Reviewing the. . .World: Traditional edition
4 July 2009
Reviewing the. . .World: Traditional edition
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June, 2009 - Vol. 5, No. 6
GENERAL COMMENTS
Traditional Adventists should find this issue reassuring. It proclaims that Adventists are God's remnant people, according to Daniel and Revelation; that other Christian denominations' theology is flawed to the extent that it is not quite pleasing to God; that Adventists alone are currently guided by “the spirit of prophecy”; and while "many other churches are doing a good work, none is preaching the 'everlasting' or 'final', gospel in the setting of the final judgment-hour message". (ADVENTISTS REAFIRM MISSION FOCUS, reported by Mark A. Kellner and A UNIQUE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT by James R. Nix.)
This kind of self-promotion isn't Christian or biblical and is guaranteed to offend progressive Adventists and members of other Christian denominations. Insufferable exclusiveness holds up to ridicule not just our Church but Christianity in general. In contrast I offer Christ's words.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Mathew 25:34-40
COMMENTS
Allen R. Handysides and Peter N. Landless assure the reader that EXERCISE AT ANY AGE is, in almost all cases, a good thing.
Check out the bloggers from the Denver First Adventist Church at "denverdfirstsda.org". That congregation believes in HIGH TECH FOR HIGH TOUCH, as reported by Roscoe J. Howard III.
YOUNG ADULTS RELENTLESSLY PURSUE CHRIST is an interesting and presumably effective evangelistic program with a creepy title.
Hans Olsen's LEGACY OF FAITH is a financial appeal to build on the foundation of sacrifice and service rendered by Adventist missionaries in Africa.
Angel Manuel Rodriguez answers a HIGHER EDUCATION question, "Were there schools in [ancient] Israel?" "Probably."
Search
- Bill Sorensen on Righteousness—the Fruit of the Spirit
- Bill Sorensen on Righteousness—the Fruit of the Spirit
- Kenneth James on A Short History of Healthcare
- Maggie on Divining the Voice in My Head
- Elaine Nelson on A Short History of Healthcare
- Elaine Nelson on Righteousness—the Fruit of the Spirit
- Andre Reis on More cult video debate: Walter Martin vs. William Johnsson
- Herb Douglass on Righteousness—the Fruit of the Spirit
- Andre Reis on Cult video debate: Walter Martin vs. William Johnsson
- Tom Zwemer on Divining the Voice in My Head
Comments
"This kind of self-promotion isn't Christian or biblical and is guaranteed to offend progressive Adventists and members of other Christian denominations. Insufferable exclusiveness holds up to ridicule not just our Church but Christianity in general. In contrast I offer Christ's words."
An exceedingly bold observation, but telling truth to power! "Who is this guy Andrew anyway?"
Moreover, implied is its offensiveness to God. Exlusivity belongs to God alone. Any such claim by any human institution is blasphemy besides being offensive.
With Paul, let us say: "I know in whom I have believed. And I am pursuaded that He is able!"
The Adventist's response is "Yes but, the final generation is also able; and we are they!" Gross! Tom
Tom, two bits says he's not a denominational employee. Such outspokenness must be contained, and only someone who is "free" dares to speak the truth.
It is blasphemy!!
Andrew, Tom, and Elaine --
Your perseverance and delight in tearing at the Adventist Church is puzzling. Coming from the Sunday churches, such continual activity is usually given the comment . . . "Get a life."
From Ellen White . . . "Mild measures, soft answers, and pleasant words are much better fitted to reform and save, than severity and harshness."
From Jesus . . . "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye."
I would challenge Spectrumites to remove planks . . .
Jody ;)
Jody,
I am sure Elaine and Tom would not be doing what they are doing if they were not in love with the church. Therefore, what they are really doing is removing our own planks, not someone else's specks. And, it would appear, the SDA church is all planked out from the real world, therefore we should be praying for more like them!
If one's faith is fast and secure, (s)he should welcome questions rather than condemning them. The inability to answer questions or explain, scripturarlly one's belief, only demonstrates either fear or the inability to defend one's faith or that is extremely weak.
I read these articles and emailed Adventist World on the arrogance of publishing articles like these. I received a polite, "thank you for your email" response. We need to let the publishers know that this isn't acceptable. I encourage people that feel this is NOT part of what SDAs believe to email the magazine and let them know.
Corporately is this really what is believed? Please tell me it ain't so.
If so they haven't worshipped with the people I have. Tom, I'm going to copy you and tell a story. . .
My 12 year old daughter attends a non-denominational christian school. This last winter they held several prayer meetings at 4pm on Sundays. On our way home from skiing one day, I reminded my husband of that fact and we pulled in to join them right off the slopes. We arrived expecting to stay for about 30-45 minutes. Well, 2 hours later we left (starving I must say) after praying for every single student that was in the school, all teachers, and for specific requests for some grades that were experiencing difficulty. I left humbled and in awe of worshipping with fellow believers who are certainly a part of the remnant church --- those who are followers of Jesus Christ.
My daughter has attended both SDA and Nondenominational schools. Last year without prompting her she said, "Mom, I think this is the school that loves Jesus the most."
Bonnie
Great Story, Great Lesson, Great Truth. Tom
After reading Andrew's comments, I reread Blanced Christianity by John R. W. Stott InterVarsity Press. 1975
His Preface is only 23 words: "My concern is to draw attention to one of the great tragedies of contemporary Christendom....In a single word, This tragedy is Polarization." On page 8 he quotes Richard Baxter:
In essentials unity,
In non-essentials liberty,
In all things charity.
It should be the MastHead of the Review. At least Ministry Mag. makes some effort.
Tom
Well put, Tom. However, I wouldn't hold my breath with the Review.
Thanks...
Frank
Reality check>>>
8 got on the ark
Only 3 did not bow to the golden statue
Elijah and 7000 were loyal to God
Gideon ended up with 300 out of 32,000
Humans are deceived, law trashing, God hating, rebellious criminals (Jer 17:9/Rom 8:7)
If any reader here still supports the 4th commandemnt validity, then do you realize that 99% of Christianity is deceived? If 99% of Christianity are deceived, what percentage of SDA are deceived?
God will put people where the belong at the judgment.
The main SDA institutional hangup is its homiletical approach>>>>needs oriented.
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