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For
Reflection
"Therefore
speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not;
and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
Matthew 13:13
"Jesus
["the prince of teachers"] desired to awaken inquiry...
Christ had truths to present which the people were unprepared
to accept or even to understand. For this reason ... He taught
them in par-ables. By connecting His teaching with the scenes
of life, exper-ience, or nature, He secured their attention
and impressed their hearts." Comment on Matthew 13:13-15,
Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 20, 21.
"The
Revelation was not written without tears; neither without
tears will it be under-stood." Benson
"Despise
not proph-esying [of which par-ables are often a part]. Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess 5:20,
21
"There
is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every
split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan."
C.S. Lewis, Christian Relations, p. 33
"Now
faith is the sub-stance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. ... But without faith it is impossible
to please him: for he who comes to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek
him." Heb 11:1-6
"New
opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without
any other reason but because they are not already common."
John Locke, Essay on Human Understanding. |
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Those
wishing to make a deeper study of issues and Bible teachings
touched upon in the parallels case, check out the websites:-
www.adventistsaffirm.com
www.
3abn.org
www.amazingfacts.org
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Your voice may
be needed
"... the influence of
some of the ministers was against organization [written 1862.
The counsel following obviously also applies to many other
issues of concern, e.g. "the Azaria Chamberlain story
parallels case"], while they professed to be in favor
of it. They were afraid of losing their influence. But someone
must move out and bear responsibility, and venture his influence;
and as the one who has done this has become injured to censure
and blame, he is suffered to bear it. His fellow laborers,
who should stand by his side and take their share of the burden,
are looking on to see how he succeeds in fighting the battle
alone. But God marks his distress, his anguish, his tears,
his discouragement and despair, while his mind is taxed almost
beyond endurance; and when ready to sink, God lifts him up
and points him to the rest for the weary, the reward for the
faithul; and again he puts his shoulder under the heavy burden.
I saw that all will be rewarded as their works shall be. Those
who shun responsibility will meet with loss in the end. The
time for ministers to stand together is when the battle goes
hard." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp.
271, 271.
It is not only ordained pastors
who are called to work for God. God's eternal law is "Love
God supremely, and your neighbour unselfishly." This
law of love now includes the gospel commission. ALL believers
are called to minister to others. Sometimes there are moments
when a believer's call is not understood or recognized by
others. Sometimes that call is recognized all too well, but
fear or pride holds people back, or even leads them to actively
oppose a ministry approved of God. Indeed, how important that
Christians maintain communications with their heavenly Father
and with each other!
Early this week Providence
allowed a little bump to come through to me. I was struggling
with the whole issue of how to view "church organization"
at this time of earth's history, just before the close of
probation. I was on the stretch to help in a church sponsored
Christmas carols program. I was also fighting against time
in the effort to complete sufficient of this website to place
it on the internet before the holiday break (though nobody
really knew that). I decided to give the carols program top
priority. But, when I tried, "wham!" It was an unfortunate
experience, and nobody was to blame - except, I think, some
unrest in my own heart, which caused me to forget the lessons
of past experience and say a "Yes" when I should
have said a "No."
It is not that there was
any problem with the carols program, or its rehearsal. I believe
it was a good witness for Jesus in the community. I was impressed,
attracted and uplifted by much. I was blessed by the social
exchanges. There were some wonderful people there and it was
good to catch up with them. Everything is now fine and largely
forgotten.
But along the way I have
asked God why--when the pastors, I, and all of us were in
good will trying to give of our best--He allowed this happening
to come through to me, so that others could not but notice.
With the facts that are available to me I can only interpret
this personal "bump" as a little reminder from God
that I must not waver in the call He has given me.
Others, too, must be faithful
to their call. But He calls us all differently. We need to
humbly respect that fact, and be ready to encourage and help
each other to hear and be faithful to His leadings, no matter
what.
Vada Kum Yuen 26 December
2005 |
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