October - 2009
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God is . . . Inclusive |
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By James Rafferty |
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| Many people will be saved in the kingdom of God who did not profess the Christian religion and did not know the literal name of Jesus Christ. When the Bible teaches that there is no name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but the name of Jesus Christ, it is talking about the character of God, not just the literal name of Jesus. The word "name" means character, and knowing God is the essence of salvation (John 17:3). The revelation of the character of God (represented fully in the life of Jesus) is brought to all people because God came to save sinners and all have sinned (Romans 3:23). read more... | |||
This truth is found all through the Old and New Testaments. Evidence in
the Old Testament is based primarily on the fact that while the literal name
of Jesus was not known, thousands exercised saving faith in God (Hebrews 11).
In the New Testament, we find an abundance of texts that teach this same truth. Consider Romans 2:6-16 for example. Paul describes those who know nothing of God or the truths of God’s people, yet, God has been drawing them to Him and they live according to their convictions of conscience.
God is love and love is conclusively inclusive. This is clearly understood in John 3:16, known as the most precious verse of the Bible:"God so loved the world," not just Christians or believers, but the world, "that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
God gives life to all, believer and unbeliever (Acts 17:28). The light of the knowledge of God enlightens all (John 1:9). Faith is a gift that God has bestowed upon all (Romans 12:3). The grace of God that saves us has appeared to all people (Titus 2:11). Jesus is the Savior of all (1 Timothy 4:10). He died for all (Hebrews 2:9) and He draws all (John 12:32).
The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament reveals His handiwork. Night after night and day after day the book of nature speaks to all people revealing the knowledge of God’s all-inclusive love (Psalm 19:1-8). Speaking to this gospel truth John Wesley once said, "We have great reason to hope, although they lived among the heathen, yet (many of them) were quite of another spirit, being taught of God, by his inward voice, all the essentials of true religion" (The Works of John Wesley, On Faith. 3d ed. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1986).
Transcending the exclusive tendencies of our fallen natures, the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrates every square inch of this fallen world. There is nowhere God does not reach, no heart His love has not drawn to Him. And many, even among those who have never heard the name of Jesus, will be eternally saved in the kingdom of God because they have responded to His Spirit. God is inclusive because God is love. Amen.
In the New Testament, we find an abundance of texts that teach this same truth. Consider Romans 2:6-16 for example. Paul describes those who know nothing of God or the truths of God’s people, yet, God has been drawing them to Him and they live according to their convictions of conscience.
God is love and love is conclusively inclusive. This is clearly understood in John 3:16, known as the most precious verse of the Bible:"God so loved the world," not just Christians or believers, but the world, "that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
God gives life to all, believer and unbeliever (Acts 17:28). The light of the knowledge of God enlightens all (John 1:9). Faith is a gift that God has bestowed upon all (Romans 12:3). The grace of God that saves us has appeared to all people (Titus 2:11). Jesus is the Savior of all (1 Timothy 4:10). He died for all (Hebrews 2:9) and He draws all (John 12:32).
The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament reveals His handiwork. Night after night and day after day the book of nature speaks to all people revealing the knowledge of God’s all-inclusive love (Psalm 19:1-8). Speaking to this gospel truth John Wesley once said, "We have great reason to hope, although they lived among the heathen, yet (many of them) were quite of another spirit, being taught of God, by his inward voice, all the essentials of true religion" (The Works of John Wesley, On Faith. 3d ed. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1986).
Transcending the exclusive tendencies of our fallen natures, the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrates every square inch of this fallen world. There is nowhere God does not reach, no heart His love has not drawn to Him. And many, even among those who have never heard the name of Jesus, will be eternally saved in the kingdom of God because they have responded to His Spirit. God is inclusive because God is love. Amen.
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Barbados |
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By Ty Gibson |
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| Once a paradise of pain with its verdant tropical beauty being home to a population of three slaves to one free man, Barbados rose though the course of history to be one of the more prosperous island nations of the Caribbean. read more... | |||
Recent archeological discoveries indicate that Barbados was inhabited
as early as sixteen hundred years before Christ. These first settlers
were the near descendants of adventurous peoples who came
across the narrow land bridge that once connected northeastern
Russia and Alaska. They traveled east and south through Canada and
the Americas until arriving in the area we now know as Venezuela. In
mere dugout canoes they continued their generational journey by
navigating the slight channel called the Dragon’s Mouth into the rough
waters of the Caribbean Sea to land on the shores of their new home.
These early settlers were called the Arawakas. They were small people, being of northeast Asian decent. To see them would be a strange encounter because it was one of their beautifying customs to bind their heads during infancy to shape the skull to a point. They were farmers who grew cassava, guavas, papaya and corn, as well as cotton for weaving clothing and hammocks. Every indication is that they were a peaceful, agrarian society.
Then came the Caribs in 1200 AD. The Arawakas were easily conquered by the warmongering Caribs, who were ruthless cannibals known to roast their captives over an open fire and eat them while drinking beer made from cassava. Recorded in the history of Barbados is the story of a Carib tribe eating an entire French naval crew in 1596. This fierce people dominated the island for some 300 years until they vanished due to slavery, slaughter and imported European diseases. English explorers first settled Barbados in 1627, led by Captain Henry Powell, who claimed the island in the name of King James I (who had recently authorized the King James Version of the Bible). The new settlement consisted of 80 British and 10 slaves. Over time the population of Barbados became a mixture of English and European settlers, white slaves and indentured servants, gypsies, criminals and nomads "purged" from Europe and sent to Barbados as slaves, as well as numerous African slaves. Slavery was abolished on the Island in 1834. Called "Red Legs," descendants of the early white slaves and indentured servants live in Barbados to this day mixed among the black populous that have their heritage in slavery as well.
Barbados, once a slave cage, is the recent recipient of a container of truth-filled literature from Light Bearers-literature that holds the secrets to liberation from the deeper slavery to sin. The 166 square mile island is home to 281,968 precious souls for whom Jesus died and rose again, among them 16,000 Seventh-day Adventists who are eager to share the gospel with their fellow Barbadians. As our brothers and sisters mobilize for aggressive soul winning, they will have an abundance of material to utilize- more that two million publications, in fact. Here is a basic list of the literature they have received:
• Bibles: the life-changing Word of God.
• Spirit of Prophecy books: Conflict of the Ages books.
• Steps to Christ tracts: The book Steps to Christ as a tract series.
• To All the World Magazines: full message magazines covering vital Bible doctrines and the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
• Hidden Wisdom Library: a series of 12 powerful messages written by Ellen White on topics ranging from the Cross to end-time events.
• God’s Last Message To The World: a series of tracts on the Three Angels Messages.
• Unlocking Revelation: the book of Revelation explained chapter by chapter.
• Unsealing Daniel: the book of Daniel explained chapter by chapter.
• Preludes of Hope-a series focused on the gospel in Revelation.
Imagine the excitement of our brothers and sisters as they open this treasure trove of truth! Imagine the illumination of mind and peace of heart that will come over one Barbadian after another as they read the amazing messages contained in these publications! And imagine the glorious liberation from bondage to guilt and sin that many will experience as they embrace the grace of Christ!
Barbados is just one of many countries receiving literature shipments from Light Bearers. Already this year, as of August, sixteen containers have been sent to various countries. Check out our website at lbm.org for a complete report, and while you’re there, download a few free audio messages and read some of the interesting theological questions and answers currently on our blog.
Thank you for your partnership with us in this vital work. Your prayers and support make it all possible.
These early settlers were called the Arawakas. They were small people, being of northeast Asian decent. To see them would be a strange encounter because it was one of their beautifying customs to bind their heads during infancy to shape the skull to a point. They were farmers who grew cassava, guavas, papaya and corn, as well as cotton for weaving clothing and hammocks. Every indication is that they were a peaceful, agrarian society.
Then came the Caribs in 1200 AD. The Arawakas were easily conquered by the warmongering Caribs, who were ruthless cannibals known to roast their captives over an open fire and eat them while drinking beer made from cassava. Recorded in the history of Barbados is the story of a Carib tribe eating an entire French naval crew in 1596. This fierce people dominated the island for some 300 years until they vanished due to slavery, slaughter and imported European diseases. English explorers first settled Barbados in 1627, led by Captain Henry Powell, who claimed the island in the name of King James I (who had recently authorized the King James Version of the Bible). The new settlement consisted of 80 British and 10 slaves. Over time the population of Barbados became a mixture of English and European settlers, white slaves and indentured servants, gypsies, criminals and nomads "purged" from Europe and sent to Barbados as slaves, as well as numerous African slaves. Slavery was abolished on the Island in 1834. Called "Red Legs," descendants of the early white slaves and indentured servants live in Barbados to this day mixed among the black populous that have their heritage in slavery as well.
Barbados, once a slave cage, is the recent recipient of a container of truth-filled literature from Light Bearers-literature that holds the secrets to liberation from the deeper slavery to sin. The 166 square mile island is home to 281,968 precious souls for whom Jesus died and rose again, among them 16,000 Seventh-day Adventists who are eager to share the gospel with their fellow Barbadians. As our brothers and sisters mobilize for aggressive soul winning, they will have an abundance of material to utilize- more that two million publications, in fact. Here is a basic list of the literature they have received:
• Bibles: the life-changing Word of God.
• Spirit of Prophecy books: Conflict of the Ages books.
• Steps to Christ tracts: The book Steps to Christ as a tract series.
• To All the World Magazines: full message magazines covering vital Bible doctrines and the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
• Hidden Wisdom Library: a series of 12 powerful messages written by Ellen White on topics ranging from the Cross to end-time events.
• God’s Last Message To The World: a series of tracts on the Three Angels Messages.
• Unlocking Revelation: the book of Revelation explained chapter by chapter.
• Unsealing Daniel: the book of Daniel explained chapter by chapter.
• Preludes of Hope-a series focused on the gospel in Revelation.
Imagine the excitement of our brothers and sisters as they open this treasure trove of truth! Imagine the illumination of mind and peace of heart that will come over one Barbadian after another as they read the amazing messages contained in these publications! And imagine the glorious liberation from bondage to guilt and sin that many will experience as they embrace the grace of Christ!
Barbados is just one of many countries receiving literature shipments from Light Bearers. Already this year, as of August, sixteen containers have been sent to various countries. Check out our website at lbm.org for a complete report, and while you’re there, download a few free audio messages and read some of the interesting theological questions and answers currently on our blog.
Thank you for your partnership with us in this vital work. Your prayers and support make it all possible.
| Consider This ... | Speaking Schedule | |||
Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have
known little of theology, but they
have cherished His principles.
Through the influence of the
divine Spirit they have been a
blessing to those about them.
Even among the heathen are
those who have cherished the
spirit of kindness; before the
words of life had fallen upon
their ears, they have befriended
the missionaries, even
ministering to them at the peril
of their own lives.
Ellen G. White,Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God. Ellen G. White,How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the nations, and among the heathen, to hear from the lips of the Saviour, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me"! How glad will be the heart of Infinite Love as His followers look up with surprise and joy at His words of approval! Ellen G. White,Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself. . . . Many will be in heaven who their neighbors supposed would never enter there. Man judges from appearance, but God judges the heart. Ellen G. White,Those to whom these blessed words are spoken are those who have cherished the principles and spirit of the character of Christ. They loved the Lord Jesus, and served him in the simplicity of true godliness. They were a blessing to all with whom they associated, although they knew but little of the theory and doctrine of theology. Even among the heathen there are those who cherish the spirit of kindness, who have given all the help within their power to the missionaries that have been sent them. They worship God ignorantly, and to many of them the message of light is never brought; yet they will not perish, for they will receive the blessing, because they have wrought the works of God. Ellen G. White, |
October 3 Cottage Grove SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541)942-5213 October 9-10 Grants Pass SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541)476-6313 October 10 Springfield SDA Church, OR Ty Gibson • (541)746-8263 October 13 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson • (541)988-3333 October 16-17 Henderson SDA Church, KY James Rafferty • (270)826-7720 October 27 Bible Study, Light Bearers Ministry Ty Gibson • (541)988-3333 October 31 Fall Creek SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541)937-3526 |
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