Ministry Ministry is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association and has Seen published since 1928.

Association Secretary Pastoral Assistant Editors James A. Cress John C. Cress, Fredrick Russell, Refocusing the Adventist health message Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold Editor Giving a critical and meaningful part ofAdventism an updated emphasis Willmore D. Eva International Advisors A. Abdulma|id, Alejandro Bullon, Gary E. Eraser Assistant Editor Jaime Castrejon, Victor P. Julia W. Norcott Krushenitsky, Carlos Martin, Editorial Assistant Gabriel Maurer, Joel Musvosvi, Sheila Draper David Osborne, Paul Ratsara, 8 Peter Roennfeldt, John Willmott, Professional Growth and Eric Winter, R. A. Zeeman Can disparate generations coexist in the church? Inter-church Relations Nikolaus Satelmajer Pastoral Advisors Bringing the generations together in local church programming Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter W. A. Townend Contributing Editors Campbell, Miguel A. Cerna, Sharon Cress Jeanne Hartwell, Mitchell Peter Prime Henson, Greg Nelson, Norma Joel Sarli Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Dan 12 Kit Watts Smith, Steve Willsey Consulting Editors Advertising Understanding inspiration: The symphonic Matthew Bediako, Ben Ministry Editorial Office Clausen, Raoul Dederen, and wholistic nature of Scripture Teofilo Ferreira, Ron Flowers, Subscriptions and Circulation A comprehensive view of the relationship John H. Fowler, Michael Jeannette Calbi Hasel, Roland Hegstad, Resources of inspiration to the Bible©s authority Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Cathy Payne Mueller, Jan Paulsen, Robert Alberto R. Timm Peach, George Reid, Angel Cover Design Rodriguez, Penny Shell, Harry Knox William Shea, Russell Original manuscript and Ministry Staples, Richard Tibbits, of Heating book courtesy of the 16 Edward Zinke Ellen G. White Estate Adventist youth in non-SDA high schools Subscriptions: For 12 issues: United States Designing a ministry for SDA young people attending secular schools us$29.95; Canada and overseas us$30.95; airmail Robert E. M. Tuvako us$39.95; single copy us$3.00. To order, send name, address, and payment to Jeannette Calbi, Ministry Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver 18 Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. Spirits in prison Subscription queries and address changes: E-mail: [email protected]; fax: 301-680-6502; Interpreting a difficult passage telephone: 301-680-6503. Theodore E. Wade, Jr. To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on diskette with name, address, telephone and fax 20 numbers, and Social Security number (if U.S. citizen). Send editorial correspondence to 12501 Year 2000: Millennial mayhem or ministry? Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. Constructively capitalizing on the public interest Phone: 301-680-6510; fax: 301-680-6502; in the turn of the new millennium e-mail: [email protected] or Douglas E. Batchelor [email protected] (editorial offices). Writer©s Guidelines available on request. Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international 25 journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Viewpoint: The prophets are human tool Association 1999, is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and A careful look at the impact of the humanity printed by Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1350 !\l. Kings of the prophets on their ministry Road, Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage paid at Graeme S. Bradford Nampa, Idaho. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 72 Number 8

IN EVERY ISSUE Bible credits: Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978,1984, International Bible Society. Used by 3 Letters 28 Pastor©s Pastor permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Division 4 Guest Editorial of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.

2 Ministry/August 1999 February 1999 issue cation go together and remain for the unfortunately often nothing more James Hopps© plea for "balance in rest of the believer©s life. than a smokescreen for liberal theology" (February 1999) rightly lays The church©s need is to gather in theology and behavior.... the blame for the lack of "holy living" the center of the cross. One look This Adventist has found authen on "cheap grace." Yet, simultaneously, upward at the bleeding body of our tic Adventism more often in mailboxes are jammed with literature Savior will instantly mortify our self- third-world countries, where the urging "victorious living" and righteousness. In mutual humiliation, simple message of truth is proclaimed, "translation character." These we will lay our pride in the dust at unencumbered by theological and extremes, not justification and Christ©s feet. Our conscience, Christ©s ecclesiological debates, and the sanctification, create the "polar blood-bought gift of enmity against emphasis and energy are properly positions" Hopps decries. Our Satan and evil (Gen. 3:15), produces directed at soul-winning; where mistake is perceiving justification and loathing of our evil lives that require members love the Lord and pray for sanctification as discrete entities, not His crucifixion. Jesus said so, "If any His soon return.... James Hoffer, bound in indivisible union. Kept man comes to Me and does not hate... pastor, Hagerstown, Maryland. bound in tandem they create the his own life ... he cannot be My desired dynamics that transform disciple" (Luke 14:26). Norman L. Dr. Rodriguez has sounded the believers into willing servants. Meager, Sonora, California. alarm over theological differences "Balance" ceases to be an issue. among us. Hear his words, "The "Faith without works is dead," A fervent Amen to Dr. Christen- potential for division is enormous." James tells us. Question: What is son©s article "Salvation: Faith versus "Significant changes could have a dead? Answer: Faith is dead. Conclu Works." I sometimes wonder whether devastating effect on the church." "If sion: If we want works, preach biblical in our church many of us have drifted it ever happens, [it] will radically alter faith and works will come. So, away from and so fail to live the Adventism by weakening or destroy justification by faith, properly Biblical balance he discusses. ing its self-identity." "Appropriate received, precedes and energizes Thomas A. Davis, Armstrong, leaders in the church have the sanctification. Our mistake is not British Columbia, Canada. responsibility to respond" to this properly teaching justification to our crisis facing the church. members old and new, especially April 1999 But saving the church as an our children. Are our members born "Wrestling With Theological institution need not be our concern. again? Or do we baptize "good Differences" by Dr. Angel Rodriguez is In fact, it is the church©s strict adher people" who rise out of the water a truthful but sad portrayal of the ence to God©s single objective truth alive and whole? That makes grace current situation in Adventism! As a that will save the church. Following cheap failure to put self to death. nearly lifelong member, former today©s apostatizing churches, Christ It is crucial to define the comple missionary, and hopefully centrist is being displaced as substitutionary mentary roles of justification and pastor, sometimes I feel like saying, Savior in favor of a theology of sanctification and how they work "They have taken away my church, and healing and harmony community by together. Justification comes first and I know not where they have laid it!" "progressives" among us. In addition, is 100 percent Christ©s own perfect, Concerning the controversy of some "historicists" among us press for meritorious work done for us and "progressive" (a term I consider quite cultic total-victory-over-sin imputed to us solely by faith. Sanctifi euphemistic) versus "historic," let it triumphalism, again, in place of cation follows 50/50 as a cooperative be known that it is quite possible, and Christ©s substitutionary atonement work I work, and God works, in my opinion, quite natural to be making both groups legalists. This working together to facilitate the conservative but not legalistic. The shutting out of Christ could very well believer©s spiritual growth. The critical outcries against legalism, though not seal our doom as a viable church.... point is that justification and sanctifi always without foundation, are continued on p. 30

If you©re receiving Ministry bimonthly and haven©t paid for a subscription, it©s not a mistake. Since 1928 Ministry has been Free Subscription \ published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers. We believe, however, that the time has come for clergy everywhere to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gospel of our salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We want to share our aspirations and faith in a way that will provide inspiration and help to you as clergy. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulder, take what you want and find helpful, and discard what you can©t use. Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead and addressed to the editorial office.

Ministry/August 1999 3 GUEST EDITORIAL

still remember for dealing with the pluralistic going to a toy Evangelism mentality. In Paul©s famous evangelis / shop in my tic meeting on Mars Hill (Acts hometown as a 17:16-34), he provided a model on child. Usually, there in pluralistic how to engage people to consider the were about a dozen gospel in a pluralistic environment. toys, no more, to culture Paul was alone in the city of t\ choose from. Now Athens. While waiting for Silas and the same shop JOEL S A R L I Timothy to join him, he went for a displays thousands of different toys, walk through and was "greatly thousands of different options. In one ate method for evangelizing this distressed" by all the false idols. He sense, it was easier to make a decision pluralistic culture. The Billy Graham simply started talking to the people then than now. School of Evangelism, for instance, where he found them, such as in the Today, moral decisions, ethical disagrees with the World Council of marketplace (verse 17). One time he dilemmas, lifestyle options are in Churches (which holds a very engaged in debate with a "group of many ways like a modern toy shop. ecumenical view of evangelism). But Epicurean and Stoic philosophers" We are given numerous options, a despite these disagreements, the (verse 18). The ideas Paul communi plethora of choices. The culture no responsibility of the church of Jesus cated were new to them; he unsettled longer hands down an accepted set of Christ is to find the right approach to these intellectuals with talk about rules for how to live, nor does it fulfill our commission. "Jesus and the resurrection" (verse provide a single standard for judging This is possible. Through the 18). Intrigued, and seeking clarifica right and wrong. As never before, we centuries the Christian Church has tion (verse 19), they invited Paul to are living in a multiple-choice era. always found more than one way to join them for a formal session in their Another word more commonly used meet the challenges presented by chambers. Paul, of course, accepted. (and loaded with connotations) to changing cultures. Church history Though Paul looked back at his name our era is "pluralistic." proves it possible to design more than Mars Hill experience as a failure and The root, "plural," is a simple one evangelistic strategy. Ellen G. in one sense it was the crucial point term. According to Webster©s Ninth White, in her most comprehensive here is this: Paul©s attitude of respect New Collegiate Dictionary, it means book on evangelism, says: "There toward others freed him to genuinely "more than one." If anything de must be no fixed rules; our work is a accept the Athenian philosophers, scribes our climate, it©s this word, or progressive work, and there must be even though he did not agree with more specifically its adjective, room left for methods to be improved them. In doing so, Paul demonstrated "pluralistic." We live in a radically upon.... how to open doors in order to pluralistic culture. This fact has "Some of the methods used in effectively evangelize people belong numerous implications for all areas of this work will be different from the ing to a pluralistic society. Accept the our life. But for the church, one methods used in the work in the people, no matter how wrong their aspect stands out in particular: the past."1 ideas are. As in Paul©s case, this doesn©t confrontational styles of evangelism The content of the gospel is, guarantee that they will accept your that many outstanding preachers used always, the same. That should never message; what it does guarantee is that in the past are, today, in this pluralis change. Pluralism doesn©t imply a they will be more open to listen to it tic culture, deemed utterly offensive change in the message in order to fit at least. and in fact are rejected by almost all the particular religious taste or mood preachers in all denominations. Thus, of the culture. But responsible Acceptance, not endorsement we need to ask ourselves this ques followers of Jesus Christ today have to Many Christians today have tion: in the kind of environment we present the message in a way that will reservations about accepting people now face, what is an acceptable reach the target audience. It©s not the who don©t share their spiritual values. approach to evangelization? message that needs radical change, "Will my acceptance of this person," but the method of delivery, or the they fear, "be misinterpreted as an New methods for a new age package in which it is presented. endorsement of what they believe?" Enormous disagreements exist It©s an understandable fear, but one we among preachers and religious The key shouldn©t have. institutions about the most appropri- In the Bible we find a paradigm Continued on page 30

4 Ministry/August 1999 n

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\ lien White and other founders of the Adventist Church had an interest in Jtemperance and health from the beginning.

Gary E. Fraser, Ph.D., In fact, Mrs. White had her first vi healthful cooking classes, stop-smoking is a professor of sion on health in 1848, in which she was plans, and health-screening vans. In epidemiology and shown that "not only was tobacco addition, scientific studies of Adventist professor of harmful, but also that tea and coffee health beliefs and practices have medicine, Loma were injurious." However, not until brought respect for Adventist health in Linda University, June 6, 1863, at Otsego, Michigan, did circles where other aspects of Advent- Loma Linda, she have her first major "health vision." ism are often considered unattractive. California. This was less than three weeks after the Our research studies have played an adoption of the first constitution of the important part in demonstrating to the General Conference and the election of scientific community that a proper diet, its first officers. The focus of this vision particularly a vegetarian diet, and the was personal preventive medicine and lifestyle we have always believed is health improvement, and the interven healthy does indeed promote good tions recommended were lifestyle in health. Our views on diet and health are nature. By 1866 The Health Reformer no longer considered mere pronounce appeared, and the Western Health Re ments of a nineteenth-century vision form Institute was opened at Battle ary. In fact, logical interfaces between Creek, Michigan, the forerunner of the religion and health continue and are much larger Medical and Surgical Sani increasingly recognized among non- tarium, opened in 1878 under the di Adventist scholars. 1 rection of the talented young Dr. John H. Kellogg. Religion and health: the connection Today, the church has a global net Perhaps the most obvious connec work of high-quality hospitals and clin tion between religion and health follows ics, and a real emphasis on personal from the concept of a Creator-God. health outreach endeavors, such as God©s amazing creative fashioning of

GARY FRASER

Ministry/August 1999 the human organism, with its profound long can our health message be sus part of our belief system. Although biochemical, physiological, psychologi tained? Are we as involved as we could most are personally committed to a cal, social, and moral components and should be in community health healthy lifestyle, health as a tenet of the deserves the most fastidious care. Intel outreach and promotion? How long has faith often seems to be somewhat of an ligently embracing the creation concept it been since you heard or preached a embarrassment, sometimes passed off may also lead to the adoption of a veg sermon on the importance of personal as a quirk of our past. Consequently, the etarian diet not only out of respect for health? In the North American Divi theology of health is poorly developed. the life of animals, but also in consider sion, very few unions or local confer Along with this, there is the stigma of ation of a more prudent use of earth©s ences continue to maintain health legalism attached to those Adventists resources. secretaries who could provide effective who want to practice and propagate an Second, the Biblical concept that leadership in health education. Are the effective health message. God is a God of love leads to an under standing that He cares for the health of Contemporary goals for Adventist His creatures, providing guidance in health emphasis promoting good health and extended Has our model of health promo productive life. Such guidance is found tion within and without the church in the Bible. But Adventists also affirm been less successful than we expected? additional revelation in the arena of dventism©s As far as disease prevention is con healthful living in the work of Ellen emphasis on personal health is cerned, studies of the positive effects of White. These additional insights are Adventist health lifestyle indicate strik particularly well suited to preventing going through troubled times. ing success.2 We have also had impres the diseases that are part of an affluent sive results in employing our health culture. A lifestyle that includes a heavy Our original health message was message as an "entering wedge" in evan meat diet and little exercise was perhaps gelism. A concerned member can make not as great a problem in biblical times, a mix of healing for those already a significant physical and spiritual im but today the extremity of these prac pact on needy, interested people tices in wealthy societies calls for greater ill and of an emphasis on "right" through a thoughtful application of attention to lifestyle issues and their health principles. Yet to be most suc relationship to faith. living to prevent disease in the cessful, this preventive care needs to be Third, is healthful living a part of first place. Today, the emphasis given in the context of love and com the salvation process? Paul©s argument passion, without any hidden agenda. that our bodies are temples for the Holy seems to be on medical Some evangelists focus on the is Spirit first of all presupposes healthy sues of faith, supplementing their moral behavior, but it also implies that institutions and modern healing, presentations with health materials. the gospel calls for preserving the body Many in the audience attend because of temple in good physical condition. Is it with little attempt to support their interest in the religious theme, but possible that the way we eat, the num the non-threatening health supplement ber of hours we sleep, and how we personal disease prevention. may often be seen as a welcome bonus, exercise can affect our thinking and our even if it means some difficult changes. spiritual perception? Such presentations of health topics can enhance the long-term commitment of Supporting a health ministry "glory days" of Adventist personal converts to the church. Adventism©s emphasis on personal health practice behind us? One crucial motivation for con health is going through troubled times. Church administrators have many tinuing a strong health ministry is often Our original health message was a mix priorities and pressures. For this reason overlooked: the nurture of existing of healing for those already ill and of they may not see health ministry as a members. If the health message has an emphasis on "right" living to pre matter of urgent importance. In some value, it must be preserved in the exist vent disease in the first place. Today, the cases, thoughtful Adventist groups em ing church body. This will not happen emphasis seems to be on medical insti phasizing personal health are looked without a serious commitment of cor tutions and modern healing, with little upon as ultraconservative, with ideas porate and local church interest and attempt to support personal disease that run contrary to good sense, mod resources. Programs directed toward prevention. True, our traditional em ern medical knowledge, and even the existing church members should be of phasis on healthful living has not been Spirit of Prophecy. high quality so as to benefit both the abandoned altogether, but with reduced Our theologians also do not seem local church members and through corporate emphasis and support, how to give priority to health as a bona fide their ministry, the community.

6 Ministry/August 1999 While acknowledging and respect and suffers from a lost or further re pel includes the whole person: body, ing the Spirit of Prophecy, materials duced visibility in the Adventist mind, and soul. Does faith in God con presented to the church and commu Church, and if support from church tribute to better relations with others nity need to be up-to-date and reflect leadership for the health message be and with oneself, therefore increasing the current state of health knowledge. comes even less evident, why would the possibility of better health? Of Members are less likely to feel that they Adventists not experience the same dif course it does. have "heard it all before" if care is taken ficulties as others in effectively modify On the basis of revealed principles to enliven and contemporize the topic ing and maintaining their health habits? and scientific evidence, Adventism©s with current information. Even so, rep Thus there is a critical need for us health emphasis of many decades has etition of basic materials at suitable to continually incorporate healthful liv been a real force for good in its work in intervals is valuable as a means of rein ing as an integral part of our religious the local and global community. Our forcement. Health education now is a faith and practice. Along with the em "health message" will indeed guide us scholarly discipline, and efforts that do phasis of the Spirit of Prophecy, this to better health, so honoring God. But not conform to certain standards of linkage can be supported from both the we should not use such "lifestyle works" both information and presentation will Old and New Testaments, and also by as a litmus test of spirituality, or as a reflect badly on the church. the health experience of generations of basis for criticism of our fellow believ Without the motivational link be Adventists. There is also limited but ers (see Romans 14). Beyond good tween health and faith, most non- growing evidence that faith in God con health, healthy living may be valued as Adventists have serious difficulty tributes to better relations with others one other discipline to help us along the making a transition to healthful living. and with oneself, and it thereby may spiritual pathway. This is so despite the profusion of sci lead to better health. entific evidence and informative edu 1 See K.Vaux, "Religion and Health," Preventive Medicine 5 (1976):522-36. cational materials. This is also a present Conclusion 2 See R. L. Phillips., J. W. Kuzma., W. L. Beeson, danger for long-time Adventists. If the The critical concern is that we fully and T. Lotz, "Influence of selection versus lifestyle on risk of fatal cancer and cardiovascular disease among Adventist health emphasis loses its con embrace and not lose sight of the fact Seventh-day Adventists," American Journal o/Epidemi- nection with the issues of biblical faith that the redemptive process of the gos ologyll2(19SO):296-3l3. Citrus Fund Raising ' ','; ' . • Since 1985 '"..." . ••• ; •••'.-•'•''..•' The Healthy Alternative Pastors! Home & School Leaders! Club Presidents! Equip yourselves with the ability to raise funds for mission trips, youth activities, Pathfinder clubs, building projects, choir/musical group supplies! What©s on your wish list? A six-month program offering the BEST of different tastes from month-to-month, generating repeat orders and steady profits, along with a unique way to open new doors for community outreach by making friends in the community! Hundreds of churches are raising thousands of dollars each year! Members A5/ (/Wi/entist tayman©5 For information about how your Services & Industries) church or school can join our program OLDEN HARVEST call us for a free sales kit today! FRUIT CO. TOLL-FEEE 1-800-826-9009

Ministry/August 1999 r TP \ J

^ 1 1 n\ ) J J j r r T n T T \ - j J. ^ 1 J. irds of a feather flock together. We all know that, but what we perhaps may not know is that in the flocking process there are bound Bto be some ruffled feathers.

W. A. Townend is a Bible teacher at The big flock known as the Sev New Zealand). Each of the 100 men and Avondale College, Coomnbong, New enth-day Adventist Church is no women was asked to answer 24 ques South Wales, Australia. exception. tions (see page 9) about his or her But why the ruffled feathers? church as each currently saw it. For one thing, we mortals have not The same 24 questions were also yet "put on immortality"; for another, put randomly to 100 new students at there©s that thing we©ve all heard of tending Avondale College in Australia called "the generation gap." during 1995. The students were asked Some of us think we know what the to answer the questions in relation to "generation gap" is; others may know for the church from which they had just sure; and others with furrowed brows come to college. Answer options for sigh, "I don©t know what it is." We do each question and for each group were know that the generation gap is a multi- the same: yes, no, not sure. component phenomenon consisting of Some of the objective results of this physical, educational, social, historical, spot check show up on the spreadsheet and religious factors, to name a few. of percentages of answers to each question. An Adventist spot check And what did all this add up to? In order to understand the genera We gained insights into some of the tion gap in the Adventist context, I did probable characteristics that describe a spot check on 100 Adventists 50 years the Adventist religious generation gap. and older in churches located in cities, The results revealed both what was to provinces, and country districts in the be expected and what was surprising. six conferences of the Trans-Tasman When I did the spot check, I had Union (most of eastern Australia and continued on p. 11

8 Ministry/August 1999 Results of Spot Check on Adventists (Study conducted in 1995; results in percentages)

Age 50 and Over New Avondale students Survey Questions Yes No Not Sure Yes No Not Sure 1. Do you think that changes are taking place in the Adventist Church? 95 0 5 86 2 12 2. Is the style of worship changing in your church? 95 0 5 68 29 3 3. Are you seeing more people taking part in your public worship? 76 13 11 65 18 17 4. If yes is your answer to questions 2 and 3, do you like the changes? 49 11 40 60 11 12 5. Are you hearing a new style of music in your church? 92 0 8 68 32 0 . 37' 6. Do you prefer traditional church music? 47 16 31 ' 57, ' '"12; 7. Do you think that children and young people should take '• 3-: •''".'-'. part in leading out in public worship in your church? 84 • 5 , 11 ..:''••• ,95 . ' : 2 •".: ' ' 8. Do you think that the present organization of the Adventist Church: should be overhauled? 68 13 19, • 37 •:.••' ' ;.28;.' • • 35; "•••-'. ' ,9. Do you, think that our church organization has "too many 1 ; > .. 16'."?" •'.'13' ''. ; chiefs and-not enough Indians"? , , ..''.•" ; 71. • ,:'.'5V. •."',• :\;,.2g;' , • • i^:;/ ;•":•? '',"•' " •' .' 10.. Wouid.ypu personally support change even though you :'•'..<•"*•':•:••< ..'.'.• aright, riot approve of allof it? •.."' ". 71, • ' • ,5 , ' '"24 .'." ,49 •;/.'• '; •••.-.'31 •'".'"•: .20.' •';':>;;, 11. Do you, think that in a general way today's Adventists are •'•'-, as keen about Adventism as you Were in your early days as '••.".•'46''.;. : '.'26y..."- ,'•'• ,', ' an Adventist?'. •.'•' '• ' '..,'•.•, •,.. "' •- ',•"•• •'.•.'. !'••,'•, 16 ' 63 •';..••• 21',', '•'.'28 •';..' 12. Do you think that Adventists should hold to ideas and > , ; .... •• •..'• • • • customs because they were the ideas and customs of our pioneers? 3 ,:' 84 ', 13,' , 9, , • : 78 ' ','•12'" ' , , ,;. 13. Do you consider it is possible to be an Adventist, while not being a Christian? , . 63, • 29 •' • : • '8. •'• • 43 ; '• ,49 '• '•• 8,"\ '• 14. Would you prefer to be known as a Christian Adventist 34-. '' rather than being known as an Adventist Christian? 55, 16 • -29': '.''• ••45 '.'. 22' '•• . '• 15. Are you finding joy in being an Adventist? 87 3: 10 '. ,83 . , ' , 2 15 16. Are the weekly worship services in your church cheerful •'72',-' occasions? 76 , 8 16 • :• is 12 , „ 17. Are people finding Christ in your present worship services? 42 8 50 60 15 25 18. Is your church growing? 21 45 34 60 25 15 19. Do you usually leave church services with "a spring in your step" because of what you heard and experienced there? 42 26 32 52 ,31 17 20. Do you feel that the Adventist Church is losing spiritual fervor? 55 16 29 46 26 28 21. Do you have any ideas for improving your church? 47 21 32 74 9 17 • 22. Do you prefer sermons on what the Bible says rather than sermons on what people say that the Bible says? 74 3 23 83 3 14 23. Do you think that it is possible to have real fellowship when members have different ideas about church procedures, Bible interpretation, and Christian conduct? 63 8 29 51 25 25 24. Do you think that surveys like this one are in the best interests of good church life? 50 5 45 69 5 26

Ministry/August 1999 9 ' • " •

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^ •; •: f • TBT 3HiJ^r I been a Bible teacher at Avondale Col make nonmoral matters appear as attitudes and responses. 1 lege for 17 years. I have been in the moral issues, we weaken the overall 6. Provide not only survival space classroom with hundreds of Avondale's impact of the moral, with serious con but also ample living space for those beginning students for many hundreds sequences. Giving nonmoral issues too whose temperaments, cultures, times, of hours. Naturally, there have been much emphasis has a way of trivializing geographies, and personalities may be some very frank discussions. Student re matters that are really important. different from your own (see Rom. 14). sponses to class assignments on what it 2. Major in principles rather than 7. Cultivate an attitude of "praise means to be an Adventist Christian have standards. Entering into the setting up the Lord" rather than "pick at the likewise, in the main, been quite frank of standards are factors of culture, time, saints" (see Ps. 150; Gal. 5:15). and revealing. They have provided in and geography. These localized stan Can we all coexist? Of course we sights into the minds and hearts of dards detract from the innate power of can. We are Christians! Christians work students. This interaction has taught me universal principle. Standard-driven at living as Christians. There may be much. What I have learned from stu people tend to be tense and frustrated; times when this will call for some think dents has caused me to develop certain principle-driven people know freedom ing that we may find threatens our convictions that can help to narrow the and joy in their faith (see John 8:36). present position on some things. We generation gap or cut down on the 3. Teach that a key word in experi need to experience the objectivity that ruffled feathers in our congregations. encing the gospel is "done," not "do" produces tolerance and understanding. (see 2 Cor. 5:21). And in all this we are not alone. We Making coexistence possible 4. Take the words of Jesus seriously: have the Holy Spirit. He works on our I am convinced that our coexis "Stop judging by mere appearances, and natural self-centeredness and replaces tence can be made healthier and happier make a right judgment" (John 7:24, it with Christ-centeredness. • by adopting the following simple NIV). methods. 5. Accept the plurality of human 1 See Ellen G. White, The Ministry 1. Do not confuse moral and non- temperament and personality, with a of Healing (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific moral issues (see Micah 6:8). When we corresponding legitimate plurality of Press® Pub. Assn., 1905), 483.

:

Siiigh, Shyam(Laxrfli), health : Torres, LuisO. (SictaGarcia), Whitehorse, Charlie, pastor, and temperance dir.. Upper Ganges , , pastor, East Puerto Rico Conf., LAD, Arizona Conf., NAD , Section, SUD : . „ ,,' , ,•','•• Tzekpv, Rayko, pastor, Bulgarian Wilkens, Carl (Teresa), pastor, Smith, Gordon (Flor), pastor, Union, EUD : , : , Oregon Conf., NAD Scottish Mission; TED Uale, Monini (Wovele), pastor, Williams, Donoyan O. (Urina Souza, Paulo Roberto de North, East Papua Mission, ,SPD S.), pastor, West Jamaica Conf., IAD (Raquel Fernandes Pinto), pastor, Ubani, Daniel Adindu (Ebere), Winn, Ted (Patricia), academy South Brazil Union Conf., SAD district leader, East Nigeria Conf., AID principal, Arizona Gonf., NAD Stone, Kenrick (Sheryl), pastor, Uka, Thankgod A. (Memiten), Witas, Mark (Wendy), academy West Jamaica Conf., IAD district leader, Rivers Cohf,, Nigeria, chaplain, Carolina Conf., NAD Sumatau, Thomita (Binona), AID Wright, Wayne (Laura), pastor, dept, dir., North East Papua Mission, Utz, Edelmiro (Mirtha), pastor, Mountain View Conf., NAD SPD Austral Union, SAD Yanari, Steven (Jennifer), Taki, Peter (Ellen), pastor, Valentine, Maurice (Sharon), pastor, Western Highlands Mission, Western Highlands Mission, SPD pastor, Central,States Conf., NAD Papau, New Guinea, SPD Talipuan, Joseph (Fiona), VanSchai, Vie (Angela), pastor, Yoko, Hosea (Karim), pastor, pastor, New Britain New Ireland Iowa-Missouri Conf., NAD Western Highlands Mission, SPD Mission, SPD Villegas, Mariano (Maria Teresa), Young, Thankgod (Dirokweni), Teel, James (Mar sha), pas tor, pastor, Central Argentine Conf., SAD director/district leader, Rivers Conf., Georgia-Cumberland Conf., NAD Wabuyi, Peter (Sarah), steward Nigeria, AID Tello-Ayala, Benjamin (Holga ship dir., Eastern Uganda Field, BAD Zulski, Celso Dilmar (Andreia Tirado Gonzalez), evangelist/comm. Wenas, Johannis Rony (Laiskodat Alves Rocha), radio dir., Espirito dir., Northeast Mexican Conf., IAD P.), pastor, Jakarta Conf., SSD Santo Conf., SAD

Ministry/August 1999 11 UNDERSTANDING INSPIRATION The symphonic and wholistic nature of Scripture

J^M s the earth moves toward its end, God has, among other things, called JL JL the Seventh-day Adventist Church to reinstate and magnify the ascendant authority of His Word.1

Alberto Timm, Ph.D., Unfortunately, the fulfillment of tion occur because of a tendency to re is director of the Ellen this mission has been impeded as cer gard inspired writings as the product of G. White Research tain conciliatory approaches and atti a specific "monophonic" theory of in Center and professor tudes to Scripture have been embraced. spiration that disregards the contribu of church history and Aspects of our denominational identity tions of all other inspiration theories. historical theology at are being challenged by both external This approach has fostered a classical Brazil Adventist and internal voices. polarization under the labels of verbal College. Although Seventh-day Adventists inspiration on one side and thought have written extensively during the last inspiration on the other.3 150 years on the question of inspiration, To overcome the limitations of the task is not complete. We have not such an approach, some have proposed only to state clearly our confidence in a more "symphonic," multiperspective the Bible as the Word of God but also view of inspiration.4 One of the earliest to respond effectively and fairly to chal such proposals was the controversial lenges that tend to undermine faith.2 theory of "degrees" of inspiration, pro While dealing with many issues related moted in the 1880s by Uriah Smith and to this subject, we should never forget George I. Butler.5 Assuming that divine (1) the symphonic nature of inspir inspiration varies according to the ation, (2) the wholistic scope of original sources of the information to inspiration, and (3) the respectful ap be transmitted, Smith argued in a letter proach essential as we approach the to D. M. Canright that the writings of inspired writings. These three compo Ellen White comprise both the truly- nents should function as guidelines to inspired "visions" and the noninspired any study related to the nature and au "testimonies."6 The following year But thority of the Bible. ler, in a ten-part series in the Adventist Review, argued that the whole content The symphonic nature of inspiration of the Bible could be classified under Many controversies over inspira five different "degrees" of inspiration

ALBERTO R. TIMM

12 Ministry/August 1999 and authority, ranging from that which through visions and dreams, but thy-transmission realm, the discussion was inspired in the highest degree down through research"; (4) the counselor is restricted to the divine-human inter to that which he "could hardly call in model, in which "the prophet acts as an action in the actual wording of the spired."7 In spite of being accepted by adviser to God's people"; (5) the epis Scriptures. Ellen White explains this many church members, these notions tolary model, in which "the prophet interaction: "Although I am as depen were strongly rejected by Ellen White writes greetings, names, circumstances dent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writ (1889)8 and by others such as the au or even common things that do not re ing my views as I am in receiving them, thor of an 1893 senior Sabbath School quire a special revelation"; and (6) the yet the words I employ in describing lesson.9 literary model, in which "the Holy Spirit what I have seen are my own, unless Uriah Smith attempted to harmo inspires the prophet to express his or they be those spoken to me by an angel, nize the theories of verbal and thought which I always enclose in marks of quo inspiration by suggesting that, if the tation." 14 words of Scripture were "spoken di From this we might infer that al rectly by the Lord," then "the words are though God spoke through the proph inspired." If the words did not come ets "in many and various ways" (Heb. directly from the Lord, then "the words 1:1, RSV), the Holy Spirit guided the may not be inspired" but only "the the whole process of both gathering and ideas, the facts, the truth, which those w transmitting information. Furthermore, wording of some portions of the words convey." 10 I have not been able while the wording of some portions of to locate any specific reaction to this inspired writings was divinely the inspired writings was divinely pro proposal. vided, the words of other parts were New attempts to break away from provided, the words of other chosen by the prophets themselves un a "monophonic" view of inspiration der the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But were not made until the 1980s and 90s, parts were chosen by the this concept should never be used as an when George Rice, Alden Thompson, prophets themselves under the endorsement for the theory of "degrees" and Juan Carlos Viera projected differ of inspiration or as an excuse to disre ent "models" of inspiration. Focusing guidance of the Holy Spirit. But gard some portions of Scripture as less more on the gathering of prophetic in important than others (see Matt. 4:4; formation than on its transmission this concept should never be used 2 Tim. 3:16, 17). process, Rice suggested two models of inspiration: (1) the prophetic model of as an endorsement for the theory The wholistic scope of inspiration divine revelation (visions and dreams) of "degrees" of inspiration or as Although Adventists have tradi and (2) the Lukan model of human re tionally emphasized the trustworthiness search (reading and interviews) that an excuse to disregard some of different areas of knowledge covered accounts for the nonprophetic sec in the inspired writings, attempts have tions." portions of Scripture as less been made to limit this trustworthiness Alden Thompson proposed a more to matters of salvation. In 1884, George innovative model. Departing from important than others. Butler suggested different levels of trust some of what was traditional to worthiness within Scripture, depending Adventist thinking, Thompson sug on its various "degrees" of inspiration. gested a more person-oriented inspira For him Scriptures "are authoritative in tion or "incarnational model" that her intimate feelings and emotions proportion to the degrees of inspira could reconcile a broader spectrum of through the means of poetry and prose, tion" 15 and are perfect only as they are the human and cultural influences he as in the psalms." 13 necessary for achieving the purpose for detects in Scripture.12 These "models" reflect the increas which they were given—"to make [us] In 1996, Juan Carlos Viera, direc ing Adventist tendency to define inspi wise unto salvation" (2 Tim. 3:15). 16 tor of the Ellen G. White Estate, sug ration as a multiperspective process that The most influential statement to gested six models of inspiration: (1) the argues for divine assistance not only in ward a trustworthiness-limited-to- visionary model, in which God speaks the transmission of the prophetic truths salvation concept has been W. C. White's "through prophetic visions and but also in the gathering of the infor 1911 assertion that Ellen White "never dreams"; (2) the witness model, in mation. From the gathering-of-accurate- claimed to be authority on history."17 which God inspires "the prophet to give information perspective, one can talk The following year he explained more his or her own account of things seen genuinely about the existence of distinc clearly that "mother never wished our and heard"; (3) the historian model, in tive "models" of revelation-inspiration. brethren to treat them [her writings] as which the message does "not come But within the information-trustwor an authority regarding the details of

Ministry/August 1999 13 history or historical dates."18 some areas of human knowledge, it does pointed a committee in 1883 to make a The concept that the inspired writ not mean that the Scriptures are un grammatical revision of Ellen White's ings cannot be regarded as authoritative trustworthy in those areas. "All scrip Testimonies for the Church, the motion in matters other than salvation has been ture is given by inspiration of God" did not mention any factual error in its echoed by several other Adventist au (2 Tim. 3:16) and our understanding of content. Only grammatical "imperfec thors. For instance, at the 1919 Bible inspiration should always uphold this tions" were to be corrected, without conference in Washington, D.C., Gen wholistic, all-encompassing scope. Ac changing the thought "in any mea eral Conference President Arthur G. cording to Ellen White, it is only in the sure."25 But later, in the context of the Daniells stated that Ellen White "never inspired Word we find "an authentic 1911 revision of The Great Controversy, claimed to be an authority on history" account of the origin of nations," "a minor errors were recognized.26 So, at or "a dogmatic teacher on theology" history of our race unsullied by human the 1919 Bible conference, Daniells ex and that she never regarded her "his pride or prejudice,"23 and an "unerring pressed publicly that both the Bible and torical quotations" as infallible. 19 standard" by which "men's ideas of sci Ellen White's writings contained several Despite the strong reactions against ence" should be tested.24 factual discrepancies.27 these words at that time,20 and the fact However, during the next three de that this view was not exposed in the cades (1920-1950), Adventist authors Adventist literature at least for the next continued to deny the existence of fac- three decades,21 the controversy was not tual errors in inspired writings. Al over. Disagreements on the range of though some discussions took place in trustworthiness of the inspired writings the sixties, around 1970 the issue was have actually increased since the early losely again debated. As a result, Adventist seventies.22 c theologians today are divided between Crucial in this discussion is the in related... is the controversial (1) those who believe that the Holy terrelationship between the content of Spirit did not allow any factual error to the inspired writings and their ultimate issue of the existence or creep into inspired writings; (2) those purpose. There is no doubt that salva nonexistence offactual errors who argue that the controlling influence tion is the major purpose of Scripture of the Holy Spirit permitted only mi (John 5:39). But the real question is: in inspired writings. In other nor, insignificant discrepancies to slip Can we isolate some chronological, his into those writings, and (3) those who torical, and scientific portions of Scrip words, did the Holy Spirit speak freely about factual errors in the ture from its overall salvific purpose? If inspired writings, without ever men we were to develop a soteriological- allow factual errors to creep tioning any controlling influence of the inspiration canon within the general Holy Spirit. biblical canon, would such an approach into the inspired writings or Without a Holy-Spirit-intervention not break the unity of God's Word? theory, the last view fails to grasp what The Bible claims for itself that it is not? If He did, to what extent? the prophets, who personally experi wholistic in nature, forming an indivis enced such intervention, have to say ible unity (Matt. 4:4; Rev. 22:18,19) and about this matter. For instance, Nathan's pointing to salvation as its objective advice to King David about the build (John 20:31; 1 Cor. 10:11). Further ing of the temple does not only men more, Scripture portrays "salvation" as A respectful approach to the tion that Nathan gave wrong advice to a broad historical reality, related to all inspired writings the king but also that the Lord corrected other biblical themes. And it is precisely Closely related to the discussions that mistake (see 2 Sam. 7:1-16). Ellen this overall thematic interrelationship about theories of inspiration and the White recognized the Holy Spirit's con that makes it almost impossible for thematic rangeof trustworthiness is the trolling influence when she declared controversial issue of the existence or someone to speak of the Bible in di- that He "guided the mind" of the chotomous terms as being reliable in nonexistence of factual errors in in prophets "in the selection of what to some topics and not in others. spired writings. In other words, did the speak and what to write."28 Speaking of Because the primary purpose of Holy Spirit allow factual errors to creep her own experience, she added that "in the Bible is to build up faith for salva into the inspired writings or not? If He giving the message, with my pen and in tion (John 20:31), its historical, bio did, to what extent? speaking before large congregations," graphical, and scientific sections often Adventists have been historically "it is not I who controls my words and provide only the specific information reluctant to speak about the existence actions" but "the Spirit of God."29 This of factual errors in the inspired writings. needed to achieve this goal (John 20:30; being the case, we cannot regard any 21:25). In spite of its selectiveness in When the General Conference ap "nonintervention" theory as a valid hy-

14 Ministry/August 1999 - Uriah Smith to D. M. Canright, March 22, 1883, pothesis to be considered within an mysterious nature of the Scriptures. Advent Source Collection, Adventist Heritage Center, Adventist discussion of inspiration. Ellen White says, "Some passages of Andrews University. 7 George I. Butler, "Inspiration," Advent Review and But even accepting God's overall Scripture will never be perfectly com Sabbath Herald (hereafter RH), January 8, 1884, 24; Janu ary 15, 1884,41; January 22,1884,57,58; January 29,1884, controlling intervention in the prehended until in the future life Christ 73, 74; February 5, 1884, 89, 90; April 15, 1884^249,250; prophet's transmission of truth, to what shall explain them. There are mysteries April 22, 1884/265-267; May 6, 1884, 296, 297; May 27, 1884, 344-346; June 3, 1884, 361,362. extent does that intervention prevent to be unraveled, statements that human 8 E. G. White, Selected Messages, (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), 1:23. error? Some authors believe that the al minds cannot harmonize. And the en '' Sabbath School Lessons for Senior Classes, no. 98 leged factual errors are mere copyist emy will seek to arouse argument upon (First Quarter, 1893): 9. 1(1 Smith, "Which Are Revealed, Words or Ideas?" problems; others argue that there is no these points, which might better remain Advent Review (March 13, 1888): 168, 169. '' George E. Rice, Luke, A Plagiarist? (Nampa, Idaho: other way to solve some difficulties un discussed."33 Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1983). other than admitting that they are ac Further, if we accept the sola Scrip- l; Alden Thompson, Inspiration- Hard Questions, Honest Answers (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald tually mistakes. For example, in a 1966 tura principle, we should also take into Pub. Assn., 1991). '"' Juan Carlos Viera, "The Dynamics of Inspira lecture, Arthur L. White, then secretary more serious consideration the respect tion," Advent Review (May 30, 1996): 22-28. of the White Estate, declared that "the ful way in which all true prophets dealt " E. G. White, Selected Messages, 1:37. ri Butler, "Inspiration," Advent Review (January 8, prophet's inspired message could em with the writings of other prophets. 1884): 24. lf' ————, "Inspiration," Advent Review (May 27, body an inaccuracy in a minor detail None of the New Testament prophets 1884): 344. not consequential to the basic concept pointed out factual errors in the Old 17 W. C. White, "Great Controversy—New Edition. A statement by Elder W. C. White, made before the Gen or on a minor point in the field of com Testament, nor did Ellen White in re eral Conference Council, October 30,1911 "Ellen G. White Estate; published in Appendix A of E. G. White's Selected mon knowledge, the accuracy or inac gard to the Bible. Messages, 3:437. curacy, of which human research '" W. C. White to W. W. Eastman, November 4,1912, But this prophetic example of re Ellen G. White Estate; published without the indefinite suffices to inform men."30 spectfulness to the whole body of in article "an" in the Appendix B of E. G. White's Selected Messages, 3:446. In 1981 and 1982, Roger W. Coon, spired writings should not be used to " A. G. Daniells, "The Use of the Spirit of Proph- ecy in Our Teaching of Bible and History," Spectrum 10 then associate secretary of the Ellen G. foster any theory of Calvinistic iner (May 1979): 34, 38. White Estate, proposed an "interven rancy. Neither should we ever make our K See F. M. Wilcox, C. E. Taylor, and C. L. Benson in "Inspiration of the Spirit of Prophecy as Related to the tion" theory that provided room for own faith or the faith of others depen Inspiration of the Bible," Spectrum 10 (May 1979): 44-57. 21 See Timm, "History of Inspiration," 30-47. "inconsequential errors of minor, insig dent on such ultimately inconsequen 22 See ibid., 57-97; _____, "Verbal Inspiration nificant detail" in the inspired writings. tial matters. While not closing our eyes Versus Mental Inspiration," 8-14; Samuel Koranteng- Pipim, Receiving the Word: How Mew Approaches to the He explained that "if in his humanity a to the real difficulties within the pro Bible Impact Our Biblical Faith and Lifestyle (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Bcrean Books, 1996); George R. Knight, prophet of God errs, and the nature of phetic writings, we should develop a Reading Ellen White'. How to Understand and Apply Her that error is sufficiently serious to ma more respectful approach to those writ Writings (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1997), 105-118; Charles Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit," terially affect (a) the direction of God's ings that allows us to emphasize (1) Spectrum 26 (September 1997): 28-37; Samuel Koranteng- Pipim," In the Spirit of Truth: Pipim Responds," Spectrum church, (b) the eternal destiny of one more of the content of the divine mes 26 (September 1997): 38-44; George R. Knight's and person, or (c) the purity of doctrine, sages than their human containers and George W. Reid's book reviews of Pipim's Receiving the Word, in Ministry (December 1997): 30, 31; Steve Dailey, then (and only then) the Holy Spirit (2) more the core of those messages David Larson, Kenneth Noel, and Alden Thompson, in "Responding to Pipim and Scriven," Spectrum 26 (Janu immediately moves the prophet to cor than their side issues,34 in such a way ary 1998): 50-54. rect the error, so that no permanent that "the foundational elements remain 21 White, Education (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1952), 173. damage is done."31 foundational, and the peripheric ones 24 ————, Testimonies for the Church (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1904), 8:325; Counsels to More recently (1996), Juan Carlos remain as peripheric."35 Parents, Teachers, and Students, 52; Patriarchs and Proph Viera, director of the White Estate, The center of our faith should rest ets, 596; Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884. -^ "General Conference Proceedings," Advent Re added that "the prophet can make in that which is core to the inspired rev view (November 27,1883): 741,742. See also Jerry A. Moon, W. C. White and Ellen C. White: The Relationship Between orthographical mistakes, as well as other elation, rather than needing reinforce the Prophet and Her Son, Andrews University Seminary kinds of language imperfections such as ment from explanations of that which Doctoral Dissertation Series (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1993) 19:122-129. lapsus linguae (a slip of the tongue) or is in itself indeed peripheral. • 26 See Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1982), 6:302-337. lapsus memoriae (a slip of the mem 27 See the statements of A. G. Daniells in "Use of ory)," but the Holy Spirit "is in control 1 See ElienG. White, The Great Controversy (Nampa, the Spirit of Prophecy in Our Teaching of Bible and His Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1950), 593-602. tory" and "Inspiration of the Spirit of Prophecy as Related of the inspired message" and "always 2 See Aiberto R. Timm, "History of Inspiration in to the Inspiration of the Bible." the Seventh-day Adventist Church (1844-1994)." Unpub 2K White, Selected Messages, 1:26. corrected His messengers in matters lished paper; ————, "History of Inspiration in the 29 Ibid., 39. important to the church."32 Adventist Church (1844-1915)," Journal of the Adventist "' See Arthur L. White, The Ellen C. White Writings Theological Society 5 (hereafter JATS) (Spring 1994): ISO- (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1973), Yet the discussion between the no- 195; ————, "Verbal Inspiration Versus Mental 47,48. Inspiration: A Historical Review of Adventist Trends from " Roger W. Coon, "Inspiration/Revelation: What It factual-errors-at-all concept and the 1919 to 1997." Unpublished paper, Ellen G. White Estate, Is and How It Works—Part II," Journal of Adventist Edu- only-a-few-insignificant-mistakes view 1997. cationtl (December 1981-January 1982): 18, 19. 5 See Timm, "Verbal Inspiration Versus Mental In :'2 Viera, 27, 28. is not now, nor in all probability will it spiration." -i3 White, Gospel Workers (Hagerstown, Md.: Review 4 See Vern S. Poythress, Symphonic Theology: The and Herald Pub. Assn., 1948), 312. ever be, fully solved. We feel very un Validity of Multiple Perspectives in Theology (Grand Rap 34 Timm, "Ellen G. White: Side Issues or Central easy if we cannot understand and ex ids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1987). Message?" JATS 7 (Autumn 1996): 168-179. 5 Timm, "History of Inspiration in the Adventist 13 ————, "A Sindrome da Gangorra," Revista plain everything, including the Church (1844-1915)," JATS5 (Spring 1994): 184-186. Adventista (Brazil) (March 1998), 38.

Ministry/August 1999 15 ADVENTIST YOUTH IN NoN-SDA HIGH SCHOOLS

sventh-day Adventist membership worldwide is now well over the ten- million mark. Of this, the Eastern Africa Division claims more than a million members, the majority of whom are young people.

Robert E. M. Tuvako But where are the youth? A quick ture and training in Adventist essentials is director of survey would show that most of the to its youth. As go the young of the education and young people in our Division are in church, so goes the church. The future campus ministries, non-SDA school systems. The Tanza of the church is in danger when the South Nyanza nia Union, for example, has a member education and nurture of the youth are vgft Conference, ship of 150,000, and its eight high neglected. Tanzania. schools care for only 2,500 youth. One What then can we do? mission field in the union does not have In part the church has already pro a single high school. Thus, not less than vided answers to college and university 58,000 Adventist young people are get students on non-Adventist campuses. ting their secondary education in non- Campus ministry, sponsored jointly by Adventist schools. Similar situations, I the education, youth, and chaplaincy surmise, may prevail in other parts of departments at General Conference, the world. division, and union levels, has kept The reasons for this are many. The Adventist college young people in close church cannot afford to build the contact with the church—its programs, needed schools and provide the needed mission, current issues, and service op teachers to make Adventist education portunities. As a result, many univer accessible to all young people; parents sity youth feel nurtured by the church maybe too poor to send their children and empowered to face the intellectual to Adventist schools where education and spiritual challenges they encoun is normally expensive as compared to ter on secular campuses. tuition assisted (in most cases) educa In view of the success campus min tion provided by governments; or istry has had in some universities, schools may be too distant. perhaps the time has come for the Yet it is the call and responsibility church at large and the local church to of the church to provide spiritual nur organize a proactive ministry for the

ROBERT E. M. TUVAKO

16 Ministry/August 1999 thousands of young people who attend some weeks, I challenged the students We need to provide opportunities for public high schools. Such a ministry to get involved in evangelism. They did. them to develop these gifts for the glory will not only provide needed nurture, They planned everything. I was only a of God. but will encourage young people to stay guide. At the end of their campaign, 68 You can involve nearby Adventist faithful to their calling and to witness people were baptized. Nothing would churches or institutions, asking them to to what they believe. Here are some sug stop them trying the same thing again invite your youth associations to be in gestions: the next year. This time 83 were bap volved in their services and activities. tized. Outreach is contagious. Within Invite mission or conference officers to Organize youth fellowships three years of outreach by this group conduct seminars meaningful to the Fellowship keeps faith warm and 300 people have been baptized. The best situation of your young people—health active. When you have something spe asset of the church is its youth, rightly seminars, lifestyle programs, Daniel and cial organized for youth in public trained, guided, motivated, and chal Revelation study, etc. Who knows—you schools—it may be in your church, lenged. may be tapping a future leader for the home, or perhaps in a school room— church in these seminars. the fellowship brings a variety of young Involve youth in a variety Campus ministry for secondary people together. Many Adventists who of experience students is not easy. Unfortunately, it would otherwise never meet one an Monotony can kill campus minis does not get all the support it needs other find new friends. But these fel try more easily than anything else. from the organized structure of the lowships are not just for making Youth need variety. They need fresh church. This ministry needs reading acquaintances and building friend valleys to cross and new mountains to material, financial support, transporta ships. They are for spiritual nurture climb. Young people are gifted in many tion, leadership, and cooperation. Work also. Provide spiritual mentoring. Bring ways: speaking, writing, singing, and at it, and God will open doors that have in guest speakers who can present the friendship are only a few of their gifts. never been dreamed of. • Word powerfully. From one such fel lowship in our union, in four years' time, ten young people committed themselves to Jesus and sensed their call to the ministry. Heralds of God Textbook and Workbook Provide youth freedom In organizing and conducting Textbook: First in a series of six manuals youth fellowships, cultivate freedom designed to prepare laypersons to ably preach the and unity among the young people. Word of God, this textbook discusses the foundation Don't make all the decisions for them. for effective lay preaching, including instruction in Be a mentor, and let the students dis personal growth, guidance for Bible study, cuss what they want to do and arrive at suggestions for developing sermons, determining their own decisions. Let them elect their the type and structure of the message, gathering own officers, plan their programs, and and utilizing resources, addressing congregational direct their energy not only for their needs, and delivering the message. own social and spiritual development, but also for outreach among their Workbook: A helpful, easy-to-follow companion schoolmates. Make sure the association to the Heralds of God's Word textbook, this workbook gives complete, fosters a social and spiritual bonding. organized, chapter-by-chapter examples of the concepts presented in the An annual camp is an attractive activ textbook, Developed by author Mike Stickland, the workbook and textbook ity for many young people. series have been used successfully in certifying lay preachers.

Direct youth toward outreach Each book: us $995 + 15% s&h A few years ago, I was the mentor and coordinator for a group of Send check, money order, or credit card number with expiration date to: Adventist young people studying in General Conference Ministerial Association Resource Center public schools in the district where I 12501 Old Columbia Pike • Silver Spring, MD 20904 was pastoring. Our association started Phone: 301 -680-6508 • Fax: 301 -680-6502 as a small venture to foster togetherness E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.ministerialassociation.com and promote spiritual bonding. After Also available at your local ABC

Ministry/August 1999 17 rr ri

or Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he . might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water" (1 Peter 3:18-20).*

Theodore E. Wade, This is one of the difficult passages the tomb, we could conclude that Jr., Ph.D., is owner in the New Testament. What did Peter people who died in the Flood were, in of Gazelle mean when he wrote that Jesus "being some way, still living in hell to hear the Publications, put to death in the flesh but made alive message. To answer, we will: Berrien Springs, in the spirit; in which he went and 1. Look at the meaning of being in Michigan. preached to the spirits in prison"? The the flesh and in the spirit. phrase, "in the spirit," may also be 2. From Genesis, learn about translated "by the spirit." The Revised Christ's ministry before the Flood. Standard Version choice of "in the 3. Consider the situation of the Spirit" is justified by its contrast to "in "spirits" for the time Christ's body was the flesh." We see this obvious contrast in the tomb. also in 1 Peter 4:6. Yet, however we translate it, this text is not as clear as we Jesus in the flesh or in the spirit might wish. It does plainly say that Our Lord was put to death "in the Christ was put to death "in the flesh" flesh." This was the nature He had taken and raised to life "in the spirit" and that, when He came as a babe in Bethlehem in this "spirit" condition (or through (Heb. 10:5). Thus from that time until the Holy Spirit) He preached to those His resurrection He was "in the flesh." who disobeyed before the Flood. Our passage says He preached in the To understand what the passage spirit just as He was raised in the spirit. says or doesn't say about the status of Does His preaching while "in the spirit" the unrepentant dead, we need to clarify mean He did not have a tangible body? whether Christ's preaching was before Let's consider His body after the Resur the Flood (at the time of the disobedi rection: ence) or while His body was in the "As they [the disciples and others] tomb. By itself, the passage may be read were saying this, Jesus himself stood either way. If the preaching was before among them. But they were startled and the Flood, we could see that our Lord frightened, and supposed that they saw simply slept in death while in the tomb. a spirit. And he said to them, 'Why are If He preached while His body was in you troubled, and why do questionings

THEODORE E. WADE, JR

18 Ministry/August 1999 rise in your hearts? See my hands and flesh, but his days shall be a hundred Another element of our passage my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and twenty years.'... And the Lord was indicates that Christ's preaching could and see; for a spirit has not flesh and sorry that he had made man on the not have been while He was in the tomb. bones as you see that I have.' And while earth, and it grieved him to his heart" The text says "For Christ also died for they still disbelieved for joy, and won (Gen. 6:3, 6). sins once for all, the righteous for the dered, he said to them, 'Have you Was this "spirit of the Lord," Christ unrighteous, that he might bring us to anything here to eat?' They gave him a in the spirit? We need to be careful not God, being put to death in the flesh but piece of broiled fish, and he took it and to go beyond what God has revealed made alive in the spirit; in which he ate before them" (Luke 24:36-43; com (Deut. 29:29) especially in speculating went and preached to the spirits in pare John 20:19-28). about the nature of Christ. We do know prison." He died one way and was raised So although "in the spirit," He was that He existed before His incarnation. another—two events, two conditions. If not "a spirit" separate from a material He was the I AM of the Exodus (Ex. He had already been "in the spirit" dur body (compare Mark 6:47-50). This 3:14; cf. John 8:58). Also He was with ing His death, Peter would not have means that He did not leave His body described Him as having been raised lying in the tomb to go elsewhere to that way in contrast to how He died. In preach as a spirit. In fact, just before other words, seeing Christ "in the spirit" dying on the cross He had said, "Father, on the day before His resurrection vio into thy hands I commit my spirit!" lates the natural reading of the text. (Luke 23:46). Incidentally, the Greek word for So what does being "in the spirit" o although "preach" is kerusso, which is commonly mean? Pneuma, the Greek word for used for Christ's preaching to people on "spirit," has a variety of meanings. The "in the spirit," He was not "a earth as He appealed to their hearts (for correct one, in each case, must be de spirit" separate from a example, Luke 24:46,47). termined from the context. We know that after the time of Christ's ministry material body (compare Mark The spirits to whom Christ preached on earth, He sent the Holy Spirit (John Let's consider the "spirits" to 16:7) who worked with Him in a spe 6:47-50). This means that He whom Christ preached. Does their situ cial way. "When the Spirit of truth ation while He was in the tomb help us comes, he will guide you into all the did not leave His body lying in understand when the preaching may truth; for he will not speak on his own have occurred? authority, but whatever he hears he will the tomb to go elsewhere to First of all, let's find out who the speak, and he will declare to you the "spirits" are. Then we will see whether things that are to come. He will glorify preach as a spirit. In fact, just their condition would fit the picture of me, for he will take what is mine and before dying on the cross He being preached to. Christians usually declare it to you" (John 16:13, 14). think of them as disembodied individu As I see it, "in the spirit" here is had said, "Father, into thy als or angels. (Heb. 1:13,14) but we have Christ's way of working with the Holy a better option. The Greek word is the Spirit as the agency of direct influence hands I commit my spirit!" plural of pneuma which has many on humans. Before Jesus returned to meanings, as does the English word heaven, He promised to send the Holy (Luke 23:46). "spirit." One meaning of "spirit" is the Spirit as "another Counselor" or helper- spiritual, caring or deciding aspect of a companion (John 14:16).The adjective, person, which we often describe as their "another," indicates that, while on "heart." Thus we have such usages of earth, He Himself had been the Coun the Father at the time of Creation (John the word as "Watch and pray that you selor. His time of the flesh began when 1:1). We know that the Holy Spirit may not enter into temptation; the He was born to Mary. According to speaks only the words which Christ spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is Peter's statement, it continued to the gives Him (John 16:13-15), so the Spirit weak" (Matt. 26:41; cf. 7:21; 16:17; 1 time of His resurrection "in the spirit." striving before the Flood would likely Cor. 16:17,18). have involved both the Son and the Look at both definitions of "spirit" A time of pre-acliing in Noah's time? Holy Spirit. When Peter said that Christ in our passage. Christ, "in the spirit" Does the Genesis account of the preached in the spirit before the Flood, (before His sojourn on earth, in the Flood show a time of preaching which he may well have had in mind the text flesh) pleaded through Noah with the Peter may have been writing about? we just read, about the Lord's spirit hearts of the people (their "spirits"). "Then the Lord said, 'My spirit striving with man, giving His appeal shall not abide in man for ever, for he is through Noah (2 Pet. 2:3). continued on p. 27

Ministry/August 1999 19 YEAR 2000: MILLENNIAL MAYHEM OR MINISTRY? llions are apprehensive regarding Y2K, also known as the M'Millennial Bug," when because of a serious computer programming problem many computers worldwide will malfunction.

Douglas E. Batchelor Much of the angst comes because The approaching new millennium is president and no one, even the experts, knows exactly is also bringing in fears about the vola speaker, Amazing what will happen and how it will im tility of our age. Numerous natural Facts Ministries, pact our lives. Some predict a global disasters, along with financial, political, Rocklin, California, chain reaction that will shut down criti and religious instability, are com and senior pastor of cal computerized systems of power, pounded by a culture that appears to the Sacramento water, and communications, which will be drifting like a lost ship without sail, Central Seventh-day lead to an accelerating vortex of panic. rudder, or anchor. Because of the Adventist Church. In anticipation, some people are selling confluence of all these dynamics, inter books and tapes that recommend stock est in Bible prophecy has reached an piling dried foods, water, gas, genera unprecedented apex. Indeed, one of the tors, even guns and ammunition. most fertile evangelistic opportunities Expecting a run on the banks, others could be in the last months of 1999, as suggest that before September 9, 1999 people fearfully await the year 2000 and (the date 9/9/99 may trigger a shutdown the impending mayhem that many an code for some older computers), people ticipate the turn of the clock will bring. withdraw enough cash for a couple of months (U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Balance Alan Greenspan has ordered the Fed Christians, of course, should not be eral Reserve to print an additional 50 fanning the flames of millennial frenzy, billion dollars in cash—as a precaution even though many, unfortunately, are. for this possible bank run). Everything from Y2K survival igloos to

DOUGLAS BATCHELOR

20 Ministry/August 1999 weapons are being hawked by professed valley. There will probably be an ele should do everything possible to use Christian groups, which see in the Y2K ment of panic and varying degrees of this millennial window of opportunity all sorts of apocalyptic significance. millennial mayhem as we approach the in order to reach souls for Christ. Whatever their motives, one thing is end of this year. But what should be of certain: some folks are going to get rich more concern is the paralyzing apathy NET New York 1999 because of Y2K, whatever ultimately that may come after the year 2000, when One practical way for pastors and happens when the computers go on the the crisis evaporates and everyone joins churches to capitalize on this wonder blink. in chanting the mantra of "Peace, ful evangelistic window is to participate Although we should not feed this peace." First Thessalonians 5:3 states, in the "Millennium of Prophecy" semi millennial madness, Christian leaders "For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' nar, which will be broadcast via satellite have always encouraged seizing every then sudden destruction comes upon from New York City between October opportunity to preach Christ. Paul them, as labor pains upon a pregnant 15 and November 13. At that time, demonstrated this principle while in woman. And they shall not escape." many evangelistic teams will be in New Athens, when he used one of the Athe In the parable of the ten virgins, all York City to conduct an organized, epic, nian idols as a springboard to proclaim the virgins were sleeping when the evangelistic spectacular that will be the true God. "For as I was passing bridegroom came (Matt. 25:1-13); the broadcast across North America and the through and considering the objects of day before the flood of Noah and the world! your worship, I even found an altar with fire of Sodom, the sun was shining upon Study materials for these meetings this inscription: To the unknown God. the people who were engaged in eating, will include a newly redesigned and ex Therefore, the One whom you worship drinking, and marrying. What we fail panded set of the popular "Storacles of without knowing, Him I proclaim to to do now, during these times of great Prophecy" lessons. These guides incor you" (Acts 17:23). Paul also said, "I have opportunity, we will have to struggle to porate Bible stories that teach the become all things to all men, that I accomplish in a time of paralyzing apa prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, as might by all means save some (1 Cor. thy and indifference. John 9:4 says, "I well as other fundamental truths. With 9:22). must work the works of Him who sent thousands of churches now equipped Evangelism is something like farm Me while it is day; the night is coming for satellite reception from previous ing—timing and weather are crucial. when no one can work." That's why we events—the end of 1999 may provide Often the seasons and weather will dic tate the schedule of a farmer. Likewise a minister must be prepared to seize fer tile opportunities for winning souls. PREPARE 2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season." Jesus said, "When it is evening you say, TO DIE 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul Standing in a sea of weather today, for the sky is red and bodies, I faced six soldiers threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how with rifles pointed at me. to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times" "FIRE!" the young (Matt. 16:2,3). Indeed, it does not take commander ordered. a spiritual meteorologist to see that this Read "Prepare to Die" in window before 2000 will be a prime this quarter's Mission to time for sowing the gospel seed and learn what happened. harvesting souls. Jesus said, "The har vest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the har September 25, 1999 vest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help provide the resources for the people of the African Indian An illusion of peace Ocean Division to build schools, medical centers As in the story of Joseph, times of and evangelistic centers. plenty are often followed by times of famine. Enthusiasm on the mountain A message from the Office of Mission Awareness 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA (301) 680-6676 is often followed by monotony in the

Ministry/August 1999 21 the best evangelistic window of this religion is based on trusting our own Should we withdraw cash in case millennium (For more specific infor works for salvation; we must not fall into ATMs fail? Maybe, but all earthly cur mation, call Amazing Facts at (916) that trap. We must believe in the unseen rency is subject to devaluation and theft 434-3880 [Monday-Thursday] or log as well as the seen. If we make spiritual anyway. Ultimately we must be sure we on to www.netny99.org; click on Coor preparation the priority, God can sup have that pearl of great price in the dinator access; user name—metro; ply all our temporal needs, even if it safety deposit box of our souls. "Do not password—prophecy). necessitates a miracle. lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, There's no sin in making practical where moth and rust destroy and where Spiritual supplies provision for potential lean times. God thieves break in and steal; but lay up Meanwhile, hundreds of people told Noah to store away sufficient re for yourselves treasures in heaven, have asked me, "What should I do to sources for his judgment cruise. And where neither moth nor rust destroys prepare for Y2K and the coming mil Solomon wrote: "A prudent man fore and where thieves do not break in and lennium?" Usually this question is sees evil and hides himself, but the steal. For where your treasure is, there framed in the context of, Should they simple pass on and are punished" (Prov. your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). sell their homes, move to the country 22:3). Intelligent, practical balance is the While you respond to questions and begin stockpiling food, gasoline, key. If Christians hoard food for this about material preparation, be sure to and other necessities? My first reaction event, we could be viewed as stingy and offer God's gift that will help in any dif is to warn against the temptation of lacking in faith. However, we should ficulty. Offer hope! Some people feel thinking we can save ourselves by pack have an ample supply of resources so hopeless when faced with the possibil ing the pantry with provisions. All false that we are not presumptuous fools. But ity of crises on top of the personal our ultimate trust must be in God; oth challenges with which they already erwise we are prone to repeat the struggle. Whatever theories or sce Making the Bible mistake of the stingy fool who put his narios they may encounter, the Bible's trust in his well-stocked barns. "But God timeless truths are a loving letter from a Delight! said unto him, thou fool, this night thy the only one who knows the end from soul shall be required of thee: then the beginning. We can trust Him to whose shall those things be, which thou help us with any perplexities that may hast provided?" (Luke 12:20). appear. Daniel and the Revelation con tain the needed message for our time. Preparing for the potential crisis Knowledge is power and can give cour What preparation for Y2K can you, age, no matter what's ahead. as a pastor, suggest for those who ask? With the Bread of Life and living Weapons and ammo? Yes! "There water for our arsenal, protected by the fore take up the whole armor of God, armor of God and informed by His that you may be able to withstand in the Word, we will minister empowerment evil day, and having done all, to stand" to survive any degree of inconvenience (Eph.6:13). or chaos that may come during the next Are you looking for an appealing Gold, clothing, and medical sup millennium (Matt. 6:33). Sure, the cross-generational way to study the plies? Yes! "I counsel you to buy from Millennial Bug could be a time of fear Bible? Here's a simple method Me gold refined in the fire, that you may and inconvenience; but it could also be using a framework of six Bible be rich; and white garments, that you a time of unprecedented soul winning. stories. Once this basic mental may be clothed, that the shame of your Though we can't do much about the structure is in place, it brings nakedness may not be revealed; and first option, we must, through the meaning to God's Word. To get anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you power of God do something about the started, all you need is at least one may see" (Rev. 3:18). latter. other person and your Bible. Activities included for students of Food and water? Yes! "Ho! Every The modern tools of technology— one who thirsts, come to the waters; and the Internet, satellite TV, radio, high a" ages. ».*.#*+ 15% s&h you who have no money, come, buy and speed printing, and audio and video

TO ORDER, CONTACT: eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk with tapes—have made the global broadcast GC Ministerial Association Resource Center out money and without price. Why do of the gospel an attainable goal. This 12501 Old Columbia Pike you spend money for what is not bread, in itself is a thrilling fact, for Jesus Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301-680-6508 • Fax: 301-680-6502 and your wages for what does not sat promised, "And this gospel of the king E-mail: [email protected] isfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what dom will be preached in all the world Web: www.ministerialassociation.com is good, and let your soul delight itself as a witness to all the nations, and then Also available at your local ABC in abundance" (Isa. 55:1, 2). the end will come" (Matt. 24:14). •

22 Ministry/August 1999 inisters, Spouses, PKs, Local Church Elders, and Clergy of All Denominations

• Inspirational Preaching • Professional Growth Seminars • Dynamic Worship • Specialty Skill Tracks • Language Group Seminars • Exhibition Hall • Bible Study 9 Fellowship Plan now to attend. Mark the date. • Special Programming and Watch for the September Ministry Seminars for PKs Magazine for more information.

June 25-29, 2000 • Toronto, Ontario • Canada isk Management Conference • Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Wl • September 12-16, 1999

This September your destination is Milwaukee. Join us for four high-powered days as we discuss risk management issues facing the church in the 21 st century. If you are an administrator, a pastor, an educator or an employer, this conference is for you. For a registration package contact:

Adventist Risk Management, Inc. Corporate Communication 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 301-680-6930 (phone) • 301-680-6828 (fax) ADMINISTR irst Kings prophets we prosper; when we ignore 13:1-32 is a The prophets them, we don't. F good There are also times when God example of the are human too! gives prophets revelations which they complexity of the faithfully pass on to His people even function of the GRAEME S. BRADFORD though they do not fully comprehend prophetic gift. This the original message. Consider Daniel. passage and others evidence of being genuinely sorry for Did he understand the meaning of the challenge our neatly arranged his behavior, for the first prophet lost 2,300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14? conceptions of how the gift operates. his life while following the older man's Indeed, he was "astounded at the Here we have a "man of God" who prophetic advice. vision, and there was none to explain prophesied before the altar a message Scripture does not identify either it" (verse 27). of punishment from God upon the prophet as false. Both are seen to have Did the Old Testament prophets apostate King Jeroboam. What he received messages from God and to clearly understand all they prophesied prophesied did come to pass. The deliver them. One thing seems clear in about the ministry of the Messiah? altar was split apart and its ashes this passage: that prophets are human Read 1 Peter 1:10,12. poured out. The king's hand extended with all the strengths and weaknesses Did John the Baptist (called by against the prophet was shriveled. At that go with humanity. Jesus the "greatest of prophets") clearly the request of the king, the prophet Prophets can also misjudge a understand the ministry of Christ? No, prayed, and the hand was restored. situation as did Nathan when he he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He The prophet showed courage. advised David to go ahead and build was the Messiah or if another should There was no doubt that God was with the temple. "Do all that is in your be sought (Matt. 11:2). him. However, on the way home, he heart, for God is with you," counseled was met by an "old prophet" who told the prophet. But later he had to A prophet is human him that God had given him a message. confess to David that he had given Obviously the gift of prophecy This message was for the prophet to him wrong advice. God had instead does not include the gift of omni come to the old prophet's house for a chosen Solomon to build the temple science. Jesus seemed to imply that God meal. Now, God had specifically told (IChron. 17:1-14). only imparts knowledge as we need it the first prophet not to go to anyone's Consider Peter. God had revealed and are able to grasp it (John 16:12). home for a meal. However, he followed to him at Joppa (Acts 10:17-48) that What God has revealed to prophets the advice of the "old prophet" and Gentiles should be accepted on an they know. What God has not revealed, went to his house. equal basis with Jews. He was living in they do not know, at least any more While he was there, the "old harmony with this vision until some than anyone else knows. Prophets are prophet" received a message from Judaizers exerted pressure on him. able to fulfill their role because the God to tell his guest that because he Peter yielded, and withdrew from the Spirit of God rests upon them enabling had disobeyed God's command not to fellowship of the Gentiles. Paul them to speak or write His messages eat at anyone's home, he would lose rebuked Peter for this (Gal. 2:11-14), for His people in a reliable manner. The his life. This was exactly what hap and also pointed out how Barnabas thrust of such a message is often pened. The "old prophet" was filled joined in this hypocrisy. In this act at preserved for future generations in with remorse that his fellow prophet Antioch, Paul says, Peter and such a way that these generations may lost his life because he had "disobeyed Barnabas were not "acting in line with be sure it is the Word of God they are the command of the Lord."* the truth of the gospel" (verse 14). encountering. However, while deliver The puzzling thing is that the Peter and Barnabas were also human. ing that message, there are times when "old prophet" carried messages that These experiences show us that we see the humanity of the prophets or were contradictory. As a prophet he God uses humans, imperfect though their writings coming through. both urged disobedience and spoke they may be, as prophets to give Such an example is found in the true word of God. The Scripture counsel and reproof to His people. As 1 Corinthians 1:14-16. Paul states that repeatedly calls him a prophet, yet he such, the message should be heeded. he is thankful that he baptized only two led another prophet astray by giving The testimony of Scripture is that people while in Corinth. Then, wrong advice. Later he gave every when we follow the messages of God's thinking about it further, he remem-

Viewpoint articles are designed to stimulate thought and do not necessarily reflect the position of our editorial staff or of Ministry.

Ministry/August 1999 25 bers that he also baptized "the house that there will be peace for Jerusalem city into the sea. The generations that hold of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't and Judah; while Jeremiah says that lived and died between Nebuchad remember if I baptized anyone else." Babylonians will come and destroy nezzar and Alexander could well have Ellen White throws significant Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah wondered if it would ever happen as light on this point when she says, will not fall. Jeremiah is saying people Ezekiel predicted. "The Bible is written by inspired men, will know which of the two prophets 4. Not on a basis of prophecy but it is not God's mode of thought speaks truth by the way their respective coming to pass alone, because the and expression. It is that of humanity. prophecies come to pass. Here a fulfillment may exceed the original God as a writer is not represented. specific situation is being addressed. prediction and the existing generation Men will often say such an expression Deuteronomy 13:1-5 gives us a may not realize it. is not like God. But God has not put fuller picture regarding the use of As an example, consider the birth Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, fulfillment of prophecy as a means of and ministry of Jesus. Who, reading on trial in the Bible."1 testing a prophet. It warns that the Old Testament, would have There can be no question miraculous signs or wonders take understood that God's Messiah would regarding the authority of the Word place through a prophet. That by itself be exactly as Jesus turned out to be? of God. It is sure and certain. Peter is not sufficient evidence to show that The Jews claimed that no prophet was tells us that the "prophecy of Scrip the prophet is of God. The prophet predicted to come out of Galilee. They ture" is not merely the prophet's own must also teach the people to follow were right in this. However, when the ideas and interpretations; rather, it is a and obey the one true God. Jesus fulfillment of the Messianic prophe message from God. Humans spoke as speaks along the same lines when He cies took place, the Messiah was born they were "carried along" by the Holy states that true prophets are judged in Bethlehem as predicted, but lived Spirit (2 Peter 1:20, 21). Paul agrees not only by the fulfillment of their the rest of His life in Galilee. with this in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 where predictions but also by their life of Would a person reading the he declares the Word of God reliable obedience to God (Matt. 7:15-23). Messianic prophecies of the Old and able to make us wise for salvation, 2. Not on a basis ofprophecy Testament have foreseen the major equipped for good works, through coming to pass alone, because some events in the life of Christ, such as the faith in Jesus Christ. He states further prophecies are given with conditions Incarnation as it occurred through a that the Word of God is useful for attached to their fulfillment. Surely no peasant woman, death by crucifixion, teaching, rebuking, correction, and one considers Jonah to be a false and the Resurrection? Acts 1:6 and the training in righteousness. prophet because Nineveh was not surrounding story are illustrations of Paul also says, however, that when destroyed as he predicted. Jonah's how even those closest to Jesus, God communicates a "treasure" is predictions regarding Nineveh's hanging on His every word right up to imparted, but this treasure is "in jars destruction were conditional. When the moment of His ascension, did not of clay" (2 Cor. 4:7). God has to work the people repented, the prophecy of fully understand vital elements of His with the best material He can find. destruction was not fulfilled. messiahship and His ultimate plan. There is never anything faulty or Jeremiah 18:7-10 seems to imply The fulfillment of prophecy can imperfect in the message God gives; that both the blessings and curses involve a strong element of surprise. however, the prophet is human, and as God promises a nation involve God is always moving forward, such has limitations. conditions which await the human expanding the scope of His purposes, response and which can change the responding to situations in unprec Judging between the true outcome of what God has predicted edented ways, giving more than He and the false or promised. has promised, because He is an all- How, then, shall we judge 3. Not on a basis ofprophecy loving Father. The pattern of "fulfill between true and false prophets? coming to pass alone, because some ment exceeding prediction" arises out 1. Not by fulfilled prophecy alone. times there is an apparent delay in the of the creative character of God. Often we quote Jeremiah 28:9: "The fulfillment and a given generation may The reactions of the Jews in the prophet who prophesies peace will be not be alive to see the event predicted. first century to the fulfillment of the recognized as one truly sent by the An example is the prediction in Messianic prophecies in Jesus shows Lord only if his prediction comes true." Ezekiel 26 regarding the fate of Tyre. that prophets can have their The context, however, reveals a It was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. predictions come to pass, while that prophetic contention between However, many centuries passed very fulfillment is not recognized by Hananiah and Jeremiah. Hananiah says before Alexander the Great cast the large numbers of people in the

26 Ministry/August 1999 relevant generation. finally possess her as his wife (1 Sam. note of how God uses them in spite of 5. Not by errancy of lifestyle. 21:1-6; 2 Sam. 11). their failings. Although we should expect that • Moses lost his temper (Num. As we accept this insight into the godliness is the consistent direction of 20:9-11). humanity of the prophets, a clearer the lifestyle of a true prophet, we also • At the king's suggestion, and more realistic understanding of see that the best prophets stumbled Jeremiah lied to the people regarding the nature of their work and relation and fell on many crucial occasions: a conversation between himself and ship to God and His people will • Abraham, the first to be called the king (Jer. 38:24-29). develop among us. • a prophet, denied that Sarah was his • Elijah fled in despair and wife. He told a half-truth: that she was wished to die (1 Kings 19:3-5). Graeme S. Bradford, D.Min., is his sister (Gen. 12:11-13,18). Like everyone else, prophets are ministerial director for the Trans-Tasman • David deceived the High Priest only strong when they are faithful to Union, New South Wales, Australia. in order to get the shewbread to eat. God; but when they let go the hand of * All Scripture passages in this article are More pointedly, he was also guilty of God, they fall. It is important that, from the New International Version. abusing his power as he murdered a crucial and trustworthy as the 1 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages trusted man in order to commit messages of the prophets are, we must (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. adultery with the man's wife and still recognize their humanity, taking Assn., 1958, 1980), 1:21.

Spirits in prison between the times of the crucifixion and Thus while in the tomb He was not yet continued from p. 19 the resurrection would be unfair. All "in the spirit," the status our text speci Tragically all except eight refused to ac who died in sin before and after the call fies for His preaching to the "spirits." cept the message. of Noah would have been excluded • Even after the resurrection, when In what sense were the disobedient from this opportunity. Peter knew that Christ was in the Spirit, He was not a spirits "in prison" before the flood? By God has no favorites (Acts 10:34). spirit separated from a body for preach personal choice, the people refused the Also, could the dead ones make a ing. appeal of heaven. Thus their hearts or decision to accept the gospel? Note the • We know Christ was active before "spirits" were set against the invitation following Scriptures: He took on human flesh. He was an which would have freed them from the "Whatever your hand finds to do, agent in Creation and the I AM in the bondage of sin (Isa. 42:7; 61:1). do it with your might; for there is no deliverance from Egypt. We may expect We asked, Does their situation work or thought or knowledge or wis Him to have also been involved in the while Christ was in the tomb help us dom in Sheol [hell], to which you are appeal at the time of the Flood. understand when the preaching may going" (Eccl. 9:10). • Preaching only to the flood gen have occurred? We have seen how liv "Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver eration after they were dead would have ing people heard the preaching of me for the sake of thy steadfast love. For violated God's principle of impartiality. Christ before the Flood. Nearly all re in death there is no remembrance of • The unrepentant dead could not jected the call of salvation. Next we ask, thee; in Sheol who can give thee praise?" have heard or responded to an appeal would they—their spirits—have been (Ps.6:4,5). because they cannot think, remember in a position to accept it when Christ "For Sheol cannot thank thee, death God, or hope for truth. was in the tomb? No, for several reasons. cannot praise thee; those who go down Read the passage again in its con What do people face after they die? to the pit cannot hope for thy faithful text, with the verses before and after it. "And just as it is appointed for men to ness" (Isa. 38:18; see also Eccl. 9:5,6; Isa. Its message is a simple one: We have die once, and after that comes judg 38:18; Job 14:21; Acts 2:29-34). hope in spite of suffering because Christ ment" (Heb. 9:27). The Bible does not also suffered for our salvation, overcom teach a time of purgatory or limbo be Conclusion ing flesh with spirit in the resurrection. tween death and the judgment. Reading In view of the above, the only con This spirit was active in the appeals our passage to say that Christ preached clusion is: Peter's passage must describe made during the time of Noah. Like the to conscious spirits implies that they Christ's appeal to people in the days of eight saved alive through the flood wa could have made a decision to respond. Noah and not a trip to hell to preach to ters, we may respond to the call of Other Christians who read it this way spirits separated from their bodies. The Christ. • fail to realize this implication. reasons may be summarized: • Except as otherwise stated, all Scrip Giving the spirits of the flood vic • During His time on earth, Christ ture passages in this article are from the tims an opportunity to turn to God was "in the flesh" until His resurrection. Revised Standard Version.

Ministry/August 1999 27 PASTOR'S P A S T O £

ie you ready their contacts to awaken interest in for the gray The gray others who may not even realize they Awave? In a are seeking spiritual answers. world preoccupied Devise ministry activities in with youth and a wave which your members can include church in which their friends and associates even prior JAMES A. CRESS many of our to proclaiming the Word. For divisions can boast today's boomers are not fully utilized example, a church-sponsored pet- an average membership age under in the church upon their retirement, visitation to nursing homes, a thirty, it may seem incongruous to likely they will not remain as just volunteer group at a local hospital, or speak of a gray wave. spectators. If meaningful ministries support for community charities or Nevertheless, the approaching remain static in number while retirees counseling centers can function retirement of the baby boom genera grow in numbers, many might drop effectively as an "inclusive" entry tion (those born between 1945 and out for lack of involvement. Pastors event to the church. Thus the gospel 1964) means that local congregations and church boards should strategize can be "caught" before it is "taught." must prepare to minister to increas ways to utilize the effectiveness and Redefine mission. The faithful ingly larger groups of older members energy that newly retired boomers ness of today's retirees has often been even as we seek better methods for will bring with their suddenly- exhibited by a "pray and pay" reaching their children and grandchil available "free time." response to the global needs of the dren. Divide assignments into smaller church. Boomers approaching Referencing their sacrifices and pieces. Rather than expecting one or retirement will expect to be more accomplishments, Tom Brokaw calls two local church elders to carry the personally involved in mission and today's retirees (those born in the whole load, distribute the ministry of will expect increased accountability as 1920s and 30s) "The Greatest Genera the congregation among many smaller to how their contributions (monetary tion." Brokaw applauds their success job descriptions. Recruit those who or otherwise) are utilized. Pray, of in moving beyond years of economic find themselves with increased time in course. But be prepared to match your depression and World War II and retirement to accept a specific prayers with actions. Emphasize declares that their offspring, the baby responsibility and release them to short-term mission assignments and boomers, are beginning only now to accomplish their assignment. Recog encourage retirees both to participate fully appreciate the depth of thought nize skills of management and and to mentor youngsters by sponsor and wealth of experience available strategic planning that will enhance ing and hosting them on mission from their parents. the effectiveness of the church's ventures. The most progressive Recently, Sharon and I were impact and be certain to empower congregations pair local projects with privileged to worship and share with those who accept such assignments to mission activities and find the church some of today's retirees in the South accomplish the task. flourishes when both local and global eastern California Conference where Encourage cross-generational missions are held in focus. we asked them to share insights as to socializing. Gray wavers will appreci Avoid pining for the good old how the local church could more ate the potential of the next days. Many go to church each week effectively prepare for the upcoming generations only if they socialize and pray that tomorrow will be 1959. influx of retirees and how these together. Likewise, younger members Remember, the good old days weren't! graying boomers could best function and children will recognize the Today's world is not the milieu of in the church of the future. wisdom of older members only as 1959 and neither the problems nor While these retirees readily they learn to know them. Plan church the solutions which the church met in admitted that they are better at functions which integrate different the previous generation are the same offering advice than following their age groups. as those it faces today. Motivate the own counsel, their candor and Emphasize cross-cultural coming gray wave by talking success, insights will prove a real blessing to networking. Remember that many of vision, mission, and doing God's will. any pastor or church wise enough to your coming retiree group have Believe in the future with confidence listen and act. Their suggestions for already successfully interacted with and believe in those who will take both the corporate body and indi today's secular society. Utilize their your place in leadership. vidual believers include: expertise to expand the base of Refuse to abandon hope for the You lose what you do not use. If potential new members and utilize next generation. Many are tempted to

28 Ministry/August 1999 PASTOR'S PASTOR

decry the challenges of boomers and training leaders for prayer and Lift your pastor's work load. Gray to exacerbate the even greater fellowship groups or by encouraging wavers have the luxury of time to problems of their grandchildren, but the proliferation of task-oriented share with those for whom time flies it is essential to recognize the continu ministry groups than they could ever far too quickly. You could make your ing and returning faithfulness of accomplish if they devoted all their pastor's day by offering your own succeeding generations. For example, own time to praying or working. services for routine tasks or by the North American Division recently Retirees who are enlisted in ministry recruiting other volunteers. Persist if reported its greatest tithe gain, which can maintain a level of contact with your offer is not readily accepted. was the eleventh consecutive year in others who have experienced loss or Many pastors, who have become which annual gains exceeded the rate those who might become discouraged accustomed to slogging through their of inflation. The coming gray wave which pastors could not possibly work alone, might not readily believe will fulfill their responsibilities and, in provide alone. Teach members to care initial offers of assistance. Perhaps you fact, have already begun to do so even for each other, to visit their contem could invite your pastoral family to as the numbers of today's retirees poraries, to include widows and lunch or volunteer to baby-sit one decrease as the result of death or singles in small group functions, to evening per month to give parents a infirmity. God never asks His people disciple new believers, and to wel night out without child care expense. to accomplish something for which he come and coach a new generation of Whether at home or in the does not raise up leaders and provide church leadership. church, clear out the "stuff" rather resources to accomplish His will. And speaking of coaching. The than forcing a coming generation to Remember all God's biddings are California retirees said it plainly. Offer clean up and discard items which enablings! your opinions and advice and then clutter. Many items can be converted Today's retirees can also prepare stop talking! Pray that the Lord who (sold to finance a mission project) or their boomer children for greater closed the mouths of lions will recycled (picture rolls, felts, or responsibilities by recalling the perform the same miracle on you children's materials can still impact blessings of faithfulness. Rather than rather than allow you to criticize and another part of the globe). Plan your focusing on the church's problems tear down new leaders because they future today and how your estate will (local or global), recount how you do things differently. Likewise, avoid benefit your family, God's cause, and have personally experienced God's bad-mouthing your successors. People those projects in which you believe. leading in His people. Rather than might conclude you are no different Downsizing at home could include allowing a root of bitterness to fester than those you decry. reducing your possessions as well as as you dwell on the past, talk about Don't trample new believers like your maintenance responsibilities in the future, about the assurance of an elephant stampeding through a order to release time and energy for victory in Jesus, about the certainty of strawberry patch unaware of his more important activities. His coming. destruction of tender fruit. Disciple Retirees should wear out rather Care for each other. Perhaps no and encourage those who are new to than rust out. Get a life beyond greater lesson needs to be learned by the faith. Remind yourself and your repeating your trials and tribulations. today's church, regardless of which contemporaries that sanctification is Investing yourself in meaningful generation we consider, than the need God's work throughout a person's activities will bring new meaning to to nurture one another. Plans for new lifetime. Expect newborn believers to your life. Sharon and I recently visited structures should include thoughtful face greater spiritual challenges than the pastoral couple with whom we accommodation for older and those who have walked longer with interned. Even though they are aged disabled members. Ministry assign their Saviour. Share your personal 90, they are vital, interesting, and ments should consider both the story, your own real-life struggles and interested in the work of the church potential and the limitations of older victories. Demonstrate care by and the society around them. In members. For example, rather than inviting new members into your extended conversation neither asking just one person to prepare the home and fellowship circle. Resist descended into self-pity or a rehearsal whole mailing list, enlist several to complaining and compliment them of their aches and pains. Rather than accomplish the job that one person even for small steps of faith. Hug recounting their trials, they described might do alone. The fellowship of them and display real joy in their their activities and encouraged us sharing the load will encourage all the association. Greet and seek newcom with their faith and confidence for the participants. ers rather than gossip about their future. Pastors provide better ministry by shortcomings. continued on p. 30

Ministry/August 1999 29 can love the person, not what the The gray wave person believes. Christians, of all continued from p. 3 continued from p. 29 people, should be able to make that It is our focus on church doings Value small churches. Don't seek distinction. that is masking the critical issue, escape in church centers which may 2. Acceptance does not necessarily church being—does our church fully provide more sophisticated activities compromise spiritual convictions. project true Biblical saving truth? but which might hamper your Christians need to live with guarded How many on the membership roll ministry. Your contribution can be wisdom, but accepting and loving the are certain to stand acquitted by much more valuable to a smaller unspiritual has nothing inherently in Christ's blood before God's throne in church than your attendance in a common with spiritual compromise. the judgment? Theology counts for large congregation. Remain active and 3. Acceptance sets up a reciprocal eternity. Victims of bad theology may involved and use your talents to their law of life. In any interpersonal end up lost.... greatest potential. relationship, if you don't give it, you What's needed? A truly Christ- Learn your limitations and don't get it. If you do not accept centered journal with lay-oriented recognize that your greatest contribu people, they do not accept you. If you theology, coming regularly to every tion maybe mentoring others rather do not listen seriously to people, they home. A revitalization of Sabbath than personally continuing in leader do not listen seriously to you, and if School—a whole hour in small classes. ship. Seek transferability by which you they don't listen, they will never hear A library of topics for small groups. A teach your own life skills to Pathfind what you have to say about Christ. full library of Sabbath School study ers, Adventurers, youth groups, or 4. Show respect. Not accepting guides selected by each congregation to students. Your contribution as a tutor what a person believes doesn't mean fit its current needs. Field schools for or mentor will be more significant than that you can't show respect for those pastors and elders—taught by semi seeking to retain a position on the beliefs. Respect breeds respect. Many nary, Bible Research Institute, and church board. Release leadership to the people sincerely believe in what they college professors, by retired theolo next generation. Believe, trust, and do. By respecting them, and even the gians and others—getting all of us affirm their capabilities to lead God's beliefs you reject, you will break down reading from the same page. church into the future. Remember, each barriers that otherwise will greatly Every pastor and layman should of us are "sermons in shoes," and our hinder your attempt to win souls. know from Scripture that their examples will speak much louder than church's doctrines arc the most our platitudes. Conclusion Scripturally sound of any denomina Plan now to effectively utilize the The failure of Christian believers tion, enabling them to defend and growing groups of retirees in your to accept nonbelievers has shut down teach it to others. The unconvinced church and, if you are a gray waver, the door of good relationships; even should then have the integrity to cease plan to increase your influence by worse, it has destroyed the very accepting a paycheck from a church maintaining your confidence in the ground of effective evangelism right whose beliefs they reject.—Norman L. future as you recall God's providence from the start. We live in society Meager, Sonora, California. in your past. • where very few accept our values. Get used to it. The sooner you do, the • Unfortunately, "Wrestling with sooner you will learn to accept others Theological Differences," by Angel Evangelism in as they are; then, and only then, will Rodriguez, presents theological pluralistic culture you be in a position to help bring problems within itself. these people the good news of a The statement is made that "the continued from p. 4 crucified and risen Saviour who died church, in its official documents, On the contrary, consider the to save everyone, even self-satisfied knows nothing about a biblically consequences of closing ourselves off Christians who deem themselves too based legal universal justification on from those who don't believe as we good to accept those whose taste in the cross." do. We would be committing evange toys (and everything else) radically Beginning with Genesis 3:15, there listic suicide. Below are some sugges differs from their own. • are at least two dozen Bible texts that tions that, I believe, would help those explicitly proclaim that by the righ who want to minister in a pluralistic Joel Sarli, D. Min., is an associate teousness of One the free gift came society and alleviate some of the fears. secretary of the Ministerial Association, upon all men unto justification, that 1. Acceptance is not approval. Just General Conference. Christ is the Savior of the world, that as Jesus loves the sinner but detests 1 Ellen G. White, Evangelism He gave Himself a ransom for all that the sin, so we are called to accept the (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald the world might be saved and all this unbeliever, whatever their beliefs. We Pub. Assn., 1946), 105. while we were yet sinners and had

30 Ministry/August 1999 nothing to do with God so loving that desire of the "histories" to push "their searched through most of the April he gave and that He was in Christ own ideas" on the church. This is a issue of Ministry for some glimmer of reconciling the world unto Himself. grievous misunderstanding. the "Divinely appointed agencies" Added to this glorious acquittal and life As one who has been associated rising above the theology of "human for all men which the Bible proclaims with the historic movement from its wisdom;" I failed to find it. The there is the elaborate further descrip very beginning, I can testify that this pioneers who wrestled with theologi tion in the Spirit of Prophecy. has never been any part of our cal differences were not encumbered Ellen White makes clear that intention. Our purpose is to maintain with theological degrees and human "salvation is like sunshine, it belongs and defend the principles of truth wisdom based on years of experience. to the whole world," it is for every that we were taught when we joined They were spiritual babes of faith sinner and saint and "nothing but his the church, that we were taught again wholly committed to unity in Christ own choice can prevent anyone from in our college Bible classes, and that and the leading of the Holy Spirit. becoming a partaker of the promise in we read in the Spirit of Prophecy, our They knew what it was to pray: the Christ by the gospel." "He restored statements of faith and other publica results of their "effectual fervent the whole human race to favor with tions until the 1950s. To describe this prayer" gave us a core of beliefs that a God," "believers or unbelievers, all as "our own ideas" is very misleading. subsequently greater knowledge of the men are the Lord's property" and "no We are not theological innova scriptures has failed to alter. If we sin can be committed for which tors. We are not into either the "New have theological differences that need satisfaction has not been met on Theology" or "Progressive Theology." wrestling with, we can do little to Calvary." A perishing world is waiting We are trying to be true to "the faith improve upon their procedure, but we to hear this truth and when our young once delivered unto the saints." Our need to start with the caliber of men people grasp this promise, they will own theological ideas have no that do the wrestling, and that is a never again fear they are not good relevance, we are not trying to push matter of prayer. All too often we feel enough to be saved and they will them on anyone, much less the that an introductory prayer is all that know they have been given the gift of church.—Ralph Larson (retired is needed to insure a Spirit-led salvation.—Donald K. Short, minister), Silver Spring, Maryland. decision. A Spirit-led decision can Hendersonville, North Carolina. come only from Spirit-led individuals, • I am not a theologian, but in my but Spirit-led individuals are those Editorial note: True, but certainly 75-year lifetime, I have been involved only who have individually sought a significantly incomplete articulation in church leadership at the local level His leading. It was encouraging to of the biblical and Spirit of Prophecy and have had to deal with many read the editor's remarks on the position. controversial issues. My upbringing prayer preceding the selection of the and educational past exalted the then-new General Conference • In reading "Wrestling with Scriptures, the Spirit of Prophecy, and president. It helps strengthen my faith Theological Differences," I have the the Holy Spirit's leading of a united in the leadership of the church. impression that the writer was trying body of believers into a unity of faith. I pray that my strong feelings in to be fair, and I felt that he largely Unfortunately, I've seen the liberaliza this matter have not blinded me to succeeded. There is one point, tion of too many issues in forums seeing what I failed to see and however, that I would like to clarify. where none of the divinely appointed prompted me to express myself in an The writer indicated that a procedures were permitted to survive unnecessarily critical way.—Robert H. significant part of the problem is the in the miasma of human wisdom.... I Alien, Ontario, New York. •

O Let Ministry move with you! Send address changes to Jeannette Caibi, Ministry, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Please notify us eight weeks in advance. loving' Please print clearly: First Name Middle Initial Last Name

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New Street Address City ______State Zip Code Country ::C' : 0. :N E' C'.-T I O • ..' •'"'• ' • • • •• • • •••...! : '.'• ' ; '. .' " • ••'... " '••'••••"I Offers a challenging and thoughtful loo] at the origins of Christian sabbataifianis Drawing on compelling research bf; : leading African-American historians an theologians, SABBATH ROOTS i unfolds a story of faith and obedience d the African continent that has freq(uentl been obscured by Euro-centric authors. Charles Bradford's balanced scholarship offers an important contribution to wo yChristianity at a time when believers i everywhere are awafening to a gospel ^ that;preach^es^ross¥gi^^ ;andinterracial;harmb'n. .:,v.•..;;•,:!;;•••••..•• '••••"•{

Charles E. Bradford,

a much loved preacher, pastor, u)':$ttk expiration date to: administrator, and churchman rGeneral Coiifer,eiiee Ministerial; for more than half a century,

served as president of North

American Division of Seventh-

Day Adventists for 11 years.

He was the first African

American to hold that post.

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