012, they 2010 and 52,877 in 1980).20 reached a record low percentage of reported 129,320 persons baptized total tithes and offerings—2.6 percent as a direct result of ministry by While the church has rejoiced in its in 2011 (compared to 8.67 percent women, 63,180 reclaimed mem- advance on many fronts, both inter- in 198022). The number of lay Bible bers, and 100,933 non-SDA women nal and external challenges remain. studies has also decreased: 6,759,370 attending their meetings. Internally, the issue of membership in 2012 (down from 9,184,988 in 1980). 4. Children’s Ministries are another retention, which has received attention Finally, the number of missionaries example of segmented outreach. In lately, has led the church to empha- has fluctuated: around 1,700 new mis- 2012, 138,630 evangelistic outreach size the study and implementation sionary arrivals (including interdivision programs around the world were of intentional discipleship processes employees [IDEs], Adventist Volunteer put on for children. and encourage global programs of Service, and Global Mission pioneers).

“Men [and women] are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God…can invent new plans and new methods of…reaching the men and women of the world.” —Ellen G. White, Manuscript 117, 1907

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 In 2012, there were 2,260 missionar- raised in the two regions: while the will the church accomplish the almost ies serving (IDEs and Global Mission Global North has been actively discuss- impossible task of reaching the world pioneers).23 ing women’s ordination, the Global with the gospel? What more can be That reality seems to have been South seems to have dismissed that done (and in better ways) towards this reflected in the lower average annual in preference to staying focused on overarching goal? How could the church growth in the last ten years (3.3 per- mission. Analyzing this current pan- channel its enormous “mission energy,” cent). Traditional Adventist areas orama, David Trim, director of the especially with the youth? How can the have plateaued,24 including southern Office of Adventist Archives, Statistics, church provide mission opportunities Germany, Poland, Japan, Hungary, and Research, commented that “we are for people who want to serve in the Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria, excited at this growth at a time when, mission field? Can new structures and

Portugal, and Australia. Three unions in globally, many religious groups are no platforms for mission be created so that North America are also part of this list: longer growing. We thank God that, in more missionaries will serve in unen- Pacific, Lake, and North Pacific Unions. the face of challenges such as political tered areas (10/40 Window, etc.)? How However, the 15 fastest-declining oppression, religious persecution, and will the church reach the urban masses unions are in Euro-Asia, Trans- increasing materialism and secularism, and the urban poor, and not neglect European, and Inter-European this movement, which emphasizes the urban rich? Can we create more Divisions.25 As G. T. Ng points out, hope and wholeness, is continuing to service opportunities on the continuum “Membership [has] increased in tan- grow.” 27 between IDEs and Adventist Volunteer dem with baptisms, rather than merely Service/tentmakers? We will address reflecting demographic factors. In Tomorrow these important questions in part 2 of 1960, the baptisms in the Global North Opportunities and challenges dur- “Adventist Mission: From Awareness to represented 31 percent and in the ing the last 40 years, and especially Engagement” in the September 2015 Global South, 69 percent of world bap- in the beginning of the twenty-first issue of Ministry. tisms, respectively. By 2010, baptisms century, have led the Adventist mis- in the Global South increased three sion to learn, emphasize, and develop 1 Ellen G. White, Letter 2a, 1878 (To “Dear Brethren in Switzerland,” fold to an extraordinary 96.2 percent specific missionary dynamics. As the August 29, 1878., Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 436. 2 Gottfried Oosterwal, “Adventist Mission: After a Hundred Years,” 26 of all baptisms that year.” Adventist Church faces the future, some Ministry, September 1974, 24–27. These dissonant realities are also old questions remain and some new 3 Ibid. confirmed by the different concerns ones also demand an answer: How 4 Ibid.

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® MARCELO DIAS AND WAGNER KUHN

5 “Established work” is officially defined as a country or area of 12 Edwin Manuel Garcia, “Membership Nears 18 Million, institutions: from 1,451 in 1980. 2014 Annual Statistical Report, the world where one or more of the following criteria have been Secretary Highlights Regions of Growth, Decline,” October 13, 4–6. met: (1) an organized church meets regularly; (2) a mission 2013,Adventist News Network, news.adventist.org/all-news 19 Union Conferences and Missions: 124, a 55 percent increase from station, health care facility, or school is functioning regularly; or /news/go/2013-10-13/membership-nears-18-million 80 in 1980; local conferences and missions: from 377 in 1980 to (3) a regular full-time denominational employee is based in the -secretary-highlights-regions-of-growth-decline/; G. Jeffrey 601 in 2012; and, general and institutional employees: in 2012 country or area carrying on outreach or soul-winning activities MacDonald, “Adventists’ Back-to-Basics Faith Is Fastest Growing there were 255,982 active employees compared to 85,839 in through such units as a Sabbath School, an organized company, U.S. Church,” USA Today, March 17, 2011, usatoday30.usatoday. 1980. 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 4, 5. or a language school. com/news/religion/2011-03-18-adventists_17_st_n.htm. 20 Literature evangelists were 7,073 in 1980 and 5,315 in 2012. In 6 Mark A. Kellner, “Adventist Church Membership Passes 18 13 Garcia, “Membership Nears 18 Million.” 2012, radio stations were 455, down from 3,328 in 1980, while Million Member Mark” Adventist Review, December 17, 2013, 14 Fewer than two million members lived in the Global North TV stations owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist www.adventistreview.org/church-news/adventist-church at the end of 2011. Middle East numbers have been audited. Church amount to 918 in 2012, up from 343 in 1980 with a peak -membership-passes-18-million-member-mark. Membership in the 10/40 Window increased from 250,000 in 2004 of 2,252. In terms of Children’s Ministries, vacation Bible 7 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 27. documents.adventistarchives in 1992 to over 2.5 million in 2012, but the proportion to the School attendance by Adventist families and non-Adventist .org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2014.pdf. population has only marginally increased, thus, not following families peaked in 2005. 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 5–7. 8 In 2011, it represented 107 percent compared to 119.07 percent what has happened in other parts of the world. 2013 Annual 21 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 27. in 1980. 2014 Annual Statistical Report, revised August 11, 2014, Statistical Report, 2, 4, and 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 80. 22 2014 Annual Statistical Report, 88. $34,564,983(mission 7, documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2014.pdf. 15 In 1980, for example, tithes represented 62.1 percent, world offering) divided by $398,880,407 (tithe). 9 There were 2,390,124 members at the end of 1973. Numbers mission 11.2 percent, and intradivision and local church 27.1 23 IDE appointees are down from 1,497 in 1980 to 92 in 2012. used to calculate percentages are from 111th Annual Statistical percent of total tithes and offerings. 2014 Annual Statistical Active IDEs are down from 1,388 in 1980 to 839 in 2012. There Report of Seventh-day Adventists 1973 http://documents Report, 4. An important observation is that more of what has been an overall downward trend since the 1980s. David Trim, .adventistarchives.org/Statistics/ASR/ASR1973.pdf and 2014 members are giving goes to tithe rather than world mission. 2012 Annual Council Report, figure 4, http://documents Annual Statistical Report. 16 Compared to 1960, this was an increase of 1,171 percent in real .adventistarchives.org/Statistics/Other/ACRep2012.pdf 10 The average annual growth rate was based on the table found at terms, as opposed to the 131 percent for the Global North. G. 24 “Plateaued” is defined as having membership growth rate of less www.adventiststatistics.org/stats_y_ga.asp?FieldID=G10001 T. Ng, “Seventh-day Adventist Mission: The Shifting Landscape,” than 12 percent in a ten-year period. &view=y_ga&StartYear=1973&EndYear=2013&submit Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, 43. 25 The reason given is the population loss in the Eastern European =Build+Table. 17 Summary of Institutions (table 7), 2014 Annual Statistical nations that have been set back by a major economic crisis and 11 Andrew McChesney, “Church Membership Reaches 18.1 Million,” Report, 4. high unemployment in and around the former Soviet Union. Adventist Review, October 12, 2014, www.adventistreview.org 18 Secondary and tertiary schools: more than doubled since 1980, 26 G. T. Ng, “Seventh-day Adventist Mission, ” 38. /church-news/church-membership-reaches-18.1-million. 882 schools; orphanages: from 80 in 1980 to 170 in 2012; total 27 Kellner, “Adventist Church Membership.”

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Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015

RESOURCES

Adventist Evangelistic Preaching by Russell C. Burrill, Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2014.

hether you are a seasoned of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not Adventist evangelist or be left out. It is at the cross of Christ Ware preparing for your that mercy and truth meet together, first evangelistic meeting, Adventist and righteousness and peace kill Evangelistic Preaching will be a valu- each other. The sinner must be led able resource for you. to look to Calvary; with the simple Adventist evangelist and retired faith of a little child he must trust in seminary professor Russell Burrill the merits of the Saviour, accepting begins his book with a review of His righteousness, believing in His preaching in the New Testament. mercy.”* He concludes with saying that all Burrill also gives practical instruc- Adventist preachers must be evan- tion regarding the preparation and gelistic preachers; evangelistic delivery of evangelistic sermons. Every preaching should be our highest evangelistic sermon, whether the- priority; Jesus, our Redeemer, must matic or expository, needs to present a be the center of our evangelistic single idea—what Burrill calls “a theme preaching; and Adventist evangelistic sentence.” That single dominant idea preaching should include a focus should be developed in a logical way. on the prophecies of Daniel and Of particular interest is the Revelation. author’s chapter titled “Appeals for The chapters that follow provide Decisions.” He describes three types some practical instruction for effec- of appeals: general appeals, specific tive evangelism. For example, how do logical presentation is what is unique appeals, and altar calls. you design the order of presentations about our evangelistic messages” The author notes that “appeals for your evangelistic series? Burrill (103). may be frightening and may make an maintains that “one of the unique When developing the order of evangelist nervous because the results characteristics of the Adventist mes- evangelistic presentations, the author are out of the evangelist’s control. But sage is that all parts fit together in a encourages the evangelistic preacher the people who attend the series are in harmonious whole” (45). to follow the Three Cs of evangelism: the hands of God, and the Holy Spirit is The author lists 26 subjects that he Christ, Commandments, and Church. working with them. . . . We must trust believes should be presented before a Do not try to convince people to keep Him to do as He has promised, and we person joins the Seventh-day Adventist the commandments or join the church must prepare ourselves to welcome Church (46, 47). While we might debate before you have introduced them to a those in whom the Holy Spirit is work- what subjects should be included life-changing relationship with Jesus as ing as we appeal to people in God’s on this list, we would all agree that their personal Savior and Lord. powerful name” (117, 118). the order of presentations is vitally Burrill reminds us of Ellen G. White’s The back cover of Adventist important. Burrill shares his own rec- quote regarding our public procla- Evangelistic Preaching includes this ommended order at the conclusion mation: “Of all professing Christians, bold assertion: “This book belongs on of the chapter “Developing a Logical Seventh-day Adventists should be your bookshelf.” I wholeheartedly agree. Progression of Subjects” (70, 71). He foremost in uplifting Christ before the maintains, “Adventism is a very logical world. The proclamation of the third —Reviewed by Derek J. Morris, DMin, editor, religion. Our theological system has angel’s message calls for the presenta- Ministry. been well thought through. Each part tion of the Sabbath truth. This truth, fits with the other parts. Adventism with others included in the message, is * Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1948), 156, 157. is also very biblical, and this biblical, to be proclaimed; but the great center

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 The English Connection: The Puritan Roots of Seventh-day Adventist Belief, second edition by Bryan W. Ball, Cambridge: James Clarke & Co, 2014.

he publishers are to be congratu- Almanac of Prophecy.” All of these lated for issuing a second edition are core Christian and Seventh-day Tof this significant book. This book Adventist beliefs. contains a reflective foreword and a I do not criticize this book to observe conclusion that were not in the original. that it is not solely in Puritan theology The primary relevance of the book that our roots are to be located. The will have a strong appeal for Seventh- theology of the radical Reformers of the day Adventists. Criticisms of our beliefs sixteenth century also contributes to tend to question whether our faith is bib- our beliefs. In his book The Reformation lical, evangelical, or Protestant. Dr. Ball and the Advent Movement, the late W. demolishes all criticisms of this nature. L. Emmerson shows how the majority He demonstrates the indisputable con- of our doctrines are also related to nection of Seventh-day Adventist faith Anabaptism. However, the theology of with scripture and the evangelical beliefs the Anabaptists was not unified in any of the Puritans. one wing of the movement. The seventh- the preaching of the great themes of However, the book has a more day Sabbath, justification by faith, the salvation. Neglect of these themes and extensive interest for historians and law of God, conditional immortality, and a failure to preach them leads inevitably sociologists of religion and is in no way a footwashing were held by different sec- to formalism, legalism, extremism, and sectarian polemic. The author writes from tions of the movement and rejected by a loss of mission. a wide knowledge of the religious foment others. There was no overall unanimity. A careful reading of the intro- of the seventeenth and eighteenth centu- Emmerson saw the various doctrines of duction to The English Connection is ries. This approach strengthens his claim the groups coming together and being essential. There the reader will come that the theology and religious faith of unified in the Advent people, or, as he to understand the value and necessity Seventh-day Adventists is neither novel expressed it, God’s last-day ecumenical of grasping the role and purpose of the nor cultic. He shows beyond controversy movement. Seventh-day Adventist Church and its that the beliefs of our church are rooted The value of Ball’s book lies not self-understanding. in Scripture and in orthodox Protestant alone in the connections he makes I find this a beautifully written book, theology. with Puritanism but in the depth of his free from prejudice and with a generous In 12 chapters, he selects the cardi- treatment of the doctrines discussed. spirit, and the format is attractive. This nal Christian doctrines. He juxtaposes, The richness of the theology and its book can be read with profit by anyone, as an introduction to each chapter, clear evangelical emphasis is heartening. but it will have strong appeal to new evidence from Seventh-day Adventist The book contains a compendium of members who may not be as familiar statements of faith with similar ones Christian theology with a clear writ- as they could be with the origins of our from the writings of Puritan theologians. ing style. The content is biblical and church and its roots in Scripture and The unity and harmony of the beliefs are evangelical. Theologians, pastors, and Protestant theology. Bryan Ball has done incontrovertible. Some of the chapter lay members will find the contents a his own church, and the wider Christian headings will give an indication of the stimulus to faith and devotion. fellowship, a service in bringing before topics discussed: “The Sufficiency of Few would deny that the Protestant us the truths that center and hold their Scripture,” “The Incomparable Jesus,” pulpit has fallen on hard times. The same meaning in the incomparable Christ. “The Lord Our Righteousness,” “The is true, to a significant degree, of the Seventh-Day Sabbath,” “A High Priest in Seventh-day Adventist pulpit. The only —Reviewed by Patrick Boyle, MA, a retired pastor liv- Heaven,” “The Return of Christ,” “That corrective for this would be a return to ing in Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® DATELINE

53 churches destroyed by Cyclone Pam

ort Vila, Vanuatu—The Seventh- Pday Adventist Church in Vanuatu is trying to remain positive as they look to rebuild after Cyclone Pam, but the situ- ation is dire. Fifty-three churches have been “lost” according to latest reports, six schools have had multiple buildings destroyed, and 20 pastors and 100 teachers have lost their homes, not to mention all the other church members. The rebuilding may take years because many church members have lost homes and income sources to the cyclone. Tithes and offerings will be significantly reduced for some time, because 80 to 90 percent of church members are subsistence farmers who operate on a cash crop economy. For many, crops and livelihoods are wiped out and will take a long time to recover. “Yes, the devastation to our church properties is great. Many churches, both permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary, have all been destroyed— some partly, some with complete destruction,” said Vanuatu Mission president Nos Terry Mailalong. “That is a big blow to the members, for most of these people in the rural areas would not have any source of income because Photos: Vanuatu Mission their source of income is completely destroyed.” While the government may pro- teams willing to go and reconstruct the who has spare books that you think vide support to rebuild the schools, lost church infrastructure. This is prob- can be useful to my pastors out here in and agencies like the Adventist ably one of the disasters in the Pacific the islands, and they will be very much Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Islands where the church has incurred appreciated.” are working to keep people feed, shel- the biggest loss ever.” Pastors through the ministerial tered, and healthy, there is no money “[In the short term] for most of associations of the South Pacific to rebuild the churches that have been our churches that are destroyed [we Division and Australian Union destroyed. Mailalong has called for need] tarpaulins that can be used to Conference are helping provide Bibles groups who want to do “fly ’n’ builds” provide temporary shelter for wor- and books for those pastors who have to come and help. ship, and even to house some of our lost their resources, and Adventist “The biggest need is . . . for the pastors/ministers who have lost their schools throughout Australia are hop- church in the South Pacific to stand homes,” said Mailalong. “About twenty ing to do the same for teachers and together to rebuild the loss to the of my ministers/pastors have lost their schools. church. Our biggest need is funds to homes, personal belongings, and Last year, Vanuatu experienced its provide building materials, fly and build books. So I am appealing for anyone highest number of baptisms ever, and

Ministry® JULY/AUGUST 2015 the churches swelled to overflowing set up to help with the reconstruction to assist in this rebuilding effort. Visit after the Port Vila Evangelism 2014 of Adventist churches and schools www.HopeChannel.com/donations campaign. The challenges of nurturing that have been damaged. If you live in /vanuatu-appeal to give. and finding space in churches for all SPD, donations can be made through To donate to ADRA’s Vanuatu Disaster these members has been heightened the Adventist eGIVING Web site, under fund, visit www.adra.org. Money donated by Cyclone Pam’s destruction. the option labeled “Vanuatu Cyclone to this fund will be used to support ADRA A special fund, held in trust by the Pam Assistance.” The Hope Channel projects throughout Vanuatu. [Adapted South Pacific Division (SPD), is being has also established a special fund from Jarrod Stackelroth/Record.net.au]

Adventist Church president holds first meeting with United Nations chief

ew York City, New York, education before voicing his concern health, and humanitarian aid through NUnited States—United Nations about religious intolerance reaching the Adventist Development and Relief Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon unprecedented levels globally. Ban Agency (ADRA). ADRA has worked with expressed concerns about grow- underscored his belief that people the UN in assisting refugees in the ing religious intolerance worldwide should cultivate a respect for all, Middle East and elsewhere. and invited the Adventist Wilson told about various Church to work with the church initiatives that corre- United Nations (UN) in help- spond with the UN’s mission ing people during a private to help people. “We had an meeting with Seventh-day excellent meeting with the Adventist Church leader Ted secretary-general and some N. C. Wilson on April 6, 2015. of his staff, sharing with Wilson, the first Adventist them about the Adventist Church president to meet Church’s activities,” Wilson with a UN chief, noted that said. “We focused on certain the church has long sup- things that the Adventist ported religious liberty and Church can help with, such said it was willing to team up as religious liberty, freedom on initiatives that followed of conscience, ethical and Christ’s ministry of helping spiritual values, respect people physically, mentally, for human dignity, family socially, and spiritually. guidance, encouragement “Seventh-day Adventists for young people, and basic should be ready to witness human necessities like pure for the Lord anywhere we go water and fundamental edu- and to testify of God’s bless- cation.” Wilson added, “Only ing in our lives and what we UN chief Ban Ki-moon with Adventist Church leader Ted N. C. Wilson [photo: Evan if we are led by the Lord can can do in His name,” he said. Schneider / UN] we be truly effective in our “The world is waiting for this outreach to the world, pre- type of heaven-inspired tes- paring them for Christ’s soon timony with clear answers to today’s including those of other faiths. He coming by carrying out the practical problems.” indicated that he appreciated the ministry of Jesus through the Holy Ban spoke about global issues Adventist Church’s work in promoting Spirit’s power.” [Adapted from Andrew such as poverty and a lack of religious liberty as well as education, McChesney/Adventist Review]

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Ministry® THE PASTOR AND HEALTH PETER N. LANDLESS

Peter N. Landless, MB, Bch, MMed, FCP (SA), FACC, FASNC, serves as director of Health Ministries, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. Fit to serve?

major reason for the gift of the issues of obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyper- In his book Dramatic Prophecies of health message to the Seventh- tension, tobacco-related diseases, and Ellen White, Herbert Douglass shares the Aday Adventist Church was to fit coronary artery disease. We are called following challenge, including an excerpt its members and leadership for service not only to practice temperance in our from Counsels on Diet and Foods, page to others. When one considers the poor lives but also to share it with a dying 35: “Heart reform comes before health state of James White’s health at the world. We are familiar with the tremen- reform. Ellen White kept her priorities time of the Otsego vision in 1863, one dous mission that lies ahead of God’s straight—preserving health is primarily understands that there were changes that church in proclaiming the three angels’ a spiritual challenge: ‘Men will never be needed to be made then that we would messages. We intellectually assent to the truly temperate until the grace of Christ do well to make in our lives now, changes fact that the health message composes is an abiding principle in the heart. . . . that might extend our usefulness and part of the great warning of Revelation No mere restriction of your diet will cure longevity in service. 14:6–12 and is also a means of meeting your diseased appetite. . . . What Christ One of the most common excuses the needs of the community, as well as works within, will be worked out under offered by those encouraged to exercise, preparing for the harvest. Do we believe the dictation of the converted intellect. rest, and take time for recreation is “I it enough to live it? The plan of beginning outside and trying don’t have the time!” Time taken in caring Right now we are seeing a resurgence to work inward has always failed, and for our physical and mental health is time of interest among many churches in always will fail.’ ”5 In the same vein, the well spent. We do not have time not to meeting the health needs of the com- challenging words of Hudson Taylor care for our health. Based on our under- munity. In 2006, a church in Tennessee echo in my own heart: “Christ is either standing of the balanced development of opened an exercise facility and had Lord of all, or is not Lord at all! . . . If He body, mind, and spirit, it is essential for 200 members at the time. That same is Lord, let us treat him as such.”6 He us to include health reform in our daily church now runs a health center and has takes control of every aspect of my life. journey. This is a key characteristic of the grown to 3,000 members! 3 In 2011, Rick “Men will never be truly temperate until Adventist health message and advantage: Warren challenged his church when he the grace of God is an abiding principle addressing the needs of the whole being. stated that he had gained three pounds in the heart.”7 “Since the mind and the soul find each year over the 30 years he had been As a church, we have been blessed expression through the body, both men- pastoring his church and was going with a privileged revelation of how to live tal and spiritual vigor are in great degree to try and lose this weight. He asked life to the full. To care for the body temple dependent upon physical strength and whether anyone would want to join him has become a sacred duty, to then spend activity; whatever promotes physical in this venture, which became known and be spent in service to a broken world health, promotes the development as the Daniel Plan. Just two years later, crying out for a grace-filled revelation of of a strong mind and a well-balanced Saddleback congregants had lost more Jesus Christ through His followers and the character. Without health no one can as than 270,000 pounds!4 These are just two truths entrusted to them all these years. distinctly understand or as completely examples of much that is happening in Will you answer that call and honor fulfill his obligations to himself, to his the world of health reform. What would Him in body, mind, and spirit and thus fellow beings, or to his Creator. Therefore happen if each one of us were to take “preserve every power in the best con- the health should be as faithfully guarded hold of the acknowledged Adventist dition for highest service to God and 1 as the character.” advantage, which has been publicized man”?8 Ellen White counseled, “As we near in Time magazine, National Geographic, the close of time, we must rise higher CNN, USA Today, and various other media, 1 Ellen G. White, Child Guidance (Washington, DC: Review and and still higher upon the question of and live it, model it, and share it? Herald Pub. Assn., 1954), 360, 361. 2 Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health (Mountain View, CA: Pacific health reform and Christian temperance, We should be careful not to produce Press Pub. Assn., 1957), 467. presenting it in a more positive and another measure to “assess” the spiritual- 3 Leslie Leyland Fields, “The Fitness-Driven Church,” Christianity decided manner.”2 This advice is even ity of others by measuring the size of the Today, June 2013, 38. Available at www.christianitytoday.com more pertinent than ever as we see the jeans, the intensity of the workout, the /ct/2013/june/fitness-driven-church.html. 4 Ibid. burgeoning amount of illness brought strictness of the diet, or even one’s energy 5 Herbert Edgar Douglass, Dramatic Prophecies of Ellen White on by the noncommunicable diseases, level. We need to come to the point where (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2007). which are mainly diseases of lifestyle. we understand that allowing Christ to 6 Roger Steer, Hudson Taylor: Lessons in Discipleship (OMF The world faces unprecedented chal- take control of every aspect of our lives International, 1995), 34. 7 Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 64. lenges both in the developed countries as leaders and as a people is a matter of 8 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific and the emerging economies by the the heart. Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 319.

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