IAUA End Time Ministry
Preparing for the End of Time
The Lord is Coming! Are you ready?
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Preparing for the End of Time | |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in
IAUA (ee-ah-oo-ah) our Father,
Greetings on this day of preparation for the weekly Sabbath. I pray this newsletter finds you in good health and happy in the service of IAUA. This is the 5th day of the 4th month of God's Sacred Calendar in the estimated year 6017 Anno Mundi. The fall Holy Day season begins with Trumpets Sabbath in 12 weeks and 1 day on the evening of the 1st day of the 7th month (Sabbath, September 7th on the 2013, Gregorian Calendar, at sunset on Friday, September 6th). The Sacred month begins on the world day after lunar conjunction and the sacred year begins with the Spring Passover Rule dates my research, and others, has determined for the Gregorian Calendar dates of God's Sacred Calendar. Those who follow the Millerite Calendar (Spring New Moon Rule) will be observing the Holy Days a month later this year. The Jewish Calculated Rabbinical Calendar is two days early in the fall this year.
An excerpt from an extremely interesting ongoing discussion at the E-ventist Network discussion group on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&gid=68072&type=member&item=246152813 Rev. Jan Michael Nace, ThD • What is the Biblical basis for the Adventist policy of not allowing non-Adventists to preach sermons in their churches?
Frank T. Clark • I don't think it is actually "policy". If it is, then it is not faithfully followed. I know personally of many non-Adventists who are allowed to present/preach "sermons" when they are "darlings" of the pastor. I could tell you many horror stories of people allowed to "preach" who were not even proper "Christians" and shortly afterwards practiced severely improper activities. Therefore, I believe it is highly appropriate to attempt to preserve the value of a message presented from the pulpit by reserving it for those who preach and practice the high ideals of all truth. However, I also believe there is a Biblical basis for such a policy. It takes a deep careful study but it begins with this verse: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20 I have studied and pondered a deep understanding of this verse and others. We do need to be careful to avoid judgment, delusion, or a self-righteous attitude. There are a wide range of understandings and beliefs but a certain basic can be expected.
Rev. Jan Michael Nace, ThD • I am pleased to read your comments, as my experience has been limited to Western NY on this issue. Personally I have no longing to preach in an Adventist pulpit as I am in fulltime ministry elsewhere. It is more a matter of churches in this area have had no Pastor for nearly 2 years and are floundering for pulpit supply and my burden for the flocks to have quality and accurate Biblical messages led me to make myself available twice with no results. Your answer concludes my need for a discussion. Biblically,much could be said when it comes to a standard for pulpit ministry. Your Isaiah quote is one. I would also mention Acts 2:42. The church is built on both the apostles and the prophets. Eph 2:20. This would not exclude the non-Adventists however preaching in pulpits, as the true church is a family of all saved by grace, with different levels of understanding.
Pastor Mock • Frank thank you for your response which I believe is true of any denomination, Walter.
Frank T. Clark • It is sad to see churches without a pastor or a strong local elder to provide a weekly message. I believe there is far too strong a dependency on approved "clergy". There needs to be a more active involvement on the part of "lay" people. I actually detest those words because it creates an artificial separation within the priesthood of the believer. Your concern for quality and accuracy is valid. Unfortunately, I have seen too many "pastors" who have serious gaps or flaws in some of their basic understandings. Believers in general are far too ignorant of Bible truth. There is a serious need of deep commitment to Biblical study to continue to grow in truth. Far too many are satisfied with far too little. I am reminded of the message for the spiritual condition of the Laodiceans. Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: This is why I would support requiring at least Adventist membership to qualify for presenting a weekly message. There is, however, an important warning in the Bible about laying too heavy a burden on new believers. I won't take the time to look it up right now to quote, which I typically love to do. NOTHING is more satisfying than a quote directly from the Bible. I firmly believe there is an important distinctive nature to the Adventist understanding of truth beyond other denominations. We do not have ALL truth yet, I know far too well having studied deeply beyond denominational bounds. Yes, there is even some error but I have not found any significant organized group which is more advanced. All have some error, which is probably to be expected in any organization as they are all limited by common agreement between different levels of understanding and studies.
Pastor Mock • Frank, What is an important distinctive nature to the Adventist understanding of truth beyond other denominations? You stated and I agree We do not have ALL truth yet, but what is the important distinctive nature that makes Adventist special (for lack of words).
Ron Nickerson • Serving 4 churches in New England I know the value of strong lay elders! But..I also know the danger of even lay Adventist extremism and am careful who I allow in the pulpit. I have been burnt before by extremism and guard closely the pulpit. There are also several Christian pastors of the denominations that I respect and hold as brothers that share many similar views and, knowing our differences, would honor those bounderies if they spoke from our pulpit. We have hosted different interfaith events at our church and I have not always been the speaker. In each case a massage was presented that would meet our biblical understanding. I have also spoken many times in other churches from Episcopal to even Catholic churches by invitation. I find the important thing is to be true to the SDA understanding of Biblical principals.
Pastor Mock • THANK YOU RON!! I appreciate and agree with what you have stated 100% for I believe the same as what you have stated.Everyu denomination has its "extremist." The key word I believe is not denomination but as you have stated "respect" which is what we should all do. Whatever the denomination we are invited to we must respect and understand where they are not what our agenda is. God bless you Ron. Your brother in Christ, Walter.
Frank T. Clark • Walter, DEEP subject... :-) There are several things so let me try to decipher which are some of the most significant/important in MY view. I have pondered this subject extensively during my spiritual growth in the last ten years. "To the law..." 1. Weekly Sabbath obedience/observance though it is shared by some others. 2. Partial obedience/observance of the Law of Moses (unclean meat, tithe, ...) though SDA are vastly outdone by the Jewish/Messianic communities which are in apostasy because of traditional corruption. (I was seriously tempted to consider the Messianic community during my development.) "To the testimony (Prophecy)..." 1. A historical belief in New Light from God's Law (though it has crumbled as discussed heavily in a previous discussion on the SDA movement). 2. A deeper understanding and proclamation of the Three Angel's Message. I also view the documented work of EG White as surpassing the evidence of any other recent prophet in indicating the special work of God through the SDA denomination. This does not mean God does not work through others for He certainly does. Many disagree but this is my view.
What I consider most distinctive in my personal view is heavily influenced by my studies and my ministry. What do you consider distinctive about your faith and beliefs? I pray we may all continue to seek love, peace, and unity in truth preparing for the soon coming of IAUShUO (ee-ah-oo-shoo-oh) Messiah, the Son of God.
Frank T. Clark Next: 2013-06-21 Sabbath Truth |
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Revised 2013-06-21 |