07/2020 This One Fear Page 12 Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled Page 20 Raising Children Is Scary! Page 24
The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS
The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS 10 Good News for the Thief, Great News for Us Alejandro Bullón
12 This One Fear
16 Winner Takes All
Gerald A. Klingbeil
Lael Caesar
15 Millennial Voices Love, Fear, and Hard Conversations Lynette Allcock 18 Global View Through the Fire Ted N. C. Wilson 20 Devotional Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled Elizabeth Viera Talbot 22 Spirit of Prophecy Courage in Mission Ellen G. White 24 Faith in Action Raising Children Is Scary! Clair and John Sanches
26 Bible Questions Answered Where Is God? 27 Health & Wellness Heart Palpitations 28 May I Tell You a Story The Boatman’s Choir 30 Growing Faith Who’s Afraid? Not Me!
Swan Dive BY BILL KNOTT
High on a windswept hill stood an old and weathered barn. For most of the year, it sheltered cattle against ice and snow, stored grain and feed, and harbored the old tools required to run a hardscrabble farm. But for several glorious weeks each July, the old barn was a place of unparalleled joy for my brothers and me as we reveled in the sweet aromas of new-mown hay piled in the hayloft for winter use. Once my father had carefully searched the haymow for anything dangerous, we would climb the rickety ladder to a high beam, stare down at the mound of luxuriant new hay, and leap off into the softest of landings. At least my brothers did. They were naturally graceful boys— lithe and well-coordinated—and their soaring swan dives into the timothy and clover seemed works of art. Eager to not be outdone, I leaped from the high beam just as I had seen them do. Thwack! Through some ungainly twist in my descent, my knees had come in jarring contact with my jaw. I sat in the aromatic hay, rubbing my chin, and brushing away tears of real pain and wounded pride. This unexpected ending repeated itself each time I leaped, no matter how I adjusted my body, calculated my lean, or extended my arms. Up the ladder, across the beam, gathering myself for the perfect leap—then thwack! More disbelief that I could fail again; more tears to moisten the drying hay. Each life experience will teach us lessons. Leaping into the haymow taught me persistence. My Yankee ancestors knew the creed: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” And so I did again, again. Repeated hard landings and recurring pain are what we humans deeply fear. As individuals and as groups, we wince at what we’re sure will come—the “inevitable” failure; the repeated “No” to our requests; the gathering impression that we seem too weak, too awkward to complete our mission or find true joy. Fear is the aggregate of all our wounds, speaking hoarsely in our ears: “Don’t risk. Content yourself with smaller dreams.” But to each heart in love with God, there comes a whisper: “Try again. Climb up again. Those who finally soar have fallen many times.” Individuals; prayer groups; entire congregations; evangelistic ministries; indeed, the whole of this global end-time movement must hear the heavenly encouragement that helps us face our fears and summon the success only heaven can guarantee. So, once more to the ladder, friends . . . The church I want to belong to is . . . fearless.
We believe in the power of prayer, and we welcome prayer requests that can be shared at our weekly staff worship every Wednesday morning. Send your requests to prayer@adventistworld.org, and pray for us as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.
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News Moment
A woman smiles on her way home after collecting a food bag at an ADRA distribution point in Zimbabwe in late April 2020. In partnership with the World Food Programme and in the midst of a nationwide lockdown, ADRA staff and volunteers kept working to feed people in need. Photo: Kudzai Tinago Tigzozo, ADRA Zimbabwe
AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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News in Brief
Eat, Pray, Wash Share of U.S. residents who said they have done the following because of COVID-19 Survey of 2,436 U.S. residents, March 10-12, 2020 Source: University of Southern California
85%
80M 80% 75%
—Juan Prestol-Puesán, Adventist Church treasurer, commenting on a recent discussion at the General Conference Spring Meeting of the world church’s Executive Committee. The committee heard reports from various world divisions on measures being taken to address noncompliance in the areas of finance and governance. Prestol-Puesán emphasized that church leaders consider these governance policies both crucial and best practices.
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65% 61%
60% 55% 50%
50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25%
25% 22%
15% 10% 7% Worn a facemask
Stockpiled food and water
Avoided restaurants
20%
Prayed
The number of international university students cared for by Adventist young people in Australia. Some international students have not been able to travel home to their own countries, and the local government does not provide any financial support for them. Every Wednesday young people involved with South Australia Youth Ministries (SAYM) have been gathering to collect food to be sent out to an international dormitory in Adelaide, home to mostly doctoral students.
70%
Washed hands or used hand sanitizer more frequently
80
80M 85%
Engaged in social distancing
“The problem is not that we don’t have the policies, but that we’re not adhering to all of them.”
5%
3,654 The number of days Daniel R. Jackson served as president of the North American Division prior to his retirement on July 1, 2020. Jackson was elected on June 28, 2010, at the General Conference Session in Atlanta and was returned to office five years later in San Antonio. During his career, Jackson has served the church as pastor, teacher, and administrator. Jackson and his wife, Donna, anticipate enjoying more time with their three children and four grandchildren.
“Keeping your marriage healthy during the COVID-19 quarantine needs to be a high priority for all couples.” —Willie and Elaine Oliver, Adventist world church Family Ministry directors, in an article offering tips on guarding and improving marriage relationships when couples are spending large amounts of time together at home. The Olivers suggest, among other things, being kind, keeping a positive attitude, asking the other person what he or she needs, taking breaks from each other, forgiving quickly, prayer, and reaching out for help if necessary.
News in Brief
“Maybe there are those who have some specific need and somehow you can encourage them. You can at least call them on the phone and give them a word of encouragement.” —Ted N. C. Wilson, president of the Adventist world church, in a video message to Adventist members.
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“Countless men, women, and children continue to live each day with the fear of violence or harassment simply because they choose to stay true to their deeply held convictions.” —Ganoune Diop, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) for the Adventist world church. Diop made the comment in response to a survey by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent watchdog agency that helps inform United States foreign policy. While the report pointed to improvements in religious freedom protections made recently by some governments, it also noted a sharp deterioration in the status of religious minorities in other areas of the world.
The number of tons of supplementary food and cleaning supplies distributed to low-income households in Pakistan by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) during the pandemic. In other areas of Asia, more than 11,400 daily wage workers affected by the lockdown received cash transfers from ADRA. In Thailand, nearly 1,500 people in nine refugee camps received hygiene kits. In Cambodia, ADRA provided personal protective equipment and medical supplies to more than 80 health centers and hospitals. ADRA is actively responding to needs caused by the pandemic in many other countries, including Kenya.
Photo: ADRA International AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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News in Depth
How an Adventist Retirement Home Managed to Stay COVID-19-free in Italy
Facility director credits God and the team’s strict measures for their positive results.
By Marcos Paseggi, Adventist World
Among hundreds of people sick and dead, a high-risk retirement home managed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Italy has stayed COVID-19-free during the pandemic. Casa Mia, a facility that is home to nearly 90 seniors in Forlì, in Emilia-Romagna, effectively walled off the novel coronavirus and protected residents, staff, and volunteers, acknowledged its director, Fabian Nikolaus. “So far we have had zero suspected cases and zero positive cases of COVID-19,” Nikolaus wrote in a letter sent to the residents’ families. “This includes not only our senior residents but our staff. We thank God first, but also the high sense of responsibility every Casa Mia stakeholder has shown.” AN EARLY START
In early February 2020, COVID-19 was still a problem in faraway China and didn’t seem a big issue for Italy. According to major media outlets, the first case was recorded in Italy only on February 21. A week earlier,
however, Nikolaus had decided to put Casa Mia on lockdown. “We were pressured by the local government not to do it,” Nikolaus recalled. “They questioned the measure, telling us we were not authorized to go into lockdown.” By the time the local government changed its course and decided to go into lockdown on March 4, it was too late—the virus was already inside most retirement homes. “I can only say that God inspired us to do what we did,” Nikolaus acknowledged. “As we stayed safe inside, we could sense outside the situation was chaotic. You could hear the ambulance sirens going off nonstop.” Casa Mia soon became an exception across the city (population 120,000), which boasts 15 senior homes with about 1,200 beds. As the virus got inside fragile-care facilities it had a devastating effect, according to local news outlets. Many could not be saved, but seniors and staff at the Adventist-managed facility stayed safe.
Staff and residents of the Casa Mia retirement home in Forlì, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, pose for a group picture.
July 2020 AdventistWorld.org
ADVENTISTS SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Italy has not stayed idle during the pandemic. In early April, through its social work network, the church managed to purchase 5,000 N95 masks from Hong Kong. Masks were distributed primarily to health-care workers across the city. “We understood right away that it was essential to support and protect our health practitioners,” said Adventist Social Work coordinator Giuseppe Cupertino. Marco Ragazzini, secretary of the Italian General Practitioners Federation in the province, accepted the protective equipment on behalf of his colleagues. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. Back in Forlì, Nikolaus said his team will keep doing the best they can to stay safe as they wait for better days. “We are confident that God will continue to protect us and enlighten us in making wise, timely, and correct decisions,” he said. With additional information from Hope Media Italia.
Photo: Casa Mia 6
“The hygiene, disinfection, and even confinement measures that the staff of Casa Mia applied to minimize the chances that the virus can reach the people are stringent,” Nikolaus said. “Some of these measures can be inconvenient for interpersonal relationships between patients and family members. But even though at first some thought those measures too exaggerated, we had the well-being of our seniors as our priority.”
News in Depth
Renowned Educator and Scholar Werner Vyhmeister Passes to His Rest
He is credited with the development of Adventist theological education around the world.
By Marcos Paseggi, Adventist World
Werner Vyhmeister, a renowned educator and scholar whose service to the Adventist Church spanned almost seven decades in several continents, passed to his rest in California, United States, on March 21, 2020. He was 88. Remembered for his warm smile and calm but firm demeanor, Vyhmeister enjoyed a fruitful life that took him from his native Chile to Argentina, to the United States, and around the world. In those and other places he spearheaded the development of Adventist graduate theological education in ways that have resulted in lasting benefits to the mission of the church. FIRST STEPS
Werner Vyhmeister was born on September 5, 1931, in Los Angeles, Chile. His maternal grandfather was one of two colporteurs who first brought the Adventist message to that country. After high school Vyhmeister studied theology and then earned a master’s degree in history and geography. He worked as a church pastor, then as a professor and general vice president of Colegio Adventista de Chile. In 1959, Vyhmeister married Nancy Weber in Argentina. In 1966, the family went to the United States to study. They returned to Argentina in 1968, where Vhymeister served as the dean of theology at River Plate Adventist College, and later as education director for the South American Division. A MISSIONARY EVERYWHERE
In 1975, Vyhmeister accepted an invitation to Andrews University to teach in the Seventh-day Adventist
The Vyhmeisters with a group of church leaders in Africa. Werner is credited with the expansion of Adventist graduate theological education on several continents. Photo: courtesy of the Vyhmeister family
Theological Seminary. While there, he saw that there was a problem with centralizing all graduate theological education in one place. This set him to thinking and planning for alternative forms of education in the students’ home divisions. The first version of this was the Seminario Adventista Latinoamericano de Teología, based in South America. The model was to keep the students close to home and maintain their employment while moving the faculty around to teach them. It proved so successful that it was later adapted and used in Inter-America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In 1984, Werner and Nancy were called to work in the Philippines. While there, the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), the international graduate school for the region, was created. Afterward, they returned to Andrews, where Werner served as dean of the Theological Seminary. A UNIQUE STYLE OF LEADERSHIP
Friends and colleagues remembered Vyhmeister for his commit-
ment to excellence and mission. They also point out his warm qualities as a person and his appealing style of leadership. Walla Walla University president John McVay, who served under Vyhmeister at Andrews University, said he always felt treated with respect and trust. “I was blessed by his amazing brand of leadership, without ego entanglement,” McVay said. Julio Tabuenca, a pastor in California who knows the Vyhmeisters from his youth in Argentina, concurred. “He always showed a willing spirit, willing to serve in any capacity.” AN ACTIVE RETIREMENT
In June 2000, Vyhmeister retired from full-time educational work, and he and Nancy moved to California. He stayed active in his local church, however, and frequently traveled to teach on three continents. After a brief bout with pneumonia, Vyhmeister fell asleep in Jesus, awaiting the resurrection. He is survived by his wife, two children, several grandchildren, and five siblings. AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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News Focus Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD)
1,587,477 “I appreciate what some of The membership of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) as of June 30, 2019
1,477 The number of young people registered as initial members of “100 Days of Prayer” when it launched in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division on March 26, 2020. More than 70 percent of participants were under the age of 30. 100 Days of Prayer is an initiative of the world church to let its members experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, revival in mission, and, for this season especially, protection and an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
our department directors are promoting, encouraging children and youth to memorize Scripture texts. . . . This is not, however, just for children and youth, but for all of us, to fight against evil.”
–Southern Asia-Pacific Division president Saw Samuel commenting on a pandemic lockdown activity initiated by the division’s Adventist Youth Ministry (AYM). The online “Memorize a Bible Verse Challenge” encourages youth and youth leaders to memorize a passage of Scripture, and to share a video reciting the verse on Facebook.
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The number of kilometers (15.5 miles) between the campus of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) and the Taal Volcano, south of Manila, Philippines. The volcano—one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines—erupted earlier this year, causing classes to be canceled and the campus to be covered with a layer of gray ash. A massive community cleanup effort followed the eruption, with AIIAS officials distributing a first round of 800 N95 face masks to volunteers and other residents. (^-)
“Southeast Asia is a culturally deep territory. Languages are different, and religions, too. With these new programs we hope to be used as tools by God to transform the hearts of people in this region.” –Richard Berson, director of a recently opened Hope Channel studio located in Ban Muak Lek, Thailand. The new TV network headquarters is located on the campus of Seventh-day Adventist Asia-Pacific International University (APIU). The US$1.7 million, 12-by-24meter (40-by-80-foot), two-story facility includes four sound stages; a control room; two audio rooms; rooms for content creation; and preproduction, production, and postproduction offices.
Photo: AIIAS Public Relations 8
July 2020 AdventistWorld.org
Perspective
By Lisa Beardsley-Hardy
Photo: Dylan Ferreira
Who Is My Neighbor in a Time of Social Distancing? Do the same concepts apply in quarantine? Social distancing and lockdowns of entire communities have profoundly affected the mundane routines of work and school to what we do in our free time, how we worship, where we travel (or not!), and what we do as a global community. They have insinuated themselves into the sacred as well. Church services have been canceled, and access to sacred sites has been restricted. These restrictions have challenged personal freedom and governance. Country borders are closed, planes are grounded, ships cannot dock, and trains have come to a standstill. Instead of drawing together as we naturally crave in a time of crisis, fear of contracting the disease from others pushes us apart. The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed thousands of lives around the world, then robbed their loved ones of a funeral to mourn them.
and government have failed to prevent COVID-19. While medicine can manage symptoms, it cannot cure the disease. The things that absorb our time and thoughts have been affected: school, work, social routines, entertainment, shopping, and freedom of movement and association. Our very health and lives are at stake. When everything is stripped away, we’re confronted with who and what really matters. We’ve had to find new ways to learn and work, to collaborate and care for the aged and vulnerable in our families and communities. The situation challenged us to ask again of Christ, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). In the parable of the good Samaritan, the first one to stumble upon the half-dead victim kept his distance and passed by on the other side. The second also kept social distance. Both these men had protocols to follow, consistent with their responsibilities to society. With no thought for his own safety, the unlikely hero responded out of compassion. And when he had done all he could in the time he had, he entrusted the man in need to an innkeeper to continue his care with the promise that he would settle any balance upon his return.1 CREATIVE SEARCHING
A WAKE-UP CALL
The pandemic has been a wakeup call. Science, money, technology,
The answer to the question “Who is my neighbor?” will be found in a myriad of ways. Every problem
and challenge is a call to creative ministry. Every need is an opportunity to respond. Everyone can do something. God has entrusted our neighbors into our care—whether they be next door or a mouse click away. God has given us resources for the task—talents, creativity, and His Spirit. And what creativity we have seen! Delivering or donating food for seniors and those in need despite being in lockdown;2 making videos to uphold faith,3 to affirm isolated grandparents,4 or to help children;5 speaking out against racism; crafting online worship and prayer meetings; sewing colorful face masks; and so much more. Creativity flourishes best under constraints. No effort is wasted when we carry out His bidding. When Christ returns—sooner than any might suppose—we can be sure that He will find His own creative ways to settle any outstanding balances. Raul Lozano, “The Innkeeper, My Teacher,” presented at the Regional Summit on Adventist Education for NSD, SPD, SSD, and SUD, Bangkok, Thailand, January 29, 2018. 2 “AIIAS Chinese Community in Action,” www.youtube.com/ watch?v=P02gEn1mngo. 3 “Dear Coronavirus,” vimeo.com/399225392. 4 “Dear Grandparents,” www.youtube.com/ watch?v=G9P2Cbu6LeQ. 5 Jessica Moon, “Talking to Christian Children About the Coronavirus,” youtu.be/U6ZKoFaH9mo. 1
Lisa Beardsley-Hardy directs the Department of Education at the General Conference of Seventhday Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS
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Good News for the Thief, Great News for Us We never have to doubt our salvation.
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n an ash-gray afternoon in Jerusalem darkness already engulfed the Place of the Skull. Hanging from bloodstained crosses, two thieves were in their death throes. Between them a third cross had been erected, where Jesus, the Redeemer of the world, was giving His life for humanity. That God-man had lived surrounded by sinners, calling them to repentance. But now He suffered between the two of them, fulfilling His mission “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Suddenly, one of the criminals addressed Him sarcastically: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us” (Luke 23:39). Poor man! He had lived his life in the misery of sin and hardened his heart to the biddings of God’s Spirit. He had lost any hope of escape. Dark heralds of death were already covering him with their somber mantle. In that moment he allowed the malignant virus of doubt to eat away his life. The other thief, who had also walked wickedly, knew he deserved to die as a result of his ignominious
past. When he heard his fellow thief’s taunt, he lifted his dying eyes to meet Jesus’ loving gaze. This hapless sinner had nowhere to go. He also was at the end of his journey of lawlessness. But when he saw Jesus, he remembered words Jesus had once spoken: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This thief recognized he needed a way out of his world of shadows and death. He lacked truth, because his life had been an incessant display of lies. He needed life, because his existence had been wasted in the quicksand of sin. So he clung to the only ray of hope he had before him. He stammered: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). What good had the thief done to prompt Jesus to remember him? The thief had drunk from filthy waters. He carried the stench of sin. What reason did that wretched evildoer have to believe that Jesus would remember him? He believed, however, and pled his case. The thief had hardly finished speaking when he heard Jesus’ strongly worded promise: “You will be with Me in Paradise” (verse 43). Soon the thief’s heartbeat stopped. But he died wrapped in the assurance of salvation in Christ. SALVATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING
That assurance was not born of the thief’s good deeds; he had done nothing good. His assurance was born in the words of the One who is able to drive us to good works. The repentant thief, now saved in Christ, had no opportunity to perform good works, but at the cross he received two blessings: salvation and death in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we receive not only the blessing of salvation. We live to become channels of good works
that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of those who have been saved. Many believers use the expression “I am saved” reluctantly. Such reluctance is born of two faulty assumptions about grace: First, “Jesus saves me, so I shouldn’t worry about my deeds”; and second, “Once saved, I’m now saved forever.” Even as we reject incorrect notions about salvation, that doesn’t mean that we should live in constant uncertainty about our salvation in Christ. Paul was convinced that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). Salvation starts in Christ (justification); it is lived in Christ (sanctification); and it finds its completion in Him (glorification). Romans 5 explains in a wonderful way the topic of the assurance we have in Christ’s salvation. The apostle Paul begins by saying, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). Peace results from the assurance that salvation is “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” He finishes by saying, “So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (verse 21). Sin used to reign, but not anymore. Now grace reigns in Christ. And that’s that. Our assurance of salvation is found in the phrase “through Jesus Christ,” which is found in both the first and last verses in Romans 5. It implies constant communion with our source of righteousness, Jesus Christ. If we are in Him, we are made the “righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). We don’t have to fear our past, our present, or our future. Our assurance is not based in our ability of being good, but in Christ, who is the source of everything that is good. Ellen White wrote, “There
Sin used to reign, but not anymore. Now grace reigns in Christ. And that’s that. are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. . . . He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ.”1 Thus, “when Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ . . . (1 Tim. 1:15).”2 Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1956). p. 64. 2 Ibid., pp. 35, 36. 1
Alejandro Bullón is an evangelist whose international ministry has spanned more than 40 years. He lives in Brazil.
AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS Feature
This One Fear
F
ear has always seemed to me to be the worst stumbling block which anyone has to face,” wrote First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, United States president during the turbulent times from 1933 to 1945. “It is the great crippler. Looking back, it strikes me that my childhood and my early youth were one long battle against fear.”1 Fear doesn’t discriminate among age, gender, race, or economic status. Whether we’re young or old, male or female, rich or poor, highly educated or with limited educational opportunities, fear has a way of creeping into our lives. COVID-19 has brought fear closer to all of us. It’s possible that we didn’t become infected, or that our response to the virus was mild and manageable. The economic fallout of this pandemic, however, will be felt by all. Unemployment is soaring around the globe. Stock markets are down. Brands familiar to many of us are fighting for their survival. There are enough reasons to keep us awake at night. Fear is not entirely negative, though. It keeps us from plunging into a fire or jumping off a high cliff. It controls our fight-or-flight responses. In moments of crisis it keeps us alert and triggers lifesaving reflexes.2 Fear is frequently based on past pain. Imagine a person who has never experienced pain. People with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), a rare condition in which someone doesn’t feel pain, are at a higher risk of suffering severe diseases because they cannot feel the first signs of a disease.3 Pain and fear are interconnected. 12
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Satan, the archenemy of everything good and hopeful, uses fear to discourage the followers of Jesus. He whispers, “You can’t,” or “God won’t,” or “It’s too late anyway,” or other falsehoods into our ears, causing fear and dread. THE COURAGEOUS JESUS
American author Mark Twain wrote, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.”4 Jesus’ life wasn’t characterized by the absence of fear. Beginning with the circumstances surrounding His birth and childhood, there were many good reasons to be afraid. Yet fear didn’t drive His decisions or shape His choices. People living in the first century A.D. must have considered Jesus “fearless”—or foolish. He touched lepers (Matt. 8:3). He wasn’t worried about where He would sleep or what Photo: Dan Grinwis
changed by anguish.”5 Three times Jesus prays the same prayer. Was there another way of saving this planet in rebellion that did not involve separation from the Father? “The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour,” writes Ellen White. “He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance.”6 Jesus is afraid—of separation from the Father, for sin separates us from God. Hanging on the cross He cries out, “ ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ” (Matt. 27:46). Where is God as Jesus agonizes under the weight of carrying the sin of the world? “In that thick darkness God’s presence was hidden. . . . God and His holy angels were beside the cross. The Father was with His Son. Yet His presence was not revealed.”7 He would eat (verse 20). Jesus wasn’t concerned about “catching” ritual impurity by not following rabbinical traditions (Mark 7:5-13). He wasn’t afraid of personal rejection and animosity. He faced that every day as He engaged the Jewish religious leadership (John 5:16-18; 7:1; 8:37-41). There is, however, one moment in the life of Jesus, clearly described in the Gospels, that is filled with fear and trepidation. Following the last Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples are on their way to the place called Gethsemane. Matthew describes this event in Matthew 26:36-46. Exhausted and drained from a busy day and in anticipation of the things to come, Jesus asks Peter, James, and John to support Him as He agonizes in prayer. Matthew describes Jesus as “deeply distressed” (verse 37), and He openly confides His vulnerabilities
to the three disciples. “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me” (verse 38). I wonder if Peter, James, and John just stared at Him dumbfounded. Here is the Man who had calmed a stormy sea, who had fed thousands, who had raised the dead—suddenly asking for prayer support. This is the battle that Jesus had prepared for all His life. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (verse 39). Full surrender of our will is the costliest and most difficult offering we can bring. It’s also the one that is the least natural. We don’t know how long Jesus prayed. By the time He returns to the disciples, He finds them asleep. Ellen White tells us that they barely recognized Him, for “His face was so
OVERCOMING FEAR
Contrast our fears with the one fear felt by Jesus. When we worry about life and health and relationships, we forget that the One who overcame all fear and carried our sins is more than able to give us what we truly need. The contours of the one fear we see Jesus struggling with on the cross is separation from God. Is it possible that Scripture’s constant reminder “to fear God” reminds us of the life-giving importance of safeguarding our only link to life— real life—through Jesus? When we “fear” God, we recognize our dependence on the Saviour’s grace. We know that safety can be found only in Him. Here are three steps to overcoming the fears battering our lives. First, we become conscious AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS The community of God’s people is a community of overcomers.
of our fears and recognize them for what they are. Some of them are real; others are perhaps only imagined. All of them affect our entire being. Jesus praying in Gethsemane and shouting “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” on the cross encourages me to express my fears to trusted people around me—and to God. Experiencing fears is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Second, once we are conscious of our fears, we commit to seek help. This requires courage, for it means that we recognize our own inability to tackle the source of the fear. Nelson Mandela, the first president of postapartheid South Africa, wrote in 1995: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”8 Overcoming fear doesn’t come easily. We recognize our inability to overcome—and then run into the everlasting arms of our heavenly Father, who gave everything so that we may live life abundantly and without fear. Consider these promises: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though 14
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the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Ps. 46:1, 2). God on our side changes everything. Finally, God created us communal beings. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how much we need people around us. We need their touch, their hugs, their encouragement—and sometimes also their critique. Community means that we’re not alone in our fears. Others have already walked where I am walking right now. Others have already overcome what I am struggling with. The community of God’s people is a community of overcomers. I JUMP WITH YOU
Suicide Gorge is a unique adventure hike in the scenic Boland Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. The hike covers 17 kilometers (11 miles) and takes an entire day. It’s a “wet hike” full of adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure and high jumps into dark pools of icy water. Once a hiker has entered the gorge, there is no way back. The canyon walls are steep and cannot be climbed without mountaineering equipment. It’s only forward. I lived for six years in Somerset West, South Africa, about an hour’s drive from Suicide Gorge. During those years I hiked the trail at least three times with friends, for one never attempts something like this alone. I remember one memorable moment. My friends and I had left early and had been hiking and jumping for hours. We had just arrived at the point of the highest jump of the day that everybody had to take—at least 12 meters (39 feet). There were, of course, higher jumps, but in most cases, one could climb down and thus reduce the height of the jump. This jump, however, didn’t offer this option. I had jumped early on and was waiting in the water to see the rest
of our group jump after me. Suddenly, there was movement on the top, and to my surprise, I saw my brother-in-law Jëan with another group from our high school. I hadn’t even known that they had also planned to do the trail on that Sunday. All of my friends had jumped by now—except for one. His eyes were wide with panic, signaling fear. He just couldn’t jump. Everyone was waiting in the pool to continue the hike, but Jëan and my friend just didn’t jump. We tried everything. We cajoled, we encouraged, we shouted, we cheered. Nothing worked. My brother-in-law kept talking to my friend. I knew that he had done this trail before. Suddenly, there was a movement, a shout, and two bodies hurtling hand in hand into the pool. Jëan had realized that no argument would have made my friend jump. So, finally, he just took his hand—and jumped with him. When fear numbs our minds, we need someone who will jump with us and help us overcome our fears. Jesus, who Himself overcame fear by hanging on to His Father, is ready to take our hands and jump with us. The most devastating medical diagnosis, the darkest financial situation, the deepest relational crisis—Jesus is ready to join us and make us, too, overcomers, for “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18). Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life (Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox, 1983), p. 25. 2 Ruben Castaneda, “The Upside of Fear,” U.S. News and World Report (2018), https://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/ slideshows/the-upside-of-fear. 3 See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_insensitivity_to_pain. 4 Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson, in The Century Magazine 47, no. 5 (1894): 772. 5 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 689. 6 Ibid., p. 690. 7 Ibid., pp. 753, 754. 8 Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1995), https://en,wikiquote.org/wiki/Fear. 1
Gerald A. Klingbeil serves as an associate editor of Adventist World.
Millennial Voices
Love, Fear, and Hard Conversations
I
sat in the office, facing my superiors, trembling with nerves in spite of their friendly faces and my inner insistence that everything was all right. I was there to have a difficult conversation, and I was not looking forward to it. I knew that what I had to say could be misconstrued, and if it were, at the end of the day nothing would change, but I felt compelled to try. There was something larger at stake than my comfort. As I left the office later, I reflected that I didn’t envy the Bible prophets. God was always asking them to have extremely hard conversations and deal with uncomfortable subjects. Isaiah, for example, had to tell God’s people that God hated their religious services because oppression and injustice were both perpetrated and ignored (cf. Isa. 1 and 58). Amos had a similar message (Amos 5), as did other prophets. God tried again and again to turn His people around and get them to stand up for justice, love, and truth (cf. Zech. 7, Hosea 4, Jer. 7). The intended audience often didn’t want to listen. In fact, Jeremiah was at the point of renouncing his prophetic ministry because he was so unpopular (Jer. 20:7-18). Imagine being in these messengers’ shoes! Yet there are still times God asks us to speak to thorny matters, whether inside or outside the church. How can we as a church be unafraid to tackle difficult issues? The answer is surely complex, but I must start with what lies closest: my heart; my priorities; my motivations.
I don’t want to be driven by the fear of other people’s opinions and reactions.
How I react to potential conflict reveals what truly motivates my behavior. It exposes the hidden priorities of my heart. If my comfort, my position, my prestige, or my popularity is my main concern, I will struggle to find the courage to address hard themes. But if my highest priority is love—first for God and then for others—I will find strength to push past my fears. As a Christian, I don’t want to be driven by the fear of other people’s opinions and reactions. Instead, love must motivate me as I trust God to take care of what happens next (cf. Matt. 22:36-40; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Cor. 15:58). Jesus says that the world will know we are His disciples by our love (John 13:35), and Paul directs that speaking truth must be done in love (Eph. 4:15). As love is perfected in me, fear begins to lose its power (1 John 4:18). Is God asking you to have a challenging conversation? Are you afraid of how people may treat you if you bring up a sensitive subject? Then be encouraged by His words: “Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. . . . I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Yet you have forgotten the Lord, your Creator. . . . For I am the Lord your God. . . . My name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safely in my hand” (Isa. 51:7-16, NLT).* May love for our Creator and for others motivate us to have courage, even if God asks us to tackle difficult issues. *Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Lynette Allcock, a graduate of Southern Adventist University, lives in Watford, United Kingdom, where she produces and presents for Adventist Radio London.
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The Church I Want to Belong to Is...
FEARLESS
I
t’s a horrible story right now. At the time of this writing, a globally notorious plague, novel coronavirus disease 2019, has killed more than 360,000 people around the world, and produced a level of international disruption thoroughly unimaginable in peacetime. FACING FACTS
COVID-19 may miraculously vanish and confound all the expert predictions. Meanwhile, the norms of free society surrender to the tyranny of fear; democratically elected leaders issue emergency orders that meet meek conformity from panicking populations; established social, public health, political, and economic foundations shudder and tremble on a global scale. The whole creation moans through a war with no neutral countries or individuals, and no winners, just survivors. Not that trouble is new to earth. Indeed, we live with so much trouble that stories of downright wonderful beginnings, all things “very good” (Gen. 1:31), sound alien to us. VERY BAD
Winner Takes All We know how the story ends
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In that “very good” time of bliss-filled beginnings, before war broke out on earth, the Creator and His children used to stroll together in the cool glow of evening sun. But one day they didn’t show up for their appointment with Him. Weird. Maybe if He waited they would suddenly spring from the shrubbery, faces aglow with youth and love, and shouting together, “Surprise!” But He already knew why waiting wouldn’t work. Not foliage, but fear, was hiding them: they had ruined the friendship. They had done the one thing He’d told them not to, and that despite the ample graciousness of His order: Eat free! Except from one specific tree that will kill you if you do (see Gen. 2:16, 17). Devastated as He knew they felt, He wanted them to know He still longed for their company. So He called out to them, “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). He could see them wherever they were. And they could hear Him whenever He called. Against our petty conceptions of Eden’s loss, its tragedy was never about blundering between two kinds of fruit—apple versus mango. Eden’s pain is God’s children coming to accept that there was something better to life than His “very good” provisions; agreeing that something God forbids is “good for food,” “pleasant to the eyes,” “desirable” for wisdom (Gen. 3:6). Simply accepting that thinking turned everything on earth bad, even before the Photo: Jonathan Chang
first tear or faded leaf; or slaughter of innocent lamb, or crime, or supposed divine appeasement. That thinking gave Satan a battle victory in the war he had started in heaven before God founded life on earth. ALL BAD
Now, instead of joy, Adam felt anxiety about meeting God. Instead of racing Eve into their Father’s arms, he was hiding from the face of love. Agreement with the serpent robbed humans of everything worth anything: self-esteem and personal confidence, sweet matrimonial relations, the compact with nature through which each would bless and serve the other. Most of all, the relationship with God our Creator Father. Those robberies were Satan’s battle blows, dealt against God through battering His children. His evil, conceived and frustrated in heaven, had advanced on earth, which he claimed now as his territory. With shameless daring he offered its mastery, “power he had usurped,”1 to Jesus, if He would worship him (Matt. 4:8, 9). He knew why Jesus had come to earth. It was God’s next move against him in the war he was fighting against God and His goodness. He had heard God’s promise of help to the humans whom Satan had corralled into his POW camp here on earth. He was working multiple strategies, trying, on one hand, “to wear out the forbearance of God, and to extinguish His love for man, so that He would abandon the world to satanic jurisdiction”;2 and on the other, to teach his own truth about salvation. “Through heathenism, Satan had for ages turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel.”3 How? By establishing within their religion a notion that hallmarks
every false religion, namely, “the principle that man can save himself by his own works.”4 The concept of self-sufficient salvation makes Jesus redundant, and anything that diminished Jesus would be triumph for Satan. From the day jealousy overran his brain, he has labored to show that Jesus does not deserve the status He enjoys. Sidelining Him furthered that effort: if we don’t acknowledge our absolute need of Jesus, He can never save us. THE OUTCOME
Would Satan’s strategies work? Would God give up on humans? Would humans make Jesus redundant? Satan came close to achieving both purposes. Within one and a half millennia, God admitted that humanity’s thoughts weren’t on Him; they were “only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). Had Satan triumphed? Had the height of human evil become greater than God’s love? On another front, Jesus “came to His own, and His own [people] did not receive Him” (John 1:11). Would blunt rejection turn His heart away? It would not; could not! God so loved the world that “instead of destroying the world, [He] sent His Son to save it.”5 It would be the ultimate battle of love against evil. The inhabitants of sinless worlds looked on, objectively and for their own sake: if Satan won, their security was no longer guaranteed. They saw Jesus’ rejection: no place for His birth but among the animals; no den like the foxes, no nest like the birds, no place to lay His exhausted head (Matt. 8:20); no crown but thorns for their King. Intelligences beyond earth’s clime watched humans fail and sin surge to its raging climax with the Son of God spiked naked to rough-hewn wood and elevated for shameful spectacle.
The concept of self-sufficient salvation makes Jesus redundant, and anything that diminished Jesus would be triumph for Satan.
But even as they gazed, spellbound, they heard a sound arise, erupting from hell’s fathomed depths and love’s inexhaustible fountain—a cry that rocked the whole universe into perfect equilibrium as it ripped hell’s gates out of their sockets: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Yes: the millennial struggle over Earth’s lordship; the conflict on the rule of infinity; the battle for my heart; finished. Now everlasting kingdom, power, and glory are His and His alone; now “all dominions shall serve and obey Him” (Dan. 7:27). Yes, in a story that has no ending, Jesus reigns forever, Lord of all—as Bill and Gloria Gaither have told it a thousand times: It is finished, the battle is over; It is finished, there’ll be no more war; It is finished, the end of the conflict; It is finished and Jesus is Lord!6 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 129. 2 Ibid., p. 35. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid., p. 37. 6 www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bill+and+gloria+gaither/it+is+finished_20594567.html 1
Lael Caesar is an associate editor at Adventist World. AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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Global View
Through the Fire We have nothing to fear.
I
t seemed as if everything changed overnight. What had been safe was no longer safe. Friends once trusted now became betrayers. Beliefs held dear were either renounced or a horrific death would surely follow. That’s what happened to Thomas Hawkes, a kind and sincere man, loved and respected by all who knew him. Hawkes, a keen Bible student, was fortunate to live when it was possible to read the Bible in his mother tongue—English. Just a few decades earlier the great English scholar and Reformer William Tyndale had translated much of the Bible into the English language, opening a pathway for Bible truth to reach more people than ever before. With this enlightenment came reformation—the Protestant Reformation—to the British Isles. But times were uncertain in mid-sixteenth-century England, and once Queen Mary (aka “Bloody Mary”) came to the throne, many who refused to give up their Protestant faith were martyred. During this troubled time, Hawkes did not revert to the state-imposed religion of Roman Catholicism, but instead declined to attend Mass and spoke out against the religious regime. With the birth of his son, Hawkes refused to allow the infant to be baptized into the Catholic faith. This faithful man was summoned 18
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numerous times to answer for his biblical beliefs before the bishop of London, Edmund Bonner, known for his cruelty toward “heretics.” After suffering in a cold, dank prison for months, Hawkes was given one last chance to recant. Instead, he replied to the bishop, “No, my lord, that I will not; for if I had a hundred bodies, I would suffer them all to be torn in pieces, rather than . . . recant.”1 A SIGNAL
Doomed to die at the fiery stake, Thomas Hawkes spent his final days in prison receiving friends and family, many of whom would meet a similar fate. Impressed by Hawkes’ resolve, they asked if he would, as the flames leaped around him, give an indication “if the Christian faith and hope were stronger than the raging, consuming fire.”2 Thomas agreed to give a signal if this was the case. Soon the day arrived. Thomas was calm as he was led through the taunting, jeering crowd who came to see this “heretic” burn. He was tied to the stake by a strong chain about his middle, and after speaking to those gathered and pouring out his heart to God, the fire was kindled. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs describes the scene: “When he had continued on in it [the fire], and his speech was Photo: Excaliber Summers
taken away by violence of the flame, his skin drawn together, and his fingers consumed . . . so that it was thought that he was gone, suddenly and contrary to all expectation, this good man being mindful of his promise, reached up his hands burning in flames over his head to the living God, and with great rejoicings as it seemed, . . . clapped them three times together. A great shout followed this wonderful circumstance, and then this blessed martyr of Christ, sinking down in the fire, gave up his spirit, June 10, 1555.”3 How was it that Hawkes, and millions more like him, were able to face the most fearsome circumstances with peace and resolve? And how can we today, although we may not face a fiery stake, approach the unknown future with hope, confidence, and perfect peace? NOTHING NEW
Fear is nothing new. Going all the way back to the Garden of Eden, we see Adam and Eve hiding, terrified to be seen. When God calls out to Adam, “Where are you?” we hear Adam exclaim, “I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Gen. 3:9, 10). Adam was afraid because he was “naked”—not just physically exposed, but naked in the sense that he had lost that pure connection with God. Being exposed to sin had robbed Adam and Eve of their innocence and peace. “The knowledge of evil, the curse of sin, was all that the transgressors gained,” wrote Ellen White. “There was nothing poisonous in the fruit itself, and the sin was not merely in yielding to appetite. It was distrust of God’s goodness, disbelief of His word, and rejection of His authority, that made our first parents transgressors, and that brought into the world a knowledge of evil.”4 Fear is a natural part of living in this sinful world, but how often it comes from a distrust of God’s goodness, disbelief of His Word, and/or a rejection of His authority. Yet throughout the Bible God urges us to “fear not.” “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come, . . . He will come and save you’ ” (Isa. 35:4). “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you . . . : ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine” (Isa. 43:1). “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done marvelous things!” (Joel 2:21). In the New Testament we see terrified shepherds being told by a heavenly visitor: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10).
The Christian hope and faith is stronger than any raging, consuming fire.
Jesus assures us, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). In the book of Revelation, we see Jesus touching John with His right hand, assuring him, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. . . . And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev. 1:17, 18). KNOWING HOW IT ENDS
During the past several months we have seen swift and massive changes throughout the world. It seems that nearly every country on earth has been affected by this global coronavirus pandemic. The financial fallout and other implications are still coming to light. People are afraid. No one knows exactly what the future holds, yet prophecy predicts that things will get worse before they get better—much better. It is that “much better” that gives us hope. It’s the bigger picture—the cosmic conflict going on now—and knowing how it will end that helps us to hold on by faith. Jesus assures us that He will be with us through the fire, through the storm, through whatever we may face, so that we can say with confidence, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. . . . In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Ps. 56:3, 4). And more than this: we can, through our example, encourage others to have faith, to have courage, knowing that the Christian hope and faith is stronger than any raging, consuming fire. “Thomas Hawkes, Coggeshall martyr,” Local Heroes, Coggeshall Museum, www.coggeshallmuseum. org.uk/localhero.htm. 2 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 1, p. 657. 3 John Foxe, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, p. 222, www.gutenberg.org/files/22400/22400-h/22400-h.htm. 4 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903), p. 25. (Italics supplied.) 1
Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additional articles and commentaries are available on Twitter: @pastortedwilson and on Facebook: @Pastor Ted Wilson.
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Devotional
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled I
was in the Philippines, enjoying lunch with friends in a restaurant overlooking a beautiful lake with a dormant volcano crater in the middle. Suddenly, we saw a small cloud of steam appear over the crater that kept growing bigger until we realized that the Taal Volcano had just woken up from its long slumber. By the time we got home, it was raining ash! Within hours everything was covered by a thick layer of gray volcanic ash. This was the beginning of a Week of Prayer entitled “Blessed Assurance,” at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. It turned out to be one of the most memorable ones I have ever participated in. This was not by far the only unexpected crisis of 2020. Volcanoes, tornadoes, the coronavirus pandemic—and all of this packed just in the first half of the year! At a time like this, how can we live with “untroubled hearts”? Can we experience God’s peace while facing volcanoes, floods, tornadoes, fires, emotional turmoil, and pandemics? Let me share the four P’s that focus on who God is and why we can choose faith over fear. HIS PRESENCE
Throughout history God’s people have faced insurmountable problems, yet God has repeated time after time: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isa. 41:10, NIV). Since the beginning of time God has offered humanity His presence Photo: Enoch Patro
as the antidote to fear. God spoke these comforting words to Abraham, Joshua, David, Isaiah, and many other biblical characters. He promised His presence to His people to the very end. Jesus Himself reminds us, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Why is His presence so important? HIS POWER
His presence is not only comforting but also powerful. When the people of Israel were camped by the Red Sea with no place to hide and saw Pharaoh and his army approaching them, they were terrified. But God reassured them through Moses that He would act powerfully on their behalf to bring deliverance. “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. . . . The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Ex. 14:13, 14). This was the same message that King Jehoshaphat received centuries later as he faced a sudden fear-inspiring invasion (2 Chron. 20:17). Throughout the Bible we see God’s powerful presence bringing deliverance to His people in His way and in His time. I often wonder what it would have been like to be in the boat with Jesus on the Lake of Galilee, to be in the middle of the sudden storm, and to hear His words: “Why are you so afraid?” (Matt. 8:26, NIV), followed by a perfect calm after He had rebuked the winds and the waves. I imagine the disciples thinking, Yes! Why were we afraid? Jesus is with us, and He has power over everything! But how can we be assured of His powerful presence with us at all times? HIS PASSION
Many people live in fear, believing that they must do something to deserve and earn the presence of God in their lives. True assurance, however, comes to us only through His Passion. And I don’t mean here the fact that God is passionate about us, even though He is, or that He feels compassion for us, even though He does. I am referring to the Passion of Jesus, His death on the cross for each one of us. He was punished for our sins so that we may have eternal life. He received what we deserve that we might receive what He deserves (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). He purchased our peace: “The punishment that brought us peace was on him” (Isa. 53:5, NIV). When we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour and Lord, nothing—no trouble, no hardship, no catastrophe, no sickness, not even death—can separate us from God’s love through Christ (Rom. 8:31-39). We can live with the assurance of His grace and powerful presence with us every day until the very end. We can be fearless about the future because we know Him who told us how the story ends!
Since the beginning of time God has offered humanity His presence as the antidote to fear.
HIS PROMISE
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). The blessed assurance of His promise! The disciples had received the bad news that Jesus was going away, and that at this time they could not follow Him (John 13:33, 36). They had obviously become fearful and anxious, because the following chapter begins with the comforting words of Jesus: “Let not your heart be troubled.” They were fearful and distressed, and Jesus gave them a reason not to be. They could choose faith over fear and believe in Him! Jesus had a plan; He was going to accomplish it and come back for them! He was going to prepare a home for them. Jesus knew that His disciples would experience difficult circumstances. But He invited them to believe in Him, to believe in His promise that He would return for them and live with them eternally. Every follower of Jesus can claim this promise, for we know how the story ends: Jesus wins! We’ll be with Him—forever. In the last book of the Bible we are reminded that the antidote to fear is the crucified and risen Christ. He holds the keys of death. He was there at the beginning and will be there at the very end: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17, 18, NIV). So, can we face difficulties with “untroubled hearts”? Can Jesus’ followers experience His peace while facing volcanoes, floods, tornadoes, fires, emotional turmoil, and pandemics? Absolutely yes! Why? Because His presence and His power are assured through His Passion to all who eagerly believe in His promise.
Elizabeth Viera Talbot is speaker/director of the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the North American Division designed to offer in-depth Christcentered biblical studies resources. For information about this ministry, visit www.Jesus101.tv.
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Spirit of Prophecy
G
od’s servants are not to be easily discouraged by difficulties or opposition. Those who proclaim the third angel’s message must stand bravely at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, and resisting the enemy with the weapon that Christ used, “It is written.” In the great crisis through which they are soon to pass, the servants of God will encounter the same hardness of heart, the same cruel determination, the same unyielding hatred, encountered by Christ and the apostles. BE COURAGEOUS IN MISSION
Courage in Mission Making the impossible possible
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All who in that evil day would faithfully serve God according to the dictates of conscience will need courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and His Word; for those who are true to God will be persecuted, their motives will be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, and their names cast out as evil. Satan will work with his deceptive power to influence the heart and becloud the understanding, to make evil appear good, and good evil. The stronger and purer the faith of God’s people, and the firmer their determination to obey Him, the more fiercely will Satan strive to stir up against them the rage of those who, while claiming to be righteous, trample upon the law of God. It will require the firmest trust, the most heroic purpose, to hold fast the faith once delivered to the saints. The messengers of the cross must arm themselves with watchfulness and prayer, and move forward in faith and courage, working always in the name of Jesus. They must have confidence in their Leader; for troublous times are before us. The judgments of God are abroad in the land. Calamities follow one another in rapid succession. Soon God is to Photo: John T.
rise out of His place to shake terribly the earth, and to punish the wicked for their iniquity. Then He will stand up in behalf of His people, and will give them His protecting care. He will throw His everlasting arms about them, to shield them from all harm. COURAGE IN THE LORD
After the passing of the time in 1844, a number of brethren and sisters were assembled in a meeting. All were very sad, for the disappointment had been sore. Presently a man came in, crying, “Courage in the Lord, brethren; courage in the Lord!” This he repeated again and again, till every face was aglow, and every voice lifted in praise to God. Today I say to every worker for the Master, “Courage in the Lord!” Ever since 1844 I have been proclaiming present truth, and today this truth is dearer to me than ever before. Some look always at the objectionable and discouraging features, and therefore discouragement overtakes them. They forget that the heavenly universe is waiting to make them agencies of blessing to the world; and that the Lord Jesus is a never-failing storehouse from which human beings may draw strength and courage. There is no need for despondency and apprehension. The time will never come when the shadow of Satan will not be cast athwart our pathway. Thus the enemy seeks to hide the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. But our faith should pierce this shadow. NO NEED TO FEAR
God calls for cheerful coworkers, who refuse to become discouraged and disheartened by opposing agencies. The Lord is leading us, and we may go forward courageously, assured that He will be with us, as He was in past years, when we labored in feebleness, but
under the power of the Holy Spirit. Angels ministered to Christ, but their presence did not make His life one of ease and freedom from temptation. He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. If ministers, while engaged in the work that the Master has appointed them, have trials and perplexities and temptations, should they be discouraged? Should they cast away their confidence because their labors do not always bring the results that they so greatly desire to see? True workers will not despond in view of the work before them, arduous though it may be. Shrinking from hardship, complaining under tribulation, makes the servants of God weak and inefficient. As those who stand in the forefront of the battle see that the special warfare of Satan is directed against them, they will realize their need of strength from God, and they will labor in His strength. The victories that they gain will not exalt them, but will cause them to lean more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to God will spring up in their hearts, and they will be joyful in the tribulation that comes to them while pressed by the enemy. FAITH AND COURAGE
The present is a season of solemn privilege and sacred trust. If the servants of God keep faithfully the trust given to them, great will be their reward when the Master shall say, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Luke 16:2. The earnest toil, the unselfish work, the patient, persevering effort, will be abundantly rewarded. Jesus will say, Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends. See John 15:15. The approval of the Master is not given because of the greatness of the work performed, but because of fidelity in all that has been done. It is not the results
we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and faithfulness above all else. I entreat the heralds of the gospel of Christ never to become discouraged, never to regard the most hardened sinner as beyond the reach of the grace of God. The one apparently hopeless may accept the truth in the love of it. He who turns the hearts of men as the rivers of water are turned can bring the most selfish, sin-hardened soul to Christ. Is anything too hard for God to do? “My word,” He declares, “shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. Those who are endeavoring to build up the work in new territory will often find themselves in great need of better facilities. Their work will seem to be hindered for lack of these facilities; but let them not lose their faith and courage. Often they are obliged to go to the limit of their resources. At times it may seem as if they could advance no farther. But if they pray and work in faith, God will answer their petitions, sending them means for the advancement of the work. Difficulties will arise; they will wonder how they are going to accomplish what must be done. At times the future will look very dark. But let the workers bring to God the promises He has made, and thank Him for what He has done. Then the way will open before them, and they will be strengthened for the duty of the hour.
Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White (1827-1915) exercised the biblical gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry. This excerpt was taken from Gospel Workers (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), pp. 264-268.
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Faith in Action
Raising Children Is Scary! So how can we overcome parenting fears?
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ur first child had just been born. We were new parents at the beginning of an adventure. Overnight we had become responsible for another human life. Our child couldn’t feed himself, couldn’t clean himself, and was totally dependent on us. How daunting was that? We realized that with all our preconceived ideas on parenting, we were not perfectly equipped for the job and needed advice from others. Perhaps readers who are new parents feel the same way. So where do we go for help? Maybe you’ve sought counsel from experienced friends, or took a parenting course, or read parenting books. Parenting is the most important job in the world, but it’s also the one for which we have the least qualifications. As parents with several children will tell you, every child is different. What works for one doesn’t neces24
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sarily work for the other. I have an aunt and uncle who have 10 children. My aunt often said that every one of her children was different from the others. WHAT’S SO SCARY?
What could be scary about raising children? The Bible describes children as “a gift from the Lord” (Ps. 127:3, NLT).1 Yet raising children naturally provokes a certain level of anxiety. Feeling some anxiety and fear is natural in this world. At the time of writing this article, the entire planet is gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, spreading fear and death. Because of sin, the world is full of risks and challenges, so it’s natural for parents to be scared at times. But there’s a big difference between experiencing some anxiety and fear and letting it totally take over our lives.
None of us wants to parent from anxiety; we want to parent from love. And let’s be honest, we all make mistakes. We’re not perfect, and we live in a broken world. We all have different temperaments, and this diversity is also bought into the mix. Some of us are naturally more anxious, while others seem to take things as they come. Depending on your specific situation, including where you live, your fears will differ from those of others. You may fear for the safety of your child or worry about where the next meal for your family is coming from. Maybe your child is being bullied, or you’re struggling to meet your child’s special needs. You may live in a country in which guns are dangerously accessible, or you may be a migrant family on the run. For others, your fears might involve the amount of time your child is spending on the Internet. As Christians, we might worry about whether our child will follow Jesus. WHAT’S THE ANSWER?
So how can a parent possibly raise a child without feeling scared and overwhelmed by the huge responsibilities that go along with it? You can begin by determining what your personal fears and anxieties are. Writing out your specific fears and anxieties will help you to focus on where you are currently regarding your emotions. This helps to objectify fears. Once something is on paper, it tends to lessen the grip of fear on your mind. Ask yourself, “Is this fear realistic? Is there anything I can do to change this? Am I reasonably concerned?” As Christians, we can bring all our fears and anxieties to God. It’s remarkable how many insights we can gain that way. “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing.”2 When we trust God with our child, we must also trust Him to help us to be the best parents we can be. See it as an adventure together with God. During an adventure the unexpected will happen—but we’re not alone. Next, we can share our feelings with our spouse or a trusted friend. Sometimes talking to someone else helps us to gain new perspectives and ease our level of anxiety. It’s also important to take time to focus on staying healthy through physical exercise, deep-breathing exercises, and so on. Good physical health helps to promote good mental health.
None of us wants to parent from anxiety; we want to parent from love.
for them. Respect your children and help them respect others. Talk to your children, and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings with you as well. Especially show them God’s love. Children learn to know God through you. They’ll make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we stop loving them. Love and guidance also involve setting realistic boundaries for your children. Give them chores, responsibility, and guidance in healthful living. Teach them about living ethically and morally, using God’s principles. The best way of equipping our children to live well is by practicing what we preach. Children see what we do better than they hear what we say. Being a good parent requires love and wisdom. We must make a conscious decision to continue gaining knowledge about how to be a good parent. It takes self-discipline and commitment. No matter how our children turn out in life, remember that they’re all gifts from God. We’re only stewards of them. As promised in Psalm 127:3, when we commit ourselves to God, equip ourselves as parents, are sensitive to our children’s needs, and lead them to God’s throne—we’re giving them the best start we can in life. We can trust in God and His promises (see Matt. 11:2830; Heb. 4:15, 16; James 1:5, 6). God loves our children more than we are ever able to, and He, too, will be with them and do what’s best for them. We can fearlessly put ourselves and our children into His hands. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 2 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 330. 1
LOVE AND GUIDANCE
One of my former professors summed up raising a family with two words: love and guidance. This means being present in your child’s life, showing them affection, being predictable and stable in their lives, and encouraging them. Kids need to know that you’re there
Clair Sanches is children’s and women’s ministries director for the Trans-European Division. Her husband, John, is a pastor and a clinical and forensic psychologist. Originally from the Netherlands, the Sancheses have two children and live in the United Kingdom. AdventistWorld.org July 2020
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Bible Questions Answered
Where Is God? Q A
My friends are asking me, “Where is God in this pandemic?” This is a valid question, and we should be able to provide guidance that will strengthen hope and faith. The question of the coexistence of a loving God in a world of suffering and evil is complex and difficult, but we have enough in the Scriptures to guide us. 1. THE COSMIC CONFLICT
The very presence of good and evil, order and disorder, beauty and chaos, strongly suggests that a cosmic dissonance is pulling the cosmos apart in a conflict of wills. Two powers struggle for control over an originally good creation: a loving God and Creator and a fallen cherub, one who distorts the character of God and damages His creation. The former manifests His infinite love for His creation while at the same time unmasking the powers of evil and working on their final defeat (Isa. 14:12-15; Eze. 28:12-15). The conflict reveals how seriously God takes the freedom of His creatures, even when they chose rebellion against Him. Every evil in the world, including the present pandemic, finds its point of origin not in God but in God’s enemy (cf. Matt. 13:28). 2. HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY
The extent of evil in the world is often, but not always, connected to human behavior. God appointed humans to administer this planet (Gen. 1:26), and after they joined the cosmic rebellion against God, they have contributed to its deterioration (cf. Rom. 5:12). COVID19 has made all of us aware of the fact that what we eat and do can threaten not only our private lives but potentially those of the whole human race. We should return to a proper and respectful stewardship of the planet. It is tempting to blame God for the present situ26
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ation, but to a large extent it is our own doing. Humans, through their words, attitudes, and actions, cause most of the suffering that other humans experience. 3. GOD IS AT WORK
The reality of God in the resolution of the pandemic is totally ignored by atheists and secularists. For them, human wisdom, the scientific community, will find a solution, and the human race will defeat COVID-19. The impression is given that God is not directly active fighting this virus but that He is a detached observer, leaving the defeat of the enemy in the hands of humans. In reality, God is personally involved in the conflict against this common enemy. He places in human hearts the expressions of care for others that we witness as people perform amazing acts of kindness toward others (cf. James 1:17). Christians use passages from the Bible to encourage perseverance in faith and to comfort those who suffer. God assists politicians, in spite of their selfish interests, in the development of plans that will contribute to alleviate the economic and social impact of this evil virus (cf. Rom. 13:1). Above all, God is directly involved in the development of medicines that will treat the virus and lead to the development of a vaccine. Since all true wisdom comes from God (James 1:5), it would be correct to suggest that in the cosmic conflict He works with scientists in laboratories, at their pace and without overriding their knowledge and skills, to defeat their common enemy. In other words, God is at work within the community of scientists to alleviate and overcome human suffering. He uses anyone who is willing to fight against the forces that oppress human beings. He did it in a formidable way on the cross of Jesus, where He defeated all evil powers (Col. 2:15). We now wait for the ultimate consummation of that victory.
Angel Manuel Rodríguez, former director of the Biblical Research Institute, has been a pastor, professor, and theologian.
Health & Wellness
Heart Palpitations Are they worth worrying about? I’m a healthy, 55-year-old female, and I exercise regularly. I’m sometimes aware of my heart pounding in my chest. Should I worry about a heart rhythm problem?
R
egular exercise is related to improved longevity, and better physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. It helps prevent cardiac disease. If your symptoms are new, however, please consult your health-care provider. Generally, we’re not aware of our heartbeat. The heart, fearfully and wonderfully made, continues to beat faithfully throughout our lives. This may be one of the reasons we take heart health for granted—the heart is an uncomplaining servant. There are times we become aware of our heartbeat. “Palpitations” is the term used for when that happens. One may experience palpitations during strenuous exercise, and for a short time thereafter during recovery. Other times when it may be normal to experience one’s heart pounding in the chest could be during episodes of anger, sudden fright, anxiety, and tension. The release of hormones such as epinephrine/norepinephrine (adrenaline/ noradrenaline) and cortisol increases the heart rate and the blood pressure. Although we would hope these are not the “normal” states for our readers (stress, tension, or anger), one could regard the awareness of one’s heartbeat at such times as within normal limits. Prolonged stress and anxiety, however, may contribute to cardiovascular disease progression, including hypertension. It’s important to recognize the cause or causes of the stress and anxiety and manage these appropriately, which might include seeking professional help and counseling where needed. One may also become aware of one’s heartbeat when resting or lying in relaxed settings; this may be related to sometimes actually “hearing” the regular beat of the heart, or sensing the pulse by a mild compression of one limb by another when lying down.
Further information is helpful in evaluating palpitations. During the episode, is the speed of the heartbeat rapid or slow? Is it regular or irregular? Is it momentary or sustained? These characteristics help one evaluate potential rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) of various kinds. Is there associated chest pain or shortness of breath? Additional worrisome symptoms would be the occurrence of any associated dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating or feeling clammy, and/or fainting during the palpitations. Arrhythmias may lead to a sudden loss of consciousness or a fainting spell, which can be very dangerous, especially if these occur while driving a vehicle or bathing. Isolated and nonsymptomatic palpitations with exercise or stressful circumstances occur commonly. Cardiac arrhythmias may be caused by hereditary electrical conduction abnormalities of the heart, congenital heart abnormalities, heart valve disorders, coronary artery disease, hypertension, medications, alcohol, and an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis). Arrhythmias may cause sudden death. These are compelling reasons for you to see your doctor to make sure the palpitations are benign. A healthy lifestyle may help prevent acquired heart conditions, which give rise to arrhythmias. Make healthful lifestyle choices, and “do not be anxious about anything. . . . And the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6, 7).
Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified internist, is an associate director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference.
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B “May I Tell You a Story?” BY DICK DUERKSEN
efore Captain Gilbert McLaren or his crew were able to start the engine and pull up the anchor, they were surrounded by a fleet of brightly colored war canoes filled with the most awful-looking cannibals the sailors had ever imagined. Like nightmares come true, the screeching warriors moved to attack the mission launch. The sailors had expected this would happen. Captain McLaren had kept their destination secret until the Veilomani I had moved several days away from port. The captain believed that God was calling him to bring the good news of Jesus to the most ferocious people on earth— the cannibals of Mussau. They had killed the other missionary who had come to their island. Killed him, eaten him, and burned his Bible. To go here, and survive, would require an act of God! “They will kill us!” “They will eat us like they did the other missionary.” “Even government men will not visit the cannibals of Mussau.” “We won’t go.” But the captain knew God had called him to Mussau. The vision was clear, and he described it to the men in detail. “Yes, the people of southern Mussau are bloodthirsty cannibals, masters
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of the sea who bring war to all nearby islands and eat their captives. They worship demons, live in filthy villages, coat themselves with pig grease, hang the bones of their enemies around their necks, and scream war cries that melt the courage of the strongest warriors. Yet these are the very children whom God has called us to tell of His love.” *** It took several hours before the sailors knelt with their dedicated captain and begged God for safety among the people of Mussau. Good winds and calm weather had brought them through the other New Guinea islands. But now as they sailed toward Mussau’s southern tip, they were greeted with the terrifying rumble of wooden war drums and drunken screeching. Hearts in their throats, the sailors slipped the Veilomani I into the large lagoon, dropped anchor, and turned off the engine. A moment of silence was replaced by total terror as a flotilla of a dozen fully armed war canoes launched into the lagoon. Drums, pounded by invisible warriors deep in the palm trees, drove the canoes to quickly surround the tiny
mission launch. When the drum notes changed, every man in the canoes traded paddles for axes, spears, bows and arrows, and long jungle knives. The launch crew trembled. Too terrified to breathe. No, not every man. Captain McLaren stood tall in the center of the deck and slowly began to sing. “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below; Anywhere without Him dearest joy would fade; Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.” The rest of his men joined him on the second verse, and the third. They sang the chorus again and again and again, while the cannibals of Mussau sat silently in their war canoes, enthralled by the sound of singing. The sailors sang every hymn they could remember, and made up several new ones. Then they sang them all again, their terror transforming into amazement as the cannibals relaxed, laid down their weapons, and listened to heaven’s songs coming from the strange boat. Several hours later, as the sun slipped into the sea, the chief turned the canoes back to the silent village. The sailors quickly started the engine and reached for the anchor so they could race away to safety. “No,” called Captain McLaren. “We cannot leave. The Lord has given us an opening into the hearts and minds of these people. We must stay.” The captain sat alone on the deck that night, letting the dark close in around him and talking with God about His children in the forests of Mussau. *** At sunrise one war canoe returned with two warriors and the chief in it, approaching the mission launch and requiring more singing. The sailors sang all the hymns they knew, singing for their lives, singing until their voices could hardly croak out a melody. Near noon the chief rose in the war canoe, and speaking in broken Pidgin English, asked if the captain could teach his people to sing like that. Photo: Roger Millist
“Yes,” answered Captain McLaren. “We can teach your people to sing, but we must also open a school so we can teach them to read and write and sing. May I send for a teacher?” The chief was not happy with McLaren’s words. But after consulting with his counselors, he agreed for the captain and his men to come ashore and start a school. “For our children,” he said. “Never would have thought to sing,” one of the sailors told his captain. “That was genius.” “Not genius,” responded McLaren. “I was so afraid that I just did the first thing God put into my head. I sang, almost sure it would be my last act on earth. But God comes through, and impresses us to do the right thing at just the right moment in His way.” On April 18, 1931, the Veilomani I returned to Mussau carrying three teachers—Oti, from the Solomon Islands; and Ereman and Tolai, from nearby Rabaul. The chief met them, tested their singing abilities, then helped build woven palm thatch structures for the teachers and the school. When all was ready, the teachers began the first class—singing! The whole village (and others from the mountains and other parts of the island) came to listen and practice singing along with the children. Singing songs was the beginning of teaching everyone on the island about the love of God and the life of His children. Before long, the cannibals of Mussau became Christians who read the Bible in Pidgin, gave up their demon gods, ate healthy food, drank clean water, and sang hymns on Sabbath. “Anywhere! anywhere! Fear I cannot know; Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go.” I first heard this story from John Hancock, General Conference youth director, shortly after he and James Harris, South Pacific Division youth director, had visited Mussau.
Publisher The Adventist World, an international periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference, Northern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists®, is the publisher. Executive Editor/Director of Adventist Review Ministries Bill Knott International Publishing Manager Hong, Myung Kwan Adventist World Coordinating Committee Si Young Kim, chair; Yukata Inada; Joel Tompkins; Hong, Myung Kwan; Han, Suk Hee; Lyu, Dong Jin Associate Editors/Directors, Adventist Review Ministries Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Greg Scott Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi Editors based in Seoul, Korea Hong, Myung Kwan; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun Digital Platforms Director Gabriel Begle Operations Manager Merle Poirier Editorial Assessment Coordinator Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Editors-at-Large/Advisors Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Kimberly Brown Distribution Coordinator Sharon Tennyson Management Board Si Young Kim, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Hong, Myung Kwan; Karnik Doukmetzian; Han, Suk Hee; Yutaka Inada; Gerald A. Klingbeil; Joel Tompkins; Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Juan Prestol-Puesán; G. T. Ng; Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Types & Symbols To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638 E-mail: worldeditor@gc.adventist.org Web site: www.adventistworld.org Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts 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. Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Getty Images 2020. Adventist World is published monthly and printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. Vol. 16, No. 7
Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller, lives in Portland, Oregon, United States.
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Growing Faith
Fun-filled pages for younger ages
Who’s Afraid? Not me! A re you scared of snakes? What about clowns (yes, there are people who shake in their shoes at the sight of clowns)? Do spiders send you running? Do heights bring tears to your eyes? How do you feel about the dark? When I was young, I was never very comfortable sleeping in the dark when I was by myself. Now, as long as my little sister was in the room, or I was with friends at a sleepover, or any situation where there 30
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was another person, I’d be OK. But left by myself, I was really bothered by the darkness, and I’d have the hardest time going and staying asleep. One of my most vivid memories of struggling to sleep alone in the dark comes from an experience I had when I was 8. I had watched a movie that was not really a scary movie, but not the most appropriate for a child my age. I wasn’t scared watching it, or when I went to bed, but then I had a really vivid
nightmare about it. My brain went into overdrive that night, and when I woke up unsettled, I couldn’t go back to sleep. I ended up spending most of the night awake, and you can imagine what kind of day I had in school after that. This happened a few times afterward. If I watched or read something even a little scary, I would inevitably have a bad dream. Then I’d need the lights on, and sometimes even that didn’t help. Illustration: Xuan Le
BY WILONA KARIMABADI
Bible Treasure “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Isa. 12:2, NIV).
So what did I do? Well, my grandmother, who was faithful in her prayer life, clued me in to something. The first thing was that I really needed to stop watching and reading things that didn’t fill my mind with good, happy thoughts. Second, I needed to do a better job of talking to Jesus about it in my nightly prayers (because sometimes I forgot). Third, it was OK to tell Jesus specifically that I needed help to have pleasant dreams and a good sleep.
So guess what? When I did these things, I didn’t have bad dreams and trouble sleeping. Being afraid of things is part of life, but it doesn’t have to have power over you. When Jesus is in control, and you go to Him with anything that bothers you, He will take care of it. All you have to do is ask! You’ll be surprised at the many ways He’ll come to your rescue. At the end of the day, you don’t have to be afraid.
TRY THIS:
Look up the word “fear” in the back of your Bibles. Or if you have a Bible app, search that word. You will find many verses on the topic—many that will encourage you. Pick out your favorites and make small posters you can color and decorate. You can hang them up in your room to remind yourself every day that with Jesus beside you, fear has no place in your life.
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE
These are unprecedented times, and the world is facing uncertainty and fear. ADRA remains committed to serving all humanity affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as a humanitarian organization, we can’t serve without you. Help us provide continued support to help those most in need. This crisis isn’t affecting just some, but all. Let’s help each other, together. Donate today at ADRA.org/EndCovid19.
20-043.08 | Photo: © 2020 ADRA Argentina | Elián Giaccarini