I went to the Oriental Institute to part of an event: "Nomads, Tribes, and the State in the Ancient Near East: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives."
It was quite interesting and enjoyable. Maybe I will include pictures later.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Why Not's of Adventism: An Extra Dose of the Holy Ghost
Convergence
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
When you think of the Holy Spirit, what do you think? For instance, how often do you hear sermons on the Holy Spirit? Yet without it, the church would be dead, Andrews University would have never existed, and there would be no Bible (or Spirit of Prophecy for that matter).
However, the Holy Spirit has always been around: It was at the beginning of earth’s history (Gen. 1:1-2), the beginning of human history (Gen. 2:7), the beginning of Israel’s exile (Exo. 14:19-21), in the form of wind (John 3), at the anointing of David (1 Sam. 16:14), the beginning of Christ’s ministry (Matt. 3:16), and at Pentecost and the beginning of the churches history (Joel 2:28; Acts 2). It even has as nearly as many illustrations as Christ himself, it has been described as fire (Exo. 4, Acts 2), a dove (Matt. 3:16), wind (John 3), the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), and many others.
And yet the Holy Spirit’s influence was not only seen by converts, but by heathens. It was the question that has been passed down from the lips of a heathen Pharaoh when electing Joseph as overseer of his kingdom, “Can I find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Gen. 41:38), that evokes the sincerity and spirituality that a true follower of God is to posses. Others (converted or unconverted) can often tell that there is something different about this man or this woman. That is why the Holy Spirit wants to be personal: It attended Moses and the seventy elders (Num. 11); it was with Joshua (Num. 27:18); it gave Samson his strength four times over (Jud. 14:6); it was with Elijah and Elisha (II Kings 2:9); and even Jesus himself didn’t start a single miracle until he was baptized by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16-17). It was only through the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was led in the wilderness and resisted temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). And it was at the cross that Jesus closed his earthly ministry by quoting Psalm 31:5, “Into thine hand I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
The Holy Spirit is so important that without it we would not have the Bible. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21). However the Holy Spirit not only inspired believers (and sometimes non-believers like Nebuchadnezzar), but the Holy Spirit is a most often forgotten agent in the production of all scripture which is profitable for our doctrines, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness: that we may be perfect (1 Tim. 3:16-17). We can become mature Christians only through the Holy Spirit. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can study and apply the words of the prophecy of this book (a.k.a. the Bible, particularly and contextually in this verse, Revelation), we will be blessed (Rev. 1:3) as we come to understand these words (Job 32:8), we can come to know the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2).
And yet, on another hand, oft times it seems that people [particularly, and in relation to this article, Seventh-day Adventist young people] forget that there is actually a spiritual warfare that surrounds every circumstance. There is a serious, literal, not always visible war over your souls and mine – even when you are studying, praying, in church, in the classroom, talking on the phone, eating, watching TV, listening to your iPod, and reading this article something around you is happening (Eph. 6:10-12). The whole universe is watching what you are deciding (I Cor. 4:9). So why not reevaluate?
And yet the call for us is “higher than the highest human thought can reach;” for God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor his ways our ways (Isa. 55:8-9). In reality, there are only two groups of people – those who walk in the Spirit and those who walk according to the flesh. And the Bible says that only those who walk in the Spirit will have no condemnation, because they are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). Yet the Bible says that God sent “his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). So instead of being condemned because of our sins, Christ condemned sin, so that “the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). We can live a victorious Christian life today. The Holy Spirit was the promising agent to all those who will believe and accept the influences of his grace – a grace that teaches “us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,” that “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world [or age]” (Titus 2:12). And because we have been taught by this grace, we will be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14). God wants us to have a victorious life today in the Holy Spirit, why not experience a dose of the Holy Ghost? So that when the latter rain pours, we can experience an extra dose of the Holy Ghost like Elisha of old? Why not give our best for God?
Yet, truth be told, more often then not, our case it that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41); however, God promises that the poor in spirit are blessed, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). It is without the Holy Spirit that the church will not grow, Christians will stay unconverted, people will not be changed, sins will not be just a thing of the past, victories will not be met, this article will not reach someone, and Christ will not return.
It is there in the last chapter of Revelation that we find that the Spirit and the church have to work together before Christ can return (Rev. 22:17); why not have that start here, at Andrews University? Why not have that start with you? And with myself? Why not have that start now?
It is not going to be “by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).
Why not experience the Holy Spirit? Not just the limited influences that you and I feel and know when our consciences are pricked because we have done something wrong; but why not be led by the Spirit and resist the temptations? Why not have the Spirit lead our lives? Why not let the Spirit aid us in our studies? In our relationships? In our school? In us? Why not?
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
When you think of the Holy Spirit, what do you think? For instance, how often do you hear sermons on the Holy Spirit? Yet without it, the church would be dead, Andrews University would have never existed, and there would be no Bible (or Spirit of Prophecy for that matter).
However, the Holy Spirit has always been around: It was at the beginning of earth’s history (Gen. 1:1-2), the beginning of human history (Gen. 2:7), the beginning of Israel’s exile (Exo. 14:19-21), in the form of wind (John 3), at the anointing of David (1 Sam. 16:14), the beginning of Christ’s ministry (Matt. 3:16), and at Pentecost and the beginning of the churches history (Joel 2:28; Acts 2). It even has as nearly as many illustrations as Christ himself, it has been described as fire (Exo. 4, Acts 2), a dove (Matt. 3:16), wind (John 3), the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), and many others.
And yet the Holy Spirit’s influence was not only seen by converts, but by heathens. It was the question that has been passed down from the lips of a heathen Pharaoh when electing Joseph as overseer of his kingdom, “Can I find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Gen. 41:38), that evokes the sincerity and spirituality that a true follower of God is to posses. Others (converted or unconverted) can often tell that there is something different about this man or this woman. That is why the Holy Spirit wants to be personal: It attended Moses and the seventy elders (Num. 11); it was with Joshua (Num. 27:18); it gave Samson his strength four times over (Jud. 14:6); it was with Elijah and Elisha (II Kings 2:9); and even Jesus himself didn’t start a single miracle until he was baptized by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16-17). It was only through the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was led in the wilderness and resisted temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). And it was at the cross that Jesus closed his earthly ministry by quoting Psalm 31:5, “Into thine hand I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
The Holy Spirit is so important that without it we would not have the Bible. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21). However the Holy Spirit not only inspired believers (and sometimes non-believers like Nebuchadnezzar), but the Holy Spirit is a most often forgotten agent in the production of all scripture which is profitable for our doctrines, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness: that we may be perfect (1 Tim. 3:16-17). We can become mature Christians only through the Holy Spirit. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can study and apply the words of the prophecy of this book (a.k.a. the Bible, particularly and contextually in this verse, Revelation), we will be blessed (Rev. 1:3) as we come to understand these words (Job 32:8), we can come to know the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2).
And yet, on another hand, oft times it seems that people [particularly, and in relation to this article, Seventh-day Adventist young people] forget that there is actually a spiritual warfare that surrounds every circumstance. There is a serious, literal, not always visible war over your souls and mine – even when you are studying, praying, in church, in the classroom, talking on the phone, eating, watching TV, listening to your iPod, and reading this article something around you is happening (Eph. 6:10-12). The whole universe is watching what you are deciding (I Cor. 4:9). So why not reevaluate?
And yet the call for us is “higher than the highest human thought can reach;” for God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor his ways our ways (Isa. 55:8-9). In reality, there are only two groups of people – those who walk in the Spirit and those who walk according to the flesh. And the Bible says that only those who walk in the Spirit will have no condemnation, because they are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). Yet the Bible says that God sent “his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). So instead of being condemned because of our sins, Christ condemned sin, so that “the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). We can live a victorious Christian life today. The Holy Spirit was the promising agent to all those who will believe and accept the influences of his grace – a grace that teaches “us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,” that “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world [or age]” (Titus 2:12). And because we have been taught by this grace, we will be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14). God wants us to have a victorious life today in the Holy Spirit, why not experience a dose of the Holy Ghost? So that when the latter rain pours, we can experience an extra dose of the Holy Ghost like Elisha of old? Why not give our best for God?
Yet, truth be told, more often then not, our case it that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41); however, God promises that the poor in spirit are blessed, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). It is without the Holy Spirit that the church will not grow, Christians will stay unconverted, people will not be changed, sins will not be just a thing of the past, victories will not be met, this article will not reach someone, and Christ will not return.
It is there in the last chapter of Revelation that we find that the Spirit and the church have to work together before Christ can return (Rev. 22:17); why not have that start here, at Andrews University? Why not have that start with you? And with myself? Why not have that start now?
It is not going to be “by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).
Why not experience the Holy Spirit? Not just the limited influences that you and I feel and know when our consciences are pricked because we have done something wrong; but why not be led by the Spirit and resist the temptations? Why not have the Spirit lead our lives? Why not let the Spirit aid us in our studies? In our relationships? In our school? In us? Why not?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Why Not's of Adventism: Why Not Love?
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
(Convergence)
Love… in its various forms, facets and features is without question one of the most interesting words every to be used by mere humans. We think we have it, own it, use it, abuse it, and loose it. But if I may state, love is not a thing, nor just a principle – love is a being. The Bible says that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). And the Bible says that if we do not love, we do not know God; for the only way to know God is to love (1 John 4:7). Let me thus ask this double meaning question, do you love? Meaning do you love people and do you know God?
Sometimes it is best to understand something, when it is established as what it is not. Let us try this method for just a moment – love does not envy, is not rash, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, it does not fail, and it does not vanish away (1 Cor. 13:4-8).
Love rather, by biblical definition, suffers, is kind, rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails, but it abides (1 Cor. 13:4, 6-8, 13). Even in simple survey, one can easily see that the Bible states emphatically what love is not, more then what love actually is.
Knowing therefore what love is, let me ask the question, as I ask myself, do you and I love? Do we rejoice in the truth? Are we willing to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things for Christ and His word? For love will never fail us, and it promises to abide – the question becomes harder to answer, harder to fathom, but it is the truth and it is the test – will we love to the end? Will our love endure?
When times get tough, when things all around seem so dark and grime, will we still stand so firm? Will we see still preach, teach, and have the same urgency as we do? The truth is, if we do not have these qualities interwoven into our lives today, will we begin to have them tomorrow? Will our love for God test persecution? Who or what will separate you or I “from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” (Rom. 8:35)? What will drive you to deny the Lord? Would you still love God if your closest one was taken from you? Will you still love God if your closest one was found cheating on you? Would you still love God? Will you still love God?
In reality, the question is not asked by myself, but by Christ himself. In the last chapter of that last gospel, the book of John, three times Christ asks Peter, “Lovest thou me” (John 21:15, 16, 17)?” He’s asking, “Do you love me?” Peter actually responds, “Of course, Lord: you know that I love you.” But the third time he was grieved, because he had asked him a third time (the same amount of times that he denied his Lord). But let us take a quick look in what the original conversation went like. The word for “love” actually changes from agapas (a pure, unselfish love) to phileis (a loyal, and sometimes intellectual love). Going more like: “Do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] me?” Peter responding, “Oh, Lord, of course I Phileo [loyally love] you. “Do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] me?” “Oh, Lord, of course I Phileo [loyally love] you.” “Do you Phileo [loyally love] me?” “Lord, you know all things, you know I Phileo [loyally love] you.” There is a bit of a difference.
Thus, let me ask, do you Phileo [loyally love] Christ? Or do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] love Christ? If you do not, or have not, then you like myself, have at times fallen short. But now it is time that we rise. Let us do as Christ has instructed Peter to do, Feed his sheep (John 21:15, 16, 17) and follow him (vs. 19). In other words, do the work of the Lord and continue to follow him. It is time that we rise “higher than the highest human thought can reach.” This is God’s ideal for us. “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Let us love the Lord with not just our minds, but with our whole being – let us love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, might/strength, and mind (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). Then let us love our neighbor as ourselves. As the theological implications of this go much deeper, the truth is, the closer we draw to God, the closer we will become with one another – now, that is great relationships advice.
Will you love God? Then, why not love him who first loved you? Why not?
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).
(Convergence)
Love… in its various forms, facets and features is without question one of the most interesting words every to be used by mere humans. We think we have it, own it, use it, abuse it, and loose it. But if I may state, love is not a thing, nor just a principle – love is a being. The Bible says that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). And the Bible says that if we do not love, we do not know God; for the only way to know God is to love (1 John 4:7). Let me thus ask this double meaning question, do you love? Meaning do you love people and do you know God?
Sometimes it is best to understand something, when it is established as what it is not. Let us try this method for just a moment – love does not envy, is not rash, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, it does not fail, and it does not vanish away (1 Cor. 13:4-8).
Love rather, by biblical definition, suffers, is kind, rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails, but it abides (1 Cor. 13:4, 6-8, 13). Even in simple survey, one can easily see that the Bible states emphatically what love is not, more then what love actually is.
Knowing therefore what love is, let me ask the question, as I ask myself, do you and I love? Do we rejoice in the truth? Are we willing to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things for Christ and His word? For love will never fail us, and it promises to abide – the question becomes harder to answer, harder to fathom, but it is the truth and it is the test – will we love to the end? Will our love endure?
When times get tough, when things all around seem so dark and grime, will we still stand so firm? Will we see still preach, teach, and have the same urgency as we do? The truth is, if we do not have these qualities interwoven into our lives today, will we begin to have them tomorrow? Will our love for God test persecution? Who or what will separate you or I “from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” (Rom. 8:35)? What will drive you to deny the Lord? Would you still love God if your closest one was taken from you? Will you still love God if your closest one was found cheating on you? Would you still love God? Will you still love God?
In reality, the question is not asked by myself, but by Christ himself. In the last chapter of that last gospel, the book of John, three times Christ asks Peter, “Lovest thou me” (John 21:15, 16, 17)?” He’s asking, “Do you love me?” Peter actually responds, “Of course, Lord: you know that I love you.” But the third time he was grieved, because he had asked him a third time (the same amount of times that he denied his Lord). But let us take a quick look in what the original conversation went like. The word for “love” actually changes from agapas (a pure, unselfish love) to phileis (a loyal, and sometimes intellectual love). Going more like: “Do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] me?” Peter responding, “Oh, Lord, of course I Phileo [loyally love] you. “Do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] me?” “Oh, Lord, of course I Phileo [loyally love] you.” “Do you Phileo [loyally love] me?” “Lord, you know all things, you know I Phileo [loyally love] you.” There is a bit of a difference.
Thus, let me ask, do you Phileo [loyally love] Christ? Or do you agape [purely, unselfishingly] love Christ? If you do not, or have not, then you like myself, have at times fallen short. But now it is time that we rise. Let us do as Christ has instructed Peter to do, Feed his sheep (John 21:15, 16, 17) and follow him (vs. 19). In other words, do the work of the Lord and continue to follow him. It is time that we rise “higher than the highest human thought can reach.” This is God’s ideal for us. “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Let us love the Lord with not just our minds, but with our whole being – let us love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, might/strength, and mind (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). Then let us love our neighbor as ourselves. As the theological implications of this go much deeper, the truth is, the closer we draw to God, the closer we will become with one another – now, that is great relationships advice.
Will you love God? Then, why not love him who first loved you? Why not?
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Why Not's of Adventism: Why Could He Not Understand?
Convergence
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
Has there ever been anything in your life that you just could not give up? It’s as if it has become a part of you and there is nothing more you can do about it. Maybe you grew up with a predisposition to a certain way of life. If you are anything like me, that being human, than you have more than likely suffered the affects of sin and struggled from day to day with not just the Lord but with temptations.
So often we hear about the power that Christ provides, as if it was something so transcendent that it could never happen to me, or to you. But the Bible also portrays a side of Christ that has almost been forgotten through the corridors of time – Christ very much understands our thoughts and feelings. He too learned through suffering (Heb. 5:8).
It is in the first description of the love in 1 Cor. 13, that the discovery is made that it (love) means more than just being patient. The original Greek suggests that the love described is a love that suffers long. It is willing to endure, bear, put up with, experience, tolerate, undergo, go through, and suffer the patience of waiting.
If I may make a bold statement – God loves you. And he loves you so much that he suffered for you. The question then is not can he give you the power, but will you accept his power? Often one can attend church and hear about the power of God, yet walk out without experiencing or believing that this power is offered to us today. We can often hear about Christ’s earthly ministry for others, His sacrificial giving of himself, and often (especially among Adventists) His soon return. But if I may pose the question, how often does one hear about what Christ is doing right now? Something that is just as important as his sacrifice on the cross.
Christ’s work on this earth was important, he not only died on the cross for your sins; but he bore our iniquities (Isa. 53:11). “He took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved (or compelled) him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation of the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor (or to help) them that are tempted” (Heb. 2:16-18). Christ understands your pain, he lived in this world. He was tempted like you, and like me, if not to a greater degree; but he not only died for you and me, he lived for you and me.
Christ not only died, but he lives. And I know that my redeemer lives (Job. 19:25). But, he could not be a faithful High Priest now, if he didn’t come like you and like me then (Heb. 2:17-18). Thus, Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary is so important that is can give us the power from sin today, the assurance of a new life today, and a victory that can last until the second return of Christ.
Christ understands how we feel. Have you felt lonely? Or betrayed? He too felt lonely and betrayed when one of his disciples betrayed him. Have you felt like temptations are strong and almost too overpowering? He too was tempted, and by Satan (Matt. 4). Christ reaches to our true felt needs, for he understands your pain.
His work on earth promised us the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-27, why not experience it? Why not experience that peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27)? Why not believe that Christ knows your ever weakness? Why not lean on Him who will not fail you? Why not grasp for His unfailing hand? Why not
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24-25
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
Has there ever been anything in your life that you just could not give up? It’s as if it has become a part of you and there is nothing more you can do about it. Maybe you grew up with a predisposition to a certain way of life. If you are anything like me, that being human, than you have more than likely suffered the affects of sin and struggled from day to day with not just the Lord but with temptations.
So often we hear about the power that Christ provides, as if it was something so transcendent that it could never happen to me, or to you. But the Bible also portrays a side of Christ that has almost been forgotten through the corridors of time – Christ very much understands our thoughts and feelings. He too learned through suffering (Heb. 5:8).
It is in the first description of the love in 1 Cor. 13, that the discovery is made that it (love) means more than just being patient. The original Greek suggests that the love described is a love that suffers long. It is willing to endure, bear, put up with, experience, tolerate, undergo, go through, and suffer the patience of waiting.
If I may make a bold statement – God loves you. And he loves you so much that he suffered for you. The question then is not can he give you the power, but will you accept his power? Often one can attend church and hear about the power of God, yet walk out without experiencing or believing that this power is offered to us today. We can often hear about Christ’s earthly ministry for others, His sacrificial giving of himself, and often (especially among Adventists) His soon return. But if I may pose the question, how often does one hear about what Christ is doing right now? Something that is just as important as his sacrifice on the cross.
Christ’s work on this earth was important, he not only died on the cross for your sins; but he bore our iniquities (Isa. 53:11). “He took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved (or compelled) him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation of the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor (or to help) them that are tempted” (Heb. 2:16-18). Christ understands your pain, he lived in this world. He was tempted like you, and like me, if not to a greater degree; but he not only died for you and me, he lived for you and me.
Christ not only died, but he lives. And I know that my redeemer lives (Job. 19:25). But, he could not be a faithful High Priest now, if he didn’t come like you and like me then (Heb. 2:17-18). Thus, Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary is so important that is can give us the power from sin today, the assurance of a new life today, and a victory that can last until the second return of Christ.
Christ understands how we feel. Have you felt lonely? Or betrayed? He too felt lonely and betrayed when one of his disciples betrayed him. Have you felt like temptations are strong and almost too overpowering? He too was tempted, and by Satan (Matt. 4). Christ reaches to our true felt needs, for he understands your pain.
His work on earth promised us the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-27, why not experience it? Why not experience that peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27)? Why not believe that Christ knows your ever weakness? Why not lean on Him who will not fail you? Why not grasp for His unfailing hand? Why not
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24-25
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Why Nots of Adventism: Prophecy or Fallacy?
Malcolm Salunga Douglas
(Convergence)
Let’s say you were asked to explain why you believe in the Bible; what would you say? Not necessarily what you believe, but why you believe what you believe. Often, within modern Christianity, philosophical ideas and human reasoning try to justify the existence of God. But God seems to have already called us to an initial way and reason for believing the Bible and it must either be prophecy or fallacy (2 Pet. 1:19-21).
Unlike other world religions, Christianity is not just a call to believe, serve, and pray but to act in the world, which means to understand and teach others the message. This means that we must place implicit trust in the words of the Bible because if they are true then we are true, and will forever be secure (Isa. 40:8; 2 Pet. 1:19). It is not simply a call to an emotional encounter but to an intellectually deep-rooted belief that God’s word is sure because history affirms it and no one can deny it.
The question must be asked, “how was every Christians living in the first century able to escape death during the destruction of Jerusalem?” Eusebius, an early church historian remarked that no Christians perished in the siege of Jerusalem—where over 500,000 Jews horrifically died—because they remembered the words of Jesus saying: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance that all things which are written maybe fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-22). Or maybe one can explain the Bible’s ability to predict the exact order of the rise and fall of each empire – Babylon (Dan. 2:38), Medo-Persia (Dan. 2:39; 5:25-31), Greece (Dan. 2:39), Rome (Dan. 2:40); and then the dividing and never uniting of the Roman empire and future Europe (Dan. 2:41-43). So accurate was the Bible’s prediction that a Christian lawyer, Tertullian, exhorted Christians to pray for the continuance of Rome because Rome was to fall soon and once it did, it would be divided into ten parts and then Antichrist would appear (See: Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1, p. 257-8). Interestingly, Tertullian was predicting the fall of Rome 150 years before it happened! He was able to do this not by feeling assurance or looking into a glass ball but by carefully examining the Scriptures. Time would fail me to tell of the converting of King Nebuchadnezzar or how the Bible accurately predicted the exact name of Cyrus, one who reigned in the Persian empire during the time of Daniel, being predicted over 150 years in advance (Isa. 44:28-45:1; Dan. 1:21, 6:28; Dan. 10:1).
Perhaps this is why a former Greek philosopher turned Christian wrote, “There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which take place, and which are now taking place. They are called prophets. These alone both saw and announced the truth to men, neither reverencing nor fearing any man, nor influenced by a desire for glory, but speaking those things alone which they saw and which they heard, being filled by the Holy Spirit. Their writings are still extant, and he who has read them is very much helped in his knowledge of the beginning and end of things” (Justin Marytr, Dialogue with Trypho, vol. 1, p. 198).
People can try to argue it but the word of God still stands sure. The question must be asked, where do you stand? Where do I stand? Are our feet planted on a ground that is made up of philosophical and highly motivated intellectual discussions and reasons? Or is it planted where Christ plans to grow a seed that is rooted in the biblical understanding of prophecy, of the words of truth and life?
Something is arising at an alarming rate among young Adventists. It seems as if there is something that is sweeping through all of Christianity that is probably causing more harm than other people than the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This something is the use of philosophical thinking and reasoning to try to justify the existence of God, something that we are called to beware of (Col. 2:8). But the Bible calls us to preach, teach, and understand the Bible through Christ (Col. 2:8; 1 Cor. 2). It is thus without the intellectual study of prophecy that many Adventists leave the church. Unlike other world religions, Christianity is not just another call to believe and serve but to intellectually believe in the word because of its truthfulness and reliability.
Why not, if this is the way that the Lord has led so many souls in the past, couldn’t it be true for us today? Why not, if Christ planned on this being the case, could we as a people not be living in the last days of earth’s history? Why not, if all the time prophecies of the Bible are complete, why are we not studying daily to gain a deeper experience with Christ today? Why not be planted on something grander, greater than any human can try to philosophize or humanize? Why not grow? Why not?
(Convergence)
Let’s say you were asked to explain why you believe in the Bible; what would you say? Not necessarily what you believe, but why you believe what you believe. Often, within modern Christianity, philosophical ideas and human reasoning try to justify the existence of God. But God seems to have already called us to an initial way and reason for believing the Bible and it must either be prophecy or fallacy (2 Pet. 1:19-21).
Unlike other world religions, Christianity is not just a call to believe, serve, and pray but to act in the world, which means to understand and teach others the message. This means that we must place implicit trust in the words of the Bible because if they are true then we are true, and will forever be secure (Isa. 40:8; 2 Pet. 1:19). It is not simply a call to an emotional encounter but to an intellectually deep-rooted belief that God’s word is sure because history affirms it and no one can deny it.
The question must be asked, “how was every Christians living in the first century able to escape death during the destruction of Jerusalem?” Eusebius, an early church historian remarked that no Christians perished in the siege of Jerusalem—where over 500,000 Jews horrifically died—because they remembered the words of Jesus saying: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance that all things which are written maybe fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-22). Or maybe one can explain the Bible’s ability to predict the exact order of the rise and fall of each empire – Babylon (Dan. 2:38), Medo-Persia (Dan. 2:39; 5:25-31), Greece (Dan. 2:39), Rome (Dan. 2:40); and then the dividing and never uniting of the Roman empire and future Europe (Dan. 2:41-43). So accurate was the Bible’s prediction that a Christian lawyer, Tertullian, exhorted Christians to pray for the continuance of Rome because Rome was to fall soon and once it did, it would be divided into ten parts and then Antichrist would appear (See: Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1, p. 257-8). Interestingly, Tertullian was predicting the fall of Rome 150 years before it happened! He was able to do this not by feeling assurance or looking into a glass ball but by carefully examining the Scriptures. Time would fail me to tell of the converting of King Nebuchadnezzar or how the Bible accurately predicted the exact name of Cyrus, one who reigned in the Persian empire during the time of Daniel, being predicted over 150 years in advance (Isa. 44:28-45:1; Dan. 1:21, 6:28; Dan. 10:1).
Perhaps this is why a former Greek philosopher turned Christian wrote, “There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which take place, and which are now taking place. They are called prophets. These alone both saw and announced the truth to men, neither reverencing nor fearing any man, nor influenced by a desire for glory, but speaking those things alone which they saw and which they heard, being filled by the Holy Spirit. Their writings are still extant, and he who has read them is very much helped in his knowledge of the beginning and end of things” (Justin Marytr, Dialogue with Trypho, vol. 1, p. 198).
People can try to argue it but the word of God still stands sure. The question must be asked, where do you stand? Where do I stand? Are our feet planted on a ground that is made up of philosophical and highly motivated intellectual discussions and reasons? Or is it planted where Christ plans to grow a seed that is rooted in the biblical understanding of prophecy, of the words of truth and life?
Something is arising at an alarming rate among young Adventists. It seems as if there is something that is sweeping through all of Christianity that is probably causing more harm than other people than the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This something is the use of philosophical thinking and reasoning to try to justify the existence of God, something that we are called to beware of (Col. 2:8). But the Bible calls us to preach, teach, and understand the Bible through Christ (Col. 2:8; 1 Cor. 2). It is thus without the intellectual study of prophecy that many Adventists leave the church. Unlike other world religions, Christianity is not just another call to believe and serve but to intellectually believe in the word because of its truthfulness and reliability.
Why not, if this is the way that the Lord has led so many souls in the past, couldn’t it be true for us today? Why not, if Christ planned on this being the case, could we as a people not be living in the last days of earth’s history? Why not, if all the time prophecies of the Bible are complete, why are we not studying daily to gain a deeper experience with Christ today? Why not be planted on something grander, greater than any human can try to philosophize or humanize? Why not grow? Why not?
Andrews Pictures
The car. This is what happened sine last night.
This is where I live.
Some road that I thought looked cool. I think its Main St.
The is the Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC), where Dwight Nelson is the senior Pastor.
This is the James White Library - my new second home (if you could call it that).
This is probably one of my favorite Adventist "monuments." Its J.N. Andrews.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Hard Decisions
There are times that I know the Lord sooths my troubling heart. And today was one of those days. As some may know I am struggling with some hard decisions. Either way the Lord is keeping me calm and helping me to trust in him. Here is what I read that really spoke to me today:
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, enither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not tyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his palce, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abudance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and hav bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms fo the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shal be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of the lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of the good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spread hi self like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, low, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strenth in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, enither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not tyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his palce, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abudance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and hav bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms fo the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shal be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of the lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of the good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spread hi self like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, low, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strenth in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Why Not's of Adventism: Taught By God
The following article appeared in The Student Movement January 16-22, 2008, written by Malcolm Salunga Douglas:
It was in the last year that I met someone who was raised Adventist, but concluded that she should become an Atheist because how could God exist? Eventually I had discovered that she did not really think that God did not exist, but that the church was really messed up.
I guess one could say that she attended a typical Adventist church that was not very active nor godly. Even two of her closest friends became lesbians, and she was really disgusted with not just church but any formalized religion.
Within the next month I continually challenged her with one thought, “Have you studied your Bible? Why are you really leaving the church? Did you ever give God a chance?” These were questions that she never really thought about. And she basically concluded, like many Adventist today are concluding, that Ellen White was not a prophet, Sabbath doesn’t really matter, worship is personal, its all and only about relationships, what is that sanctuary thing, and eventually that one doesn’t need the Bible, and especially not formalized religion.
I wanted to challenge her to believe for herself. One really has to find Jesus for themselves. As one may see, if they will but study the word of God and really search the scriptures they will find Him (John 5:39b). The Bible is something that people throughout the last two hundred centuries were willing to die for, why not in this age where we have it at our connivance take time and open its pages. Why not put the iPod down, the video game aside, the video on hold, the phone on silent, and the computer down, and the life on pause?
We, as human beings have been gifted with the ability to learn for ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that which are spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:12-14). God has even been willing if we will really seek Him to comprehend the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10). Jesus even once told others to “search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life” (John 5:39). The Bible also teaches that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God (II Tim. 2:15). Why not study the Bible? Why not?
It was in the last year that I met someone who was raised Adventist, but concluded that she should become an Atheist because how could God exist? Eventually I had discovered that she did not really think that God did not exist, but that the church was really messed up.
I guess one could say that she attended a typical Adventist church that was not very active nor godly. Even two of her closest friends became lesbians, and she was really disgusted with not just church but any formalized religion.
Within the next month I continually challenged her with one thought, “Have you studied your Bible? Why are you really leaving the church? Did you ever give God a chance?” These were questions that she never really thought about. And she basically concluded, like many Adventist today are concluding, that Ellen White was not a prophet, Sabbath doesn’t really matter, worship is personal, its all and only about relationships, what is that sanctuary thing, and eventually that one doesn’t need the Bible, and especially not formalized religion.
I wanted to challenge her to believe for herself. One really has to find Jesus for themselves. As one may see, if they will but study the word of God and really search the scriptures they will find Him (John 5:39b). The Bible is something that people throughout the last two hundred centuries were willing to die for, why not in this age where we have it at our connivance take time and open its pages. Why not put the iPod down, the video game aside, the video on hold, the phone on silent, and the computer down, and the life on pause?
We, as human beings have been gifted with the ability to learn for ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that which are spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:12-14). God has even been willing if we will really seek Him to comprehend the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10). Jesus even once told others to “search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life” (John 5:39). The Bible also teaches that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God (II Tim. 2:15). Why not study the Bible? Why not?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Pulling a Malcolm (again)
For those of you who don't know, my friends made up the term "Pulling a Malcolm" or "pull a Malcolm," because I am known to have attended a few Adventist schools in my time. For instance, I have been a student at Pacific Union College (where I actually finished my BA), La Sierra University, Southwestern Adventist University, and now I am doing an MA at Southern Adventist University; but am a visiting student at Andrews University - I think I might be the youngest, haha.
Either way, what do you think of my new profile ID at Andrews?
For those who want my personal opinion - Andrews seems to be a pretty great school - scholastically and academically. But I do see an instant lack of something. Either way, I do miss Southern; but I greatly enjoy the resources that are at my finger tips while I am here.
So far I am enjoying most of my classes, especially since I made sure that I would take courses that would transfer and that I would enjoy; but we'll see as the semester progresses. The reading load is definitely shorter than Southern's. Oh, and I might go to Israel if two of my professors approve. We'll see...
Either way, what do you think of my new profile ID at Andrews?
For those who want my personal opinion - Andrews seems to be a pretty great school - scholastically and academically. But I do see an instant lack of something. Either way, I do miss Southern; but I greatly enjoy the resources that are at my finger tips while I am here.
So far I am enjoying most of my classes, especially since I made sure that I would take courses that would transfer and that I would enjoy; but we'll see as the semester progresses. The reading load is definitely shorter than Southern's. Oh, and I might go to Israel if two of my professors approve. We'll see...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Day 11: Goodbye Brazil
Today I woke up a little earlier than I thought; but went back to sleep. We decided that we were not going to the market, so we thought we wouldn’t be able to get Acai. But things worked out later when we saw the lady from SS.
We went to a different market and I was able to get some things for my family. I hope they like them; but while we were there I was able to get some corn thing that tasted really good, and then we got some Acai, and lastly some plantains. Aww, I miss the food already.
When we got back to the house, I finished packing, and we just relaxed for a little bit. Then we took a taxi to one airport, I said goodbye, and was off on a bus to the International Airport. I got there really early, so I purchased the internet service and was online for a long time. My flight was delayed, so I was starting to get worried about my connection flight in Sao Paulo.
When I got to Sao Paulo things worked out greatly. The people at the Sao Paulo Airport were very helpful – especially at United. The were quick. The only thing that took a while was getting my bags from TAM to United. But after a bit I realized that I had miss calculated and had a little more time than I expected, but then I got to the United counter and there was a long line; but they worked things out and I was quickly running through the airport to catch my flight; but than I realized I had about 30 minutes so I bought a few more things at one of the Brazilian stores and then I got on to the plane with only a few minutes to spare.
So soon I will be back in the States, aww, goodbye Brazil.
We went to a different market and I was able to get some things for my family. I hope they like them; but while we were there I was able to get some corn thing that tasted really good, and then we got some Acai, and lastly some plantains. Aww, I miss the food already.
When we got back to the house, I finished packing, and we just relaxed for a little bit. Then we took a taxi to one airport, I said goodbye, and was off on a bus to the International Airport. I got there really early, so I purchased the internet service and was online for a long time. My flight was delayed, so I was starting to get worried about my connection flight in Sao Paulo.
When I got to Sao Paulo things worked out greatly. The people at the Sao Paulo Airport were very helpful – especially at United. The were quick. The only thing that took a while was getting my bags from TAM to United. But after a bit I realized that I had miss calculated and had a little more time than I expected, but then I got to the United counter and there was a long line; but they worked things out and I was quickly running through the airport to catch my flight; but than I realized I had about 30 minutes so I bought a few more things at one of the Brazilian stores and then I got on to the plane with only a few minutes to spare.
So soon I will be back in the States, aww, goodbye Brazil.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Day 10: Sabbath in BH
We were supposed to go to the Central church in BH; but I was so exhausted and am getting sick, so we just went to the local church near to the house. It was fun, and for a “small church” it was pretty big.
Vanessa translated the Sabbath school for me, than you very much, even though it had nothing to do with the lesson. The sermon seemed to be pretty good too; the only recommendation that I would have is a bit more enthusiasm. After church we were invited to go to one of the youth’s houses for the evening, and then the SS teacher invited us over tomorrow to go and find some presents for my family back home.
After church we came back to the house, ate, changed, and immediately went to Pampulah and then to Downtown BH, which meant that I was able to see the Central Church after all. It was pretty fun, very relaxing, and a little exhausting. Not a highly recommended activity for a whole day; but we did get it in, and then we came back to the house and just slept or tried to sleep. After which we woke up and finished off the rest of the pizza.
Its sad, I’m leaving tomorrow and I’ve already fallen for Brazil. All I know is that I really wish that I had the gift of tongues. I really want to learn Portuguese, French, and Spanish; but first I’m really going to get down Tagalog, because I think that I can really get it down quickly – and I’m going to Philippines in a few more months!
Vanessa translated the Sabbath school for me, than you very much, even though it had nothing to do with the lesson. The sermon seemed to be pretty good too; the only recommendation that I would have is a bit more enthusiasm. After church we were invited to go to one of the youth’s houses for the evening, and then the SS teacher invited us over tomorrow to go and find some presents for my family back home.
After church we came back to the house, ate, changed, and immediately went to Pampulah and then to Downtown BH, which meant that I was able to see the Central Church after all. It was pretty fun, very relaxing, and a little exhausting. Not a highly recommended activity for a whole day; but we did get it in, and then we came back to the house and just slept or tried to sleep. After which we woke up and finished off the rest of the pizza.
Its sad, I’m leaving tomorrow and I’ve already fallen for Brazil. All I know is that I really wish that I had the gift of tongues. I really want to learn Portuguese, French, and Spanish; but first I’m really going to get down Tagalog, because I think that I can really get it down quickly – and I’m going to Philippines in a few more months!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Day 9: Leaving for BH
Today was sort of sad and a little bit exciting.
As the title states, I left for Belo Horizonte today. We took a bus ride that last quite a while. But before we left all the goodbye’s were quick one’s. It seems that either goodbye’s are not a big thing or we just didn’t have a lot of time, which we didn’t. It was really sad, I really wanted to express how thankful I was for letting me stay at their house and all I did was write a letter and ask the Sarli to translate it sometime. Oh, I hope they know how grateful I am.
The ride to BH was pretty nice. There’s so much to Brazil.
The house that I’m going to be staying at for the weekend it pretty nice. And and since we didn’t know what to cook, we just ordered Pizza.
The view from the house is pretty nice house, and so is the inside.
As the title states, I left for Belo Horizonte today. We took a bus ride that last quite a while. But before we left all the goodbye’s were quick one’s. It seems that either goodbye’s are not a big thing or we just didn’t have a lot of time, which we didn’t. It was really sad, I really wanted to express how thankful I was for letting me stay at their house and all I did was write a letter and ask the Sarli to translate it sometime. Oh, I hope they know how grateful I am.
The ride to BH was pretty nice. There’s so much to Brazil.
The house that I’m going to be staying at for the weekend it pretty nice. And and since we didn’t know what to cook, we just ordered Pizza.
The view from the house is pretty nice house, and so is the inside.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Day 8: Goodbye Lavras
Today, my friends friend came over – and she is crazy. LoL. We were all going to go to the farm, but Elder Sarli drove by and invited me over, so I spent nearly the whole day with him.
It was good though, because we got to talk about many things – evangelism, his D.Min. Thesis, and many other things. Which on top of I didn’t realize that he had a doctorate. He did a study of why the church has grown so much in Sao Paulo – which has over 1,000 Adventist churches. That’s just amazing.
Later, we went to the farm and it seemed like no one was there; but they were there – they were just hiding – lol. No, but my friend and nearly everyone else closer to my age was gone. So I got to say my last goodbyes to everyone in Lavras. It was kind of sad, because I could tell that they were going to miss me, and I was going to miss them, but no one really spoke the other person’s language.
When I got back to the Pfieffer’s home, Dr. Sarli looked over some of the articles that I’m writing for the Andrews paper, I think they are pretty good – especially now that he approved of them and such. But then the rest of the nice was good. It was late though, but I will not forget that “friends don’t give up.”
Oh, and here's some pictures of everyone else at the farm but myself. Haha.
It was good though, because we got to talk about many things – evangelism, his D.Min. Thesis, and many other things. Which on top of I didn’t realize that he had a doctorate. He did a study of why the church has grown so much in Sao Paulo – which has over 1,000 Adventist churches. That’s just amazing.
Later, we went to the farm and it seemed like no one was there; but they were there – they were just hiding – lol. No, but my friend and nearly everyone else closer to my age was gone. So I got to say my last goodbyes to everyone in Lavras. It was kind of sad, because I could tell that they were going to miss me, and I was going to miss them, but no one really spoke the other person’s language.
When I got back to the Pfieffer’s home, Dr. Sarli looked over some of the articles that I’m writing for the Andrews paper, I think they are pretty good – especially now that he approved of them and such. But then the rest of the nice was good. It was late though, but I will not forget that “friends don’t give up.”
Oh, and here's some pictures of everyone else at the farm but myself. Haha.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Day 7: Random
Not much to talk about today. It was just a chill day, and it was a good thing because I didn’t have much to do and didn’t really want to do much. I basically spent the whole day with Patrick and Ian – the younger one’s, haha.
But this evening we walked around the city, and it was pretty nice. Good convo.
But this evening we walked around the city, and it was pretty nice. Good convo.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Day 6: Horseback
Nearly the whole day was spent at the farm. It was nice, very relaxing; but one of the coolest things is that I was able to go horseback riding. Though I went the other day, I was able to go for a much longer time. I think we went out for about 2 hours because I came back feeling really hot. It was really fun.
Then when I got back I was able to speak with my friends Uncle’s – One who is a professor at an Adventist University in Bahia, another a professor at the Seminary in Sao Paulo, and the other who is a former Ministerial Secretary for the GC. Talk about an Adventist family. It was great.
After a while I asked my friend if she wanted to for a walk, because it looked like such a nice place. But then she suggested trying to get two horses and go horseback riding. Eventually we were able to get some horses, and it was great. I had a lot of fun. It really has been quite some time since I’ve really been able to go horseback riding for hours, but it was fun.
Then when I got back I was able to speak with my friends Uncle’s – One who is a professor at an Adventist University in Bahia, another a professor at the Seminary in Sao Paulo, and the other who is a former Ministerial Secretary for the GC. Talk about an Adventist family. It was great.
After a while I asked my friend if she wanted to for a walk, because it looked like such a nice place. But then she suggested trying to get two horses and go horseback riding. Eventually we were able to get some horses, and it was great. I had a lot of fun. It really has been quite some time since I’ve really been able to go horseback riding for hours, but it was fun.
Day 5: Feliz Ano Novo
Today was pretty cool. Elder Sarli was going to speak at a local church to speak some words of encouragement for the New Year; but he asked me to speak in his place and that he would translate for me. It was really exciting. And it seems as if he was a good translator – this just makes me want to come back to Brazil even more.
After the service we went to some other Uncle’s house where the whole family spent the night doing various things – the teenagers were playing some card games, the adults were talking, and everyone was eating some great food.
One thing that I noticed is that New Years is not as big a thing as in Asia; but than when I was talking to them about it later, they said it just depends where you are in Brazil. It was fun either way.
After the service we went to some other Uncle’s house where the whole family spent the night doing various things – the teenagers were playing some card games, the adults were talking, and everyone was eating some great food.
One thing that I noticed is that New Years is not as big a thing as in Asia; but than when I was talking to them about it later, they said it just depends where you are in Brazil. It was fun either way.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Day 4: Barro Preto (The Farm)
Today was pretty cool. We went to the farm of the whole family. Like everyone was there, well I guess not everyone; but nearly everyone could speak English. And that was cool. But Elder Sarli was there, and it was good to see him once again – especially doing well, because a little while back he was in the hospital.
May I add, I actually felt short among a good number of them. It was fun being at the farm though, very relaxing. And they had great food. After we ate we just relaxed a little bit, and I saw one of the most interesting things. There was an American movie on the TV and they were able to switch it from Portuguese to English by just changing the dial on something; but it was so weird and really cool.
But after a while we were basically all outside. Some practiced shooting the bb gun, and some were on the horse, and some were just sitting around. It was just a fun time.
When we got back to the house we went swimming and played Marco Polo. A game that I didn’t really play, since I was talking all the pictures. But it was fun to just watch. After which we had sundown worship. It was a good day.
Update: I just something. It was some kind of procession; but it was pretty cool.
May I add, I actually felt short among a good number of them. It was fun being at the farm though, very relaxing. And they had great food. After we ate we just relaxed a little bit, and I saw one of the most interesting things. There was an American movie on the TV and they were able to switch it from Portuguese to English by just changing the dial on something; but it was so weird and really cool.
But after a while we were basically all outside. Some practiced shooting the bb gun, and some were on the horse, and some were just sitting around. It was just a fun time.
When we got back to the house we went swimming and played Marco Polo. A game that I didn’t really play, since I was talking all the pictures. But it was fun to just watch. After which we had sundown worship. It was a good day.
Update: I just something. It was some kind of procession; but it was pretty cool.
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