Posts Tagged ‘Adventism’
January 1st, 2009 | 
Author: 
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
Paul is the chief proponent in the Scriptures for Righteousness by faith. He tells us we are saved by grace, through faith; not of works lest any one should boast. But, notice what he says in Romans 10:10. He says that we can be assured that we have eternal life if we believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. But, he prefaces that statement with, “if you confess with your mouth…”
In verse 10, he reiterates his point by using biblical parallelism. He repeats the same concept, but inverts and rephrases it. As disciples, we need to consider which of the two appears to be optional; the belief that resides in your heart, or the confession that flows from your mouth?
Clearly, Paul states that we must believe in Jesus AND confess that Jesus is Lord! There is no ambiguity. We have to know Him and share Him.
This is not, contrary to what some would have you to believe, Adventist legalism; the notion that we have to “work” for our salvation. Paul says much about being saved by grace. In fact, there are over 200 verses where He makes that clear.
But, there are over 500 verses where God says that He expects us to obey Him. Jesus himself said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Does the bible offer two ways to salvation?
A key contribution to the Christian world by Seventh-day Adventists is not the Sabbath. Rather, it is the ability to reconcile Law and Grace. Admittedly however, there is confusion within Adventists themselves. And, the confusion grows exponentially between Adventists and other Christian denominations.
Generally speaking, on the left side, the “liberal” side, you have some who look down their nose to those on the right and say, “Oh, look at those legalists.” Conversely, on the right side, the “fundamental” side, you have those who look down their nose and say, “Oh, look at those liberals. They are choosing to disobey. They don’t look right. They don’t dress right, or eat right.”
To be honest, even amongst the internal ranks of Adventistism, no one has been able to solve this dilemma. But oddly, it is the Adventist people with the answer.
Remember, Numbers 32:23 says, “…you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”
Why doesn’t it say sins, in plural? Because when it comes to the judgment, there is but one ultimate sin. We are either saved by grace, and under the blood banner of Christ. Or, we are self-reliant and clinging to our own righteousness.
In heaven, Lucifer said to God, “you can make all the rules you want to, but I will look them over and decide the ones I keep.” Clearly, ‘self’ was on the throne in Satan’s heart. He even boasted that he would exalt his throne above the stars.
Consider the experience of Eve, in the garden. As she engages in conversation with Satan, she allows her inner self to deliberate upon God’s word. Genesis 3:6 says “…She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.”
Eve’s sin was not taking the bite of the apple. That was simply the forensic evidence that sin had indeed occurred. Rather, Eve’s sin was deciding to take the bite. She excluded God from the thinking process, and thus all mankind found itself in a twelve foot hole with a six foot ladder.
Some people think the issue is that they have committed a great many sins. So, they confess their sins and offer their penance to counter balance their transgressions. But, in God’s eyes, there is just one sin that separates us from God. It occurs when we say to Him, “Yes Lord, I heard you. But, I think…”
But, I think…
That momentary malfunction that so many of us do, which is to exalt our own judgment and self-righteousness above God, leaves a trail of sin bread crumb throughout our entire lives. The consequences of these sins become the forensic evidence of the condition of the sin in our hearts. The forensic evidence that we have accepted Jesus as our Savior is when we allow Him to be our Lord, and stop arguing with Him.
Obedience is not a requirement for salvation. But, it is a telltale sign that we are connected to Christ. Our obedience and our willingness to do God’s will is evidence of our relationship with Christ Jesus.
1 John 2:3-5 (NLT)
And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
The purpose of God asking for our obedience is not to impress Him. Rather, it is merely to allow ourselves to discover the level of our own hypocrisy. Thus, as Paul states clearly, if you want to be saved, believe in Jesus. But, you will not really believe you are saved until you hear yourself say it and testify to it. Thus, if you don’t hear yourself saying it, perhaps it’s because you don’t really believe it.
Posted in Devotionals | 
Tags: Adventism, Christian, Discipleship, Sermons, Testimonies | 
No Comments »
An article in the blogosphere, written by Steve Parker, asks if we, Seventh-day Adventists, are the only members of the Remnant church, the elite group of individuals that God has chosen for the last days. In it, Parker offers a contemporary adaptation to the Bible story found in Luke 18: 9-14.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to church to pray. One was a Seventh-day Adventist, and the other was a non-Adventist Christian. The Seventh-day Adventist stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a Christian like everyone else. For I am part of the remnant that believes in the seventh-day Sabbath and has Ellen White as a prophet. I’m certainly not like that non-Adventist Christian. I keep the Sabbath, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
“But the non-Adventist Christian stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Seventh-day Adventist, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
One reader of the article responded by saying, in part, “…I sense need of caution here…If there is nothing special about our faith, what’s the point of even being a [Seventh-day Adventist]? What do we have to offer? I believe there is much to value about our message, yet struggle with how it is often delivered by ‘the faithful’.”
As an elder of this congregation, and a leader of one of our community outreach ministries, I also struggle at times with how our message is delivered. It’s the age old battle between the “liberals” and the “fundamentalists” that keeps this point of contention brewing in perpetuity. When frustrated by the argument, and/or the attacks from those that disagree with my efforts, and those of my local church to reach out to the community and share Him where they are, I remind myself of the words of Paul, in Romans 14:1 (NLT)
“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.”
Pastor Shawn Brace, in his response to the article, offers an ideal conclusion.
“There is no room at all for denominational arrogance. Any type of grace that God bestows on us should be received with humility and love…I believe, [that as Seventh-day Adventists] God has blessed us with a tremendous opportunity to not only herald the fourth commandment and the three angel’s messages, but to be the epitome of love.”
Posted in Commentary |
Tags: Adventism, Christianity, Discipleship, Seventh-day Adventists |
No Comments »
Having just started listening to the Book of John, I am moved by the Spirit to once again acknowledge and proclaim that it’s ALL about Jesus! Nothing in this life matters above our call to know, love, and accept the grace and mercy of Him, our Savior.
I recall in my early and first experience in the Adventist faith, I was taught primarily about the laws and proper code of conduct for disciples through the teaching of Ellen G. White. Many, who have come to know me today, believe me to be anti-law, and anti-Ellen White. While I would disagree with that connotation on so many levels, I would agree that I am first and foremost all about Jesus.
And what’s wrong with that?
Nothing. Even Ms. White herself wrote: “This hypocrisy [of the Pharisees] Christ declared would bring them the greater damnation. The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a high profession of piety. Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming purity, and thus for a time deceive their fellow men. But they cannot deceive God.”— Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 614.
Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against the yeast, or deceptive teaching of the religious leaders of the day. I believe the same can be said or us in this time. I recall a bible study lesson that I gave recently where one of the discussion questions was as follows:
Whatever we might have to say about the Pharisees, one point we shouldn’t forget. They were members of God’s remnant church, the elite of the only faith in the world that had present truth. What’s the message, and warning, for us in that fact?
I believe that occasionally, some Adventists adopt an attitude and behavior that can only be described as “holier than thou.” Because of their claim to the fullness of truth that the Adventist faith offers, some fall into the trap of hypocrisy. Their outward demeanor and interactions, or lack thereof, with others screams out load with their disdain for anything that is inconsistent with their understanding of the truth. And, they wear their disdain with honor, like the Pharisees wore their long robes with the extra long tassels.
They pay their tithes to the penny, but neglect to volunteer for community service, or social outreach. They claim enlightenment of healthful living and a vegan lifestyle as a manifestation of their faith. Yet, they’ll eat a cow when no one is looking. Or, they lie in waiting for a newcomer to visit, telling them to do this, or do that, but not this, or not that, in order to make disciples of ideals rather than Jesus. And the newcomers listen because these hypocrites appear righteous. But, on the inside they are full of selfish ambition and greed for attention.
The message, the warning for all of us is to remember that regardless of our station in life, or our current understanding of the truth we’ve been allowed to have, we are all the same; sinful, and unworthy of the gift we have in Jesus.
And, in the end, that’s why it’s all about Jesus.
Posted in Testimonies |
Tags: Adventism, Christian, Discipleship, Ellen G White, Testimonies, The Bible Experience, Thoughts |
1 Comment »
When I lead a discussion during Sabbath School, I find a sense of ‘encouragement,’ for lack of a better word, when the sermon that follows continues upon the same theme. One might assume that this would be a frequent occurrence. But, on the contrary, it is not always the case.
The pastor prepares his sermons well in advance. Due to the fact that he has three church congregations, sits on no less than six New Jersey Conference level committees, and holds a departmental position, he is in a word, busy! Thus, he trusts his congregation leaders to fulfill their missions. As such, he is not aware from one week to the next what we are studying in Sabbath School. So, when the occasion arises where his sermon and the Sabbath School lesson are “in synch,” it is a very strong blessing to all of us in attendance that can only be considered from God.
Recently, I submitted a post entitled, “They Just Don’t Get It.” There within, I attempted to acknowledge that our salvation has nothing to do with our ability to behave in a certain manner. Rather, our salvation is a gift, which is everything we base our hopes upon. That said, even though we accept the gift of salvation, we are called to live a changed life; a life that reflects our love for Jesus and accepting the truth that He shares with us.
This past weekend, once again, my pastor’s sermon and I were “in synch.” Specifically, consider the words of Paul in Philippians 3:12-14:
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul emphasizes that he doesn’t consider himself to have been “saved.” Rather, he considers himself called to a responsibility to “press toward the goal” of the prize. The prize is of course the crown of heaven. He is NOT saying that he has to work for his prize. Rather, he is saying that he is always striving to be like Christ and thus completely live his life fully for Him. In short, it’s a mindset that we, as Christians, should adapt: to model our lives to be like Christ.
In Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
My pastor, Mike Gill, said this past Sabbath, “We can’t think of ourselves of having made it yet. Oh, we can have confidence that God will finish the work he has begun in us. Because we are saved by grace, through faith and not of ourselves but through a gift of God, we can trust in the gift giver…Paul has no trust that he has reached a level of perfection that is worthy of Heaven’s approval. [Rather, he] trusts that those justified in the Father’s sight are seen as perfect solely based on the merits of Christ.
“There is always room for growth in all of us.”
The following is provided by my friend, Elder, and Youth leader of my home church, J.R. Bonilla:
…a Seventh-day Adventist Christian; that is a question that is raging in debates all across the world in chat rooms and the blogosphere. Many join the faith each year. And yet, many leave the faith as well. Why? That too, is a question that is frequently argued and I don’t pretend to have the answer. Rather, as a former Seventh-day Adventist that is once again a Seventh-day Adventist, I find solace in knowing the true source of my Christian faith.
For starters:
I agree with all the non-Adventists and ex-Adventists out there that say true Christianity is not about a bunch of rules and regulations.
I agree with all the non-Adventists and ex-Adventists out there that say keeping/observing the Sabbath is not the criteria for going to heaven.
I agree with all the non-Adventists and ex-Adventists out there that say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with worshipping on Sunday, or any other given day of the week.
I agree with all the non-Adventists and ex-Adventists out there that say that Jesus, and He alone, is the basis for Christian living.
I agree with all the non-Adventists and ex-Adventists out there that say that Adventism doesn’t save anyone!
So, how can I be a Seventh-day Adventist?
It’s simple.
The true source of my faith is Christ. And, I find Christ in the Seventh-day Adventist church. It is true that Adventism doesn’t save us. Christ saves us. Adventism is a manner in which we respond, and a manner in which we choose to live our lives in response to the truth of Him and the truth in which he has shared Himself with us. And while Adventism teaches health and modesty, one’s lack of health or lack of modesty has no bearing on their ability to claim Christ as their Lord and Savior.
When I first became a Christian and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist faith as a 19 year old “kid”, I quickly became discouraged by the “legalism” that was presented by some followers. I can clearly recall the day I met Elder Charles Jenkins of the Ebenezer SDA church in Philadelphia, PA. He taught me many things, mostly about Revelations and the Book of Daniel. After my baptism, he pulled me to the side and said, “Just live your life as Jesus would have you to live it and everything else will take care of itself.” I thought, ‘Okay. No problem.’
Soon, Elder Jenkins became Pastor Jenkins of a different congregation. Still, I attended Ebenezer each and every week. I attended bible study during the week at least every other week. And yet, the more I tried to integrate myself into the church, to be filled up in the community of the church, the more I felt like an outsider and unworthy of the church.
On Sabbath mornings at each worship hour, we began with a recital of the Fourth Commandment. Moreover, I was told to “do this” or to “not do this.” I remember overhearing women talk about other women that had forgotten to take off their jewelry before church. Yet, some of those women had failed to realize that their own pierced earlobes showed the evidence that they were being hypocritical. The men were no better, often jockeying and politicking for position in the church hierarchy.
Now to be fair, I’m making broad generalizations. I’m sure there were individuals in the church that would not fall within my characterizations. But, here’s the thing. I never met them. I was a new member of the church and I felt all alone. Still, I tried to be a good Christian. Or, more accurately, I tried to be a good Seventh-day Adventist Christian.
One evening at bible study and prayer meeting, one church member prayed and asked God to protect the church from a class of people she called, “college educated fools.” Well, suffice to say, I had enough. I ran from that church and my Seventh-day Adventist religion as fast as my legs could take me.
And, not a single person came looking for me.
Legalism ran me out of the church. Indifference kept me out of the church. Christ brought me back. And, He alone keeps me and sustains me.
There will always be members of any church and congregation, including mine, that have an opinion and/or conviction of what is right or wrong in *your* life. They’re main focus will always be outward facing, as opposed to inward facing into their own lives.
So, as for me, the Holy Spirit dwells within me. I keep my focus on the Holy Spirit and learn to follow. Sometimes, I still move a bit too fast and get ahead of the hand of God. But, I remain forever thankful that the Holy Spirit is with me to teach me, to guide me, to scorn me if necessary, and to prepare me to meet Jesus.
What difference does it make that someone might take it upon them self to “purify” the hearts and minds of everyone else, excluding them self. That very act is blasphemous because it is only Jesus that can purify hearts and minds.
So, therefore, ask yourself another question. What is their motivation for pursuing a legalistic “sledgehammer evangelism?” Could it be to prove to them self how pious, pure, and more evolved as a Christian they believe themselves to be?
Hmmm…
James 3: 13 (NKJV) – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
James 3: 17 (NKJV) – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Why do I stay a Seventh-day Adventist?
Because I love Jesus and I refuse to allow a few, misguided souls determine for me how I should respond to Him, who saves me.