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ChurchW rksWORLD VIEWPraying the NewsThe morning headlines crackle withthe pain and pressure of the night:“Debtor Nations Search for Aid.” “Mystery Illness BafflesExperts.” “Revolutions Rock Dictatorships.” The unrelentingfacts of war, poverty, and sadness threaten to undo whatJesus wanted us to have: “Peace I leave with you, My peace Igive to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let notyour heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).How do we speak of abundant life in the presence ofgreat sorrow? Believers want to greet each new day withsomething of Christ’s confidence. But there’s a cloud uponour sunrise, a tarnish on our joy.We know too much; we hear too much. Our heartsgrow heavy with the news.And if He left us with no remedy, we would be, as Paulmight say, “of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15:19). Tohave His heart but no access to His power would leave usalways in our tears.But the same Lord who teaches us to care also teaches usto pray: “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men alwaysought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). When we aremost tempted to despair, we hear even in painful news astrong, persistent call to prayer. We meet the facts of humanwoe, not with an airy disregard, but with the deep concernof believers promised that our petitions will be heard andanswered. By praying, we align ourselves with the invincibleChrist; we express our fundamental agreement with Hispurposes and His soon-arriving kingdom. What seems ourhelplessness is, in fact, our greatest claim upon His power.“Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence,” Ellen Whitewrote more than century ago. “He who marshals the starsin order in the heavens, whose word controls the waves ofthe great deep—the same infinite Creator will work inbehalf of His people, if they will call upon Him in faith. Hewill restrain all the forces of darkness, until the warning isgiven to the world, and all who will heed it are prepared forHis coming.”*Today, bring all the news before the Lord—intercedingfor the hungry, pleading for the victims, strengthening therighteous, lifting up the lost. He who came to preach goodnews invites you to stay in prayer until that morning whenthe news will be always and only good.— Bill Knott*Ellen G. White, in Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Dec. 14, 1905.WORLD REPORTNewbold College BoardAppoints New Principal■■Philip R. Brown, a noted SeventhdayAdventist educator, is the newprincipal of church-owned NewboldCollege in Binfield, Bracknell,England. Brown is currently a vicepresident at Avondale College inAustralia, with responsibilities forlearning and teaching. He will becomethe thirty-first principal in Newbold’s110-year history.Brown received his Bachelor ofEducation degree from Avondale College;two master’s degrees, in commerceand educational administration,from the University of New SouthWales, Australia; a Master of TertiaryEducation Management from the Universityof Melbourne, Australia; and aDoctorate in Education from La SierraUniversity, United States.“Through our research we foundthat Dr. Brown has an excellent graspTED photoNEW PRINCIPAL: Philip R.Brown is the thirty-first principal,or head, of Newbold College inEngland.July 2011 | Adventist World 3

ChurchW rksWORLD REPORTof higher-education issues,” said BertilWiklander, the college board chair andthe president of the Seventh-dayAdventist Church’s Trans-EuropeanDivision, commenting on theappointment. “He also knows how towork hard to make things happen andmanage change. We heard very positivecomments on his managementstyle, which characterizes integrity,professionalism, and a balancebetween project-task and people-focusin providing direction and inspiration.On his appointment, Brown said:“I have a strong commitment to themission of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch. In particular, I have enthusiasmfor furthering Newbold’s vision,mission, values, and contribution tothe Adventist identity in the modernworld.”Newbold College is a Seventh-dayAdventist college of higher educationaccredited by the Open University andthe British Council. The school’s campusis situated in Binfield Village—40miles west of London.—reported by Miroslav Pujic, ted-NEWS, and Adventist World staffOne Hundred Forty-SevenCommit to Baptism atGerman Youth Event■■On Sabbath, April 23, 2011, 147young adults committed to baptismas Seventh-day Adventist Churchmembers in Mannheim, Germany,part of the 2011 Youth in MissionCongress, or YiMC. Overall, 547 ofthe nearly 1,800 participants saidthey would dedicate their lives toYIM photosAbove: JOINING IN COM-MITMENT: A large crowd ofyoung adults come forwardas a sign of commitmentfollowing a sermon byPastor Ted N. C. Wilson(on platform), president ofthe General Conference ofSeventh-day Adventists,during the Youth in Mission conference. Left: INTENSE CONCENTRA-TION: Young adult follows a Bible reading during the Youth in Missionconference held in Mannheim, Germany, in late April 2011.discipleship, 174 sought a greatersurrender to God, and 46 said theywould answer a call to ministry. Threewere baptized at the event; the othersare expected to join the church in thecoming months.That this would take place at anAdventist youth event is not sounusual—reports of such levels ofdedication are regularly received fromAfrica, the South Pacific, and theInter-America regions of the movement.But much of Europe is viewedas postmodern, even post-Christian, aregion in which young people havelittle time for the “old” religion oftheir parents or grandparents.According to its Web site, “themotto of the Youth in Mission Movementis: ‘Inspire—Train—Send.’ The4 Adventist World | July 2011

young people shall not only beinspired and trained, but also sent out.If we want to send young people, thenwe also have to tell them where theycan go. In other words, we need missionprojects at home and abroad,where they can get involved. This isYouth in Mission, young people whoare not only talking and dreaming butalso going out to make a difference.”And go out they did: into thestreets and shops of Mannheim, intohomeless centers and nursing homes,witnessing and doing good for others.This kind of participation stirred upspiritual interest, resulting in theresponses seen on the final Sabbath.Michael Dörnbrack is one of theSeventh-day Adventist pastors whoconnected with the attendees. He’salso director of the Josiah missionschool in Isny, Germany, and he deliveredmorning devotionals.Pastor Ted N. C. Wilson, GeneralConference president, spent time withthe young delegates, a group he saidwas very close to his heart. Wilson’scharge: “Be ambassadors for Christ.”And he added, “God is calling you toaction, to proclaim the Word of Godin word and in action, [and] to be anambassador of Christ.”Nineteen-year-old Daniel Kindsvaterfrom Müllheim said, “To me,YiMC was a very special event. Itstrengthened my decision to go intothe mission field for one year afterhigh school. I recommend it to everyAdventist young adult to attendYiMC.”Another participant, 23-year-oldSebastian Naumann from Leipzig,said, “It was the first time I attended.It was too incredible; [it] exceeded myexpectations. It was full of experiencesand wonderful guidance that Godaccomplished.”The event was held in a schoolcomplex, with gymnasium, showers,classrooms, and a cafeteria. Participantsslept in classrooms, took showersat the gym, attended workshops inthe chemistry lab, and heard preachingagain in the gym. It’s uncomfortable,some might say, but also somehowattractive: attendance hit a recordfor the fifth year in a row.Adventist Mission BoardReviews Plans■■The Seventh-day Adventist worldchurch’s newly formed Mission Boardrecently reviewed plans to streamlinethe church’s global mission activities,including the processing of churchmissionaries and volunteers.A previous analysis of the church’smission operations revealed a “fragmented”approach to oversight, oftenresulting in administrative redundancies.Top church executives approvedthe board’s formation last year in aneffort to coordinate the church’sglobal outreach and better managemission resources.Church leaders said they’re confidentthat actions taken by the MissionBoard will result in smoother, moreefficient operations.Among ideas reviewed during theboard’s first meeting is a plan to centralizethe church’s mission operationsat world church headquarters in SilverSpring, Maryland, United States. Initialrestructuring has already begun.Where previously the world church’sSecretariat and Treasury departmentsworked separately to process interdivisionemployees (IDEs) and AdventistVolunteers—often resulting induplication—the process now enliststheir joint efforts in cooperation withAdventist Mission.Plans are in place for both departmentsto share closer work spaces atheadquarters, said world church treasurerRobert E. Lemon. As restructuringprogresses, the church’s Instituteof World Mission is expected to followsuit, moving from the campus ofchurch-run Andrews University inBerrien Springs, Michigan, to worldchurch headquarters in Silver Spring,Maryland. While church officials saidthey have invited the institute’s threefaculty members to move, no informationwas available on whether theyplan to accept.Since 1966 the Institute of WorldMission has helped smooth the transitionbetween cultures for thousandsof missionaries and volunteers. Theinstitute trains up to 120 missionariesand their families per year duringintensives held worldwide.Mission Board members alsoheard a report on urban ministry, acurrent major mission emphasis fromchurch administration. Ministry tolarge cities has historically provedchallenging, but community-basedoutreach is generating results, saidworld church associate secretary GaryKrause, who serves as Adventist Missiondirector.July 2011 | Adventist World 5

ChurchW rksWORLD REPORTAdventist CamporeeAttracts 2O ,OOOPathfinders34FromCountriesHistoric IAD youth event in Mexico focuses on “Conquering Giants.”By Alfredo García-Marenko, reporting from Mexico CityMore than 20,000 Pathfinders,youth leaders, and volunteersconverged from 34countries of the Inter-American Division(IAD) territory to participate in ahistoric six-day international camporeein the Ciudad Deportiva (SportsCity), located in the heart of MexicoCity, April 19 to 23, 2011.Fellowship and inspiration, witnessing,worship and commitmentopportunities, events showcasing skillslearned in Pathfinder honor classes,and a variety of recreational activitieswere components.The April 19 opening ceremoniesto welcome the Pathfinders beganwith a cultural program by the hostorganizations. Subsequently, a colorfulparade of the various delegations ofPathfinders and their leaders, dressedin uniforms or national costumes,marched to the huge platform whileholding flags in representation of the21 unions of the region.Federal and local authorities werepresent at the opening and closing programs,including Francisco Javier SánchezCervantes, first officer and delegationdirector of the city’s Iztacalco borough,and Paulo Tort Ortega, director ofthe General Management of ReligiousAssociations in Mexico, who also representedMexico’s president, Felipe Calderón.They congratulated the Pathfindersfor their positive contribution to thecommunity and to a healthy lifestylethrough their civic and moral values.During the first general meeting,Israel Leito, IAD president, officiallyopened the event. “To see all theseyoung people here praising the Lord,enjoying themselves, and getting toknow the Lord better in order to conquertheir giants—it fills my heartwith joy,” said Leito.Inspirational SpeakersThe lineup of speakers for the sixdayevent included Gilbert Cangy,General Conference (GC) Youth MinistriesDepartment director; JonathanTejel, GC Youth Ministries Departmentassociate director; José VicenteRojas, director of the Office of VolunteerMinistries for the North AmericanDivision; Baraka Muganda, former GCYouth Ministries Department director;Bernardo Rodríguez, former IADYouth Ministries Department director;and Alfredo García-Marenko, formerIAD Youth Ministries Departmentdirector and former GC Youth MinistriesDepartment associate director.Leito and Benjamín Carballo, directorof the event, gave a combined shortmessage at the closing ceremony.Each speaker challenged and impactedthe lives of the Pathfinders whilefocusing each message in various aspectson the theme “Conquering Giants.”Reflecting on her camporee experience,Stephanie Vivas, 13, from theVenezuela-Antilles Union, said, “WhatI enjoyed the most were the plenarysessions along with the messages, andalso the food! What I didn’t like werethe showers and also the limited water.But the theme of the camporee wasjust perfect, focusing on the giants wemust conquer, those giants we face inour everyday life!”Musical Drama AboutKing DavidMore than 50 young actors fromthe metropolitan Seventh-day Adventistchurches in Mexico City, under theleadership of Javier Muñoz and GinaLópez, a notable artist who became aChristian, prepared a musical dramafocusing on the biblical characterDavid. At the end of the camporee delegatesreceived a CD with the presentation’soriginal music.In addition to the drama, music6 Adventist World | July 2011

Courtesy of IAD/daniel gallardoTop left: RECORD ATTENDANCE: Largest ever IAD Pathfinder Camporeebrought more than 20,000. In a mega Investiture Service morethan 1,000 Pathfinders received insignias of various AY classes; 260were baptized. Left: TO CONQUER GIANTS: IAD Pathfinders from 34countries participated in the marching drills to showcase their abilitiesand be trained to conquer their giants. Above: FORMER IAD YOUTHDIRECTORS HONORED: (from right) Israel Leito, Alfredo García-Marenko, Eliezer Meléndez, and Bernardo Rodríguez received a tributeand a souvenir with 34 national flags from Benjamín Carballo (left),camporee director, for their combined legacy of more than 130 yearsof youth leadership and more than 30 years of service as youth directorsof the Inter-American Division. Hilda Montero (not pictured) wasalso recognized for serving as office assistant for each one of them.Alfredo García-Marenko/adrián solalso played a rich role in the program,with an orchestra of 130 Pathfindersfrom the Montemorelos UniversityPathfinder Club, along with variousother clubs, delivering wonderfulmusic during the Sabbath programs.“Mega” Investiture ServiceOn Sabbath morning more than1,000 Pathfinders, who had previouslyfulfilled their class requirements,received their awards in an impressiveinvestiture ceremony. The candidates,escorted by youth directors, formerdirectors, club directors, and MasterGuides—covered the huge platformand the central aisle, and were surroundedby the expectant crowd whoapplauded their achievements.The 20,000-plus crowd affirmedtheir decision to conquer all opposinggiants in the name of the Lord, whileshouting in Spanish these words fromJeremiah 20:11: “Mas Jehová está conmigocomo poderoso gigante” (“But theLord is with me like a powerful giant”).Baptismal CeremoniesA total of 258 Pathfinders werebaptized in multiple ceremonies strategicallyscheduled in every eveningsession and on Sabbath. At the close ofthe final episode of the musical drama,two more people who were directlyinspired by the drama director and herministry—the director’s mother and aclose friend—were baptized, bringinga special touch of personal witnessingto the closing program.At the closing ceremony Leitoencouraged the participants to continuewith their commitment: “Weconclude this event, but we are beginninga life of triumph and victorythrough Jesus Christ. In the name ofJesus we will conquer giants!” Carballoexpressed gratitude to those whocontributed to the success of theevent, and then an impressive set offireworks concluded with fire lettersdisplaying the surprising announcementthat the next IAD PathfinderCamporee would be held in theDominican Republic in 2017.Media Coverage and VolunteersThe IAD Communication Departmentdid careful work to create awareness,to prepare a professional productionalong with PowerPoint presentations,and to keep the entire worldinformed of events via live Internetstreaming, along with daily reports, aphoto gallery, and video clips postedon their Web site, Twitter, and Facebook.The communication team alsoprepared video productions with dailynews presented to all attendees at theend of the evening programs. TheMexican publishing house, GEMA,published a daily internal newspaper,El Vencedor (The Conqueror). nJuly 2011 | Adventist World 7

ChurchW rksWORLD VISTAHow delightful is your Sabbath?Seventh-day Adventistsare sometimes accused ofbeing legalists because of our adherenceto the Ten Commandments,especially the fourth commandment.And in some cases church membersfuel this idea by making Sabbathobservance so onerous and giving theDay ofByTed N. C.WilsonDelightMaking Sabbath the highlight of the weekimpression that one can somehowgain heavenly approval because of ourdenial of something on Sabbath. Thisbehavior takes us back to the times ofthe Jewish nation, when Sabbathbecame such a burden that it reallywasn’t a very happy day.Sabbath should be one of the mostjoyous experiences we can have. It is atime of release from the cares ofeveryday activity: Scripture, the fourthcommandment itself, unfolds this perspective.Because it is the sign of God’screatorship, and will thus be the distinguishingseal of God’s people in thefinal days, the devil works furiouslyagainst the Sabbath, seeking to obliterateits significance and underminethe joy God intended it to be.The devil would like nothing betterthan to encourage church members tosee Sabbathkeeping as a method ofworking our way to heaven, or, betteryet, to transform the Sabbath intosomething so heavy and restrictivethat our children will learn to hate it.But every moment of Sabbath, notjust the worship experience should bea delight. The Sabbath is “from eveningto evening,” and it is designed tobe a sanctuary in time, through whichJonathon Isaac8 Adventist World | July 2011

we’re rejuvenated. As we experiencethe joy of Sabbath we will hardly beable to wait for the best day of theweek to arrive.Tuning In to GodAs Sabbath approaches on Fridayevening we will be able to sense a difference.This is the day God sanctified,He blessed the day, He made somethingspecial of this particular day(Gen. 2:3). We must remember thisand resist the temptation to allowextraneous things to enter into theday, such as business activities thatcarry over into the Sabbath hours.In the past, it was easier to avoidintrusions on the Sabbath by simplyturning off the television or radio, andnot picking up the newspaper. Butnow millions around the world holdSmartphones in their hands sevendays a week. Yes, we may use the newtechnology for good purposes—readingdigital versions of Scripture, evenlooking at a Sabbath school lesson—but we are too easily connected withunwelcome and unholy things as well.More than ever we have to takeresponsibility for not letting anythinginterfere with the delight of the specialday with God. Our busyness is rarelyGod’s path to holiness.. As my wife,Nancy, told me: “You just need a restfrom that.”But true and joyful Sabbath observancedoesn’t come simply by turningoff the computer or by turning off theTV and just saying, “OK, now we’regoing to start the Sabbath.” Sabbath isnot only about what we don’t do—it’salso all about what we do on Sabbath.It is about individually taking thetime to foster your own walk with theLord. Keeping the Sabbath holy andfinding it a delight is possible onlythrough a vibrant relationship withthe Lord of the Sabbath.While my relationship with theLord is very personal and between myLord and me, the implications of thatrelationship will be felt by everyone Ideal with. For example, instead ofrationalizing the commandment andsaying, “Well, Sabbath is a day of rest,so I should refrain from work, and goout to eat at a restaurant,” I will try asfar as I can not to cause extra workfor others and help them see thebeauty of the Sabbath. Those whocome in contact with me should alsocome to know something of thepromised joy and delight of the Sabbath:it is not only a day meant torejuvenate believers.The real principle of Sabbath isreconnecting ourselves to the Creator.Rather than focusing on many specificactions, we should look on the Sabbathas a time in which to reconnectto God, with His created world, andwith our families and loved ones.When we do this, the Sabbath will takeon a new and different significance. Itwill become a bridge, from one weekto the next, that reminds us of wherewe have come from, why we are here,and where we’re going.Worship and FellowshipIt would be a wonderful ideafor local churches to hold Sabbathseminars that focus on the practicalways in which Sabbath can be made ajoy, involve families, and promotespiritual growth. The local churchplays a pivotal role in whether memberswill consider Sabbathkeeping as alegalistic practice or see it instead as abeautiful sanctuary in time. God madeus, and He provides us with an opportunityto rejuvenate our lives spirituallyand physically once a week as weturn to the One who knows moreabout us than we will ever know.Some may say, “Oh, I get my spiritualexperience by going hiking in themountains.” And you can do that oncein a while to refresh both body andspirit. But God placed us in a fellowshipof believers for a good reason: weneed to be with those who share ourbeliefs, and to whom we can minister.For me, one of the best parts of theSabbath is Bible study and the Sabbathschool lesson.While Internet-streamed worshipservices and televised religious programmingare available in many partsof the world and bless many, thesemedia should never replace belongingto and attending a local congregationon Sabbath. Every Adventistought to physically “belong” somewhere.The Bible tells us that weshould gather together on the Sabbath(Heb. 10:25). If we miss the fellowshipof other believers, we willalso miss the strength and encouragementGod intended for that week ofliving. People who move from onechurch to the next, who go to wherethe best preacher is, or where the bestfood is, will not receive the full Sabbathblessing.Sabbathkeeping, while ultimatelyjoyful, will not always be easy. Formany families with young children it’soften a challenge getting everyone toTed N. C. Wilson ispresident of the GeneralConference of SeventhdayAdventists in SilverSpring, Maryland, U.S.A., and enjoysSabbath worship in his local congregation.July 2011 | Adventist World 9

ChurchW rksWORLD REPORTchurch, and then keeping the childrenengaged during the service. But it’swell worth the effort as you invest inyour children’s eternal future. Theirexperience of Sabbath will be built onthe positive memories you help themto experience in the company of otherbelievers. Adventist churches ought tobe places where members are welcomingof children, and where the occasionalchildish outburst is not seen asthe end of the world.We are there to worship God andalso to fellowship with each other. Wehave to support each other and toencourage those who may find themselvesin some frustrating experiencesat the moment.Active in WorshipAlthough Sabbath is about rest,it’s also about involvement, especiallyin the worship experience, where asmany people as possible should beactively participating. Church shouldbe a dynamic, active place with lotsof helping hands. Everyone shouldfind their “niche,” whether it is in theworship service or even the fellowshipdinner. Young people shouldespecially be encouraged to beinvolved.When we gather for worship andBible study, we also find a place to usethe gifts God has given us—in music,in teaching, in service, in hospitality.We give to others in love and carebecause we have received the gift ofGod’s grace in this blessed 24-hourexperience of Sabbath.As your next Sabbath approaches,invite the Lord of the Sabbath to bethe One who guides you into experiencingall of its potential for rest, forworship, for study, for service—andfor delight. nAOne -Day ChurchRampidal, EcuadorThere are 32 Chachi villages on Ecuador’s Cayapas River, and for 18 yearsPastor Manuel has been working to grow a Seventh-day Adventistcongregation in each one. So far there are four Chachi congregations andone church building—a One-Day Church built by Maranatha volunteers inRampidal, the most accessible village.The 28 volunteers, led by Audrey Whiting of Generation of Youth forChrist, flew to Ecuador’s capital of Quito, traveled five hours by bus comingdown the Andes, three more hours upriver in motorized canoes, then twoadditional hours beyond utilities in dugout canoes.The congregation had arranged for the church to be built on top of the hillthat stands above the village.It took a few days, but the volunteers soon became part of the village—bathing in the river, playing soccer with the kids, devouring scores of fried,baked, boiled, and roasted bananas, helping gather drying cacao beanswhen rain threatened, and swatting mosquitoes throughout the night.One team hauled the One-Day Church steel up the hill and turned it intoa church. Another group harvested tall bamboo and transformed it intosanctuary walls. A third team conducted medical clinics for the village, andfor anyone who made the four-hour canoe trip from the next Cayapas village.One afternoon the Rampidal local church elder stood in the center ofthe almost-completed church and said, “We need seats for the people.” Heheaded into the forest with his chain saw, and the next morning a volunteerteam fashioned pews from freshly cut 2 x 12 boards.Add seven baptisms,hymns by candlelight,prayers inmultiple languages,a church dedication,and hugs forall, and you havethe first Chachichurch building inthe steamy junglesof Ecuador.The One-Day Church program is a collaborativeeffort between the Seventh-day Adventist Church,Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), andMaranatha Volunteers International. These storiescome from Maranatha’s storyteller, Dick Duerksen.10 Adventist World | July 2011

W O R L D H E A L T HFabulousFiberBy Allan R. Handysidesand Peter N. LandlessI love beans, but they hate me. I feel gassy and bloated when I eat them. I’veheard they are rich in fiber, and we all need more fiber. What should I do?Food fiber is an important anddesirable part of our diet. TheWestern diet has become largelydependent on refined and processedfoods, and there has been a drop inthe fiber content of many diets. WhenDr. Denis Burkitt wrote about fibersome 40 years ago, he did so from theperspective of his African experience.The African diet was—in those days—rich in whole grains and legumes and,consequently, provided large amountsof fiber. The low rates of heart disease,diverticulitis, and appendicitis were alllinked to fiber in the diet.Americans typically consume onlyabout 40 percent of the recommendedamount of fiber, and get most of itfrom refined white flour, which is apoor reflection on the Western diet.Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables,and legumes, which means peas,beans, lentils, and peanuts. Usually wespeak of two kinds of fiber: soluble,which dissolves in water, and insoluble,which does not.Insoluble fiber adds bulk to thestool by absorbing water, thereby softeningand enlarging the stool. Solublefiber feeds bacteria in the bowel,makes for comfortable bowel health,and helps with bowel function.Fiber is required at higher levelsthan normally consumed for its benefitto be measurable. The Institute of Medicinerecommends 21 grams of fiber forwomen and 30 grams of fiber for menwho are over the age of 50 years. Therecommended five fruits and vegetablesgive this amount when accompanied bysix servings of whole grains per day.A mixture of soluble and insolublefiber is best, so an apple should beeaten with its skin, which provides theinsoluble fiber to match the solublefiber of the apple’s flesh. Fiber helpsreduce the risk of heart disease, andevery 10-gram increase, up to the recommended30-gram level, lowers therisk of heart attack by 14 percent andrisk of cardiac death by 27 percent.Fiber tends to lower cholesterollevels, perhaps because it binds bilesalts, which are made from cholesterol,forcing the liver to make more andexcrete it.People who eat more fiber lose moreweight. Additionally, type 2 diabetes isreduced. The 2007 Nurses’ Health Studyshowed a 21 percent decrease in risk oftype 2 diabetes for eating an extra twoservings of whole grains daily.Interestingly, people with irritablebowel syndrome do not get as dramatica benefit from fiber, suggestingthe neurogenic component to thiscondition may be more dominant.Persons who are constipatedbenefit from added fiber, especiallywhen increasing their water consumptionalong with fiber consumption.We recommend being progressive andintentional as you go about increasingdietary fiber slowly over several weeks.Now, about your problem withbeans: Soaking beans overnight, thenthrowing away the water, followed bydiscarding the water with which youbring them to a boil, will remove a lotof the soluble fiber. As this is the fiberthat feeds the bacteria that cause gas,you may find you can enjoy the beansand they have stopped hating you.If you still can’t tolerate beans,fiber can be found in many otherfoods. It’s generally better to get yourfiber in food rather than looking for itin dietary supplements. That old-fashionedoatmeal with berries for breakfastis looking awfully good again. nAllan R. Handysides, a boardcertifiedgynecologist, is directorof the General Conference HealthMinistries Department.Peter N. Landless, a boardcertifiednuclear cardiologist, isassociate director of the GeneralConference Health MinistriesDepartment.July 2011 | Adventist World 11

D E V O T I O N A LAlan Weisman, in his internationally acclaimed bookThe World Without Us, describes what our planetcould be like if humans were suddenly “gone.” Sowhat would earth look like? At first glance things would begood! For one, there would be no more noise from cars,machines, and airplanes. Nights would finally be dark andreveal a starry sky. Cities would disappear. Such coastalcities as Hamburg and Amsterdam would be flooded, asdikes would disintegrate. Statues and monuments wouldbecome excellent anchor points for sea life. The tunnelconnecting France and England would perhaps survive afew thousand years before collapsing. But even when thesun would burn out there would still be human traces. Themany radio and TV waves that we have sent into spacewould continue wafting through the universe.What is it about the world without us that so fascinatespeople? Perhaps it is the underlying question: What willhappen to our planet? Will some trace of our civilizationremain? Will anyone survive?A RemnantThousands of years ago as Noah and his family left theark they found a world “without us.” Every step took themover a gigantic cemetery—they were the only survivors.Noah’s ears probably still rang with the scornful laughter ofthe past 120 years. And then the memory of the terribledarkness as the ark rode out the monster storm! They weresurvivors through God’s grace! Noah probably promisedhimself: we humans must never forget this!The theme of survival and remnant can be tracedthroughout Scripture. There are Joseph and his family,Moses in the bulrushes, the Israelites facing the sea, Joshuaand Caleb, Rahab and her family during the conquest ofJericho, Gideon and his 300 men, Elijah, Daniel’s threefriends in the fiery furnace, Jeremiah, Baruch and Ebed-Melech in Jerusalem, Ezra and those returning fromexile—the list could continue.Have you noticed that they all did not belong to themajority! They were the “others,” and I wonder about theirshared characteristics.Remnant FeaturesGenesis 12:1-3 tells us of Abraham’s call. This is thebirth moment of God’s people. God challenges Abraham totake three steps: leave the current environment, be completelydependent on Him, and, as a result, be a blessing toall humanity!God’s call begins with a command followed by a promise.Finally, it ends with a blessing. These three elements arekey features of every divine call. We often tend to gladlyYouBy Erhard BiróShallBlessinBe aclaim God’s promises, and expect His blessing withoutpaying attention to the previously given command.Abraham belonged to the tenth post-Flood generation.Noah’s descendants had quickly forgotten the lessons learnedduring the Flood. Soon open rebellion bloomed at Babel.God answered humanity’s rebellion by calling Abraham.The underlying drive of the tower builders of Babelinvolved their attempt to overcome the trauma of the Flood,turn their backs on the rainbow (in other words, scornGod’s mercy), and, united, determine their own destiny.God’s way is completely different. Called by God, theremnant are those who radically separate themselves fromeverything that disconnects them from God! Abraham wascalled to disconnect himself from his homeland, community,and family! The city of Ur was one of the oldestSumerian cities. Its main deity was the moon god Nanna.Excavations confirmed a highly developed culture, with adiversity of temples. Terah, Abraham’s father, worshippedother gods (Joshua 24:2). Why did God call Abraham totake these painful steps? God had to free him from the tiesof the past so that He could use him. “Faithful among thefaithless, uncorrupted by the prevailing apostasy, he [Abraham]steadfastly adhered to the worship of the one trueGod” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 125). We often think thatlifestyle issues are of secondary importance. But this iswhere God began with Abraham!12 Adventist World | July 2011

g!God promised Abraham the very things that the buildersof Babel were trying to accomplish without God’s help. Abrahamwas to be the founder of a great nation and be noted inthe history of humanity. Today we don’t know the names ofthe tower builders at Babel, but even thousands of years laterAbraham is still honored by millions. He left everything.God’s word was the only thing that he had to hang on to! Hehad to absolutely depend on it! He became a “friend of God”(James 2:23), father of faith (Rom. 4), and ancestor of Jesus(Gal. 3:8, 29)! Note the influence of one person totally dedicatedto God! It pays to trust God, even when it hurts.We Are Called Out TooIs Abraham’s story an exception? God’s “church” in theOld and New Testament is the continuation and repetitionof Abraham’s story. It is always a rest, a minority, the communityof the “called out” (ekklesia). They continue thecovenant that God made with Abraham so long ago.In Revelation 12:17 we read that the end-time remnantwill keep the commandments of God and are attentive todivinely inspired prophecy (the testimony of Jesus), rousingthe fury of Satan. As Seventh-day Adventists today wedo not believe that we are the only believers; rather webelieve that we are called for a specific mission in our time.We are called to keep God’s commandments and hold tothe faith of Jesus.We don’t read in the Bible that Abraham in anyway earned his calling. He needed grace as much aswe do. Abraham was not elitist or aloof. He was considerateto those around him, regardless of theirnationality or religion. Surprisingly, he is also notdepicted as a faultless hero. The shameful momentsof his wavering faith before Pharaoh and Abimelechare not hushed up in Scripture.Abraham’s call was not for any selfish purpose.“You shall be a blessing.… In you all the families of theearth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:2, 3). At times it mayhave felt as if he stood alone against the rest of theworld. Wouldn’t it have been easier to combine some ofthe religious elements and expectations of the surroundingnations and blend in better by adopting some of theworship styles and rituals of the Canaanites around him?He could have argued that mission required this “adaptation.”However, Abraham did not compromise.The Advent movement is called by God, as Abrahamwas, to spread the eternal gospel (Rev. 14:6-12) through aclear separation in lifestyle from the world. We are to liveout patiently our faith in Jesus as an invitation and warningto the world around us (Rev. 14:12; Heb. 11:13, 16). Godreminds us of our mission in life: “You shall be a blessing!”(Gen. 12:2).The anger of the dragon (Rev. 12:17) directed againstthe remnant is part of the great controversy between Godand Satan. The dragon is infuriated about our commitmentto Scripture, our family worship, happily marriedcouples, a Scripture-based lifestyle. He is angry about ourchurch services, mission, friendships, Sabbathkeeping, andfaith in Jesus. He is particularly angry at the church of Jesusthat proclaims the prophetic word, as this lays bare andpredicts his strategies.Jesus promises that the anger of the dragon will not bethe last word in the matter. He promises that in the endradio and TV signals traveling in outer space will not bethe only traces of human existence. There will be a newearth that will be the center of the universe, the home ofthe eternal God and those that loved and followed theLamb (Rev. 21:1-3). nErhard Biró is president of the Baden-WuerttembergConference of Seventh-day Adventists,in Stuttgart, Germany. He is married toElke and has three adult children, Harmen,Patja, and Jared.July 2011 | Adventist World 13

A D V E N T I S T L I F EConqueringFearLivingevery day thevictory providedby ChristByVictor SamwingaAmixture of excitement andanxiety had characterized my200-mile train journeyearlier in the day. But thatnight, suddenly overwhelmed by fear,I sat at a desk in the hotel room. I hadbeen afraid before, but I could hardlybear the thoughts that filled my mind.Maybe I hadn’t written well enough.Maybe my preparation hadn’t beenthorough enough. Would the examinerssee value in my work, or would theydeal it a death blow? All these andmany more thoughts tormented me.In less than 18 hours I would be takingthe most important exam in myacademic life, the Ph.D. viva, an oralexamination for my doctoral degree.Doubt and fear are a deadly combination.Unchecked, they can paralyzeChristians and undermine their faithin God.Ironically, I had worked as an academicin an institution of higher educationfor the past four years. I supervisedand examined dissertations forboth undergraduate and postgraduatestudents. However, faced with my ownfate, and staring at possible failure,even my education and experiencewere not enough insurance againstfear and self-doubt. I felt like a physicianpowerless to heal himself.The prospect of failure was toogreat to bear: how would I break suchnews to my family and friends? Whatwould they think of me if I didn’t successfullycomplete my degree? What awaste of time and energy after allthose years of studying. Clearly Ineeded assurance that I was not alone,that everything would be all right.Staying BalancedChristians have to guard againstoverconfidence, a malady that sometimesplagued the life of Simon Peter,the disciple of Jesus. His experience isa warning to all who are tempted totrust in themselves as they go throughlife’s challenges.On the other hand, we have to beconfident that God is both able andwilling to do what He has promised.Of course, the basis of such confidenceis not in anything we can do,but rather in Jesus empowering us.But that night, instead of focusingon God’s strength, I was engrossedwith self, about how inadequate I felt14 Adventist World | July 2011

for the challenge ahead. Although it’sa good idea to be aware of one’s shortcomings,it’s more important to go astep further: “casting all your careupon Him, for He cares for you”(1 Peter 5:7).Inspired, Encouraged,and ChallengedI knew my fate was probably sealedby this stage, because I had submittedmy dissertation for examinationmonths earlier. It was, therefore,pointless to fret and fear; the best Icould do was to hope in God. But fora while that thought was far from me.I felt impressed to refer to the Biblestory of Peter walking on the water(Matt. 14:25-33). I wondered if anythingnew could come out of such afamiliar passage of Scripture. As I readthe passage, however, it became obviousthat Peter’s experience, his brieflysinking, and his call for help, wereboth a reproof and an encouragementfor me.With Jesus’ permission, Peter hadleft the boat to walk on water. Hefeared neither the law of gravity northe boisterous sea. But as soon as hefocused on the wind and the waves,his faith and his body began to sink.I realized that God was speaking tome, challenging me to reflect on myjourney so far, not on the enormity ofthe challenge ahead. Had it not beenby His providence that I hadembarked on the challenge of readingfor a doctorate six years earlier? Afterall, I saw the advertisement for thescholarship only on its closing date.Although it seemed too late, my wife,Lynn, encouraged me to inquire aboutit, and, providentially, I received thedigital application form, completed it,and returned it by e-mail the sameday. I was subsequently offered a fullscholarship to study for a doctorate.God had opened that door, justwhen it seemed every other door ofopportunity was shut. So how could Idoubt and fear now? After all, likeadventurous Peter, I had gotten out ofthe boat and onto the water at God’sword!Reassured that God would notleave me alone, His presence andWe lose much when we fail torecall God’s gracious leading andprovidence for us in the past. It is vitalthat we reflect on our individual spiritualjourneys; it results in increasedfaith and courage to face the future.Ours is a day when it can be trulyGod’s Word is a timeless source ofwisdom and encouragement.peace soon filled my heart as I kneltbeside my bed before resting for thenight. That’s when I remembered thatscores of friends and family memberson three continents were praying forme. Being in a prayer mode keeps usin tune with those who pray for us.Lessons LearnedAs I reflected on my encounterwith fear of failure, I learned a numberof lessons:A healthy amount of self-doubt isall right, provided it leads us to seekhelp from God. The opposite is a doit-yourselftype of religion that ischaracterized by self-sufficiency anddoesn’t feel the need to depend onGod constantly.Although fear is a natural, emotionalresponse to circumstances, itcan deteriorate into despair, “paralyzing”its victim and thereby underminingone’s faith in God.While education and experienceare essential in many areas of life, theyare often insufficient to see us throughsome of life’s challenges. Only a Poweroutside ourselves can provide sufficientsupport at such times.God’s Word, the Bible, is a timelessand authoritative source of wisdomand encouragement. Familiar passagesof Scripture often come alive, offeringtimely insights to cope with life’s situations.said: “People will faint from fear andforeboding of what is coming uponthe world” (Luke 21:26, NRSV).* Andwe can be sure that Christ was talkingabout more than sitting for exam, orreceiving passing grades. Naturaldisasters such as floods and earthquakes,pandemics such as HIV/AIDS,the fear of an uncertain economicfuture, or the loss of a job are fearsthat plague many today.The antidote to such fearfulnessand anxiety is the gift of peace, whichonly God can provide. Such peace canbe ours when we allow Jesus to inhabitour hearts, and rely on His trackrecord of keeping such promises as:“When you pass through the waters, Iwill be with you; and through the rivers,they shall not overflow you. Whenyou walk through the fire, you shallnot be burned, nor shall the flamescorch you” (Isa. 43:2). n* Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised StandardVersion of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division ofChristian Education of the National Council of the Churches ofChrist in the U.S.A. Used by permission.Victor Samwinga, asenior lecturer at NorthumbriaUniversity inthe United Kingdom, is afreelance writer and lay preacher. He andhis wife, Lynn, have three children.July 2011 | Adventist World 15

COVERSTORYWhy IBelieve in atoBy William G. JohnssonModern humanity increasingly feels like a piece ofdriftwood afloat in a vast, fathomless ocean.Behind men and women lies an eternity of nothingnessout of which, wholly by chance, they emerged eonsago. Ahead stretches an eternity of nothingness into whichthey will pass after a little span of life. An afterlife? No hopeof it. They will live on only through their children, grandchildren,and descendants.I believe in a life to come. I believe that my story willnot come to an end when I draw my last breath. I believethat this life is but the beginning. The best is yet to be.My belief is far more than just a wish or a hope. It restson five foundations.THE FIRST FOUNDATION:God, Not ChanceMy past has not been a matter of chance, nor will myfuture be.In Richard Rodgers’ The Sound of Music, Maria breaksinto a plaintive “nothing comes from nothing, nothing evercould.” Our reason echoes this sentiment. This world—withits incredible complexity of ecosystems, its rhythms of seasons,its myriad life-forms in ocean depths, on land, in thesky above—did not just happen. We humans with our intricaciesof body, mind, and spirit—we didn’t originate bychance. This universe, vast beyond imagination, of stars,planets, supernovas, quarks, and black holes—how muchmore than a “nothing” it is! No way did a nothing generate it.The renowned cosmologist Stephen Hawking argues thatthe universe could have originated in either of two ways—gravity or God. But that begs the question: where did gravitycome from? Why not simply posit God as the source of everything?As we look back over the eternity that lies behind us,the options concerning origins boil down to just two possibilities—naturalismor supernaturalism. The formerholds that everything that was, is, or will be can beaccounted for by the operation of laws built into the veryfabric of the universe. Nothing outside of nature—no miracle,no God—is necessary; nature alone is sufficient. Butthis approach has no answer to the most basic fact of ourexistence: the universe is. We are. How did it all begin?An interesting development of the past 50 years hasbeen the rejection of the purely naturalistic explanation oforigins by large numbers of astronomers and cosmologists.Their studies of probability lead them to conclude that theuniverse is so finely tuned that the odds overwhelminglyfavor the intervention of a divine mind.Perhaps the most notable example of the change inthinking in favor of supernaturalism was the noted philosopherAntony Flew. Throughout the twentieth century he ledthe charge on behalf of atheism, arguing persuasivelyagainst the existence of God through a series of books, articles,and lectures. Flew, however, throughout his life endeavoredto keep himself open to the evidence, and that evidenceeventually led him to abandon his long-held position.In There Is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious AtheistChanged His Mind (HarperOne, 2007), Flew concluded that“the laws of nature, life with its teleological organization,and the existence the universe—can only be explained in16 Adventist World | July 2011

It’s more than wishful thinking.the light of an Intelligence that explains both its own existenceand that of the world.… [The evidence] has led me toaccept the existence of a self-existent, immutable, immaterial,omnipotent, and omniscient being” (p. 155).When Flew refers to the “teleological organization” oflife, he has in mind the sense of purpose that underlies thecosmos. A Designer set it all in place and keeps it movingtoward a goal. And I, as part of this cosmos, share in theDesigner’s purpose. My origins lie not in chance but inGod. My future therefore lies not in chance, but in God.There will be life after this.THE SECOND FOUNDATION:MusicOf all the divine serendipities that point us beyond ourselves,none is more powerful than music. Although musicmay be used to feed our basic instincts, rightly employed itlifts us to the very throne room of God.Music is mysterious. Although it has no necessary relationto the world, it is deeply rooted in our nature ashuman beings. Showing itself in infancy, it is manifest andcentral in every culture. Famed neurologist Oliver Sackscalls this propensity to music “musicophilia.” In his bookby this title, he quotes Charles Darwin on the puzzle ofmusic’s origins: “As neither the enjoyment nor the capacityof producing musical notes are faculties of the least use toman … they must be ranked as among the most mysteriouswith which he is endowed.” 1If evolution cannot account for our love of music, theScriptures can. They inform us that music was present atthe beginning of Creation, when “the morning stars sangtogether” (Job 38:7). And music will be present when thegreat controversy between Christ and Satan is finallyresolved. Then the redeemed of all ages will sing the songof Moses and the Lamb, and all heaven will burst intoanthems of praise and thanksgiving (Rev. 15:2-4; 7:9).As we live out our time on earth, music can be our constantcompanion, lifting us up, cheering our hearts. WilliamCongreve said it right: “Music has charms to soothethe savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”Even when we cannot hear, music without sound can ringin our ears.I cannot imagine life without music. This divine gift isintegral to who I am. It pulses within my being, assuring methat I am a child of God and that He wills for me an endlessexistence in His presence filled with heavenly melody.THE THIRD FOUNDATION:JusticeLike love of music, a sense of justice is basic to beinghuman. Someone who lacks a sense of right and wrong, assome people do, we consider to be sick mentally. We callthem psychopaths.William G. Johnsson is former editorof Adventist Review and Adventist Worldmagazines.July 2011 | Adventist World 17

This life isjust the beginning.The best is yetto be.Just like music, justice cannot be accounted for onwholly naturalistic terms. We understand and feel justicebecause we were made in God’s image, and God is just.“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” askedAbraham (Gen. 18:25). Indeed. If God cannot be countedupon always to act rightly—if He is fickle—we are in bigtrouble. Moral chaos becomes the order of the day, witheveryone behaving according to their own rules. But, as theBible emphasizes, God is faithful, unchanging in character,one on whom we may always count to do right.In our present broken world, justice very often hangsher head. Life is not fair. Frequently those with enoughmoney escape charges, while the poor, the marginalized,and the alien are denied justice. The Lord of the universe,He who is holy, takes note of every injustice. He who commandedHis people to be fair and honest in all their dealingsand to stand up for the poor, the orphan, and the foreigner(Deut. 24:17) will not permit this state of affairswith “truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on thethrone” to continue indefinitely. “He has appointed a dayon which He will judge the world in righteousness by theMan whom He has ordained” (Acts 17:31).I believe in a life to come because justice demands it;there must come a day of reckoning for all humankind.Not only my sense of justice demands it—God’s nature asjust and righteous mandates it. That is why the book ofDaniel portrays a grand court scene in which the “Ancientof Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of thesaints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints topossess the kingdom” (Dan. 7:22).THE FOURTH FOUNDATION:Intimations of EternityFor the person of faith heaven comes down even in this lifeand gives a foretaste of what is yet to be. “See what great lovethe Father has lavished on us, that we should be called childrenof God!” exclaims the apostle John (1 John 3:1, NIV). 2And he continues: “And that is what we are!” (verse 1).Doubters and unbelievers may assemble their learned argumentsagainst the existence of God and the afterlife, but for uswho have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, they amount tonothing at all. We have the Answer within ourselves—Jesus.This same letter of 1 John rings with assurance. Overand over the apostle writes: “We know … we know … weknow …” This confidence reaches a climax as he brings theepistle to its close:“We know that anyone born of God does not continueto sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, andthe evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are childrenof God, and that the whole world is under the controlof the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has comeand has given us understanding, so that we may know himwho is true. And we are in him who is true by being in hisSon Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life”(1 John 5:18-20, NIV).Already in this life God gives us intimations of eternity.But the best is yet to be when Jesus comes again and we seeHim face-to-face: “Dear friends, now we are children ofGod, and what we will be has not yet been made known.But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be likehim, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2, NIV).18 Adventist World | July 2011

THE FIFTH FOUNDATION:JesusAmong all the untold billions of children born on thisearth, one stands apart, unique. Jesus of Nazareth, son ofMary, is the man of the ages.Although Jesus was born in humble circumstances anddied young, He is widely acknowledged as the most influentialperson who ever lived. His life of gentle, compassionateservice to others, and His teachings, simple yet profound,ordinary yet timeless, have inspired and continue toinspire a vast number of men and women who accept Hisclaim to be the Son of God.Jesus lived a life that, while rooted solidly in this earth,constantly looked beyond it. He spoke of existing beforeHe was born of Mary, and of returning to the Father afterHis time here was completed. He declared Himself as havingcome on a mission: to reveal what God is like and toseek and to save the lost. He taught and lived good news—God’s love and acceptance poured out upon all, especiallyon the poor and the marginalized.The movement that sprang up around Jesus soon poseda threat to the religious authorities, who plotted to get ridof Him. They had their way: a spring Friday morning sawJesus of Nazareth impaled on a Roman cross. By eveningHe was dead, His body placed in a rock-cut tomb.The Jesus movement should have collapsed and thisMan’s name become lost in the history of the Jews. Butsomething startling happened: the body disappeared! Alarge stone had been rolled across the entrance to the tomband a guard kept watch. Nevertheless, the body of Jesusdisappeared, a fact that to this day has never been satisfactorilyexplained on a naturalistic basis.Then, almost immediately, reports that He was alivebegan to circulate. Jesus appeared to His close followers onseveral occasions, sometimes to a few, at other times to largenumbers. They saw Him, they heard Him, they touchedHim; He ate with them. They were absolutely convincedthat it was the same Lord they had known before Calvary.And they went out telling the story near and far, eventuallyto the ends of the earth: Jesus is risen from the dead!The earliest records of Christianity, the New Testamentdocuments, throb with the certainty of Jesus’ conquest ofdeath. Several of these books were written by the apostle Paul,who was not one of the original twelve, but to whom Jesusappeared a few years after His resurrection. Paul summarizedthe good news this way: “Christ died for our sins according tothe Scriptures, … he was buried, … he was raised on thethird day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3, 4, NIV).One word captures the essence of Jesus: life. “In Himwas life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John1:4, NIV). “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life”(John 3:36, NIV). “I have come that they may have life, andhave it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).The life that Jesus offers is eternal both in quality andduration. It begins now as we “receive Him” (John 1:12,NIV): we cross over from death to life. And because we arebound up together with Jesus, we shall live forever withHim after this little time on earth is over. He assures us: “Iam the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me,though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives andbelieves in Me shall never die” (John 11:25, 26).Perhaps you say: Words, words, words! Who knows ifthey are true?But we can know. Because Jesus is alive, we can knowHim. He can be our Savior, Lord, and Friend. Listen againto Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer Iwho live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).Jesus. He is the last and greatest reason I believe in a lifebeyond this.We are creatures of dust, but we were made for the stars.Eternity beats within our hearts: we were created in God’simage and He calls us to His home.If we fail to come home, heaven will suffer loss. Ourplace will be empty at the great banquet table. Forever wewill be a might-have-been.Dear friend, there is a life to come. Already we catchstrains of its music deep within, already we feel its pull.Jesus, the risen Lord, calls us home. n1Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain (Vintage Books, 2007), p.x.2Scripture quotations credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reservedworldwide.July 2011 | Adventist World 19

F U N D A M E N T A L B E L I E F SThis is what the bumper stickersaid: “Christians aren’t perfect—justforgiven.” When Ifirst read it, I was intrigued. Is thisreally what we are, “just forgiven”?The theological one-liner madetwo assertions, and both were true. Yes,no human being (beside Jesus) is perfect.It is also true that God providesfree forgiveness without exception toall who accept Jesus as their Savior—period. Yet there seemed to be somethingwrong with the message of thatsticker, especially if you just read it onthe bumper of a car that rudely cutyou off in traffic. Is “being forgiven”really the only thing that identifies aperson as a Christian or the only thingthat matters in Christian life? TheBible seems to point to more. RememberJohn 10:10, which tells us thatJesus came to this earth and died notonly to provide forgiveness but also togive us life, and to give it abundantly. Ifthis is true, the difference between aChristian and a non-Christian shouldgo beyond the fact that one of them isforgiven. There should be a notableNUMBER 24ChristianAren’tPChrist’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuarydifference in the “lives” they experience,don’t you think?The answer we give to these questionshas a lot to do with how weunderstand the ministry of Jesus inthe heavenly sanctuary.More Than Just SinManagementSome think that Jesus is just thehead of a very efficient system of sinmanagement for the universe, locatedin the heavenly sanctuary. Jesus ismuch more than that! The proper disposalof waste is imperative to humansurvival. Governments spend greatamounts of money to collect, transport,process, and recycle or disposewaste because they understand this iscrucial to the preservation of the environmentand the health of their citizens.God also understood from thevery beginning that sin destroys life.Thus, before the creation of the universe,He made a plan to dispose ofsin forever, should it arise (1 PeterChrist’s Ministry in theH eavenly S anctuaryThere is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle whichthe Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf,making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrificeoffered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as ourgreat High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the timeof His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of2,300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoningministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is partof the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansingof the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. Inthat typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the bloodof animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified withthe perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigativejudgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among thedead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemedworthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makesmanifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keepingthe commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him,therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom.This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those whobelieve in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyalto God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministryof Christ will mark the close of human probation before theSecond Advent. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16,17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev.14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)20 Adventist World | July 2011

s erfectByFélix H. Cortez...1:20). This is what is called the plan ofsalvation, and the three members ofthe Godhead were fully involved in it.God, however, is not only interestedin collecting and disposing ofour moral garbage. He is not contentwith being the garbage truck thatcomes every other day to take care ofour sins. God wants to eradicate sinitself. That is why Jesus’ ministry in theheavenly sanctuary provides not onlyforgiveness but also the possibility of anew life—a life empowered by God.New Covenant BlessingsThe purpose of Jesus’ ministry inthe heavenly sanctuary is to ensure thatwe receive the benefits of His sacrificeon our behalf. That purpose is fulfilledonly when, after being cleared of thepenalty of death, we are also deliveredfrom enslavement to the devil. Jesus’enthronement at the right hand of Godguarantees these freedoms.All over the world, governmentsprotect certain rights of an individual.The second paragraph of the preambleto the Universal Declaration of HumanRights, adopted in 1948, highlightsfour freedoms: freedom of speech,freedom of belief, freedom from want,and freedom from fear—which is“proclaimed as the highest aspiration.”Jesus’ sacrifice was to protect the rightof human beings to enter into a newcovenant with God. Hebrews says thatas a high priest of the heavenly sanctuaryJesus became “the guarantor”(Heb. 7: 22, NIV)* or “mediator of abetter covenant” (Heb. 8:6, 7).The new covenant guarantees orpromises four things to believers: (1)God will put His laws in our minds; (2)He will be our God; (3) everyone willknow God; and (4) God will forgive oursins (Heb. 8:8-12). The way Ezekielrefers to the promises of this covenant isenlightening (see Eze. 36:26, 27).Together with putting His law in ourhearts (Jer. 31:33), God also promises toput His Spirit in our lives. Both promisesrefer to different aspects of the samereality. By giving us His Spirit, God givesus the power to obey His laws (Rom.8:1-4). These guarantees effectively liberateus from enslavement to the deviland prevent future bondage to him.With ConfidenceGod offers the guarantees of thenew covenant to human beings notbecause it is their inalienable right.They forfeited these rights when theyrejected His rule. These benefitsare the inalienable right of Jesus.Because of His victory Jesus has beenappointed “heir of all things” (Heb.1:2) and ruler of a new people of God.Just as any country benefits from agood government, believers benefitfrom Jesus’ rule. Believers reap thebenefits of Jesus’ victories over Hisenemies. Thus, when Jesus asks blessingsfor us, He is not asking the Fathera favor on our behalf. He is claimingthe benefits of His victory to sharewith us. That is why Hebrews says thatwe need to approach God’s throne“boldly” (Heb. 4:16) and “in fullassurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22). Wemay have doubts about our own worthiness,but never of Jesus’ worth.Not all human beings can approachGod with confidence, though. This isvery important. Only the followers ofJesus benefit from the guarantees thatthe rule of Jesus provides. This helps usunderstand an important aspect ofChristian life. What determines our eligibilityto the benefits of the new covenantis not our ability to defeat the devil(Jesus already did that) but our loyalty toJesus. The crucial issue is not how strongI am, but how much do I love Jesus.When I think of Jesus’ ministry inthe heavenly sanctuary, I cannot helpthinking about the contradiction ofour situation. We have so rich promisesbut often live so poorly. We shouldclaim those promises right now. I likehow Ellen G. White says it: “With thepersevering faith of Jacob, with theunyielding persistence of Elijah, wemay present our petitions to theFather, claiming all that He has promised[that is, the new covenant promises].The honor of His throne isstaked for the fulfillment of His word”(Prophets and Kings, p. 158). n* Scripture quotations credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible,New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reservedworldwide.Félix H. Cortez, Ph.D.,is a New Testamentprofessor and secretaryof graduate studies atMontemorelos University, Mexico.July 2011 | Adventist World 21

D I S C O V E R I N G T H E S P I R I T O F P R O P H E C YOne hundred years ago Ellen White released thefinal version of what many consider to be hermost important book. “I am more anxious,” shedeclared, “to see a wide circulation for this book than forany others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, thelast message of warning to the world is given more distinctlythan in any of my other books.” 1The book began with a two-hour vision that interrupteda funeral in 1858. 2 Her first published account ofthat vision was only 219 small pages, 3.5” x 5.5” (8.9 cm. x14 cm.), titled Spiritual Gifts: The Great ControversyBetween Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels.TheGreatSome may wonder why she wrote so briefly and then for 50years repeatedly enlarged it.Controversy:A timeless book turns 1OO ByJerry MoonBecause of the urgent need for the message, she hurriedher early books into print despite imperfections. To Revieweditor Uriah Smith she explained: “I was shown years agothat we should not delay publishing the important lightgiven me because I could not prepare the matter perfectly.…I was shown that I should present before the peoplein the best manner possible the light received; then as Ireceived greater light, and as I used the talent God hadgiven me, I should have increased ability to use in writingand in speaking. I was to improve everything, as far as possiblebringing it to perfection, that it might be accepted byintelligent minds.” 3Later EditionsDuring the next 20 years Ellen White wrote five morebooks on biblical history, but not until 1884 did she findtime to expand her coverage of the postbiblical history to492 pages—four times the comparable section in the origi-nal volume. Shortly after the release of the 1884 edition shespent two years in Europe (1885-1887). As she visited thehistorical sites of the Reformation, she resolved to write onit again, to make it more appealing to a general readingaudience, and to show more clearly the continuity betweenthe sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation and theAdventist movement. She wrote some 190 pages of newmaterial for the 1888 edition, bringing The Great Controversyto its final size of 678 pages. When the publishersreported in 1910 that the printing plates from the 1888 versionwere so badly worn that the type needed to be reset,she decided to review the book and improve it once again. 4Use of Historical SourcesA significant issue for the 1911 edition was changingliterary standards. In nineteenth-century America it wascommon for both secular and religious writers to freelyreproduce material from other authors, with or without22 Adventist World | July 2011photos courtesy of ellen G. white estate

source references. 5 To meet the rising expectations of thetwentieth century, however, Ellen White mandated her literaryassistants to track down and identify the sources ofall the quotations in the 1888 edition of The Great Controversy.In doing so, her helpers found that some quotationswere easily available for verification; others were not. Shedirected them to replace historical quotations from booksno longer in print with similar statements from better andreadily available sources, so that readers who wanted tocheck her claims could do so in public libraries. 6Ellen White was delighted with the new edition andunequivocally endorsed it. 7 However, such editorial workon a book that Seventh-day Adventists regarded as inspiredraised questions about the relationship between her visionsand her use of historical sources. In a statement that hismother specifically approved, her son W. C. Whiteexplained: “The things which she has written out aredescriptions of flashlight pictures and other representationsgiven her [in vision].… In … writing out … theseviews, she has made use of good and clear historical statementsto help make plain to the reader the things whichshe is endeavoring to present. When I was a mere boy, Iheard her read D’Aubigné’s History of the Reformation tomy father.… She has read other histories of the Reformation.This has helped her to locate and describe many ofthe events and the movements presented to her in vision.” 8An experience from the Whites’ years in Europe illustratedthis point. W. C. White recalled that one Sabbath, atBasel, “as I read [Wylie’s History of Protestantism] toMother she interrupted me and told a lot of things in thepages ahead, and told me many things not in the book atall. She said, ‘I never read about it, but that scene has beenpresented to me over and over again.’” 9Surprised, he asked her, “Why did you not put it intoyour book [The Great Controversy]?” She replied, “I did notknow where to put it.” From this he understood that whilethe controlling content of her historical writing wasderived from visions, she used historical works to identifythe geographical and chronological connections of theevents she had seen in vision. 10Special Spanish EditionDuring the translation of The Great Controversy intoSpanish, someone noticed that it made no mention of theReformation in Spain. When this omission was brought tothe attention of Ellen White, she directed her staff to compilean additional chapter for the Spanish edition. As aresult, the Spanish Great Controversy has one more chapterthan the one in English. Chapter 13, “The Awakening inSpain,” carries a footnote: “This chapter was compiled byC. C. Crisler and H. H. Hall, and was inserted in this bookwith the approval of the author.” 11Greater Results to ComeMillions of copies of The Great Controversy are in print,but according to its author, its greatest results are yetfuture. “The results of the circulation of this book are notto be judged by what now appears,” Ellen White wrote. “Byreading it, some souls will be aroused, and will have courageto unite themselves at once with those who keep thecommandments of God. But a much larger number whoread it will not take their position until they see the veryevents taking place that are foretold in it. The fulfillment ofsome of the predictions will inspire faith that others alsowill come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with theglory of the Lord, in the closing work, many souls will taketheir position on the commandments of God as the resultof this agency.” 12For a stirring refresher on the foundations of theAdventist faith, The Great Controversy is in a class by itself.It is available in many languages and formats, includingcondensed, abridged, and simplified editions in English. n1Ellen G. White letter 281, 1905, in Colporteur Ministry, p. 127.2Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, pp. 265, 266; Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years(Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1985), vol. 1, pp. 367, 368.3E. G. White to Uriah Smith, Feb. 19, 1884 (letter 11, 1884).4Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years (Washington, D.C.: Review andHerald, 1982), vol. 6, pp. 302-337.5George Callcott, History in the United States, 1800-1860 (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UniversityPress, 1970), pp. 134-136, quoted in R. W. Olson, One Hundred and One Questions on the Sanctuaryand on Ellen White (Washington, D.C.: Ellen G. White Estate, 1981), pp. 66, 67; see also FrancisD. Nichol, Ellen G. White and Her Critics (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1951), pp. 406,407, cited in Jerry Moon, “Who Owns the Truth? Another Look at the Plagiarism Debate,” EllenG. White and Current Issues Symposium (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Center for Adventist Research,Andrews University, 2005), vol.1, pp. 46-71.6For details, see Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White, vol. 6, pp. 302-321; Arthur L. White, “W. W.Prescott and the 1911 Edition of The Great Controversy,” Ellen G. White Estate Shelf Document,(Center for Adventist Research, Andrews University, 1981); also available online at www.whiteestate.org; see also W. C. White, “The Great Controversy—1911 edition,” Appendixes A and Bin Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 433-450.7E. G. White to F. M. Wilcox, July 25, 1911 (letter 56, 1911), reproduced in Arthur L. White, EllenG. White, vol. 6, p. 336.8W. C. White to “Our General Missionary Agents,” July 25, 1911. Ellen White’s endorsement is inE. G. White to F. M. Wilcox, July 27, 1911 (letter 56, 1911).9W. C. White, “The Visions of Ellen G. White,” Dec. 17, 1905, p. 4, Ellen G. White Estate ShelfDocument.10Ibid.; see also Jerry Moon, W. C. White and Ellen G. White: The Relationship Between the Prophetand Her Son (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1993), pp. 427-431.11Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White, vol. 6, p. 337. Clarence C. Crisler was Ellen White’s chief literaryassistant at the time, and Harry Harvey Hall was a manager at Pacific Press.12E. G. White, Colporteur Ministry, pp. 128, 129. (Italics supplied.)Jerry Moon teaches church history atthe Seventh-day Adventist TheologicalSeminary, Andrews University, BerrienSprings, Michigan.July 2011 | Adventist World 23

A D V E N T I S T S E R V I C EIt’s one thing to compare scripturewith scripture when you’re havinga conversation with someonewho sees the Bible as authoritative.But what is your approach whenthe person with whom you’re having aconversation about spiritual thingsdoesn’t see the Bible as inspired?That’s the challenge faced by ScottGriswold, director of the church’sGlobal Mission Buddhist Study Centerin Thailand. And while Griswold andothers connected with the center workprimarily in countries in Southeast Asia,where Buddhism is the primary religiousphilosophy (Thailand, Cambodia,China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam,etc.), Buddhism is increasingly beingpracticed in Western societies as well.TheByStephenPathChaveztoEnlightenmentWhat do Adventists have to share withnearly a billion of the world’s Buddhists?Embracing the ChallengeThe Buddhist Study Center is adirect outgrowth of the Global Missioninitiative that was launched at the1990 General Conference session. Delegatesto that session, recognizing thenecessity of taking the gospel of Christto parts of the world where peopledon’t have a Christian worldview,issued a mandate that created five religiousstudy centers to find ways tointeract with those who are believersin Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism,and secular/postmodernism.Scott Griswold, with his wife, Julie,has been director of the BuddhistStudy Center since 2002. They liveabout 90 minutes north of Bangkok,in Ayutthaya, Thailand. “We wanted tobe right among the Buddhists, so wecould live out what we’re telling peo-Top: PASS IT ON: Teachingothers how to repair a pipe isan opportunity to model theimportance of mentoring.Left: QUIET TIME: Scott Griswold,director of the BuddhistStudy Center, takes a momentto reflect on the challengesand opportunities connectedwith reaching Buddhists forChrist.24 Adventist World | July 2011

ple to do,” says Griswold.Most Buddhists believe in karma,the law of reaping what you sow. Griswoldpoints out that the Adventistconcept of judgment focuses on a lovingJudge who offers forgiveness andsalvation from eternal death. “All thatBuddhists are trying to be throughmany lifetimes of rebirth, Jesus isready to give them through His mercyand grace,” says Griswold. “This isimportant, but our actual deeper connectionto Buddhism is that we presenta gospel that not only forgives buttransforms the life. This is far morethan the cheap gospel that many otherChristians present, which teaches thatpeople are saved no matter what theydo. Our perspective of judgment isdistinctly different in that we emphasizerepentance and transformation.”Quite a few conscientious Buddhistsdon’t eat meat, and refrain fromdrinking alcohol—again, principlesfamiliar to Seventh-day Adventistsaround the world that provideanother good connection. One of themost special connections that Griswoldsees is the Sabbath.“As we invite them to experiencethe Sabbath, they will be blessed bymuch-needed physical and emotionalrest,” says Griswold. “Their familyrelationships will be enhanced byspending time together on that day.We can invite their families to join ourfamilies out in nature, enjoying thelessons God has placed there. Then wecan gently introduce them to the CreatorGod.” The Sabbath connects Buddhiststo concepts of peacefulness anda rejection of materialism.Bridging the GapBut how does one get close to aBuddhist in the first place?Buddhists are not likely to attendtraditional evangelistic meetings. Theymight attend church services at theinvitation of a friend, but may find it sodifferent from what they’re used to thatthey’re not likely to attend services reg-ularly. According to research that Griswoldhas discovered, Buddhists respondprimarily to two things: (1) caring familyand friends, and (2) personal experienceswith answers to prayer.So it all boils down, he says, toembracing Christ’s method for reachingpeople as described by Ellen White:“Christ’s method alone will give truesuccess in reaching the people. TheSavior mingled with [them] as onewho desired their good. He showedHis sympathy for them, ministered totheir needs, and won their confidence.Then He bade them, ‘Follow me’” (TheMinistry of Healing, p. 143).Because reaching people in this waycan’t be done en masse, Griswold recognizedthe need to multiply workersamong Buddhists by careful disciplemaking.The team at the BuddhistStudy Center put together a programcalled disciple-multipliers initiative.They invited several peoplefrom each of six countries in whichBuddhism has a major influence. Forthree weeks they lived on the sameproperty in guest rooms and guesthouses—studying together, workingtogether, fellowshipping together, andpraying together. “We covered suchthings as ‘How do we become disciplesof Jesus ourselves?’ ‘What’s the relevanceof our message for Buddhists?’ ‘How dowe reach out to Buddhists?’ A lot of itwas an emphasis on dependence on theHoly Spirit and what that means.”Learning to multiply was also amajor component in their timetogether. And that, interestingly, cameon one occasion with the help of abroken water pipe.Griswold took one volunteer andshowed him how to repair the pipe.Then he instructed the first volunteerto demonstrate pipe repair to the secondvolunteer, who demonstrated theprocess to the third volunteer. “Wewent through the process of the fourgenerations passing something on,and the last person fixed the pipe.“To me, that’s what we’re oftenmissing in our church,” says Griswold.“We know how to teach, we know howto preach, we know how to train. Butwe don’t know how to disciple in away that multiplies.”Griswold hopes that the churchleaders, pastors, and lay members whocycle through the training process willbecome better equipped to train othersin reaching out to Buddhists. He looksfor people who are Christ-centered andHoly Spirit-empowered—convertedand consecrated disciples who are leadersof loving families. He wants servantleaders who can help meet felt, tangibleneeds, as well as those who can use storiesand personal experiences to communicateBible truths. Most important,he looks for mentors who can mobilizeand train new workers.Griswold points out that after morethan 100 years in Thailand, the Seventh-dayAdventist Church numbersonly about 13,000 members in a populationof 68 million. “We have solideducational and medical work,” he says.“But seeing significant numbers ofpeople come to Christ from Buddhistbackgrounds is still rare. It’s a hugemission field.” This is true in otherSoutheast Asian countries and is especiallytrue of the millions of Buddhistsin China, Japan, Korea, and beyond.Griswold believes that God isabout to change that. He is eager forSeventh-day Adventists around theworld to help this happen by prayingfor Buddhists and learning how toreach them. nFor more information about the GlobalMission Buddhist Study Center, and tosign up for an e-newsletter, PrayersAmong Buddhists, visit www.Bridges-ForMinistry.org.Stephen Chavez ismanaging editor ofAdventist Worldmagazine.July 2011 | Adventist World 25

BIBLE QUESTIONSQUESTION: Will rebellion and sin rise upagain in the new earth?The question you’re asking is not as simple as itappears. If the answer is no, then we would have todeal with the question of the freedom of the creature.If the answer is yes, then the sacrifice of Christ wouldnot have been powerful enough to deal with sin once andfor all. The universe would then exist under the shadow ofanother unavoidable conflict. Under such circumstances,would heaven be totally enjoyable for intelligent beings? Intrying to answer your question,I will say two thingsthat we can clearly affirm;and based on these I will addone other comment.1. The End of Satan, Sinners,and Sin: The originatorof sin is not eternal, andneither is his kingdom; theywill both come to an end.This will take place at themoment of Satan’s final assaultagainst God and Hispeople, when fire will consumehim (Rev. 20:7, 10).This is one of the most importantevents in the resolutionof the cosmic conflict.The originator of sin andrebellion and the instigatorof sin in others will cease toexist, without leaving behind a vacuum in the cosmos to befilled by someone else. Because of Satan’s absolute corruption,his presence in the universe is unnecessary.Once the enemy is deleted from the cosmos, his supporters—demonsand rebellious humans—will not remainas an extension of his person and power. They, also, will gointo oblivion, leaving behind no trace of their existenceand corruption. Fallen angels will face God as judge on thegreat day of judgment, and will experience eternal death(cf. Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4). The destruction of the wicked willalso be a radical one and will take place in conjunctionwith that of Satan and his fallen angels (Rev. 20:7-15). Malachiexpressed the idea well when he concisely stated concerningthe wicked: “Not a root or a branch will be left tothem” (4:1, NIV).* This extreme cosmic surgery will permanentlydestroy the anomaly of sin in all its diversity ofexpressions.2. God’s Eternal Kingdom: With the destruction of theenemy and his hosts the universal sovereignty of God’s26 Adventist World | July 2011kingdom is reestablished. A vision of a new world thatassumes universal and inalterable cosmic harmony is given.The eradication of suffering and death is expressed in waysthat exclude its resurgence (Rev. 21:4). The redeemed oneswill “never” leave the temple of God (Rev. 3:12), “never”again hunger or thirst (Rev. 7:16, NIV), and their nameswill “never” be removed from the book of life (Rev. 3:5,NIV). God and the Lamb will be praised “forever and ever”(Rev. 5:13), and Christ and His people “shall reign foreverand ever” (Rev. 11:15; 22:5; see Dan. 7:14). The curse willnot come back (Rev. 22:3; cf. Nahum 1:9). Not a single biblicaltext suggests or hints atthe idea that God’s new creationcould be ruined againby sin.3. Safety Only in theCross: Human Freedom:This is my suggestion: TheNeverAgain !ByAngel ManuelRodríguezcross of Christ inoculatedthe cosmos against a resurgenceof sin. The atonementsolved the cosmic problemof sin, and it is powerfulenough to prevent anothercosmic conflict. It wasGod’s divine purpose “tobring unity to all things inheaven and on earth underChrist” (Eph. 1:10, NIV).He did it, and He will continueto hold everythingtogether throughout eternity(cf. Col. 1:19). After His resurrection Christ went “intoheaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authoritiesand powers in submission to him” (1 Peter 3:22, NIV). Thefuture safety of the universe is based on the meaning of thesacrificial death of Christ. Hence it will be our eternal topicof analysis. All intelligent creatures will voluntarily andpermanently submit to the Lord on the grounds of themagnitude and magnificence of God’s love for themrevealed on the cross of Christ.Ellen G. White wrote: “The plan of salvation, makingmanifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternalsafeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well asamong those who shall be redeemed by the blood of theLamb” (Signs of the Times, Dec. 30, 1889). n*Scripture quotations credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.Angel Manuel Rodríguez is recently retired as director of theBiblical Research Institute of the General Conference.

TheH oly S piritB I B L E S T U D YFinıshedand aWorkByMark A. FinleyHave you ever wondered how the gospel will be preached to the entire world in preparationfor the coming of Jesus? The challenge is huge. With billions of people populating PlanetEarth, how will they ever be reached with the message of Jesus and Bible truth?From a human standpoint this appears impossible. Even with radio, television, theprinted page, and the Internet, our human resources are just too limited to reach humanity’smasses. But God has a plan. His message of love and truth will be preached to the ends ofthe earth. In this lesson we’ll study God’s plan for finishing His work.1. In Jesus’ memorable sermon about last-day events in Matthew 24, He lists varioussigns of His return. What final sign does Jesus give His disciples that the end is near?“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and thenthe end will come” (Matt. 24:14).The of the will be preached in all the .2. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission andmade a great promise. What was His Great Commission? What was His great promise?“‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of theSon and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I amwith you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matt. 28:19, 20).“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Mein Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).The Great Commission: disciples of all the , them … ,them to observe all things.The great promise: You shall receivewhen thehas come upon you; and you shall beto Me.Jesus’ commission to preach the gospel to the end of the earth is accompanied by Hispromise of power. Everything God asks us to do, He supplies us with the power to do. Hisgrace is always sufficient for the task. His Holy Spirit always empowers those who step outin faith to share His love with others.3. How will God’s work on earth be finished? What promises does God Himself give usabout the finishing of His work?“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).“For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short workupon the earth” (Rom. 9:28).July 2011 | Adventist World 27

God will finish His work by .And it will be cutin righteousness.4. If God is going to finish His work through the mighty outpouring of His Holy Spirit,what role will His people play?“Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain” (Zech. 10:1).“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek theLord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12).God invites us to ask Him for the .In Palestine the early rain fell first to bring the seed to harvest. The latter rain fell to ripenthe harvest and bring it to fruition. Without the latter rain the harvest would languish in thefield. The latter rain was essential for an abundant harvest. Both Old and New Testamentwriters use the symbolism of rain to represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (see Joel2:23-29; James 5:7, 8). The early rain was poured out upon the early church at Pentecost tolaunch the Christian church. The latter rain will be poured out upon God’s remnant at theend time to complete God’s mission on earth.5. The apostle John saw God’s message of last-day truth speedily proclaimed to theends of the earth. Describe each group to whom the message is preached. How completeis this final proclamation?“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to thosewho dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6).God’s message will go to every , , ,and . In other words, to .6. What amazing promise does God make about the final display of His glory?“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab2:14).“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earthwas illuminated with his glory” (Rev. 18:1).The earth will be with the of the of the Lord.What an amazing prediction! The earth will be filled with the glory of God. His people, filledby His Holy Spirit, will both live and proclaim His message of grace and truth. They willreveal His love in their lives and their words. The entire world will see living demonstrationsof God’s grace in the lives of His people. They will hear the message of truth proclaimedfrom lips that are aflame with His love, and hearts that are filled with His grace. This is thetime to seek Him with all our hearts, so that we, too, can be part of this last-day revelationof His character to the world.Our next Bible study willexamine Spirit-filled living.28 Adventist World | July 2011

W rldExchangeEXCHANGE OF IDEASInternationalTheFace Churchof OurThis month areader shares howmission work isvital.Our church is growingso fast internationally!We are reachingmore people for the Lord’swork than ever before, andmy family is proof. We are aninternational “family.” Myhusband and I are both convertsto Adventism. He grewup in a Southeast Asianhome of worshipping Hindus,and I grew up in a legalisticchurch background of another major denomination. We both have come tothe Lord after our struggles as adults from different paths. Adventist doctrinecrossed each of our paths at different times and in different ways.Our great commission as Christians, as found in Mark 16:15 (“Go into allthe world and preach the gospel …”) is how each of us found a more full life inJesus. I thank God that our church is committed to missions, and that we dohave a growing international membership.Jesus sees how all of us are at the moment, and how we can become changedin Him. As Ellen White states: “The world is our field; with a firm hold on Godfor His strength and His grace we may move forward in the pathway of duty, ascolaborers with the Redeemer of the world. Our work is to spread the light oftruth and advance the work of moral reform, to elevate, ennoble, and blesshumanity” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Jan. 2, 1879).The Lord has brought not only my own family but the end-time church toHimself. Missionary work has allowed our family to be brought to the Lord—and brought together. We have a family face that covers a multitude ofnations—my husband and I. This is the face of our church today, and it will bethe face of the glorious church in heaven.—Rebekkah Sax-Gupta, Mesa, Arizona, United States“Behold, I come quickly…”Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ, unitingSeventh-day Adventists everywhere in beliefs,mission, life, and hope.PublisherThe The Adventist World, an an international periodical of ofthe the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The The General Conference,Northern Asia-Pacific Division of of Seventh-day Adventists ® ,® ,is the is the publisher.Executive PublisherBill Bill Knott KnottAssociate PublisherClaude Richli RichliInternational Publishing ManagerChun, Chun, Pyung Duk DukPublishing BoardTed Ted N. N. C. C. Wilson, chair; chair; Benjamin D. D. Schoun, vice vice chair; chair;Bill Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Lisa Beardsley; Daniel R. R. Jackson;Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. G. T. Ng; T. Ng; Daisy Daisy Orion;Juan Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ryan; Ella Ella Simmons; Mark Mark Thomas;Karnik Karnik Doukmetzian, legal legal advisorAdventist World Coordinating CommitteeLee, Lee, Jairyong, chair; chair; Akeri Akeri Suzuki; Kenneth Osborn;Guimo Sung; Sung; Chun, Chun, Pyung Duk; Duk; Han, Han, Suk Suk Hee HeeEditor in in Chief ChiefBill Bill Knott KnottEditors based in in Silver Spring, MarylandLael Lael Caesar, Gerald A. A. Klingbeil (associate editors),Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi,Mark Mark A. A. Kellner, Kimberly Luste Luste Maran, Gina Gina WahlenEditors based in in Seoul, KoreaChun, Chun, Pyung Duk; Duk; Chun, Chun, Jung Jung Kwon; Park, Park, Jan Jae Mae ManOnline EditorCarlos MedleyTechnical CoordinatorMerle PoirierEditor-at-largeMark Mark A. A. Finley FinleySenior AdvisorE. E. Edward Zinke ZinkeExecutive Assistant to to the the EditorRachel J. J. Child ChildEditorial AssistantsMarvene Thorpe-BaptisteAlfredo Garcia-MarenkoReader ServicesMerle PoirierArt Art Direction and and DesignJeff Jeff Dever, Fatima AmeenConsultantsTed Ted N. N. C. C. Wilson, Robert E. E. Lemon, G. G. T. Ng, T. Ng,Guillermo E. E. Biaggi, Lowell C. C. Cooper, Daniel R. R. Jackson,Geoffrey Mbwana, Armando Miranda, Pardon K. K. Mwansa,Michael L. Ryan, L. Ryan, Blasious M. M. Ruguri, Benjamin D. D. Schoun,Ella Ella S. S. Simmons, Alberto C. C. Gulfan, Jr., Jr., Erton Erton Köhler,Jairyong Lee, Lee, Israel Israel Leito, Leito, John John Rathinaraj, Paul Paul S. S. Ratsara,Barry Barry Oliver, Bruno Bruno Vertallier, Gilbert Wari, Wari, Bertil Bertil A. A. WiklanderTo To Writers: We We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Addressall all editorial correspondence to to 12501 Old Old Columbia Pike, Pike,Silver Silver Spring, MD MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial office office fax faxnumber: (301) (301) 680-6638E-mail: worldeditor@gc.adventist.orgWeb Web site: site: www.adventistworld.orgUnless otherwise indicated, all all Bible Bible references are are taken takenfrom from the the New New King King James Version. Copyright © © 1979, 1979, 1980, 1980,1982 1982 by by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Inc. Used Used by by permission. All All rights rightsreserved. Texts Texts credited to to NIV NIV are are from from the the Holy Holy Bible, Bible,New New International Version. Copyright © © 1973, 1973, 1978, 1978, 1984, 1984,International Bible Bible Society. Used Used by by permission of ofZondervan Bible Bible Publishers.Adventist World is published monthly and and printedsimultaneously in in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany,Austria, and and the the United States.Vol. Vol. 7, 7, No.7 No.7Eduardo Solana Jr., Andrew C. July 2011 | Adventist World 29

ThePE PLE ’ SP L A C EQUOTE OF THE MONTH“The truths of the Bible aresimple enough for a child towade in and splash around—yet deep enough for the mostaccomplished diver to neverfully plumb their depths.”—Brad Gorrell, during Sabbath school at theNew Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church inOverland Park, Kansas, United StatesW H E R E I N T H E W O R L D I S T H I S ?Submitted by Annie Wegmuller, FranceJOIN THE CONVERSATIONWe are looking for brief submissions in these categories:Adventist Quotes (profound or spontaneous; heard during worshipservices, for example)Adventist Life (short anecdotes, especially from the world of adults)Family of God (JPEG photos of church members doing communityservice, worshipping, singing, etc.)Please send your submissions to The People’s Place,Adventist World, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; fax: 301-680-6638; e-mail:marank@gc.adventist.org. Please include phone number. Submissions will not be acknowledged.ADVENTIST LIFEThe children’s story eachSabbath at our Tantallon, NovaScotia, church is enjoyed almostas much by the adult audienceas the children seated at thefront of the church. But thestory on February 26, 2011,was better than usual due tothe immediate, amusing, andunexpected response of one ofthe children.In the story the mother suggestedthat her daughter send acard to a nice elderly woman intheir neighborhood as an act ofkindness, but the daughter saidshe didn’t want to. At this pointthe storyteller paused and askedthe children, “And what wouldyour mother say to you?”Without missing a beat, a boyon the front row shouted emphatically(in his mother’s toneof voice), “One, two, three!”—Eileen Moores, Tantallon, NovaScotia, CanadaANSWER: In Nzerekore, Guinea, church workers pose with the new trucks given to ADRA Guinea by the European Adventist Churchcommunity in 1996. All of the vehicles clearly represent the disaster and relief agency, with ADRA right on their license plates!

NOTICE BOARDadvertisementsSan Reunion. Anyone whostarted with either of thetwo classes who graduatedin 1971 and other classesassociated with that grad year,please email ASAP.We are inviting you to our 40thyear reunion.Data projectors, screens,DVDs, PA systems etc. Lowerprices for Adventist churches,schools etc. Australia only.Contact Trish, (02) 6361 3636;or .Receive the Hope Channel and3ABN. Complete satellite kit$265 + freight; prime signal areasin Australia only. Instructionsfor DIY installation. Installersavailable. Phone (02) 6361 3636;Positions vacanTor .Is your Bible falling apart?Have it repaired by a professionalbookbinder—any books, nomatter what the condition, big orsmall. Visit or call Milton on 0438876 467.For Sale: 29ac with 3 b/rm house+office, renovated. Solar hotwater, 1kW solar grid system,40,000L tank water, 9x6 + 13x9sheds, three dams, fruit trees,vegie gardens. Gympie, Qld.$435,000. (07) 4819 9339.Law firm in Sydney. JYP Legalis a law firm run by Adventistchurch member, Jane Park. Areasof law include property, wills andestates and family law. Pleasecall (02) 9267 7171 or email.Next Adventist WorldAugust 13Jordan, Israel, Turkey,Greece, Croatia,Slovenia, ItalyOnly 11 spots remaining! Fourweeks (1.-30.9.11.) Fly to Europeon an unforgettable SpiritualJourney, great scenery, modernand luxury buses, hotels, trustedleadership. The estimated price:$8.800 - includes airfares, hotels,breakfasts and dinners, entryfees, coaches and guides.Contact: Pr. Damir PosavacMobile 0432 593 299damir-posavac@bigpond.comwww.simplesite.com/TheBibleTour2011For more vacant positions, go toMinister to the Torres Strait—Northern Australian Conference is seeking expressions of interest forthe position of minister to the Torres Strait. The role covers a ministry area that extends from Cape Yorkto the Papua New Guinea border. It is a diverse role and the successful applicant will be a self-motivated,energetic person who has a passion to share Jesus and His Word; have cross-cultural experience togetherwith a willingness to learn from others; coordinate ministry on three main islands and follow-up intereststhat exist in other locations; have the relevant boat licences (Coxswain) and the ability to skipper thechurch’s 7.7 metre vessel (if not holding the required licence the prospective candidate must be willing andable to be sponsored to obtain the Coxswain qualification); and be a practical person who also has somemechanical and building maintenance experience. Please email your expression of interest to the ConferencePresident, Pastor David Stojcic, at or phone (07) 4779 3988 for moreinformation.Education finance accountant—North NSW Conference (Newcastle, NSW). This senior financerole provides an opportunity for an experienced accountant to contribute to the mission of the churcheducation system in North NSW. The role reports to the education system business manager and involvesyearend financial reporting, internal auditing, government reporting, tax office compliance, supervision ofpayroll and accounting staff and systems, asset register, and other related functions. Applicants will havewell-developed verbal and written communication skills. Send resume to Angie Robertson, EducationSystem Business Manager, . Applications close July 29, 2011.Customer service representative—Adventist Media Network (Wahroonga, NSW) is seeking acustomer service representative to work with the Discovery Centre ministry. Flexible working arrangementsare available, if necessary, for the right applicant. This is an important position and requires aperson with a broad range of skills. The successful applicant will ideally have skills and experience in:providing friendly, professional, customer service to both online and traditional contacts; be familiar withthe use of Office applications; working in a small team environment with tight deadlines; familiar with useof social networking and online systems; and writing newsletters to supporters. The successful applicantwill hold suitable qualifications, be committed to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and willalso have commitment to quality and service. Applications should be forwarded to Kalvin Dever, BusinessServices Director at Adventist Media Network. Phone (02) 9847 2222 or email .Clinical nurse —Adventist Residential Care (Rossmoyne, WA). A part-time vacancy has opened for asuitably experienced registered nurse to manage the care needs of the aged care residents in our 47 bedlow to high care wing. This rewarding position is available for immediate start. For further informationand an application pack, please contact Clara Koen on (08) 9354 4133 or email . To apply, please submit completed application pack, including your CV, three work-related referees,police clearance, evidence of immunisations and legal right to work in Australia, to Human Resources,Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care (WA) Ltd, 31 Webb Street, Rossmoyne WA 6148 Applicationsclose July 21, 2011.To receive regular email updates go toSouth PACIFICPacificContactinformation foradvertising inAdventist WorldHead of News & Editorial:Pastor Pablo LilloEmail: editor@record.net.auAssistant Editor:Jarrod StackelrothAssistant Editor:Kent KingstonSales & Marketing:Theodora AmuimuiaCopyeditor:Tracey BridcuttGraphic DesignerKym JacksonEmail @ RecordNoticeboard: ads@record.net.auwww.record.net.auMail: Adventist Media NetworkLocked bag 1115Wahroonga, NSW 2076,AustraliaPhone: (02) 9847 2222Fax: (02) 9847 2200ABN 59 093 117 689Note: Neither the editor, Adventist MediaNetwork, nor the Seventh-day AdventistChurch is responsible for the quality ofgoods or services advertised. Publicationdoes not indicate endorsement of a productor service. Advertisements approved bythe editor will be inserted at the followingrates: first 30 words or less, $A60 +GST;each additional word, $A1.98 +GST. Foryour advertisement to appear, paymentmust be enclosed. Classified advertisementsin RECORD are available to SeventhdayAdventist members, churches andinstitutions only. See masthead (above) forcontact details.

Get the latest Adventist news when it happensnow You Can follow us on TwiTTER.com/adventist_newsdownload iRecord. available now on iTunesGET daily news updaTeswaTCH weekly inFocus video newsREad RecoRd beFoRe iT aRRives aT chuRchRECoRd.neT.au|infoCus.oRg.au