G UES T E D I TO R I A L
Mission Unstoppable What a privilege to serve the Lord and His church in ministry over these past forty-six years! Certainly, God has this church in His hands (Matt. 16:18).
E Steve Poenitz
4 APRIL 2021
Remember how God protected His people from the curses of Balaam (Num. 22:12)? However, there is no question that the church has met growing pains in its path. We have encountered “ology” crises (Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, soteriology, etc.) and conflicting practices with wedding bands, worship styles and women’s ordination. The enemy of souls relishes the “divide and conquer” method in these struggles. We naturally focus on ourselves, our needs, our wants, our desires, which distract us from the Three Angels’ mission (Rev. 14:6-12). I believe our church’s main agenda today should be seeking a balanced approach to mission. During my elementary church school days, recess included riding the teeter totter. Lest I suddenly become airborne and fly off the ride, I gripped the wood and balanced myself to ride with my classmate. The motion was stimulating but I hung on tightly, enjoying the ride. Take this balance metaphor from the school to the church. With all of the issues circulating around us, shouldn’t we reconsider a balanced approach to mission? Sometimes we surge ahead with a particular program, current news interpreted by “my” prophetic understanding, a nuanced doctrinal strain or a model of church ministry, causing imbalance or lack of movement. How rapidly mission can be jeopardized by side issues. I can envision the devil and his imps taking their victory laps around the church and school playgrounds when this happens! However, please understand, balance does include dialogue on issues. What would you think of this sermon title? “Both/ And, Not Either/Or.” A seminary professor planted this balance concept in my mind over forty years ago! Why the delay in preaching this topic? Probably because I
also needed to develop this message for myself. Our Seventh-day Adventist message calls us to be a people of biblical balance in our mission. As a matter of fact, lack of balance has influenced us to follow the teetertotter to extreme highs or lows in our practice and proclamation of mission. Note John the Revelator’s example of “Both/And, Not Either/Or” which features our unique mission as a church. Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12). We endorse both the keeping of the commandments and the centrality of the faith of Jesus. These two points of faith keep us balanced in our mission. Jesus’ mission also included balance. John testified of Him coming as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Friends, it’s not a matter of one or the other, but both grace and truth. These qualities in Jesus’ mission come packaged together. Jesus Himself appealed to Thomas for complete balance. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Calvary displayed the balance of Jesus’ mission. “The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us with fear and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold the majesty of His throne, high and lifted up, we see His character in its gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the significance of that endearing title, our Father” (GC 652, emphasis supplied). Jesus’ salvation gift blends both mercy and justice. God’s justice is also good news along with His mercy because it tells us He will not permit Planet LAKE UNION HERALD
