March-April 2012

BAIBLE DVOCATE B A ®

Way of the Cross Inside

2012: Year of the Spirit ARTICLES 4 United at the Cross | Kim Papaioannou, PhD t 6 Clinging to the Crucified | James Tilton, Calvin Burrell, Wilma Ling, Howard Mesick

10 Getting to a Glorious Church | Israel Steinmetz

12 Do We Need God? | John Klassek

14 Living With Less | Jan Johnson

16 Encounter With a Beggar | Dirk Anderson

18 The Magnificent Ten | Ken Lawson

20 The Truth About Tebow | Sherri Langton

22 Finding Treasure | Matthew Minica

23 Remembering Richard | Joseph M. M. Howard

DEPARTMENTS 3 First Word — The Crux of It All Don’t forget to look us up on Facebook. Share a thought or respond to something you’ve read in 9 Questions & Answers the BA. Become an active part of our online com- 30-31 International Congress and Last Word — No munity! Ordinary People If you want to ask questions about this issue’s content and discuss it with others online, visit the CoG7 Community at http://cog7.org. The forum is COG7 IN ACTION open; anyone can join and post. 25 Publications, LifeSpring, and more .o rg www.baonline.org

Scripture quotations

Unless otherwise noted, scripture is taken from the New King James Version. Scripture quotations noted New International Version or NIV are taken from Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture verses noted The Message taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

2 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org First Word

BABible Advocate® The Crux of It All A publication of the ow do we reduce Scripture’s complexity to its essence and keep Church of God (Seventh Day) This magazine is published to advocate the main thing the main thing? I ask because I’m thinking BA the Bible, represent the Church, and should print large what the Bible prints large and make small glorify the God of grace and truth. H what it makes small. Love is the best news we have. Here’s why. • Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Volume 146 • Number 2 • Love identifies Jesus’ true disciples (John 13:35).

© Copyright 2012 by the Church of God • God is the greatest and God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). (Seventh Day) • Love, the only valid debt, fulfills the law (Romans 13:8-10). All material in this issue is subject to U.S. • Love, the duty above all others, covers many sins (1 Peter 4:8). and international copyright laws and may not be reproduced without prior written approval. • Faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love Permission may be obtained by writing the editor. (1 Corinthians 13:13). The BIBLE ADVOCATE (ISSN 0746-0104) is • Loving God and others sums up the law: Do this and live published bimonthly by Bible Advocate Press, (Matthew 22:36-40; Luke 10:25-28). 330 W. 152nd Ave., Broomfield, CO 80023. Periodicals postage is paid at Broomfield, CO, • Christ’s love is the one thing that trusting Christians can never be and at additional offices. Subscription is free to any who ask. POSTMASTER: Send address separated from (Romans 8:35-39). changes to Bible Advocate Press, Box 33677, • Christ’s singular, definitive command to His followers is that they Denver, CO 80233-0677. love one another (John 13:34; 15:12, 17). • Love was basic to the old covenant as it is to the new (Leviticus Bible Advocate Press 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5; 7:7, 8; 10:15). Calvin Burrell: Editor Love is the great, two-way connector between heaven and earth. Sherri Langton: Associate Editor Though our love for God is a true response, His love is long prior and Keith Michalak: Director of Publications, far superior to ours (1 John 4:19). His is constant and robust, while graphics ours is inconsistent and frail by comparison. His kind care does its Sylvia Corral, Raul González: Translation, proofing greatest work in us as we learn and practice the same unselfish con- LeRoy and Hope Dais, Linda Michalak: cern for others — believers or not. Correspondence, proofing, clerical The crux of God’s love is the cross of Christ — love printed large. Human depravity and heaven’s devotion intersect there. The Bible’s Subscriptions and Orders greatest text (John 3:16) names love as salvation’s source. Jesus died Bible Advocate Press P.O. Box 33677 for our sins: This is the main thing of our faith, written by love! Denver, CO 80233-0677 The climax of God’s love is the empty tomb, where His light and life phone: 303/452-7973 fax: 303/452-0657 erase death and darkness. As the stone rolled e-mail: [email protected] back that evening, hatred died and Love arose! orders: [email protected] Because Jesus lives, we embrace life abundant

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March-April 2012 • 3 [Atonement] United at the Cross @ Juan Moyano—Dreamstime.com Christ connects unlike Greek name, Simon was popular pel writers. Second, Mark who folks. Read this real-time among Jews because of its simi- wrote his Gospel for the church larity to Simeon, a pure Hebrew in Rome, mentions that Simon account and rejoice! name. Furthermore, Jews of the was the father of Alexander and by Kim Papaioannou, PhD Diaspora often traveled to Jerusa- Rufus (Mark 15:21). In Romans lem for the three pilgrim feasts of 16:13 Paul sends greetings to he death and resurrection of the Hebrew calendar: Passover, “Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and Jesus mark the foundation Pentecost, and Tabernacles. That his mother and mine.” If the two Tstone of Christianity, the would explain why Simon was in men named Rufus are the same triumph of good over evil, of love Jerusalem. person, then not only Simon but over selfishness. The universal The above notwithstanding, also his wife and children be- impact of the cross was fore- it is probable that Simon was came Christians and associates shadowed in the experience of actually a Libyan. The strongest of Paul. The encounter of Simon three individuals who witnessed pointer is the fact that among with Jesus on that fateful morn- it firsthand: Simon of Cyrene, the crowd that followed Jesus to ing changed his life forever. who carried the cross for Jesus; Golgotha, Simon was singled out the thief, who was crucified with to carry the cross. For a Jew, car- Jesus; and the Roman centurion, rying an instrument of execution The thief who led out in the crucifixion. was ceremonially defiling and When Jesus was crucified, two All three became believers. By would disqualify him from the men were crucified with Him. exploring these three Christ- Passover meal just hours away. Luke calls them kakourgoi (Luke encounters, this article will draw Romans, aware of such religious 23:32) — “criminals”; Matthew some conclusions on the impact scrupulosity, probably picked Si- and Mark, lastai (Matthew 27:38; of the cross. mon because he looked foreign. Mark 15:27) — “thieves,” “ban- When forced to carry the dits,” or possibly “revolutionar- ies.” It is often assumed that Simon of Cyrene cross, Simon was coming “out of the country” (Mark 15:21), sug- they were rebels against Rome, Several details can be known gesting he was not a resident of because Barabbas, released in about Simon, a passerby con- Jerusalem. Later we will see that place of Jesus, was a rebel (Mark scripted by the soldiers to carry Simon also had connections to 15:7), and Jesus was accused Jesus’ cross (Matthew 27:32). Rome. His ability to finance and of being one (Luke 23:2, 14). He was from Cyrene, a city in undertake travel between distant Conversely, neither of the above modern day Libya. The city was provinces implies that he was of Greek words naturally defines founded by Greeks, though the considerable means, possibly a a rebel. So it is more likely that fertile countryside around it was trader. the two men crucified with Je- inhabited by the ancient Libyans. Finally, two facts make it al- sus were common criminals or The wealth of the area meant most certain that Simon became thieves. that Romans, Jews, and people a Christian. First, three of the Initially both men mocked from other nations also settled four Gospels record not only his Jesus, but something happened there in considerable numbers. carrying the cross but also his that changed the outlook of Most commentators assume name. This makes most sense if one. Like Simon before him, he that Simon was a Jew. Though a Simon was known to the Gos- witnessed the calm demeanor

4 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org United at the Cross

of Jesus under intense suffering, the occupied. In the crucifixion different nationalities: Simon, the saw Him forgive those who were of Jesus, the soldiers exhausted Libyan; the thief, a Jew; the cen- crucifying Him, saw His tender their brutality in violence. turion, a Roman. One could even care for His mother. Convinced Against this backdrop stands take it a step further and suggest of Jesus’ innocence, he rebuked the behavior of this centurion in that the three represent the tribes the other criminal, acknowledged stark contrast. In charge of the descendant from Noah: Simon his own guilt, and turning to Je- crucifixion, he had opportunity the Libyan, a descendant of Ham sus, said, “Lord, remember me to observe Jesus’ demeanor (Genesis 10:6, 13); the Jewish when You come into Your king- throughout the ordeal all the way thief, a descendant of Shem (vv. dom” (Luke 23:42). In turn, the to His death. Amazed at what 21, 25); the Roman centurion, a thief received the assurance that he was witnessing, he made a descendant of Japheth (vv. 1-5). he would be with Christ in God’s profound declaration of faith: These three men represent the kingdom. “Truly this was the Son of God!” divergent geographical, racial, (Matthew 27:54). Evidence sug- linguistic, social, and economic The Roman centurion gests that the centurion eventu- classes of the world. They all ally became a Christian, and later came together and found peace The third person to come to tradition even gave him a name and salvation at the cross. faith was the centurion in charge — Longinus. This fact highlights important of the crucifixion. Centurions truth: Sin and human selfishness were the backbone of the Ro- divide people into opposing man army, an integral compo- Living prophecy camps, turn fellow humans into nent of the might of Rome. Simon of Cyrene, the crucified enemies. But the power of the The Roman army was initially thief, and the Roman centurion: death and resurrection of Jesus made up only of Roman citizens. very different men who all came can bridge every dividing line As Roman rule expanded and to faith at the cross. Were they and unite humanity under the the need for soldiers increased, the only ones? Probably not. Per- banner of love. non-Romans were accepted into haps these three are mentioned The three men who came to its ranks, and auxiliary forces as representative of the great faith at the cross are a call to true were hired from the conquered expansion of Christian faith that believers around the world to peoples. Most centurions were followed throughout the world. bridge social, national, racial, and Roman citizens and received ex- First, they represent the three other gaps and unite as one faith- cellent pay — up to ten times the known continents to which the ful family in Christ. BA salary of a soldier. gospel spread: Simon of Cyrene Being a commander in the from Africa; the thief from Israel forces of occupation in Judea, in Asia; the centurion, a Roman Dr. Papaioannou heads the PhD the centurion held a high-profile from Europe. program and teach- position. Some Romans were Second, they represent dif- es New Testament benevolent to the Jews, trying ferent social classes: Simon, at Adventist Inter- to understand and respect their the wealthy businessman; the national Institute religious and cultural sensitivi- thief, part of the oppressed; the of Advanced Studies ties. Others exemplified the ar- centurion, one of the forces of in The Philippines. rogance of the occupier over oppression. Third, they represent

March-April 2012 • 5 [Atonement] Clinging to the Crucified

As winter turns to spring, our thoughts turn to sacrificial love — the greatest story of them all.

@ Thinkart—Dreamstime.com

still. Only in these moments of doubting, is tortured. Jesus, still Of Suffering and anguish are we invited from the desperately alone, is crucified. valley to join Jesus on a garden His friends have failed Him, and Silent Heavens mount so personal that even His God is absent. His disciples must keep their dis- “My God! My God! Why have despise clichés. And yet, clichés tance. you forsaken Me?” are all that those who have I We enter into the Garden of The heavens are silent, but I not suffered seem to offer. Their Gethsemane. am not: words of encouragement, their Here we find Jesus not resur- “Jesus, you have become fully offers of hope and attempts at rected or glorified, not exalted human! And it is as a human that understanding may be well-inten- or praised. He is not surrounded You have won my trust. Your tioned, even scriptural. But these by legions of angels or throngs words are life, not divine clichés words sometimes ring as hollow of followers. He is alone, and He disconnected from the mortal as a store-bought card. cries. He doubts. He who prayer- experience. You have suffered, It is hard for those who have fully entered the garden expect- and You now have permission to not been deeply hurt to truly ing a glimpse of heaven walked speak into my suffering. You of- comfort. I don’t need a reason instead to the brink of hell. fer comfort as only one who has for the suffering I experience in As He prays to a God who is hurt can. You have encountered this world; I need someone who able but not willing, Jesus experi- the silent heavens and the hos- has suffered. ences the tragic disconnect of tile earth. You have experienced The truest comfort comes humanity. loneliness, doubt, and fear. You from those who have been com- It is into this garden of doubt- have felt the Father’s absence. forted, those who have doubted ing despair that Judas enters with You have asked unanswered and cried deeply, only to discov- the appearance of a friend and questions. And you have shown er at their lowest points that the the intentions of an enemy. Jesus, me that what I truly long for is depth of God’s love is deeper still shaking, is bound. Jesus, still not a reason for this suffering but

6 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org a companion through it.” full commitment of a disciple Some prefer to be popular and So I cling to that crucified to follow Him, even unto death not so different from others they Man. The incarnate God has (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark associate with. Some are of- chosen to suffer so that He 8:34; 10:21; Luke 9:23; 14:27). fended by something somebody may speak into my sufferings. • “The preaching of the cross” said. Refusing to forgive, they just The words He speaks from the is powerful good news for some, quit. Some are afraid of losing garden and from the cross reso- yet foolishness for others (1 Cor- their jobs. Some prefer to be en- nate with the deepest emotional inthians 1:17, 18). That message tertained and enjoy the pleasures needs of my wounded heart brought offense, persecution, of this life and sin. They let other — James Tilton and suffering to Paul, yet it be- people and things stand between Palmdale, CA came his only boast (Galatians them and God. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Philippians 3:18). The disciples must have — Calvin Burrell grieved over losing Judas. My “Cross” in dear ones, will you be like him — one of the absent, of those the Bible who are falling away? Do you Missing at the care enough for Christ and your he Greek word stauros occurs eternal welfare to earnestly con- T28 times in the New Testa- Table tend for the faith and live it? Will ment. It is most often translated you be one whom Jesus spoke as “cross” or “stake.” Consider its have a heavy burden, seeing of when He said, “Depart from shades of meaning and its mes- loved ones and good friends me, ye that work iniquity” (Mat- sage for Christians. I either absent at the Lord’s table thew 7: 23, KJV)? Or will you be • Cross is the wooden stake, or completely falling away from one of those to whom He says, or pole(s), of uncertain shape on following Jesus. Many reasons — “Well done, thou good and faith- which Jesus was executed (Mat- better called excuses — are given ful serv­ant . . . enter thou into the thew 27:32, 40, 42; Mark 15:21, by various ones as to why they’re joy of thy lord” (25:21, KJV)? 20, 32; Luke 23:26; John 19:17, gone. — Wilma Ling 19, 25, 31). Some are like Judas: They are Meridian, ID • Cross is the instrument of deceived (Matthew 24:3-5; 1 hideous death by crucifixion. Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4). continued on page 8 Christ suffered that lowly death, but did not count its shame something to be despised (Philip- pians 2:8; Hebrews 12:2). Like Heart Wash the word blood, the word cross My knobby, crusty feet. How is used as a near equivalent for could I allow Jesus to bring the basin Jesus’ sacrificial death. and towel to bathe those cracked • The death that Jesus Christ, and misshapen extremities? the Lord of glory, endured on the cross won the peace. It recon- Then I hear Peter’s sincere cry: ciled Jew and Gentile, male and “Wash me all over,” as our Lord female, slave and free, citizen rinsed off the road dust, dried that and foreigner, the near and far, disciple’s feet, and smiled up at him. heaven and earth — God with the whole human race (Ephe- I remember my inner beating organ sians 2:13-22, especially v. 16; that He had cleansed; the thought of its Colossians 1:20; 2:14; see also former twisted, filthy condition fills me Galatians 3:28). with gratitude for God’s heart wash. • To “take up the cross” is a Gail Denham phrase Jesus often used for the www.designpics.com

March-April 2012 • 7 Clinging to the Crucified On Global Christianity continued from page 7

he Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has reported its Powerful Passings findings on the present size and distribution of Christian he most heroic and powerfully faith around the world, and compared it with a century ear- T transformational deed in hu- lier (1910). We share several features of this informative report T man history was the willingness here: of an itinerant rabbi in the deca- • Christianity embraces about 2.18 billion people around dent Roman Empire to suffer be- the globe, nearly one-third of the world’s total population. This trayal, public torture, shame, and compares with about 600 million Christians in 1910. The per- excruciating death high upon a centage of population that is Christian, however, remains nearly pagan cross for the sake of hu- unchanged in a century. manity. He had claimed, and a • Of all Christians, roughly half identify with the Catholic faith tiny but growing core of His fol- (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, etc.) and half with Protestantism in lowers believed, that He was the some form. prophesied Messiah and King of • Christians remain the largest religious group in the world Israel. His sovereignty was spiri- (Muslims are next, with about 1.6 billion), but no single continent tual, not to become literal until or region can now claim to be the center of global Christianity. He died, was raised, ascended • In the last 100 years, Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa has into heaven, and then returned in grown 60-fold and now makes up a majority of the total popula- almighty superhuman form. tion there. Leading religious figures, who • In the last 100 years, Christianity in Asia has grown tenfold. hated Him because His existence Still, it is a minority faith in most of Asia, the most populous con- threatened their beliefs and tinent. careers, insisted to the Romans • In 2010 approximately 5 percent of the population of China that He was an insurrectionist, is Christian. These 50 million believers give China the seventh one who wanted to take over highest number of Christians in the world. Caesar’s rule of Judea. For these • By 2010 Christianity was the majority faith in North, Central, causes, He was executed. and South America; in Africa; and in Australia. It was a minority This rabbi, Yeshua the Messi- faith in Asia (except for South Korea and The Philippines) and ah, whom English-speaking Gen- in North Africa and the Middle East, the regions of its birth and tiles call Jesus Christ, suffered early strength (less than 3 percent of total population in those and died as though He had been two regions today). a lifelong rebel against God, pay- • Europe’s share of global Christianity has diminished, from ing the price we owe for our sins. about two-thirds of the world’s total in 1910 to around one- His death paid for the sins of all fourth of the total today. About one-third of the world’s Christians who repent and are converted, now live in the Americas. because He created the whole • Ten countries with the largest number of Christians are the human race, thus worth more US, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, The Philippines, Nigeria, China, D.R. than all of us. Congo, Germany, and Ethiopia — in that order. The untimely death of the Pew Forum’s statistics use a broad definition of Christianity, in- good does have holy meaning. cluding in their count all who identify themselves as “Christian.” Yeshua’s death has given eternal No attempt was made to measure anyone’s level of faith and life to those who endure in faith. practice. Readers interested in more will find it under “Global — Howard Mesick Christianity” at www.pewforum.org. Lewes, DE BA — BA

8 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org Q&AQuestions & Answers

church doctrinal statement man is justified by works, and not by faith only” Your suggests to me that salvation (James 2:24). requires faith plus works. Do you believe that These two quotes offer clear contrast: James good works are required for saving faith? says both faith and works are required to be justified, while Paul says works justify no one. truth on this topic This is a paradox, as is the ambiguity noted in Teaching requires more our doctrine — but not a contradiction! than a simple verse or paragraph. Accuracy Further study shows that Paul’s and James’ and simplicity don’t often come in the same unique emphases fit their respective audiences. package. Writing mostly to Gentiles, Paul chooses the On one hand, Christian salvation comes word works (Gal. 2:16) to preserve the simple by God’s grace to humble (repentant) sinners gospel from legalistic pollutions. James (2:24) who call upon the name of the Lord in faith — uses the same word in rousing complacent before they respond with good works. This fact Hebrew Christians to put their faith into action. is found in many texts, like Luke 18:9-14; Acts Similarly, the word justified has the technical 16:31; Romans 3:20-28; 4:1-6; 10:13; Galatians meaning of “salvation” in Paul and a more 2:15, 16; and Titus 3:4-7. general sense in James — that of supplying In this sense, saving faith does not require evidence. Thus we see how the two apostles us to produce good works nor attain a minimal wrote harmonizing truths, not contradictions. level of obedience in order to be fully pardoned Combining Paul and James into a single, not- for our sins. We stand righteous before God so-simple sentence, we may say this: Works do — justified — ever and always by His grace not save a man, but a saved man works. Or this: through faith, not by our works (Eph. 2:8, 9). We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that On the other hand, those who’ve known and saves is never alone. trusted God’s free gift of grace do give evidence A third attempt at synthesizing Paul and of their saved condition by obeying God’s Word James is this: We are not saved by faith and and doing good works. This fact too is taught in works, but by a faith that works (see Gal. 5:6). many scriptures, like Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:14; No, we do not believe that saving faith 3:8; Hebrews 11:23, 24; James 2:14-26; and requires faith and works. Sins are forgiven and 1 Peter 2:12. eternal life bestowed by God’s grace alone, in In this sense, we who are forgiven embrace response to faith. This simple gospel comforts good deeds as the natural twin and outgrowth the afflicted and reassures every struggling soul of saving faith, but we never endorse works as who truly trusts! the cause or source of our salvation (add verse Yes, we do believe that good works and 10 to Eph. 2:8, 9). godly obedience are present to some degree in The two truths outlined above find classical every Christian life. Those who stand right with expression in the New Testament. Paul states God by faith in Christ do have a growing desire the first like this: “A man is not justified by the and commitment to follow their Lord and Savior works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ in all that’s good and right. This truth afflicts the . . . by the works of the law no flesh shall be comfortable and points us ever to Jesus, who justified” (Gal. 2:16). alone can save. The second truth comes from James’ pen: “A — Elder Calvin Burrell

March-April 2012 • 9 [Spirit-formed]

Getting to a

Glorious Church www.designpics.com

Often-overlooked answers beautiful vision indeed! all, who is above, through, and in are sandwiched in a lovely What would it take for Paul’s us all (vv. 4-6). But it doesn’t end vision to become reality? What there. text. by Israel Steinmetz part can we play as individual be- lievers and local congregations? Grace gifts These questions haunt those who Paul goes on to say that when ooking at today’s church, long to see the church become Jesus rose from the dead and as- it’s easy to feel discouraged. all God intended it to be. cended to heaven, He gave each With immorality, division, Thankfully, Paul answers these L of His followers a gift of grace immaturity, and a host of other questions in this very passage. (vv. 7-10). In particular here, problems, we sometimes won- A mature, Christlike church, he Paul lists five leadership gifts for der, Will the body of Christ ever says, begins with an all-out com- the church: apostles, prophets, grow up into the image of Christ mitment to unity, which must be evangelists, pastors and teach- as Paul envisions that it should defended by using spiritual weap- ers. Why did Jesus give these and would? ons (the Spirit’s fruit!) of humility, gifts? So that those who receive In Ephesians 4:1-16 Paul de- gentleness, longsuffering, and them will use them to equip the scribes a strong, glorious church love (vv. 1-3). Christianity is not saints. What are the saints being body summarized here. It enjoys for the proud or the easily of- equipped for? For the work of the reality of a sevenfold unity fended. To become the church ministry. And what is the purpose by God’s grace (vv. 4-7). And Paul describes, we’ll need to be of this ministry? That the church it grows toward a fully united committed to one another every would grow to maturity (vv. 11, practice of faith and knowledge, step of the way. 12). toward the measure of the stat- Paul’s contention is that a ma- Thus Paul’s answer to our ure of the fullness of God’s Son ture church starts with unity of question of how we become (a perfect man) — no longer chil- commitment and confession. We a mature, Christlike church is dren tossed to and fro by every are part of one body, enlivened “Through the unity of our com- wind of doctrine or the trickery by one Spirit, sharing a common mitment and confession and of men. By speaking the truth hope. We serve one Lord, share through the diversity of our indi- in love, the church will grow a common faith, and were initi- vidual gifts and ministries.” When up in all things into Him who is ated by the same baptism. We all are mutually committed and the head — Christ (vv. 13-15). A recognize one God and Father of all use their God-given gifts to

10 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org benefit others, the whole body see these gifts at work among us pride, harshness, and unloving at- grows and becomes like Jesus. as God intends. titudes and actions — at all costs. This happens only as every We can also realize that God Second, we must always com- part does its part in love (v. gives these grace gifts so that we mit to unity, recognizing our 16) — that is, as we lovingly use can, like Jesus, accomplish His shared confessions. While we the spiritual grace gifts God has purpose in the world. The church may disagree about specific is- given us through Christ and the needs to be empowered by God sues regarding the gifts, we are Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Corinthians in every aspect of its communal united by the same Spirit. If our 12—13; Romans 12:1-8). Often life. The various gifts enable us comments or attitudes divide us called “gifts of the Spirit,” these to do everything we are called as believers, they are not of God. are a major means by which we to do, from preaching the gospel Third, we must commit to become the church God calls us to showing mercy, from leading Scripture as our sole authority for to be. By discovering and utiliz- effectively to serving, from teach- faith and practice. Personal expe- ing our gifts, we edify the body ing to working miracles. rience is invaluable. Without it, and glorify God. religion is nothing more than an All too often, discussion about Avoiding pitfalls old book and sterile tradition. But the gifts and their use bogs us personal experience is not our As we study, discuss, observe, down in controversy. Some insist standard. Whatever our experi- and employ the gifts of the Spirit, that certain gifts have ceased, ence with spiritual gifts, positive our imagination may be aroused, while others claim that baptism or negative, let us strive to let our emotions evoked. The gifts in the Spirit must include speak- Scripture be our guide. call us to explore unfamiliar ing in tongues. Christians and We have embarked this year territory and examine our per- their churches take up sides on an exploration of the Holy sonal experience in the light of under labels like Pentecostal, Spirit, including the gifts of the Scripture. This emotionally and Charismatic, and Cessationist. Spirit. May God bless us as we existentially charged experience Clamor and confusion can rule study, discover, and put these can lead to disagreement, and the day as accusations swirl. gifts to work in a greater way. even conflict, as we share the Many Christians remain igno- May we continually become a journey with others. Since the rant of what Scripture teaches church where spiritual gifts work gifts are designed to foster unity about gifts. Others are skeptical powerfully for church growth and and growth, how do we avoid of ever finding the truth about for the glory of God! BA these destructive pitfalls? them. With so much controversy First, we must commit to surrounding this topic, how do humility, gentleness, and love we ensure that our discussion Israel Steinmetz as described in Ephesians 4. and use of spiritual gifts will build serves the church Gifts of the Spirit are typically up, rather than tear down, the from his home in sidetracked when we lose sight body? Kansas City, MO. of these values. Strive to avoid Source and purpose We can begin by recognizing God as the source of these gifts. God is good, and He gives good gifts to His children. Whatever he church needs to be abuse or misuse has occurred in the past, remember that God empowered by God in every has a good plan for His gifts to T benefit the church. As we submit ourselves to Christ as our head aspect of its communal life. and embrace the manifestation of the Spirit in our midst, we can

March-April 2012 • 11 [Materialism]

Do We Need God?

“Affluenza” has infected Australia, America, and the Western world. What’s the cure? by John Klassek

@ Christian Delbert—Dreamstime.com

hat does it take to know equation, there is no room for once guided our politicians and the God who created God. religious leaders has changed. Weverything and knows Society has changed. Our tele- Even Christian theologians tout you personally? What factors or visions now offer nudity, explicit that the Ten Commandments circumstances can prevent or dis- crime, and other scenes of simu- were “nailed to the cross,” their suade us from finding Him? lated violence as the centerpiece relevance applying only to an an- The Western world has en- of our prime-time lounge room cient people and not to us. joyed some fifty years of relative viewing. Our levels of tolerance The issue we’re really getting peace and prosperity. Never be- have imperceptibly changed at is whether a biblical faith in fore have so many been so well over time. The surreptitious influ- God is all that relevant anymore. off. We have more of everything ence of media means that our Do we need God in today’s soci- available to us now than ever conventional wisdom no longer ety? Or, sufficiently enlightened before. emanates mostly from Christian for the better, have we weaned The “resources boom” here terms of reference. Many popu- ourselves off that crutch? in Western Australia has made lar movies nowadays feature wise the past decade most pros- Buddhist sayings instead. Unpopular God perous. Gold, copper, iron, Then there’s the issue of in- Far from being dead, religion nickel, gas, and oil are abundant. fanticide. The altar of abortion and superstition are alive and Unemployment is virtually non- in this society would horrify our well. New retail shops now of- existent. Our social services have forefathers. Every year, we sac- fer products never before seen afforded the poorest among us a rifice 42 million humans world- in Australia — not amazing reasonable, if not enviable, stan- wide, and eighty thousand of technological innovations, but dard of living. those are Australians.* rather the gods that originate Our country’s outlook has The moral compass that in neighboring Asian countries. also shifted. No longer do our Shops in prime suburban loca- school assemblies feature the tions offer hundreds of Buddhas, Lord’s Prayer. Instead, schools * Centre for Bioethical Reform (abortionno.org) Hindu gods, and other eastern now teach the theory of evolu- Australia Life Network (lifenetwork. religious statues of varying sizes tion as established fact. In this org.au) and shapes.

12 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org Our problem with the God of hurt the economy. It wasn’t cated” society that says, “We the Bible is that He tells us things enough to really help. Are we evolved. There is no God.” we don’t want to hear. He tells becoming more ungrateful the So if faith in God is preserved us how to live and warns us of richer we become? and nurtured among the faithful the consequences if we don’t Thankfully, history speaks for in the midst of a wicked and per- listen. God asks for our attention, itself of a people not so dissimi- verse generation, with Him at the then tells us that He made us lar to us. Throughout the Bible, center of their life compass, what and that we’re prosperous be- the prophets warn that if people are the odds of anyone else find- cause He blesses us. moved away from the one and ing this God? The gods we have substituted, only God to “worship things It’s a good question. The good however, whether a statue of made with hands,” the conse- news message proclaiming the Buddha or the sports car we quences would be dire: prosper- heritage and promises of God is shine every weekend, remain ity to poverty, freedom to captiv- there for us in the Bible. It comes pleasingly silent on those issues. ity, health to disease. And in due down to a specific calling by course, those people learned God, similar to what you’re read- Memory loss some painful lessons. No wonder ing now, coupled with the will- so many prophets were killed or ingness to listen and respond. God also warns us about imprisoned. the danger of riches. Wealth, it seems, obscures our understand- Toll of affluence ing of how needy we really are. It Remnant Still, riches and wealth make gives us a false sense of security. Despite our modern failings it so much harder to hear and A wise man once prayed, “Don’t in this regard, a silver lining runs understand the message these let me be so poor that I would concurrent with the trends of af- days. We become distracted and steal for food, or let me become fluence, greed, and unbelief. No comfortable, and simply fail to so rich that I would forget you” matter how decadent a society perceive just how needy we are. (Proverbs 30:8, 9, paraphrased). becomes, there has always been To an unresponsive people, God There’s something in that a God-loving, faithful remnant, a said, “Because you say, ‘I am prayer that we’ve neglected. In percentage of people who have rich, have become wealthy, and becoming affluent, we’ve forgot- not traded their faith for “the lie” have need of nothing’ — and do ten the core values that set us — evolution or eastern gods or not know that you are wretched, on this journey. We have failed whatever. This remnant people miserable, poor, blind, and naked to be thankful for what we have, genuinely seek God for changed . . . ” (Revelation 3:17). and we’ve neglected to “connect lives. They are in the world but Has anything changed from the dots” between our prosperity not of the world, keeping the that? Affluence takes its toll, sad- and the providence of God. commandments of God and the ly, in ways that are more harmful A few years ago, the Australian testimony of Jesus. than helpful. The signature of hu- government endorsed a National Their lives of faith are all the man nature is the same as it has Thanksgiving Day with a motto more accentuated in an “edu- continued on page 21 like this: “Say thanks to God and to each other.” Because Australians no longer see them- selves as a Christian-based soci- ety, a direct attribution to God e have failed to be thankful for seemed almost out of touch with mainstream thinking. Wwhat we have, and we’ve neglect- When the government re- cently awarded pensioners a ed to “connect the dots” between our one-time large sum payment, we heard mostly criticism. It was a prosperity and the providence of God. waste of taxpayer funds. It would

March-April 2012 • 13 [Materialism]

sions (clutter?) and what we acquire. This begins as an issue of stewardship but becomes a revealer of what’s in our hearts. How does it feel to pass up buy- Living ing a shirt that would make you shockingly attractive? Why is it not OK to use yard tools that are older than dirt but still work well? Why do I resist getting my sofa With Less repaired instead of buying a new one? Such challenges help us look deeply within ourselves. When we want to buy some- thing (or acquire it another way), it’s wise to consider our mo- tives. We’ll discover feelings and desires we didn’t know we had, such as • inadequacy (having to prove myself by owning certain items); • people-pleasing (getting oth- ers’ approval by staying in style); @ MorganOliver—Dreamstime.com • perfectionism (making sure Even in a time of recession, I have just the right high perfor- mance rims for my car’s tires, or most of us still live in the age buying my kids everything they of plenty. by Jan Johnson need because I want to be a good parent). Recognizing these and other arol decided to try an ex- we have (Philippians 4:11). They motives moves us to ask God, periment. Several of her help us redefine the good life “Why am I so needy? How will I Cfriends at work were giving as “the life that is truly life” (1 learn to let You be enough?” up things for Lent, and she de- Timothy 6:17-19). They teach us Once a month I have an ap- cided to join them (even though to live with less rather than satis- pointment not far from a large her church didn’t practice Lent). fying every desire for more. We college-slanted bookstore. I used To her husband’s surprise, she learn to ask ourselves, What can to drop by there on my way gave up shopping. Once a week I get rid of? rather than, What do home every month, coming away she did grocery shopping for her I want to buy? As a result, when with at least one purchase. family, but for forty days she nev- we have a little more, we don’t Finally I asked God, “What’s er bought anything for herself. think of how we can spend it but going on here? Is there anything When Carol thought about of how we can use it to help oth- unhealthy in this?” While some something she wanted to buy ers: a flat-screen TV, or helping of it was my healthy desire to during that time, she said to God, our friends with their mortgage learn and grow, it was also about “I’ll let it wait. You are enough.” payment? having “smart” books because By the end of the forty days, I hang out with some smart she’d forgotten about most of Heart exam people. It was also about my the things she wanted. Practicing frugality means desire to cocoon away my life Such experiments with sim- making intentional choices to reading rather than reaching out plicity (frugality) are about learn- keep or let go of our posses- and loving people. So I decided ing to be content with whatever to see how many months I could

14 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org go without visiting the bookstore. eat it again on Thursday (or pre- rules we’ve invented. The point It’s been a good experiment. pare one large meal on Monday is to make space for God in our This heart exam provides great and eat the same thing all week). lives, to love God with all of our fodder for reflection. We forego • Give yourself a “favorite selves, and to love others as our- buying some little thing and say item” allowance, such as for a selves. BA to God, “Would You help me book or power tool (or computer understand that You really are gadgets, clothing, health and fit- enough?” Slowly we begin to ness aids). Jan Johnson look to God a little more as our • From your monthly or an- writes from Simi companion and learn the joy of a nual income, deduct what you Valley, CA. This simple, satisfied life. need to survive, plus a tithe and article is adapted some savings, then give away 50 from her book Where to start percent of the rest. Abundant Simplic- When we do such things, ity, with per- Consider the list below. (You’ll we aren’t practicing legalism. mission from InterVarsity Press. probably think of ideas that suit We don’t want to create pride Scripture quotes are from the New your life and wants better.) If you in how well we obey a set of International Version. did one or two of the following, how would your life be more focused on what you believe is important? How would it shape your character? What qualities Hope for the Wealthy? might be built in you? What I first felt sorry for rich people when I came across these would you have more time and words: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received money for? How might it help your consolation. . . . How hard it is for those who have riches you invest more in people and to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 6:24; 18:24). less in things? Later, I learned to read verses in their context and in recent • Refuse to enter any kind of translations. I found that Jesus (and His disciples) had been store more than once a week. just as concerned for the wealthy as I was: • Buy a new compact car ev- And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” ery ten years and not before. But He said, “The things which are impossible with men • Wear the same shirt every are possible with God (18:26, 27). Monday, the same shirt every Tuesday, the same shirt. . . . What about all the wealthy people in times past and • Move to a smaller home, throughout the ages? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job were condominium, or apartment in- rich men, yet godly men of faith. Not to mention King David. stead of moving up. Though many texts warn of the problems and pitfalls of wealth, • Live on a weekly allowance read these for an alternate view: Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chroni- of ten, twenty, or thirty dollars. cles 29:12; and Ecclesiastes 5:19. • Eat out less than once a As I kept reading my Bible, I came across the description of week. huge calamities to come and what they will do to rich and poor • Limit time spent in stores alike (Revelation 6:15-17, for example). What a great leveler and choose not to take children those catastrophes will be! No longer any distinction between or grandchildren into stores. rich and poor — all equally humbled before God and the Lamb. • Give away a piece of cloth- Then I read Revelation 18:1-19, how the wealthiest and ing every time you buy a new mightiest among men will lose it all. Who knows? Many of them piece (even from a thrift store). just might become servants of God and learn to praise and fear • Prepare and eat an evening Him (19:5). meal on Monday and eat it again Yes, there is hope for the wealthy. on Wednesday. Prepare and eat — Ernie Klassek an evening meal on Tuesday and

March-April 2012 • 15 [Spirit-formed]

coming. Suddenly one of them speaks, “Look at me!” He lifts his eyes. He has seen many sympathetic faces, but something’s different about this Encounter pair. Unusual strength is etched on their faces. A glimmer of hope stirs in his heart. Perhaps he can glean a few pennies from these common men after all. The one who addressed him With a continues, “Silver and gold have I none.” The beggar’s counte- nance falls. Is this just another person with caring words but no coins? He’s heard it all before Beggar and would tune him out, but the man’s next words grab him anew: “In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!” Fine dreams and Suddenly healing surges focused worship can through his body. Strength and help heal our spiritual feeling return to his legs, and he scrambles to his feet, barely poverty and paralysis. believing what’s happening! by Dirk Anderson Tears of joy well up in his eyes. He grasps at the smiling men to thank them. Unable to con- @ Pawelkowalczyk—Dreamstime.com tain his joy, he runs through the temple leaping in the air, laugh- ife begins to stir in the quiet passersby; it’s written on his face ing aloud, and praising God. In streets of Jerusalem as the — lines of one who has battled one moment, his lost dreams are Lsun’s early rays filter through poverty, pain, and despair for for- fulfilled and his long years of beg- the city. For the beggar, this is ty years. Sprawled on the ground ging are over. He is a new man! just another day in a seemingly with lifeless limbs, he is an object Without realizing it, we too endless cycle of pain and disap- of pity. He has long been re- may have given up on our pointment. His helpers deposit signed to a life of misery, and his dreams and settled for mere pen- him in his usual spot at the tem- one hope is to attract sympathy nies when we can have so much ple gate, and he shudders in the and a few pennies from worship- more. Consider how each of morning coolness as the stones pers. these may apply to your life. press against his frail body. Here Two men make their way to he sits, where in ages past the the temple. The beggar notes glory of God once dwelt. their worn sandals and the plain Recognize your finest But those are long distant clothing of the common man. dreams times, and he has not come here Begging for years, you learn a The beggar was thinking little, to meet God. No, he is here sense of what a man will give. his mind narrowly focused on because this is where the pious He soon sizes up that nothing getting what he needed to make come to pray. Experience has very promising is to be gained it through another day. He was taught him the best places to here. These men can barely af- asking for pennies instead of for beg. ford their own living! He turns healing. We serve a big God, and He needs not say a word to his eyes away to see who else is we need to think big. Take your

16 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org mind off the daily hassles and the shelf! When we follow the incongruous that a child of the focus on the dreams the Father apostles’ example, make God the omnipotent God should lie impo- placed in your heart, for out of it center of our lives, and seek Him tent in his Father’s house! spring the issues of life (Proverbs with all our heart, miracles can Once you adopt the right at- 4:23b). happen. titude toward God, approaching Have you given up on your Christ came to earth to make Him as worthy of worship and deepest longings — for a heart dreams come true — dreams of adoration instead of as a galactic brimming with love for others, for eternal life, dreams of restora- Santa Claus waiting to fill your peace that passes understanding, tion, reconciliation, and whole- wish list, miracles can happen for courage that cannot be de- ness. And He taught others in your life. Then you will find feated, for the sense that you are how to be dream-makers. The He not only makes your dreams fulfilling your life’s destiny, and apostles found great joy in help- come true, but also uses you to for joy that brightens the world ing make others’ dreams come make the dreams of others a real- around you? Our Father places true. If you’d like to do the same, ity. these dreams, ideas, and goals in then link up with Jesus and be every human heart. Often they amazed at what you can do in New view are lofty, seemingly unachiev- His name (Acts 3:16). Stop settling for living off the able. Part of the human experi- tokens you get from others. Start ence is for us to reach, to stretch Worship, don’t beg looking at people and events ourselves, to grow to be more The beggar came to the tem- through the eyes of faith and than what we started with. ple daily, but he did not come to destiny. Stop asking life for mere The answers you seek may be worship. He came to beg. Peter pennies, or else that is all you will closer than you think. Opportuni- and John came to the temple to get. Be who you were destined ties come every day. We either worship God, and they helped to be. Jesus said, “I came so they seize them daily, or they walk on make dreams come true! The can have real and eternal life, past. As you step out and begin beggar was simply taking from more and better life than they fulfilling your God-given destiny, others and giving nothing in re- ever dreamed of” (John 10:10, He will often bring the right peo- turn. The Message). Why not take Him ple and events into your life to When you come before the at His word? BA realize your finest desires (Psalm Father, do you come to worship 37:4). Him? Do you come with an at- titude of gratitude, to praise Him Dirk Anderson Let Jesus make your dreams and honor Him for who He is? is local leader of The beggar had seemingly Or do you come with a long “I a CoG7 congre- lost sight of God’s power. Have want” list, to beg? gation in Jack- you? In these days, self is the How do you view yourself? sonville, FL, and center and God is pulled from Have the challenges and strug- the author of six the shelf only in desperate times. gles of life beaten you down into books. Society explains away our spe- believing you are a beggar? How cial creation with evolutionary theories. The world tells us Bible stories are simply myths. We look to self-help gurus and books to teach us, instead of trusting our ow incongruous that a child of Father. But this is all backward. Jesus Hthe omnipotent God should lie should be the center of our lives. We do not witness the miracu- impotent in his Father’s house! lous power of God because we have put Him in a box — and on

March-April 2012 • 17 [Law and grace]

teousness fell woefully short. Attempted obedience, however energetic, can reveal the human heart’s true condition, but it can- not correct it. The Isaiah gave us a Spirit-filled prophecy that revealed God’s plan to make a better, more personal law. “The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, Magnificent and make it honourable” (42:21, KJV). How could something God himself wrote in stone be magni- fied? How could it become more honorable than it already was? Ten The Hebrew word for honor- able means “To be great or mag- nificent” Strong’s( Concordance). Did a change of this magnitude actually occur? Yes, it did. See the promise in another proph- ecy: “This is the covenant I will make with [them] after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33). Are these prophecies of Isaiah www.retakingamerica.com and Jeremiah now fulfilled? Has the Ten been made greater, mag- Impressive when first became the checklist of daily nificent, honorable, and even written, the Decalogue’s righteousness for Israel and for more glorious? Paul thought so other peoples who wanted rela- second writing is far more when he wrote, “You show that tionship with Jehovah. you are a letter from Christ, the enabling and reassuring. All other human laws pale in result of our ministry, written not by Ken Lawson comparison to the Ten. Other with ink but with the Spirit of laws came and went, including the living God, not on tablets of those God told Moses to write in stone but on tablets of human hen our Creator delivered a book. But the Ten live on, clear hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3). the Ten Commandments and concise, having been known Sometime between the law to Moses, He handed man to some extent by cultures in ev- delivered to Moses and Paul’s W ery age. a set of rules for life, written in letter to the faithful, something stone by His own hand. These As a way to obtain peace of happened to facilitate this amaz- ten laws then became the touch- mind before a holy and just God, ing and honorable magnification stone and centerpiece for all however, Israel’s history proves of the Ten Commandments. How other law codes. Keeping them the Ten inadequate. The people’s and when did the Ten get from observance of the law for righ-

18 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org the two tablets of stone into repentant men and women. Now not by any checklist, not by the the hearts and minds of church the magnificent Ten are in our law, but by faith, grace, and rela- members in Corinth? hearts, firmly placed there by the tionship with our Savior. work of God’s Son Jesus, and a The Ten still reveal what sin is, Magnifying the Ten good dose of the Holy Spirit. but they cannot remove it. The This prophesied-and-fulfilled inability of the law to cleanse The answer is found in an package provides that I no longer us and change our hearts to be amazing sermon of Jesus Christ. live under the lens of the stone perfectly obedient makes us fully This sermon can be read in fif- law as a checklist for my behav- reliant, not on the law but on teen minutes, but its message is ior but under the lens of the Jesus Christ and Him crucified dynamic enough to reach from magnification! Same law, now (Romans 5:1, 2). the day it was delivered through written in my mind and heart. What happened to the law all time. The Sermon on the Same law, now seen through between Mount Sinai and the Mount fulfills the magnification a redemptive relationship with Church in Corinth? Calvary hap- of the Ten! God by faith in Jesus Christ and pened, that’s what. From a hillside along the a Spirit-formed life of obedience What happened to magnify Galilee shore, Jesus changed the and good works. the magnificent Ten and make law’s application forever. After them fully honorable? Let the stating that He did not come to writer of John’s Gospel answer abolish the law and that our righ- Keeping the Ten that question: “For the law was teousness must surpass that of It has always been impossible given through Moses; grace and Pharisees and teachers of the law to keep the Ten perfectly, or even truth came through Jesus Christ” (Matthew 5:17-20), Jesus began adequately in a way that makes (John 1:17). BA to teach the Ten in the way God us truly righteous. Now that this intended since He wrote them magnification has happened, can and handed them to Moses. we keep the Ten perfectly? No, Ken Lawson of Cottage Grove, The law of the Ten said, “Do we cannot! MN, chairs not murder.” Jesus expanded its On our knees daily before the Church’s application by saying that unrigh- the Lord, we make bare the real License and teous anger in the heart violates issues of our hearts. By the out- Credentials the law and will be judged equal- pouring of God’s Holy Spirit, by Committee. ly to the sin of murder (v. 21). the life and sacrifice of Christ, Scripture The law of the Ten said, “Do and by the extension of mercy quotations are not commit adultery.” Jesus to sinners, the true condition of from the New magnified this by teaching that our hearts is exposed, forgive- International Version, except where anyone who gazes at a woman ness and grace are abundantly noted. lustfully has already committed granted, and we stand righteous adultery in his heart (v. 28). before God. Not by what we do, In this sermon Jesus improved our understanding and magnified the application of the law in our lives. He made right living a mat- ter of the heart rather than just an external checklist of our daily he Ten still reveal what behavior against a stone-carved list of rules. sin is, but they cannot Thus the magnification of T the Ten is the historical work of Jesus Christ in His teaching and remove it. the present work of God’s Spirit poured into the lives of believing,

March-April 2012 • 19 [Enduring Word]

y now, the world champi- ons of football have been Bdecided in the Super Bowl, and the National Football League rests comfortably in its off- season. We’ve forgotten most of the players’ stats, the fantastic finishes, the lame clichés recited The Truth in press conferences: “We did what we had to do.” “We made some plays.” But one post-game statement we won’t soon forget. It was any- About thing but cliché and, in fact, a bit daring in our politically correct culture: “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Remember that line? It be- Tebow came the stock response of the Denver Broncos’ Tim Tebow, anointed their starting quarter- back in October 2011. With microphones shoved in his face, cameras clicking and rolling, this young athlete placed honor for his performance where it be- longed: Jesus. This made him both popular and polarizing, and for Christians in the stands, delightful to watch. Here was a missionary kid we followed from his Florida Gators days, when he smeared John 3:16 on his eye black and ran up and down the field. In Denver, he didn’t slow down, display- ing his faith as boldly as the No. 15 on his jersey. We cheered: Tebow was Apostle Paul in shoul- der pads. On or off the field, one truth relentlessly pumped through his veins: “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” While this gospel didn’t hold A controversial quarterback and an old familiar much pizzazz for many, they couldn’t shake what they saw text transfix a nation. by Sherri Langton and sensed in Tebow. When he bowed in prayer after a game, they bowed too — in droves. But @ John Anderson—Dreamstime.com to them it wasn’t praying; it was

20 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org “Tebowing,” and it popped up one and only Son, that whoever Do We Need God? literally all over the globe. believes in him shall not perish continued from page 13 While the press and Broncos but have eternal life” (NIV). coaching staff downplayed Focus on the Family seized been: greed and ingratitude. Tebow’s religion, they praised full advantage of the craze on The same, that is, until calam- his high work ethic and posi- January 14. Amid the pomp ity strikes. Often in times of war tive influence in the locker and pigskin of the Denver-New or profound suffering, people room. Others weren’t as gra- England playoff game that eve- turn to God in desperation. cious. Tebow and his faith were ning, Focus aired a thirty-second Stripped of material things that razzed on Letterman and The spot that featured children recit- give us a false sense of security Tonight Show and lampooned on ing John 3:16. and power, we may then per- Saturday Night Live. Some enter- The Broncos’ season of mir- ceive our own inadequacies. The prising folks took their zeal to the acles abruptly ended with that truth that only through suffering point of sacrilege, manufacturing game; Tebow performed poorly. will human hearts turn to God jerseys with Jesus printed above But John 3:16 scored again, sail- may hang over us like an omi- No. 15 and referring to Tebow as ing through the uprights and into nous cloud, but people will turn! the “Mile High Messiah.” the homes of millions. It quickly They felt they had good rea- became the number-one trend- Personal choice son to do so. Not long after ing topic on Twitter worldwide. God doesn’t force His will Tebow started taking snaps full By now, much of the holy and way on us; He simply asks time, the Broncos logged six hoopla surrounding Tim Tebow us to choose. In doing so, we straight wins — two of them has died down, but you have to also choose the consequences. heart-stoppers in overtime. The wonder about the popularity of To an ancient people, not unlike word miracle became standard John 3:16. Perhaps people were us, God spoke: “I have set be- in game summaries, despite just curious about it: Who is fore you life and death, blessing Tebow’s weak passing perfor- John, and why is “3:16” after his and cursing; therefore choose mance. name? Or maybe the masses are life, that both you and your What turned heads, however, hungrier than we think and re- descendants may live; that you was the playoff game against the sponded to a commercial instead may love the Lord your God” Pittsburgh Steelers on January of to an altar call. Whatever the (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20). 8. When the young quarterback reason, the Word of God found The choice is ours. Will we led in a stunning overtime win, the limelight — and it will not re- hear, today? Can we recognize even doubters saw the light. John turn void (Isaiah 55:10, 11). that the abundance we have isn’t 3:16 “sightings” sprang up ev- One day heaven and earth — ours because we’re smarter, but erywhere: Tebow threw for 316 and football — will pass away. So because God loves us and has yards and averaged 31.6 yards will Tim Tebow. The highlights blessed us — not because we per completion. The Steelers’ of his 2011 miracle season will deserve it, but because He is time of possession was 31.6 min- age in the vaults of NFL films. But faithful? BA utes. CBS reported the game’s God’s Word will go on. Through overnight ratings as 31.6. other bold voices and different Following that game, John mediums, John 3:16 will find ex- John and Rebecca 3:16 ignited into the most- pression about a God who made Klassek live in searched item on Google — re- His own plays Western Australia portedly by 100 million people. and did what He and have six chil- For their viewing and reading promised to do: dren. John works audiences not familiar with the send His Son to as an IT techni- scripture, every reporter and writ- die so we may cian and film pro- er repeated the words that most live forever. BA ducer for MessageWeek Ministries of us know by heart: “For God so (www.message7.org). loved the world that he gave his

March-April 2012 • 21 [Priorities 4 youth]

chose only one shorter book and made a Sword Study for us to go through during study time. In it we learned such things as Greek word meanings and cross- references. In 2010 all three contestants in the family made it to the na- tional competition in Chicago. Though none of us progressed to the semifinals or beyond, we Finding all made several new friends and had tons of fun! In 2011 Courtney and I made it to nationals again, this time in Treasure Nashville, and had another ter- rific experience. Some of our new friends won prizes, and our www.comstock.com disappointment in not advancing was drowned in their victory. The thought, I’ll never do this again. by Matthew Minica nationals is so much fun that I’ve But then, something hap- decided to study hard enough to pened: My sister, Courtney, quali- go every year until I’m too old to hen I first saw an adver- fied for nationals! In the next participate. tisement about the Nation- several weeks, she memorized The Bible Bee has had such al Bible Bee in 2009, the verses like crazy. In early Novem- W an impact on my family. Before, prize money intrigued me, but I ber, she and Mom went to Wash- we tried to memorize verses, but wasn’t that interested in partici- ington, D.C., where the nationals we never thought of doing some- pating. My mom saw the adver- were held. Courtney won third thing like this! We learned that tisement as well and thought this place in the primary division — memorizing verses and studying would be a good summer project $5,000! I wish I’d worked harder a book of the Bible for twelve for our family. during the summer, I scolded weeks is not hard, if you put your I was astonished at what she myself. I resolved to work much mind to it. said next: I’d have to memorize harder in 2010. But the real treasure is every twelve hundred verses! In just Our little sister, Brianna, joined verse we learn. This treasure is four months? Who could do us in the Bible Bee the next year. everlasting, and no one can take that? I agreed to participate, Eleven years old by the end of it from us. If you learn just one though I didn’t know how I the year, Courtney moved up verse, you’re already a winner in would actually do it. to the junior level with me. The God’s eyes. Those prizes are ex- Once our family joined the competition was a lot different citing, but when you look at the Bible Bee, we had a memoriza- in 2010 than in the previous wisdom you can gain by studying tion session together daily. At year. Headquarters drastically God’s Word, thousands of dol- first I got excited, using my chore reduced the number of verses lars is nothing in comparison. BA time to memorize, but it quickly to memorize — for juniors, down became boring. Before long, I from twelve hundred in four committed only two or three months to five hundred in twelve Matthew Minica, 14-year-old son verses per week to memory. No weeks. Headquarters also put a of Nelson and Brenda Minica of surprise that I didn’t do well in lot more focus on studying the San Antonio, TX, wants us to know the local competition. Watch- Bible. The first year, we studied that National Bible Bee requires ing the winners called up to the six large books of the Bible. In fewer memory verses this year. stage at the awards ceremony, I 2010 and 2011, however, they Check it out at www.biblebee.org.

22 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org [Tribute] Remembering Richard by Joseph M. M. Howard

ichard Wiedenheft was an Later, Richard served with the March 23, 2012, marks the fifth intelligent, multi-talented, Church of God (Seventh Day) anniversary of the passing of BA deeply committed minis- and encouraged his brethren to writer and CoG7 pastor-administrator R Richard “Dick” Wiedenheft. ter who taught with excellence do the same. His CoG7 work the gospel of God’s grace and included serving in its schools, mature Christian living. He led Spring Vale Academy and interactive Bible studies every Ministries Training System (now day life. His death was traumatic Sabbath in the big living room of LifeSpring School of Ministry); to his final caregiver — his wife the house he built. Some weeks assisting congregations in the — to his friends and fellow minis- I took my family on the two hun- Chicago, Illinois, area; writing for ters, and to many others. dred-plus mile roundtrip to that the Bible Advocate Press; and No one person can continue house near Falls, Pennsylvania ministering as superintendent all the good things Richard did. — not far from the Mt. Pocono of the Church’s Northeastern Yet all of us working together Church he’d served until he was District. can fulfill his legacy. Though expelled for speaking an under- Richard ate wisely, consuming Richard’s thought-provoking ar- standing of prophecy different healthful and delicious food. Yet ticles are no longer available in than Herbert Armstrong’s. in this haphazard world subject the Bible Advocate, this writer As a confused and insecure to disorder (Ecclesiastes 9:11), he — a mixed-up, spiritually shaky former Armstrongite, I benefited got cancer anyway. novice when he first began at- not only from Richard’s teach- His deathbed messages in the tending Richard’s services — now ing but also from the rich atmo- BA revealed his sterling attitude writes an occasional article or sphere of love and joy in the of faith and courage, though he commentary for this magazine. home he shared with his wife, saw his life and plans for greater His words have been strength to Darlene, and their children. In service coming to an end. He me as I contemplated my own my times of distress and wonder- spoke of his joyful appreciation death after suffering encephalitis ing if God loves me, I’ve remem- for time to study, reflect, and and two brain hemorrhages. He bered the comforting love of the gaze out on God’s creation — also provided a powerful witness Wiedenhefts. Since God appor- the evergreen and deciduous to the gospel in the way he faced tions even to the most spiritually woods surrounding his home. and endured death. BA gifted humans only a sliver of As he faced impending death, His love for others, I remember Richard Wiedenheft’s joy in the joy of that wonderful sliver Christ was that of a modern man, Joseph M. M. Howard is a pen and realize that God loves us all not that of someone far removed name of a writer from Lewes, DE. more than we imagine. from the immediacy of present-

March-April 2012 • 23 In the meadow lies resurrection, flat as the water four inches down. No hot explosion of angels here, sitting on a smoldering stone, just lowly mushrooms, grasses and gray beetles, acorns rooting under damp leaves, everything brown and dead yellow yet breathing, as the earth rolls in its sleep toward April, toward endless resurrections and His promise of our own. Marianna Busching Reprinted from Times of Singing, 2004

24 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org

@ Per Olsson—Dreamstime.com CoG7 In Action

March Emphasis Publications

Denver BAP staff (L to R): LeRoy Dais, Calvin Burrell, Sherri Langton, Kyle Michalak, Linda Michalak, Keith Michalak, Allan Stroupe. t Keith Michalak, Director Publications Keith Michalak, Director

April Emphasis Modest beginnings: A Bible Advocate, a piece of literature, a Gospel Light (teaching tool no longer in print), and a staff going the extra mile to correspond and encourage people at home and abroad led to the LifeSpring start of the Publications agency. Today we send multiplied thousands of BA’s, tracts, and quarterlies into nearly a hundred countries around the world. Our successes are not because of us, but because of the many who have come before, paving the way to the world. It’s been quite a journey. The first small steps our brethren took some 150 years ago to spread the Word of God through print have led us to today and have given us the means to impact more and more people. The digital age has changed how we reach our world. Through social media and an online presence, we have opportunities to impact people we never imagined. Today we need your help to keep the momentum going. With your offerings and prayers, Publications will continue reaching out to our world, proclaiming God’s Word, and helping people to the next level of their spiritual walk. Richard Jensen, Director Join our ongoing journey by visiting us on the Web at cog7.org/ See page 29 publications or baonline.org. Become friends on Facebook, and check out Now What? (nowwhat.cog7.org). And please give generously so Publications can keep on preaching the gospel of Christ.

March-April 2012 • 25 NYM News SHINE Prepares for Next Mission 2012 theme. National Youth by Bev Brenneise Ministry has chosen “Not A Fan” as its theme for this year. Based June 22 is approaching, when the 2012 SHINE Medical-Dental on Kyle Idleman’s book by that team will leave for El Salvador. We’re putting components in place name, our goal is to motivate for another successful mission: selecting a team from the appli- youth in becoming completely cants; planning our hotel, transportation, food, medications, dental committed followers of Jesus. equipment, paperwork; and doing promotion and fundraising to Fans sit on the sidelines; follow- cover costs. ers invest in the game. As Jesus This team will include retirees, mid-career people, and increasing said, a follower must “deny him- numbers of college students and other young adults. With many self and take up his cross daily qualified applicants, it’s a challenge to keep the team right-sized and follow me” (NIV) — only and fully cohesive. Veterans help our newcomers adapt and dis- possible by the work of the Holy cover their niche amazingly well. The team, in turn, benefits from Spirit within. Together, let’s learn the younger people’s eagerness, energy, and fresh ideas. Some are what it means to truly follow excellent interpreters. At least three members from previous mis- Jesus! sions are studying to become doctors. 2012 registration. NYM asks SHINE clinics provide for unique medical experiences and the all youth groups to register each blessing of helping others. In six years of these missions, nearly year so we can better commu- 15,000 people have received medical-dental services without nicate and serve. Those who do charge. As our teams gain experience, we learn to adapt, to work will receive registration cards, more efficiently, and to solve problems — all under the Lord’s lead- Youth Flash e-newsletters, text ing. We give thanks for the privilege of sharing the gospel with communications, and event dis- those we serve in other lands and seeing many trust Christ as counts. Register your group on- Savior — a great blessing! We are assured that the Holy Spirit works line at youth.cog7.org/register, or to produce the fruit we have seen. use the form in the Gimme Five To be effective in El Salvador this month, SHINE needs your materials. prayers, donations (reading glasses and medications), and finan- National Youth Week / cial support (www.shinecog7.org). Thank you! A SHINE fundrais- Hunger Lock-In. National Youth ing dinner is scheduled for Week is an excellent opportu- North Fellowship CoG7, 5501 nity for youth to gain leadership Dewey Avenue, Fair Oaks, experience in designing and California, 6:00 p.m., implementing a Sabbath worship March 10. service. It is also a chance to participate in a 24-hour famine to take focus off our material SHINE Director Ernesto Frausto blessings and put it on those recently revisited the site of the with much less. Hunger Lock-In team’s 2006 mission in Chiapas, supports a foreign missions proj- Mexico, where 8-year-old Cecilia ect. If all youth groups send $50 suffered from a cancer in her eye. or more, we can provide a huge SHINE arranged for surgery to remove the tumor and replace her blessing for a worthy cause. Let’s eye with a prosthetic eye. This is meet the challenge! April 13-15 Cecilia with Ernesto, are the suggested dates for this five years later. weekend of service and spiritual growth. — Kurt Lang

26 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org 2012 Calendar March 10 - Pacific Northwest Veracruz, Super Sabbath, Jefferson, OR March 16-18 - Spring Vale Mexico Alumni Weekend, Owosso, MI Missions March 30 — April 1 - National Women’s Retreat, Portland, Pioneer Missionary OR Training (PMT) is April 5 - Annual Lord’s Supper hosted by the Mexican service in every church Conference of CoG7 and April 13-15 - National Youth facilitated by Missions Week and Hunger Lock-in Abroad, SWORD, and National Youth Ministries of the US and (see related item, p. 26) Canadian Conference. Participants learn concepts of evangelism April 20-22 - Florida Ladies through classroom training and real time with the unsaved, all the Retreat, Canterbury Confer­ while living and serving with brethren in another country. ence Center, Oviedo, FL The latest PMT team traveled to Veracruz, Mexico, December April 28 - Oklahoma quarterly 20-30, 2011. Members were Jake Brand and Joshua Lemley meeting at Wister church (Washington); Kris Tuller (Colorado); Godwin Prospere (Florida); May 25-27 - Spring Vale gradua- Carlos Solano (Texas); Kelsey and Patrick Fleming (Idaho). Monico tion weekend, Owosso, MI and Martha Molina Muffley (Idaho) led this team, joined by their June 10-16 - Dover Family Camp three daughters, Melissa, Karina, and Erica. at Camp Cimarron, near The leader in Mexico was district overseer Juan Manuel Jimenez, Kingfisher, OK with his staff of Elda Molina de Ventura, Abner Ventura, Sarita Lopez, Gamaliel Rosas, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Gamaliel Garcia, and Eder Alvarez. The Mexican team had eleven members from Veracruz and one from Baja California. Mexican young adults also led worship and did other jobs. Our base church Cuauhtemoc pro- vided a kitchen staff, led by Elizabeth Roman, and many delicious meals. The trainers taught aspects of fellowship, discipleship, service, evangelism, and worship — showing the richness and application of each and the harmony among them all. For practical experience, we visited a congregation of children with their parents, a conva- lescent home, and a church under construction. While we were digging a cistern for the bathrooms, a worker there received Christ. PMT participants also visited sites and shops around Veracruz. The Lord cared for us in many ways and allowed for the purpose of this PMT1 trip to be so greatly and satisfyingly accomplished. — Pastor Monico G. Muffley

At a recent CoG7 conference near To Kenya, with Pioneer Missions Adelaide, South Australia, Elders David Kidd, Phil Kordahi (obscured), If you are a former Pioneer Missionary Training team member and John Klassek (L to R) pray over (and 18 years old), you may be eligible for PMT2 in Kenya, planned John’s daughter Hannah following for July 14-30, 2012. For more information and an application, her baptism in the Southern e-mail [email protected]. Ocean.

March-April 2012 • 27 This 217-page book on CoG7 doctrines June 22 — July 2 - SHINE mis- is off the press and available. Get your copy sions trip to El Salvador (see now, or get several for family and friends. related item, p. 26) Order from Bible Advocate Press, P. O. Box August 25-29 - International 33677, Denver, CO 80233; call 303-452- Ministerial Congress at Kents 7973; or e-mail [email protected]. Hill Park Conference Centre, Milton-Keynes (near London), Pricing UK; contact office@cog7 Single copy in the US $10.00 postpaid missions.org Single copy outside the US $7.50, plus postage 2-4 copies $7.00, plus postage Camps and Retreats 5-9 copies $6.50, plus postage Central retreat (youth, young 10-19 copies $6.00, plus postage adults) - April 6-8, Camp 20 or more copies $5.00, plus postage IODISECA, Solon, IA; contact: [email protected] NW Regional Bloomsday (youth, young adults) - May 4-6, Spokane, WA; contact: Joe Larson (509-879-9535 or [email protected]) SW SWORD Retreat - May 25-28, Brookhaven Retreat Center, Hawkins, TX; contact: Danny and Jacqui Melgoza (210-900-9889) Refuge in the Rockies - June These young adults enjoyed SWORD retreat in the California mountains over 27 — July 1, in the Colorado New Year’s weekend. A well-written report of the event is at baonline.org. mountains; contact: Troy Gedack ([email protected]) Molalla Youth Camp - June 28 — July 2, Cascade, ID; contact: Allison Boone (allienicole89@ hotmail.com) Michigan Youth Camp - July 8-15; contact: Aaron Coulson ([email protected]) Sis-Q SWORD Camp - July 20-22, Cave Junction, OR; [email protected] Central California Youth Camp - July 16-21; contact: Larry Zaragoza ([email protected]) SIS-Q Meadows Senior Youth Camp - July 22-29, Cave These Sacramento area folks provide board oversight for SHINE ministries. Front (L to R): Maria Valencia, Gloria Marquez, Maria Navarrete, Terri Adame, Junction, OR; contact: Harold/ Bev Brenneise. Back: David Kauer, Don Brenneise, Ernesto Frausto, Eduardo Vona Ogren (HOgren@msn. Bermudez, Ruben Frausto, and Rudy Valencia. See SHINE report on page 26. com)

28 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org to read it for understanding, and didn’t know what hermeneutics was. Not to say that I didn’t LifeSpring read the Bible or wasn’t encouraged to study it, but to know how to read and study was another story. School of Ministry When I heard of LifeSpring’s plans, I became excited about the option of learning from home Richard Jensen, Director rather than going to a far-off school. Since I am not a techie and had never used a laptop, I was LifeSpring is on a roll! More students are en- nervous about studying online. I prayed with my rolling, and we have a comprehensive slate of wife about this — and registered for classes. courses to get them through their certificate and Man, am I glad I took that step! It was an license programs in timely fashion. Scholarship adjustment at first, relearning to type, study, funds are available too from LifeSpring and from prioritize my time, and commit to school. Being districts. Students have given positive feedback a person-to-person guy, I didn’t think I would about our new hybrid simulcast system. Here, learn much from online conversations, but I two students share their experiences: was wrong. It is pure joy to learn alongside my brothers who are also committed to ministry as we build relationships and experience God I had considered myself well-versed in all ar- together. With my Lay Pastor eas of biblical study, but LifeSpring has shown Certificate, I can’t think of a me there is always more to learn. After two years better way to stay on target of study, I can honestly say that I am a new per- for my continuing education. son in terms of Church leadership and Christian LifeSpring helps me learn the theology. Studying CoG7 history, I was over- Word and connect with the joyed reading about early leaders like Gilbert Lord. I highly recommend it. Cramner and his “The Bible and the Bible alone” — Aaron Henderson, lay crusade. As a lay pastor, I was encouraged by pastor and first elder those who demonstrated their resolve to follow Marion, Oregon Christ come what may. The courses may be long and require dedica- Thanks to those who’ve contributed to our tion, but I enjoy every class and assignment. Not scholarship programs! Your generosity is a huge only am I understanding my help to our students. And to all, please remem- pastoral role more clearly, but ber that your donation of just $35 per year, also am aided to be a better directly to LifeSpring, will make a dramatic dif- defender of the faith. ference. This is your school. — Aubrey Williams, lay pastor Etobicoke, Ontario

Being certain that full-time pastoral ministry was my primary calling, I became concerned about education and my level of confidence about the Bible. As a pastor’s son, I expected that I should know all there is to know. But I had little formal Bible training, was never taught how

March-April 2012 • 29 International Congress @ Pariwattip—Dreamstime.com

No Ordinary People

Whaid Rose reflects on his recent trip to Nigeria for dedication of a new church facility and Rivers State campmeeting in Omoku. IMC Zone 5 Rep- resentative Robert Crawford (UK) and John Njogu (Kenya) also attended.

’ve never seen anything like it. Strong Christian faith mixed with elaborate display of rich cultural heritage, colors, pageantry, cer- Iemony, and hilarious giving — all in the context of a well-organized church where leadership and spiritual authority matter. That’s my description of the thriving Church of God (Seventh Day) in Nigeria, observed during a recent visit there. With membership exceeding 100,000, it’s the largest conference of our International Ministerial Congress. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is in West Africa, sharing borders with Benin (to its west), Chad and Cameroon (to its east), and Niger (to its north). Its southern coast is the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The nation is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians, with a small minority practicing traditional religion. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a long history. Its three largest ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The area around the Benue and Cross River is thought to be the original homeland of Bantu migrants, who spread across most of central and southern Africa in the two millennia before Christ. Nigerians are noted for their strength of will and indomitable spirit. Such characteristics, combined with the saving power of the gospel, result in strong faith and conviction, evident in the lives of our Nigerian brethren. Love for the Lord translates into contagious joy and uninhibit- ed worship, beautifully balanced by reverence and an awareness of the holy. Church is serious business, and so is the Bible. Hearing it equals hearing God. And what shall I say about the festival of choirs, the colors, the pageantry, the ceremony? The gospel transcends culture, but it isn’t anti-culture. According to Dr. R. C. Sproul, God cares deeply, not only about the good (He is the source of all goodness: Genesis 1:31; James

Top: Crowd gathers for church dedication. Center: Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bottom: Whaid Rose delivers dedication message.

30 • Bible Advocate® - www.BAonline.org Last Word www.designpics.com

1:17) and the true (He is the essence of truth: Isaiah 65:16; John 14:6), but also about the beautiful. God’s elaborate instructions for building the Old Testament taberna- cle (Exodus 25:2-8) and weaving the priest’s garments (28:2) illustrate this, revealing His concern not just for functionality, but also for beauty and detail. Similarly, the church should give more attention to beauty and good taste as visible expressions of its love for God. Thanks to the Nigerian church for this timely reminder. And talk about hilarious giving. Some give out of their abundance, others out of their need. All give joyfully! No plates are passed; givers walk to offering stations, dancing as they go! No attitude of “Let’s get this out of the way.” Giving is worship; worship is giving. During choral anthems, during the spoken word, the Nigerian brethren rise quietly and give. The new state-of-the-art church facility in Omoku is a gift from philanthropist and member Prince Felix Obuah. A culture of giv- ing is everywhere evident. Respect for leadership and spiritual authority are high priorities, un- derscored by the inscription of Acts 20:28 on their church logo: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” Being there reminded me of our years of literature-sending; the efforts of our foreign missions work; the labor of indigenous leaders there, among whom Benjamin Tikili, founding elder of the Nigerian church, deserves mention. Indeed, Paul plants, Apollos waters. Thank God for the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)! There are no perfect churches; this one too has struggles and needs. But it exudes uncommon aspirations. The Nigerian church knows it is no ordinary people because it serves no ordinary God and has been called to no ordinary task. May God continue to bless the church in Nigeria in extraordinary ways. — Whaid Guscott Rose General Conference President

Top: Church leaders pose following dedication. Center: Whaid Rose and Robert Crawford pose with Prince Felix Obuah (center), church member and donor of the new facility. Bottom: Pageantry and ceremony, regular features of campmeeting.

March-April 2012 • 31 Bible Advocate Periodicals (USPS 054-160) Postage Paid P.O. Box 33677 at Broomfield, Denver, CO 80233-0677 Colorado and USA additional offices

and od, sunshine, G here! friends welcome

Youth season started January 1 this year, with a crowd of 300 at winter retreat near Dallas, TX (planned and led by SWD youth coordinators Jason and Rose Rodriguez). A list of spring and summer youth and SWORD events is on page 28 of this issue.