02/2024 Ears to Hear Page 10 How God Speaks to Us Page 20 Social Support Page 27
The Art of Bible Study
10 Ears to Hear
The Seven Levels of Bible Study By Justin Kim
Félix H. Cortez
14 The Personhood and Divinity of the Holy Spirit
John Peckham
16 Bible Study Gallery
Various
20 Global View How God Speaks to Us Ted N. C. Wilson 22 Feature Benefits of Bible Study Ellen G. White 24 Looking Back The Strength Is in the Small Norma Collins
26 Bible Questions Answered The Divine King 27 Health & Wellness Social Support 28 May I Tell You a Story? Little Things—Big Prayers 30 Growing Faith Clara’s New Friends
Any aficionado will tell you that there are various levels of appreciation for any art. Whether book enthusiasts smelling paper, coin collectors biting metal, or food fanatics studying the geographical origin of a specific ingredient, art takes an activity to the next level of appreciation. As the people of the book, shouldn’t Seventh-day Adventists appreciate Bible study at the next level? Here are seven ways of reaching that next level: Listen. For a while, audio was on its way out. But now, in an era of audiobooks and podcasts, the art of listening is more popular than ever. Hearing the Word points back to the ancient days when Scripture was read out loud to the masses. Listening requires time, interaction with the voice, and a patient stillness to process what has been heard. Find a good-quality recording—and listen, as in really listen, to it. Read. In our busy schedules, reading requires commitment and discipline to take time to read, silently or out loud, a portion daily. One can vary the styles of reading: quick speed reading, slow reading out loud, scanning, reflective prayer reading, or reading while underlining/highlighting. With the variety of Bible translations, try reading a different version each year or so. Write. Employed by the ancient scribes, writing out Bible verses deepens the meaning when the hand transcribes each word. In an age of touchscreens, writing has become a rare art. But when applied to Scripture, it reawakens this spiritual discipline and semi-mimics what the original authors experienced. Get a good journal and create a handwritten version of your favorite book of the Bible. Understand. Without this keystone habit, everything else is fruitless. Understanding entails studying, observing, comparing, contrasting, outlining, organizing, analyzing, and inquiring on the patterns of thought in Scripture. But most of all, it requires the Holy Spirit to provide the blessing of interpreting what He has inspired. Memorize. Many, as adults, lose this art. But memorizing is most needed and beneficial to those who have weakened memories. Memorizing Scripture strengthens the heart and sharpens the mind. Jesus learned large portions of the Old Testament and encouraged us to claim His promises in the spiritual battle for our souls. Meditate. Whereas Eastern religions seek to empty the mind, the Bible teaches us to fill the mind. Meditating takes one verse (memorized) and repeats it while placing emphasis on a different word each time. This way, one experiences the full meaning of the verse by highlighting each word. Apply. What use are all the above without real application to our lives? Truly God’s Word can be made efficacious only by the power of the Holy Spirit. May the Living Word give us the enthusiasm and eagerness to take our journeys with the Written Word to the next level.
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
An interdenominational congregation in Nueva Unión village, southern Mexico, recently became a Seventh-day Adventist church, thanks to the work of a pastor and lay members who kept visiting the isolated place and studying the Bible with local people. Photo: Juan Colina
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News in Brief
“It was a perfect way to bridge the gap between the church and the Deaf community, especially during a universally celebrated event like Christmas… Hopefully, seeing this [event] can inspire people from the Adventist community to learn more about the opportunities we have in reaching an otherwise unreached population and even looking into learning some Auslan for themselves.” –Jessica Stekla, intern pastor of the Greater Sydney Conference, about the first sign language-interpreted session at the Road to Bethlehem drama. This dramatization of the story of Jesus’ birth was held at Mountain View Adventist College in Sydney, Australia. The initiative involved a partnership between Christian Services for the Blind & Hearing Impaired and the school.
center is not Studying “This just a collection artifacts; it is the Bible ofa living testimoChurch members were asked how often they read their Bible.
49% Daily or more than once a day 26% More than once a week 10% About once a week 8% Once or a few times a month 5% Less than once a month 2% Never
–Edgar Bryan Tolentino, Spirit of Prophecy coordinator and director of the Adventist Heritage Center in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, about the new Adventist Heritage Center. The center is located in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, and preserves and showcases the growth, contributions, and milestones of the Adventist community in the region.
N=143,220 Source: 2022-23 Global Church Member Survey Data provided by the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research
More Than 240 The number of Adventist communicators and church administrators that gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, from December 6 to 9, for the 2023 Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN) Conference. The event brought together people that serve in radio, television, print, and digital ministries across the African continent for training, networking, discussion, and inspiration. 4
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ny of our journey as a church. It serves as a source of inspiration for our current members and a window for others to understand our mission and values.”
More Than 300 The number of people that received medical treatment during a threeday health event at the Dapcha Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nepal. A Korean group provided health services, children’s ministry activities, home visitation, free haircuts, and family photos. The team set up a temporary clinic equipped with medical supplies and technology. The clinic offered general checkups, vaccinations, consultations, medicines, and health education.
News in Brief
“We have an ongoing commitment to nurturing youth, and in particular, it is a blessing to witness the Athens youth group develop into an organized church with a clear missional focus. Our plans involve transforming the church into a network of youth groups within the Athens area, to enhance their impact in reaching out to their peers.” –Claudio Gulyas, president of the Greek Mission, about the growth of the Athens youth group. During the pandemic church leaders created an online ministry for the youth. The group stayed connected post-pandemic and grew, and about 30 young adults meet every Sabbath for worship and fellowship.
1,729
The number of baptisms that took place at the conclusion of evangelism campaign in San Fernando and Sitio Natampod, Namnam, Philippines. The event, which ran from November 26 to December 2, was a joint effort between the Central Mindanao Mission and Adventist World Radio.
Adventist Review Newsletter Would you like to keep up with what’s happening in our church? Sign up today to receive our weekly newsletter that features news stories, inspirational stories, videos, and more. www.adventistreview.org/ newsletter-signup
“This [radio station] is about training and equipping our students to be confident Christian leaders in their own communities, sharing stories about themselves, and stories that their communities can truly connect with on a deep and personal level.” –David Garrard, outgoing Mamarapha College principal, about the new studio that was built on the campus with the help of Faith FM. Mamarapha College is located in Karragullen, Western Australia. The radio station allows all types of Australians to share their stories in their own language. (->) Photo: Adventist Record AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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News in Depth
GRI Field Conference in Africa Explores Intersection of Science and Faith
Tanzania event provided handson experience and training.
Emeraude Victorin Tobias, Geoscience Research Institute
The Geoscience Research Institute (GRI), a scientific research facility of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, hosted its first field conference on the African continent in Tanzania in November 2023. Field conferences go beyond traditional meetings and lectures to immerse participants in handson experiences, directly exposing them to natural features relevant to a biblical understanding of origins. While numerous field conferences have been conducted in the multidecadal history of GRI in locations throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Australasia, this groundbreaking event in Africa marked a significant milestone in the institute’s engagement and service to the global church. GRI’s decision to partner with the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) of the Adventist Church for the conference underscored the division’s status as a powerhouse in Adventist education. With an estimated 750,000 students in more than 3,400 institutions, ECD boasts the largest Seventh-day Adventist educational footprint globally. To optimize impact, 60 individuals
were strategically selected for participation in the conference, representing key actors in education, including secondary school science teachers, science professors from tertiary institutions, union directors of education, university administrators, and public campus ministries student leaders. Tanzania was deliberately chosen as the background of this conference because it provides a canvas to explore major areas crucial to the application of a biblical framework in understanding origins models, organizers said. “The field conference has started a ripple effect,” ECD education director Andrew Mutero said. “This will be felt across the 11 countries of the East-Central Africa Division. We are now trained, informed, and very motivated. We are going to hit the ground running.” Complementing the field experiences were lectures by an international panel of GRI scientists and representatives from the world divisions of the Adventist Church. Topics ranged from the fine-tuning of the cosmos to navigating the delicate balance between scientism and fundamentalism. Two
A group of 60 educators joined Geoscience Research Institute scientists on a journey across Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes. Photo: Geoscience Research Institute 6
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workshop sessions engaged three distinct groups—leaders, students, and teachers—resulting in each group establishing resolutions and actionable goals for this year. “The attendees were a great group to work with,” Ben Clausen, senior scientist for GRI and field conference director, said. “The objectives were to learn new geology and biology, understand time issues in relation to earth history models, foster a positive attitude relating science and faith, and increase trust in God and His Word.” The conference’s success has paved the way for future collaboration between GRI and ECD. Plans include establishing a GRI branch office; developing certificate training for teachers at the Adventist University of Africa in the intersection of faith and science; and, in the future, offering a series of training events in the division. “I thank God for the conference,” said Alfaxad Mussa Chacha, biology and chemistry teacher at Ikizu High School in Rwanda. “Together, we learned more about creation, and as a biologist, I will use the opportunity of teaching genetics to show how we are fearfully and wonderfully made.” As the echoes of the GRI field conference resonate through the ECD, with the participants’ return to their respective countries, new paths for understanding the intersection of faith and science illuminate the church’s witness about our loving Creator, organizers said. “The event has empowered a new generation of educators and leaders to carry the torch of knowledge into their respective communities,” they said.
News in Depth
LLU Team Provides Free Dental Services to Hundreds in Cuba
Dental students open the door to community health in Havana, Cuba
Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News (with contributions by Dayami Rodriguez)
Photo: Loma Linda University Health
A group of students and faculty from Loma Linda University’s School of Dentistry recently traveled to Havana, Cuba, to take part in the first-ever dental health fair. Two four-day clinics were coordinated with the Cuban Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Office of Religious Affairs and Public Health in Cuba. More than 300 people received free dental care during the fair, organizers said. Gary A. Kerstetter, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry director and professor, along with a team comprised of third- and fourth-year dentistry students, performed fillings, cleanings, and extractions. A handful of local Adventist dentists and professionals assisted with the procedures. The clinics were held at the theological seminary in Havana (SETAC) and at the public health clinic in the Boyeros Municipality in Havana. The team also provided oral health education for each patient. “We have been able to be part of a mission of dentistry work, providing clinical experience for our students during which they can do procedures on patients and also have an opportunity for a cultural experience in a different country,
where they can help people in another situation,” Kerstetter said. The team from Loma Linda brought a portable X-ray machine, dental tools, equipment, and supplies, Kerstetter shared. “We had six to eight patients being seen on five chairs each day, and they were so appreciative to our team for the work they performed on them,” he said. The clinics were historic and extraordinary, said Orquídea Ferrer Hurtado, director of Christian Medical Services Network, an organization that organizes health professionals through the Cuban Public Health Ministry. Ferrer, who also is a faculty professor at the School of Dentistry in Havana, said the mission trip led by the Loma Linda University team meant a lot to her and the 10 health professionals that joined to take part in the dental clinics. “We were able to assist and share professional experiences and how things work here,” Ferrer said. “They learned from us, and we learned from them, and that’s what it’s all about.” “I am more than grateful to God, and these students who came to help us did magnificent work on me and my children,” Yaremis Leyva Ross, a local resident, said.
“This health fair has opened a door here,” Heber Paneque, health ministries director of the Cuban Union, said. Church members and people in the community were among the patients who benefited from the dental health fair. “We are incredibly thankful and saw how it made so many people happy,” he said. Obed Carrera, program manager for Loma Linda University Students for International Mission Service, said there have been several trips to Cuba during the past six years. Many of them included multidiscipline mission trips twice a year, but this year brought a new level of medical care services, he said. Crystal Robinson, who traveled as a nurse for the team and has been part of logistics mission trips to Cuba for several years, said the latest trip has been a blessing. “Students remember most of the people’s resiliency and see how happy, appreciative, and willing they are to give you whatever they have to show gratitude,” Robinson said. “It has been a life-changing trip for us,” Kerstetter said. “We hope to have more opportunities to show a little bit of human compassion for the people in Cuba.” AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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News in Depth
First-Ever Open-Heart Surgery in Malawi Offers Hope for Millions
Feat was part of ASi’s Hearts for Mission International ministry.
ASi Missions and Adventist World
On November 1, Hearts for Mission International (H4MI), a new ministry of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries Missions, Inc. (ASi), embarked on an extraordinary journey with the potential to change the lives of countless people in sub-Saharan Africa. The first-ever open-heart surgery was successfully performed in the country of Malawi by H4MI at the Blantyre Adventist Hospital. H4MI, together with a dedicated team of 20 medical personnel and staff from the United States and Kenya, including two highly experienced cardiovascular surgeons, achieved a historic feat by performing two open-heart surgeries that week. The initiative aims to provide lifesaving cardiovascular solutions to sub-Saharan Africa, a region plagued by significant heart disease-related deaths and a staggering ratio of just one cardiothoracic surgeon for every 14.3 million people. Nan Wang and Arega Fekadu Leta, cardiothoracic surgeons, along with a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and hospital and administrative staff, led these groundbreaking operations.
“Until now, only patients who could afford to fly to South Africa or India could get lifesaving surgeries,” H4MI CEO Jason Blanchard said. “An ASi Missions, Inc., department, H4MI, came to Malawi, where it’s serving with the government to bring care to its people. It’s really a story of hope for the country,” Blanchard said. “By literally touching the hearts of a few, we have reached out and touched the heart of the nation and its people,” Wang added. “This mission trip has also moved the heart team in so many ways. All of us are forever changed because we have seen faith in action. . . . We will be back!” Eliza Frank, a 33-year-old mother of four, was a subsistence farmer before contracting rheumatic heart disease. Her symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations upon any exertion, forced Frank to stop farming and rely on her mother and sister for support. With limited access to medical interventions, Frank’s situation was all but hopeless. Frank, however,
The first open-heart surgery in Malawi took place on November 1, thanks to Hearts for Mission International. Photo: ASi Missions 8
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was one of two patients selected to undergo a life-changing procedure, becoming the first person in Malawi to receive open-heart surgery. The surgery was a resounding success, and Frank is now on the path to recovery at the Blantyre hospital. “We are thankful not only to God but also to our incredible team of donors and dedicated medical professionals who turned this dream into a remarkable reality,” H4MI leaders said. Malawi’s deputy minister of health, Halima Daud, visited Blantyre Adventist Hospital to express her heartfelt support for the patients and for the H4MI team. “The government has been allocating substantial funds to send patients to India for surgeries. As a country, we are thrilled about this development because it allows these surgeries to be performed right here in Malawi,” she noted. There is still much work to be done, H4MI leaders said. Millions of others in that region are suffering from cardiovascular conditions, with little hope of recovery. A recent study noted that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is found in an estimated 1.3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, and that number is expected to grow. H4MI is committed to continuing the work of providing life-changing care and plans on holding multiple cardiac camps abroad each year in addition to opening a training program to equip locals with the education they need, leaders reported. “This is a monumental moment, and the impact of this new ministry will be felt for generations to come,” they said.
Mission Focus
Tracey Bridcutt, Adventist Record, and Adventist World
The Border Bicycle Ministry team getting ready to cross the PNG border into Indonesia. Photo: Adventist Record
Border Bicycle Ministry Team Shares Jesus in Remote Villages Two-week ride covers areas in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
A group of Adventist cyclists recently completed a two-week ride through southern Papua New Guinea (PNG) and into Indonesia. The Border Bicycle Ministry team was composed of seven staff from Pacific Adventist University, one from the Central Papua Conference, and two sons of two of the participants. Their ride began in Daru and took them through various villages, where they were warmly welcomed by the locals, who expressed their hospitality through traditional singing and dancing. At each village the team took the opportunity to pause and share the message of Jesus with the villagers. A 19-minute video documenting the journey captures significant moments, including the crossing of the Morehead River, an escort by the PNG military, meeting the border immigration chief, and a visit to the Seventh-day Adventist church in Sota, Indonesia. The video also features a brief interview with the PNG Defence
Force commander, who shared, “As servicemen, we have sworn an oath. That oath is to serve God and serve the people of this nation. I feel obligated to help [the] church because I see that [in] this area . . . [the people] need spiritual guidance and spiritual well-being. I want to change their mindset and their perspective on thinking about life.” South West Papua Mission president Martin Sungu is also featured in the video, extending a warm welcome to the cyclists before they crossed the border. “This is an exciting moment to see the pre-evangelism started in preparation for the PNG for Christ [program],” he said. ABOUT PNG FOR CHRIST
PNG for Christ is an evangelistic campaign set to take place in Papua New Guinea. Dubbed as “a mission experience of a lifetime,” leaders have called PNG for Christ “a unique opportunity to bring people closer to Jesus.” This ambitious initiative will span across the entire country, encompassing approximately 2,000 evangelistic sites. For two weeks, from April 26 to May 12, nightly meetings will be conducted to engage and inspire individuals in their spiritual journey. While a significant number of preachers will be locals, there is a pressing need for additional volunteers from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands, regional leaders said.
Organizers said they are looking not only for pastors and evangelists but for anyone passionate about sharing the message of Christ. Training and resources will be provided to equip all participants, they said. “Our primary goal is to bring people to the Lord—that is what PNG for Christ is all about,” said Gary Webster, director of the Institute of Public Evangelism at the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We need at least 300 preachers from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands. It’s going to be an extraordinary and uplifting experience, and I would encourage anyone interested to embrace this opportunity.” Recently Webster visited Goroka in PNG to provide training to some of the preachers who will be actively involved in the 2024 campaign. “The Spirit is moving in PNG, and we know that countless souls will be brought to the kingdom through this event,” he said. “So don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to something truly special in bringing people closer to Jesus.”
Scan this QR code to experience the two-week journey of cyclists through southern Papua New Guinea.
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Focus
Ears to Hear How to study the Bible and let Scripture speak for itself FÉLIX H. CORTEZ
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H
ave you ever wondered why the cross took Jesus’ disciples by surprise? Jesus repeatedly told His disciples plainly that He must “suffer many things . . . and be killed” (Matt. 16:21; see also Matt. 17:22, 23; 20:17-19). How did the disciples dismiss such clear warnings? Were their ears closed? The disciples did not want to believe that Jesus would die. They resisted the idea (see Matt. 16:22, 23; Mark 8:32, 33). They wanted Jesus to be an earthly king, overlooking or forgetting the prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering; that He would be bruised while crushing the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15), “cut off” (Dan. 9:26), “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:5). These passages went against what the disciples had always believed about the Messiah and, perhaps more important, against their strong desire that Jesus would conquer the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom. They did not have “ears to hear.” Perhaps you have wondered, How can I have “ears to hear” what God says through His Word, the Bible? How can I study the Bible in a way that allows the Bible to speak for itself? This article shares some simple, practical steps for how to study the Bible faithfully, beginning with seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer.1 PRAY AND SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The first step is to approach the Bible with the right attitude, asking God to guide us so we may see beyond our own inclinations and desires. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth (John 16:13). In other words, ask God to take away your desires and misunderstandings and to give you ears to hear. After Christ rose from the dead, He appeared to two followers on the road to Emmaus and “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Crushed by disappointment and searching for answers, the disciples now had ears to hear what the Scriptures had to say about Jesus. We need to have the same willingness to listen to God through the Bible—to hear “all the Scriptures,” even if there are some passages that contradict our beliefs or desires. Ellen G. White writes: “Were Jesus with us today, He would say to us as He did Photo: Fa Barboza
to His disciples, ‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now’ (John 16:12, KJV). Jesus longed to open before the minds of His disciples deep and living truths, but their earthliness, their clouded, deficient comprehension made it impossible. They could not be benefited with great, glorious, solemn truths. The want of spiritual growth closes the door to the rich rays of light that shine from Christ. We shall never reach a period when there is no increased light for us.”2 Often, wrong interpretations of Scripture stem not from the head, but the heart (see 2 Thess. 2:10, 12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). So ask God to open your heart to receive His teaching. ANALYZE THE TEXT
Understanding a text requires work, including reading individual texts in light of other texts around them. Begin by selecting a paragraph, the basic unit of meaning in the Bible. Bibles sometimes identify paragraphs with an extra space between lines or with an indentation at the beginning of a sentence. In most cases a Bible chapter is not the same as a paragraph. Then analyze the paragraph in the following four steps: First, identify the main idea of the paragraph. What is the author trying to say? Second, consider how the author develops that idea. What is the logical structure of the paragraph and the shape of its claims? Third, identify historical and cultural elements that might impact the meaning of the text. How might a better understanding of the author, the audience, and the historical circumstances help us understand the passage? Fourth, note the important words in the paragraph. Are there words we need to understand better? After this, read the same paragraph in two or more other translations (if possible). EXPLORE THE LITERARY STRUCTURE
To understand the role the passage plays in conveying the message of the book and Scripture’s overall message, we need to understand the literary structure of the book that our paragraph is in. If the message of the paragraph does not seem to fit well with the book’s message, this indicates we have not interpreted the paragraph correctly. AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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The paragraph is a puzzle piece that lines up with the other pieces of Scripture. The disciples’ problem was that they failed to believe all that the prophets had said about Jesus (Luke 24:25). For example, if we want to understand Paul’s instruction that women keep silent in church, we need to look at other verses that talk about women in church. When we do that, we find that Paul’s guidance had to do with order during worship and not with preventing women from speaking (compare 1 Cor. 14:34, 35 with 14:33, 40; Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9). Good study Bibles and Bible commentaries provide information about literary structure and function in the introduction to each book of the Bible. These introductions describe the book’s message and the structure of that message. Remember, however, that commentaries and study notes are written in accordance with the assumptions of their authors. Look for those that have a high view of Scripture—believing Scripture is the inspired Word of God (see 2 Tim. 3:16). And always give priority to what Scripture itself says. The writings of others may help you to understand the Bible’s teachings, but should never be used to judge or replace those teachings. CONSIDER THE GENRE
Next, consider the kind of writing (the genre) of a passage and the book it is in. For example, consider whether it is a narrative or poetry or something else (e.g., wisdom literature, prophetic writing, or an epistle). This makes an important difference in how the passage should be understood. For example, narratives (such as Genesis 1 or 1 and 2 Samuel) describe historical events, but typically do not tell us exactly what lessons to take from those stories. Abraham, Jacob, and David had more than one wife, but the Bible does not endorse polygamy. Rather, these stories simply accurately describe what happened. We need to look at the consequences of such actions, which the books themselves describe, to understand the lesson and look to other clear teachings of Scripture about God’s ideal (see Gen. 2:24). Epistles (letters) in the Bible, on the other hand, do offer specific lessons, but are written to a specific, original audience (more on this below). For example, when Paul left Timothy to pastor in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), Paul instructed him not to include widows younger than 60 to receive church assistance, and expressed his desire that these widows marry and have children (1 Tim. 5:9-16). In Corinth, however, he suggested that single people and widows not marry if they could avoid it (1 Cor. 7:1-9). Paul was not contradicting himself. Paul was speaking to different historical and cultural circumstances in Ephesus and Corinth. 12
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Poetic passages use figurative or metaphorical language to impress a message in our minds, but poetry is not meant to be understood literally. When Jesus talked about the everlasting or unquenchable fire that will destroy the wicked, He was referring to the poetic language of Isaiah 34:9-15. That passage talks about the destruction of Edom as an eternal fire that destroyed everything forever. It is clear that the fire did not go on burning forever, since the passage also says that animals and birds would dwell in that land. EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
It is important to understand the cultural values, customs, symbols, and practices relevant to a passage to correctly understand its meaning. For example, we fail to fully understand the story of the good Samaritan when we forget the cultural and legal restriction prohibiting priests from touching the dead body of anyone except their closest relatives (see Lev. 21:1-4). Similarly, we will misunderstand the actions of Ruth (see Ruth 3:6-15) or Paul’s instructions about the veil (see 1 Cor. 11:2-16) if we do not understand the cultural and legal customs of the time. You can learn more about the historical and cultural context of a passage from a good Bible dictionary or commentary. Always give priority, however, to what the Bible teaches about the history and culture relevant to the passage. First, we need to understand the passage in the context of human history. For example, we need to understand Paul’s epistles in the context of the history of the church in Acts. We will not understand Galatians without understanding what happened at the Jerusalem Council (see Acts 15). Similarly, we cannot properly understand Daniel 8 and 9 independently of Jeremiah’s prophecies. Likewise, Malachi is best understood in the context of the life and ministry of Nehemiah. Second, we need to understand the passage in the context of salvation history. The best way to understand the arc of God’s dealings with humanity is to read the story of Scripture. Wonderful insights into this story can be found in the five volumes of the Conflict of the Ages series by Ellen White (Patriarchs and Prophets, Prophets and Kings, The Desire of Ages, The Acts of the Apostles, and The Great Controversy). EXPLORE THE MEANING OF IMPORTANT WORDS IN THE PASSAGE
You can dig deeper into the important words in a passage by using a concordance or a digital Bible.3 Concordances list each use of a word by a biblical author or throughout the Bible.
When we understand how key words in a passage are used in other parts of the Bible, it helps us better understand biblical concepts, persons, or themes. For example, a search on the word “shepherd” helps us understand that when Jesus called Himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), He indirectly claimed to be Yahweh, coming to rescue His sheep that had been mistreated and dispersed (see Ps. 23; 80:1; Jer. 23; Eze. 34). Further, everyone who speaks more than one language knows that different languages often do not have exact equivalents for certain words. For example, the Greek word teleios means “perfect,” but also “mature,” “grown up” and “initiated.” Thus, “perfection” in the New Testament does not mean exactly the same thing as it means in English. A good commentary can help you in this regard. Also, there are free websites that provide access to the original words of the Bible that can be used even by those who do not read those languages.4
The more we practice what we learn, the more we will understand and come to love God.
READ THE BIBLE WITH OTHER PEOPLE
God instructs us to gather together to read Scripture and encourage one another (Heb. 3:13; 10:25; 1 Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13). Reading the Bible with other people is important because it helps us see our own assumptions and blind spots. As we read Scripture together and pore over its text, trying to understand its meaning, we can help one another to have a richer and deeper understanding.5 PRACTICE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Finally, obedience is an important step in understanding Scripture. Jesus said that those who choose to do the will of God will know the truth (John 7:17). This was the case with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. When they urged Jesus to stay in their home, suggesting they had accepted His message and wanted more, “their eyes were opened,” and they could recognize Him (Luke 24:31). On the other hand, Scripture explains that the crucial deficiency of those who will be deceived at the end of time will not be lack of knowledge but lack of love for the truth (see 2 Thess. 2:9-12). The first step toward deception is not ignorance but lack of willingness to obey. Jesus compared those who hear His words and do them to a man who built his house upon a rock. When the floods came and the winds blew, his house stood firm. Those who hear Jesus’ words and don’t do them, He compared to a man who built his house upon the sand. When the winds of false doctrine and teaching came, his house fell (see Matt. 7:24-27). Further, Paul warns that “the time will come when [people] will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, Photo: Tim Wildsmith
they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4). The more we practice what we learn, the more we will understand and come to love God. Increased love will make possible increased understanding. When we experience the truth of His Word, it produces even greater confidence that His Word is true and His promises are sure. When we experience the goodness of the Word of God, we will not want—in fact, we will not be able—to remain silent. Just like the disciples at Emmaus. These principles describe the historical-grammatical approach. See “Methods of Bible Study,” in Biblical Hermeneutics: An Adventist Approach, ed. Frank M. Hasel (Silver Spring, Md.: Biblical Research Institute/ Review and Herald Academic, 2020), pp. 463-473. 2 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958, 1980), book 1, pp. 403, 404. 3 For example, biblegateway.org. 4 Websites such as www.biblehub.com provide access to the original words of the Bible in Hebrew and Greek and list other places those words appear in the Bible. 5 For resources to assist with the interpretation of difficult passages of the Bible, see the Biblical Research Institute website: www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org. 1
Félix H. Cortez is a professor of New Testament literature at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University.
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Bible Study
The Personhood and Divinity of the Holy Spirit BY JOHN PECKHAM
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he Holy Spirit is central to God’s mission. Accordingly, we need a biblical understanding of the identity and nature of the Holy Spirit. This Bible study addresses the following key questions: Is the Holy Spirit a person or a mere force or power of God? Is the Holy Spirit distinct from the Father and Son (Christ)? Is the Holy Spirit truly divine? To answer the first question, we must recognize that the word “person” in this context does not mean a human person or one limited to a physical body, as humans are. Instead, we simply mean one who has personal characteristics that only persons have, such as self-consciousness, reason, and will. 1. List the personal characteristics attributed to the Holy Spirit in the following texts:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). “No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:11). “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing [spiritual gifts] to each one individually as He wills” (1 Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit: can be . the things of God. distributes gifts to individuals as He
.
These and other biblical texts describe the Holy Spirit with personal characteristics. A mere force or power cannot be grieved (requiring self-consciousness), cannot know the things of God (requiring reason), and cannot will to give spiritual gifts to persons (requiring will). 14
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Image: Gospel Perspective
Here and elsewhere, Scripture identifies the Holy Spirit as a person, referring to the Holy Spirit as having characteristics that only persons have.
2. What other personal characteristics of the Holy Spirit are found in the following texts?
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12). “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). Only persons can be grieved (Eph. 4:30), know (1 Cor. 2:11), will (1 Cor. 12:11), teach (Luke 12:12), intercede (Rom. 8:26), testify or bear witness (John 15:26), be lied to and tested (Acts 5:3, 4, 9), speak (Acts 8:29), admonish (Neh. 9:30), lead and guide (Ps. 143:10; Acts 8:29), call to ministry and send out (Acts 13:2-4), forbid or allow (Acts 16:6, 7), and so on. Here and elsewhere, Scripture identifies the Holy Spirit as a person, referring to the Holy Spirit as having characteristics that only persons have.1 3. How do the following texts distinguish the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father as distinct persons?
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My [Jesus’] name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit (the Helper) is sent by the in the name of . “But when the Helper comes, whom I [Jesus] shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit (the Helper) is sent by from the . As sent by the Father in the name of Jesus (John 14:26) and sent by Jesus from the Father (John 15:26), the Holy Spirit cannot be either the Father or the Son, but is distinct from the Father and the Son. Scripture demonstrates, then, that the Holy Spirit is not the same person as the Son (Christ) or the Father (or a part of one or both). The Holy Spirit is a distinct person (see also Matt. 12:32; Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:16). Further, we will see that Scripture identifies the Holy Spirit as a divine person with the Father and the Son, in whose name believers are baptized (Matt. 28:19). 4. In Isaiah 6:8-10 God declares a specific message to Isaiah. In Acts 28 Paul quotes this very message. But who does he say spoke this message? Read the text below and fill in the blanks.
“The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers” (Acts 28:25).
According to the Bible, the words God spoken in Isaiah 6:8-10 were spoken by the . Likewise, Hebrews 3:7 quotes words spoken by God in Psalm 95:7-11 by saying “as the Holy Spirit says.” These and other texts refer to the Holy Spirit as God. 5. To whom did Ananias lie when he decided to keep back some of the proceeds of the sale of his land while pretending he had given all the proceeds? Read the text below and fill in the blanks.
“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God’ ” (Acts 5:3, 4). When Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, he did not lie to , but to . Lying to the Holy Spirit, then, was lying to God. Thus, Scripture refers to the Holy Spirit as God (see, also, Matt. 28:19). Only God is eternal, all-knowing (omniscient), and present everywhere (omnipresent), yet the Holy Spirit is referred to as eternal (Heb 9:14), all-knowing (1 Cor. 2:10, 11), and present everywhere (John 14:16) and thus must be divine. According to Scripture, then, the Holy Spirit is a person (possessing personal characteristics), the Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit is divine—one of the three coeternal persons of the Godhead (Trinity).2 Ellen G. White comments: “The Holy Spirit is a person. . . . The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God” (Evangelism [Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946], pp. 616, 617). Elsewhere she adds, “The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, in Christ’s name. He personifies Christ, yet is a distinct personality” (manuscript 93, 1893, in Manuscript Releases [Silver Spring, Md.: Ellen G. White Estate, 1993], vol. 20, p. 324). 2 For much more on the Holy Spirit, see John C. Peckham, God With Us: An Introduction to Adventist Theology (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 2023), chap. 5. 1
John Peckham is associate editor of Adventist World and research professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University. AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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Bible Study Gallery Not everyone marks their Bibles as they study. Some prefer to take notes through a separate medium. But there is something beautiful, even nostalgic, about a marked-up Bible. It reminds you of your thoughts, reflections, and insights as you page through God’s Word. Seeing handwritten evidence of the Spirit at work in your own mind as you read words that were themselves Spirit-inspired is nothing short of heartwarming. In this issue that is focused on how to study the Bible, we asked various individuals—administrators, evangelists, pastors, theologians, etc.—to share a picture of their marked-up Bibles. The images they shared could rightly be called “art.”
DAESUNG CHOI (Korean) Pioneering member, Bosung Seventh-day Adventist Church, Korea
ELLEN G. WHITE (Commentary on John 5:39) Pioneer, Seventh-day Adventist Church
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ARTUR STELE (Russian) General Vice President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
ALEJANDRO BULLÓN (Spanish) Retired evangelist
ERTON KOHLER (Portuguese) Secretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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HENSLEY MOOROOVEN (French) Undersecretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
TED N. C. WILSON President, General Conference of Seventhday Adventists
JIŘÍ MOSKALA Dean, Andrews University Theological Seminary 18
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JAEHEE LEE (Korean) Retired pastor, West Central Korean Conference
VALMY KAREMERA (Kinyarwanda) Investor, Houston, Texas
JOHN BRADSHAW President, It Is Written
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Global View
How God Speaks to Us Through His Word
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his issue of Adventist World addresses a vitally important topic—the Word of God. Scripture is the primary way God communicates with us—it is His Word, His gift to us for the ages. It is through Scripture that He reveals who He is, how much He loves us, our history and His plan of salvation, how to live a happy life, our future hope, and so much more. Truly, as the psalmist said: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105, KJV). In the Gospel of John we read this marvelous statement in the very first chapter and verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). What a beautiful description of Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of man, a perfect blending of the human and the divine. We don’t understand exactly how this can be, but we know it is so. And Jesus Christ has given us His words of life through the Holy Scriptures, the living, powerful Word of God (Heb. 4:12). Speaking of the Scriptures, Jesus affirmed, “These are they 20
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which testify of Me” (John 5:39). The Bible is God’s message given to humanity, in the language of humanity, through those who were divinely inspired, as 2 Peter 1:21 explains: “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” A SOLID FOUNDATION
The Holy Scriptures are the foundation upon which we base all our beliefs as Seventh-day Adventists. That’s why our very first fundamental belief is “The Holy Scriptures.” It reads: “The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.”1 There are many texts affirming the beauty and power of Scripture.
In Proverbs 30:5, 6 we read this promise and warning: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Isaiah 8:20 testifies, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” In John 17:17 we again hear Jesus affirming the importance of Scripture when He prays for His disciples, asking His heavenly Father to “sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” In the letter to the Thessalonians the apostle Paul states to the believers: “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). TAKING THE BIBLE AS IT READS
The Bible reveals God’s truth and draws us closer to Him as we follow
Photo: Robert Sijan / Oatawa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Scripture is the primary way God communicates with us—it is His Word, His gift to us for the ages.
His divine counsel outlined in its precious pages. But to truly hear God speaking, we must approach the Scriptures believing that they are indeed “the supreme, authoritative, and infallible revelation of His will.”2 We are warned in the book The Great Controversy: “The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: ‘Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God’ (Mark 12:24, KJV). The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Christ has given the promise: ‘If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.’ If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that
would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error.”3 Sadly, today we see in some places a lack of understanding the Bible and how to interpret it, as well as actual antagonism against the Word of God. Nevertheless, the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in the authenticity and authority of God’s Word—the Holy Bible—and it speaks to all people, everywhere, for all time. As indicated in its officially voted document “Methods of Bible Study,” the church accepts only the historical biblical or historical grammatical method of interpreting Scripture, allowing the Bible to interpret itself line upon line, verse upon verse, precept upon precept, through the power of the Holy Spirit.4 Unfortunately, there are those who are using the historical-critical method and other humanistic methods of biblical interpretation that are not God-focused methods. Using the historical-critical method, the reader becomes the determiner of what is truth and what is not. This is a very unreliable way of reading God’s holy Word, because, as Jeremiah 17:9 indicates, the human “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
approach when understanding biblical prophecies. Not the preterist, not the futurist, not the historical-critical, but the historical-biblical method of understanding God’s Word. In the book Spiritual Gifts we read: “God has given sufficient evidence upon which to base faith if he wishes to believe. In the last days the earth will be almost destitute of true faith. Upon the merest pretense, the word of God will be considered unreliable, while human reasoning will be received, though it be in opposition to plain Scripture facts.”5 Brothers and sisters, do not be influenced by those in or out of the church who ignore, denigrate, or depreciate the Word of God. As Seventh-day Adventists we stand strongly on a clear understanding and acceptance of the entire Word of God as it reads. I encourage you to spend time with God in His Word every day, setting all preconceived ideas aside, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. You will be richly rewarded.
GOD HAS GIVEN SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. You may follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @pastortedwilson and on Facebook: @Pastor Ted Wilson.
I urge you to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in understanding Scripture. Use only the historicist
“The Holy Scriptures,” Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief 1, adventist.org/holy-scriptures/. 2 Ibid. 3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 598. (Italics supplied.) 4 “Methods of Bible Study,” voted at the Annual Council of the General Conference Executive Committee in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Oct. 12, 1986. www.adventist.org/documents/methods-of-bible-study/. 5 Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts (Battle Creek, Mich.: Seventh-day Adventist Pub. Assn., 1864), vol. 3, p. 94. 1
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Feature
Benefits of Bible Study The Bible unfolds the plan of salvation. BY ELLEN G. WHITE
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ll Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” In the Word of God is contained everything essential to the perfecting of the man of God. It is like a treasure-house, full of valuable and precious stores; but we do not appreciate its riches, nor realize the necessity of equipping ourselves with the treasures of truth. We do not realize the great necessity of searching the Scriptures for ourselves. Many neglect their study in order to pursue some worldly interest, or to indulge in some passing pleasure. A trifling affair 22
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is made an excuse for ignorance of the Scriptures. DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS
“Given by inspiration of God,” “able to make us wise unto salvation,” rendering the man of God “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” the Book of books has the highest claims to our reverent attention. Superficial study cannot meet the claims it has upon us, nor furnish us with the benefit that is promised. We should seek to learn the full meaning of the words of truth, and to drink deep the spirit of the holy oracles. To read daily a certain number of chapters, or to commit to memory a stipulated amount of Scripture, without careful thought as to the meaning of the
text, will profit little. To study one passage until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. We cannot obtain wisdom from the Word of God without giving earnest and prayerful attention to its study. It is true that some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunderstood; but there are many others whose meaning cannot be seen at a glance, for the truth does not lie upon the surface. In order to understand the meaning of such passages, scripture must be compared with scripture, there must be careful research and prayerful reflection.
Photo: Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
sake them wholly and determinedly, believing the promises of God, and showing your faith by your works. If the truths of the Bible are woven into practical life, they will bring the mind up from its earthliness and debasement. Those who are conversant with the Scriptures will be men and women who exert an elevating influence. In searching for Heaven-revealed truths, the Spirit of God is brought into close connection with the heart. An understanding of the revealed will of God enlarges the mind, expands, elevates, and endows it with new vigor, by bringing its faculties into contact with stupendous truth. No study is better to give energy to the mind, to strengthen the intellect, than the study of the Word of God. No other book is so potent in elevating the thoughts, in giving vigor to the faculties, as is the Bible, which contains the most ennobling truths. If God’s Word were studied as it should be, we should see greater breadth of mind, stability of purpose, and nobility of character. INTENSE STUDY
Such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers precious veins of metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the Word of God as for hid treasure find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the careless seeker. But if you do not make the sacred teachings of God’s Word the rule and guide of your life, the truth will be nothing to you. Truth is efficient only as it is carried out in practical life. If the Word of God condemns some habit you have indulged, a feeling you have cherished, a spirit you have manifested, turn not from the sacred monitor; but turn away from the evil of your doings, and let Jesus cleanse and sanctify your heart. Confess your faults, and for-
But Bible study is made a secondary consideration, and a great loss is sustained thereby. The understanding takes the level of the things with which it becomes familiar. If all would make the Bible their study, we should see a people who were better developed, who were capable of thinking more deeply, who would manifest greater intelligence than those who have earnestly studied the sciences and histories of the world, apart from the Bible. The Bible gives the true seeker for truth an advanced mental discipline, and he comes from contemplation of divine things with his faculties enriched; self is humbled, while God and his revealed truth are exalted. It is because men are unacquainted with the precious Bible histories, that there is so
much lifting up of man, and so little honor given to God. The Bible contains that which will make the Christian strong in spirit and intellect. The psalmist says, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” The Bible is a wonderful book, It is a history that opens up to us the past centuries. Without the Bible we should have been left to conjectures and fables in regard to the occurrences of past ages. It is a prophecy that unveils the future. It is the Word of God, unfolding to us the plan of salvation, pointing out the way by which we may escape eternal death and gain eternal life. It gives not only the history of this world, but a description of the world to come. It contains instruction concerning the wonders of the universe; it reveals to our understanding the character of the Author of the heavens and the earth. In it is the revelation of God to man. The searching of all books of philosophy and science cannot do for the mind and morals what Bible study can do, if it is made practical. He who studies the Bible holds converse with patriarchs and prophets. He comes in contact with truth clothed in elevated language, which exerts a fascinating power over the mind, and lifts the thoughts from the things of earth to the glory of the future, immortal life. What wisdom of man can compare with the revelation of the grandeur of God? Finite man, who knows not God, seeks to lessen the value of the Scriptures, claiming that his supposed knowledge of science will not harmonize with the Word of God; but the divine Word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path.
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 The Bible Echo, Oct. 1, 1892. AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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Looking Back Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from Heartwarming Stories of Adventist Pioneers, by the late Norma J. Collins.
The Strength Is in the Small
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eman and Eliza Gurney were early Millerite believers and friends of Joseph Bates. They were among the first to accept the Sabbath and became strong supporters of James and Ellen White, even funding half the cost of publishing Ellen White’s vision “To the Little Remnant Scattered Abroad.” While little is known of the Gurneys, a few stories have emerged from Heman’s life that involve sailboats and the miraculous hand of God. The following is one such experience. THE BOAT CAME HOME
Photo courtesy of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Archives.
The miraculous hand of God in Heman Gurney’s life
Heman was a blacksmith working for a Mr. Sherman and a Mr. Hall on West Island, just off the coast of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, United States. Mr. Sherman had told young Heman to feel free to borrow his boat any time he wanted to go home for a visit. Feeling a little homesick one afternoon, Heman got Mr. Sherman’s permission to take the boat to the mainland and see his parents. He planned to return the next day. Fog had already settled over the waters, but he knew the way so well that he wasn’t afraid of getting lost. After sailing what he judged to be about three miles, he suddenly heard a voice yelling, “Hard up your helm! Hard up your helm!” which means “Get out of the way!” Quickly ducking to see under the sail, Heman saw a boat practically on top of him. He tried to get clear, but went under the boat’s boom. His masts and rigging were swept away, and the boat was partially upset. The sailors on the other boat fished Heman out of the sea and hauled him on board. How embarrassed he was as he tried to explain what he was doing out in a small boat on such a foggy day. The men tried to tow the little sailboat, but after a short distance the rope broke, and they had to leave it to the mercy of the wind and waves. Heman felt sick. He was convinced that if the boat was found at all, it would be at the lower end of West Island, dashed to pieces on the rocks. The boat that had run him down and then rescued him from the surging water took him on to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Afraid that his friends on West Island would be anxious about him, Heman quickly stopped by home to grab another hat—he’d lost the one he had on when he
went in the water—then hurried on his way. His homesickness had turned to dread and a certain amount of fear as he tried to think of what he’d say to Mr. Sherman. How would he explain that his friend’s prized sailboat was lost or dashed to pieces on the rocks? About five miles down the beach, he found himself opposite West Island. By now it was almost dark, but he was able to find a local boat owner to take him across to Hall’s boat dock. This was safely accomplished, and the man who’d rowed him across was able to get back before it grew too dark to see. Heman wasn’t quite sure why he bothered, but he decided to check out the Shermans’ boat dock before going up to the house. There was the little sailboat, neatly tied up and secure in its usual place. He couldn’t believe his eyes! How could that be? Slowly he examined it from stem to stern. It seemed impossible, but there was no damage at all. It was a bewildered but grateful Heman Gurney who slept soundly that night despite his harrowing day. The next morning he knew he had to face Mr. Sherman. After exchanging greetings, he managed to stammer, “Well, ummm, I see you found your boat all right.” “Found my boat?” the man asked, puzzled. “What do you mean? It’s right there.” With a sigh, Heman explained the whole episode. Mr. Sherman hadn’t given the boat a thought since Heman had left in it; he hadn’t even known it was missing. Yet there it was in its place, undamaged, safe, and secure. A reef of rocks surrounds West Island. At low tide some of the reef is visible, but at high tide it’s covered. There is only one channel—about 11 yards wide— through which boats can safely pass. At the dock the stones were raked away, making a smooth track about five yards (4.5 meters) wide to pull up a boat. This was indeed a puzzle. Both the young man and the older man knew there was no way a boat could have gotten through the narrow channel leading to the landing. Even if it had, no one was there to guide it and tie it up. There was no doubt in Heman’s mind that “an unseen agent” took charge of the boat where he left it. He was awed and humbled to think that heavenly angels should be appointed to care for him.
This story is a reminder that the strength of the Seventh-day Adventist Church lies in those who are unknown and unsung, but who quietly go about winning souls for the kingdom.
Not only was Heman talented with his anvil, but he had a fine singing voice that often rang out as he worked in his blacksmith shop. Known in Millerite and Adventist circles as the singing blacksmith, he was in great demand as a soloist for evangelistic meetings. A large company of Sabbathkeepers had been established in Memphis, Michigan, and Heman and Eliza moved there in 1865. For 30 years he was the local church elder, watching over the flock, making their interests and problems his own. He even served as president of the Michigan Conference in 1869. He was well loved in both the church and the community. Eventually his health began to decline, and the time came when he had to turn over his duties to someone else. He died August 4, 1896, and was laid to rest with the assurance of “the blessed hope” of meeting his Lord when He comes to claim His own. The life story of this dedicated pioneer is, from beginning to end, a reminder that the strength of the Seventh-day Adventist Church lies in the lives and work of the “little” people—those who are unknown and unsung, but who quietly go about their Father’s business of winning souls for His kingdom.
MAN OF ACTION
Heman S. Gurney was a man of prayer, as well as action. Several times in her writings Ellen White mentions that he was present when prayer was offered for healing of the sick. The main theme of his life was to tell others of the coming of the Lord, and to help them be ready.
Norma Collins worked for the Ellen G. White Estate for 30 years, beginning as secretary to Arthur White, Ellen White’s grandson, and becoming the first female associate director of the Estate in 1995. Norma died in 2022. AdventistWorld.org February 2024
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Bible Questions Answered
The Divine King Q
Why was the Israelite king called “son of God”?
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The study of ancient Near Eastern practices could be helpful in identifying similarities and differences with respect to the biblical text. The topic you have raised could possibly be one of those practices. Here the Bible provides its own particular perspective. ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN IDEAS
Throughout the ancient Near East, kings were considered to be sons of god/s. In Egypt the pharaoh was literally viewed as a son of god and consequently believed to be divine. It is still debated whether in the rest of the ancient Near East kings were considered divine. Some scholars, influenced by ancient Near Eastern ideas, argued that Israelite kings were also considered to be divine. The truth is that outside Egypt, evidence for the divinity of the kings is not abundant, implying that divine kingship may not have been the common view in Mesopotamia, Assyria, and possibly Canaan. The title “son of god” designated the kings as legitimate representatives of the gods, perhaps with quasi-divine characteristics and functions. THE ISRAELITE KING
Scholars generally agree that in Israel the royal title “son of God” did not mean that the king was divine but that during the enthronement ceremony the king was adopted as God’s son. Psalms 2:7 is considered the key text: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you.” The phrase is considered to be an adoption formula pronounced by the adoptive to legalize the adoption. This is a mediating position in the interpretation of the title that, although possible, is ques26
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tioned by others. There is no evidence for the use of this specific “adoption formula” in the Old Testament, and neither is it used as such in the ancient Near East. We find similar language in Egypt applied to the pharaoh, but in this case it describes the real conception of the king as a god. In Psalm 2:7 the phrase “son of God” is used metaphorically, as shown by the parallel phrase “today I have begotten you.” This is not about a natural birth or an adoption, but about the use of language to designate the moment the person is, so to speak, “born” as king in the sense of being appointed as such by God as a vassal through the anointing (verse 2). Filial language is used to describe the new relationship established between God and the king (2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 89:27). The new “born” king is under the protection and care of God. Possibly a good parallel is the divine proclamation of Israel as God’s son (Ex. 4:22, 23), which constituted them into God’s people. The central concept is divine election and not necessarily adoption. SON OF GOD AND MESSIAH
There are some parallels between the use of the title “son of God” in Israel and other nations. After all, kings performed many similar tasks. It is most probable that in Israel the title carried with it messianic significance from its very beginning, pointing to the coming of the true and unique Son of God, who was truly divine (cf. Ps. 45:6; Isa. 9:6). The biblical trajectory of the coming Savior begins with the promise of a son made to Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15). Throughout the patriarchal stories the promise of the Son provides a unifying thread (e.g., Gen. 12:7; 15:3, 4). With the institution of the monarchy God brings together kingship and the promise of the messianic Son (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12-14; 1 Chron. 17:11-13), which found fulfillment in Immanuel, the Son of a woman and the Son of God (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:32).
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, Th.D., is retired after a career serving as pastor, professor, and theologian.
Health & Wellness
Social Support A vital part of the health message
I am in college and learning about the importance of positive interpersonal relationships and social support for good health. Our church talks much about diet and health; isn’t it time to emphasize relationships?
T
he consumption of a balanced vegetarian (plant-based) diet is an important component of the Adventist health message. Diet is not the only important aspect of a healthy lifestyle, although it tends to eclipse other healthful lifestyle habits—possibly because our food is visible and measurable. This can result in vigorous conversations and even divisive arguments. We sacrifice a portion of the clear benefit of healthful, measured eating habits when we allow food wars to divide us. You are absolutely correct: we must emphasize the health-giving benefits of positive connectedness and social support—relationships. In the early 1950s Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of human needs emphasizing that love is as essential to the whole growth of the human being as are vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Our world church has especially focused on the health benefits of connectedness since 2002, when General Conference Health Ministries launched a health initiative using the acronym CELEBRATIONS®: Choices, Exercise, Liquids, the Environment, Belief, Rest, Air, Temperance, Integrity, Optimism, Nutrition, Social Support.1 Notice that social support is one of the vital components. Over time, social science researchers have been writing more and more about the benefits of positive social connection. They are not alone. Cancer researchers have demonstrated that women in remission from breast cancer are less likely to suffer recurrence of the disease if they enjoy and experience strong social support from family and friends. Epidemiological, psychological, sociological, and health studies continue to reinforce the importance and wholistic benefits of relationships in our lives in heart disease. Prominent lifestyle researchers2 are emphasizing love (connectedness) as medicine, reinforcing healthy behaviors! Healthy relationships and connectedness are foundational in the building of resilience especially in young people. Resilience is the capacity to maintain competent functioning in the face of major life stressors and is a key focus of our church’s Youth Alive3 initiative, encouraging youth to live a wholistically healthy life free of at-risk behaviors. The critical element Photo: Dario Valenzuela
to developing resilience is cultivating a close relationship with at least one individual of significance (parent-child; student-teacher; spouse-spouse). A personal, empowering relationship with God unleashes the potential for profound significance in relationships with others. As we fulfill the Great Commission of going into all the world to preach, teach, and heal, Ellen White encourages us to nurture relationships as we follow Christ’s method in reaching people: “If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one.”4 Meaningful, loving relationships and connectedness are evidence of our relationship with Jesus as He confirmed, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). And we will enjoy life to the full! https://www.healthministries.com/celebrations/ https://lifestylemedicine.org/overview/ https://youthaliveportal.org/en 4 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 189. 1 2 3
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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BY DICK DUERKSEN
I “May I Tell You a Story?”
Little Things— Big Prayers
t was in my pocket just a few minutes ago!” Photographers often carry too much stuff. Camera body, tripod, long lens, short lens, zoom lens, lens cleaner, extra batteries. The challenge is to get everything you might need into the smallest possible backpack, while keeping the backpack light enough not to slow you down as you hike up the mountain. Since I had already spent an hour on the trail and had decided exactly what I wanted to photograph, I left the backpack in the car and carried only a heavy tripod, one camera body, and two lenses. One lens was a zoom lens, allowing me to photograph fairly wide or zoom in a bit closer. The second lens was a small superwide lens that fit comfortably into my jacket pocket. I planned to use the second lens for a specific photo, one that would include some short golden grass at the bottom and a scraggly pine tree at the top. If I could get it right, the picture would show how God created both trees and grass to survive in craggy rocks on the side of a very steep cliff. Yes, it was scary. To get the photo I had to lie down, lean out over the cliff edge, line everything up in the viewfinder, and then hold my breath while I clicked the camera’s shutter. All without moving the tripod. I tried the shot with my regular lens, but it couldn’t shoot wide enough. Then I reached into my jacket pocket for my little superwide lens. It wasn’t there! NOWHERE TO BE FOUND
My mind flitted through the day, recalling where I had been, where I had last seen that lens, and what I could possibly have done with it! Even worse, I began to imagine where it might have fallen out of my pocket, and how far down it might have fallen. My heart was suddenly feeling very sad. It was still before sunrise, and no one else had joined me at the top of Wolf Creek Pass. So I left the camera and tripod right where they were— safely out on the edge of a 2,000-foot cliff—and slowly trudged the long trek back to the car. I looked down, at the ground where my feet landed, around at all of the rocks, and even under the few plants that grew near the trail. I looked all the way back to where my car was parked at the Wolf Creek viewpoint. The elevation here is 11,000 feet, high enough to slow down my breathing. And my walking. At the car I did a full teardown of the car and my camera equipment. I checked under the seats, in the trunk, in every pocket and lens case, until I knew for certain that the lens was not in the car. It wasn’t an expensive lens, I kept telling myself, but 28
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Photos: Dick Duerksen
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. Editor/Director of Adventist Review Ministries Justin Kim International Publishing Manager Hong, Myung Kwan Adventist World Coordinating Committee Yo Han Kim (chair), Tae Seung Kim, Hiroshi Yamaji, Myung Kwan Hong, Seong Jun Byun, Dong Jin Lyu
it still had cost some money, and I knew I couldn’t afford to replace it. The lens was lost. Gone. Hiding beneath a bush near the trail. Or, at worst, it had fallen from my pocket. I imagined it bouncing off rocks and careening over trees clear down to the valley floor 2,000 feet below. ANSWERED PRAYER
I’m not sure when I started praying. Probably right away when I first noticed the lens was missing. That would have been a quick “Lord, please help me find this lens” kind of prayer. Now I was praying. Deep. Serious. Many words. A determined hope kind of prayer. “Lord, I need this lens today, and I do not have the $300 it will take to replace it. I am very sorry and sad that I was careless. If it is still up here on the side of the hill, please show it to me. Please help me . . .” I locked the car and began the long steep walk back to my camera and tripod. My searching and praying had taken considerable time, so much so that the tourists had begun to arrive. Most just looked over the safety fence down to the valley, took a selfie, got back into their cars, and left. One couple was different. They were “exploring,” and passed me on their way toward the cliff where my tripod was waiting. I joined them and, when they asked, showed them what I thought might be the best place for a selfie that might make them look like mountain goats. I enjoyed the conversation, but always was glancing around into likely spots where I might have dropped my lens. Nothing.
I helped the couple set up their dangerous selfie and then showed them the photo I had hoped to take—funny little yellow grass at the bottom, spindly tree growing in the rock at the top, cliff falling away to the meadows far below. They loved it. As I turned to claim my tripod and camera, my boot hit a small stone and sent it catapulting over the precipice. My eyes followed, and there, just to the right of a small pine tree, was a round bit of a black leather lens case that shouted “Canon.” All three of us cheered! I moved very slowly, realizing that any motion might dislodge the lens from its perch. Only one thin piece of pine tree root suspended it above the 2,000-foot drop. To see it, and then lose it, would be worse than not finding it at all! I crawled now, inching along, with two friends whispering encouragement, until the lens was mine again! “You must know God pretty well,” the fellow smiled. “He knows me,” I answered. “And I’m learning.” The couple left, and I sat beside my camera for most of an hour. Thinking. Praying big prayers. Thank-you prayers. Friendship prayers. Praise prayers. All prayed out loud to my Best Friend. I climbed back to my tripod, changed lenses, and took the photo. It’s His photo. The One who cares. Even about small superwide-angle lenses.
Associate Editors/Directors in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Sikhululekile Daco, John Peckham, Greg Scott Assistant Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Enno Müller, Beth Thomas Editors based in Seoul, Korea Hong, Myung Kwan; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun Digital Platforms Director Gabriel Begle Director of Systems Integration and Innovation Daniel Bruneau Operations Manager Merle Poirier Editorial Assessment Coordinator Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Advisor E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Kimberly Brown Distribution Coordinator Sharon Tennyson Management Board Yo Han Kim, chair; Justin Kim, secretary; Hong, Myung Kwan; Karnik Doukmetzian; SeongJun Byun; Hiroshi Yamaji; Joel Tompkins; Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Paul H. Douglas; Erton Köhler; Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Mark Cook, Brett Meliti, Ivan Ruiz-Knott /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. Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. Adventist World is published monthly and printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. Vol. 20, No. 2
Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller, lives in Portland, Oregon, United States.
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Growing Faith
Fun-filled pages for younger ages
Clara’s New Friends
M
ommy, why are we going to Halima’s house?” Clara was curious. She had never been to a refugee family’s home before. “Well, honey,” Mommy answered as she navigated the car around corners on the road, “her family is happy for how we’ve been helping them get settled and they want to say thank you!” “I’m kinda nervous,” Clara whispered. “Why, honey?” Mommy asked. “’I don’t know them,” Clara answered. “What if I don’t know what to say? What if they can’t understand me?” “They are nice, Clara.” Mommy’s voice was reassuring. “Halima has two girls that are about your age. I think you’ll like them.” It was hard for Clara to explain what she was feeling to Mommy. Mommy had been helping Halima’s family for a while with things they needed. Clara had even helped pick out the cleaning supplies for the family. That had been fun. And she’d sorted 30
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through her clothes and toys and picked out some things she wanted to give to Halima’s kids. But going to their house? That was different! Halima’s family were Muslim refugees from Afghanistan. Clara wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. She knew they had different beliefs than she did and wondered if she would see any idols in their house. Clara fiddled nervously with her seat belt. “Clara, don’t worry! You’re going to be fine,” Mommy reassured from the front seat of the car. “They are nice people!” “Do I have to eat while we’re there?” Clara had a hard time trying new foods. “What if I don’t like it?” “Just a little,” Mommy reassured her. “There should be rice and bread, so you’ll definitely have something to eat!” “But what if I don’t know what to talk about with them?” Clara asked. She was shy around new people. “Just be interested in them and
smile. You’ll make friends fine,” Mommy reached back and squeezed Clara’s hand. “Let’s pray about it, honey.” “OK,” Clara whispered. Mommy prayed, “Dear Jesus, Clara is nervous about going to visit Halima and her family. Please be with her and give her Your peace. Help her to know that You love her and will take care of her. And Jesus, please help us to be a blessing to Halima and her family.” Soon Mommy pulled up in front of a crowded row of houses with short driveways. They looked strange to Clara. It was nothing like her home in the mountains with a long driveway and lots of trees. Mommy gave Clara a big hug as they got out of the car. “You’re going to be OK, love,” she reassured her. Then they got their gift for Halima’s family out of the trunk and walked to the front door. Halima greeted them with a smile. Clara looked around the home with big eyes. It didn’t Illustration: Mugi Kinoshita
B Y S H E N A LY N P A G E
Bible Treasure “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35, NLT
look anything like she had expected. There was a colorful carpet with fancy patterns on it. White leather couches, small glass and gold tables, and a big mirror on the wall made the room look bright and interesting. There was nothing scary looking, but it was all very different than Clara’s home with its wooden furniture, piano, and soft brown couch. “This is Beheshta and Samira,” Halima said, motioning to two young girls. They were pretty with their light-brown skin and thick black hair. “Would you like to come to our room?” the older one asked with a smile. “Go ahead,” Mommy said, giving Clara a gentle push. Clara slowly followed the two girls upstairs, trying to remember their names. The girls welcomed her into their room. “Do you want to make some crafts with us?” Beheshta held out a box of brightly colored beads. “I don’t know how,” Clara said, looking down at her toes. Honestly, she didn’t like beads.
They always fell off the string before she was done, and it made her mad. “We’ll show you,” Samira giggled. “It’s not hard.” She pulled out some thin wire and showed Clara how to string the beads. At first Clara’s fingers felt clumsy with the tiny beads, but it got easier as she practiced. It wasn’t long until Mommy called Clara and the girls to come and eat. Clara felt relieved as she looked at the food on the counter. There was some spicy-smelling curry, but there was also rice bread and salad. After dinner the girls went back upstairs to draw pictures. Clara liked that a lot better, and she was surprised when Mommy said it was time to go home. “Mommy, what are Muslims?” Clara asked as they drove home. She was a little surprised! They hadn’t been as different as she had imagined. “They are children of God just as we are. They believe in the Creator God and call Him Allah,”
Mommy explained. “But they don’t believe that Jesus was God. They think He was a great prophet. They also follow a book called the Quran instead of the Bible.” “So they believe in God?” Clara wanted to know. “Yes,” Mom answered, “but they don’t fully understand God’s love or how Jesus came to save us from our sins. We get to show them Jesus’ love.” Clara had to think about that for a bit. “I’m so glad we went to visit Halima and her family!” she finally said. “Beheshta and Samira are nice.” Mommy smiled. “So, do you think you’d like to visit them again?” Clara giggled. “I think I can do that. We had a lot of fun together.”
Shenalyn Page is a freelance writer and homeschool mom in California, United States. She and her family have had the privilege of becoming friends with many Afghan refugee families since 2020.
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