Kenneth Cox's article, "Ready Next Time?"
(December NAD edition), was an answer to prayer. Cox says, "The unbelievable
fact is that today many sincere Christians are still misinterpreting that same
prophecy [Dan. 9]. When Jesus returns, they will not be prepared to welcome
Him. This is no time to be sidetracked by fanciful speculation and unbiblical
prophetic interpretations."
Another answer to prayer was "Left
Behind: The Truth" by Bernadine Delafield, who reports on a series of meetings
by Pastor Steve Wohlberg, which will expose many popular teachings about the
rapture, the tribulation, and others. The meetings will air beginning February
21, on Adventist Communication Network.
On the other hand, I was distressed
by "Left Behind: A Review." The reviewer writes, "I recommend
these books to anyone who is interested in--and has the time for--fun, well-written
action fiction with an evangelical theme." Frankly, as a Christian who
believes in Bible prophecy, I could not describe these books as fun,
nor do I believe we have time for such unbiblical interpretations. The
word "evangelical" is sadly misused. I do agree with the word "fiction."
I could not recommend them. As Cox says, "This is no time to be sidetracked
by fanciful speculation."
I don't believe that either Kenneth Cox or Bernadine Delafield would appreciate the
fact that the Left Behind website can be accessed from their articles.
How sad the Lord will be if we are not ready to welcome Him when He comes. May
the Lord give us the discernment we need to tell the difference between truth
and error.
Shirley Wackerle
Berrien Springs, Michigan
ADVENTISTS & JEWELRY
(Adventists & Jewelry) I may be wrong but ever since mankind sinned,
we have been trying to get back that something we instinctively know is missing.
When Adam and Eve presented themselves before their Creator, He said leaves
were not enough. He made them long robes of animal skins. When the Ten Commandments
were about to be presented to God's Church they were commanded to wash and take
off their jewelry. It seems that the closer we get to our Creator, the less artificial
we are the better. All through the story of the Old Testament it seems as if
when they were to meet God they either were commanded or instinctively knew
to take off their jewelry. When so many are suffering from malnutrition, how
dare we spend extra money on decorating these bodies that won't survive this
world? When a $29 watch will keep time as well as one costing several hundred
dollars, what justification do we have in spending the difference? Aren't we
anxious to go home, or do we follow cunningly devised fairy tales? I do agree
that in the total issue of sin, jewelry is not as important as some other issues.
Yet when told by the Prophet that, "not one penny should be spent on a
circle of gold," Have we lost some of our distinctiveness, or was she mistaken?
Pete Resz
Enterprise, Kansas
In regards to the question of wearing jewelry,
I wonder how we can relate this issue to the question of eternal salvation.
While I believe everyone has the right to their opinion on this matter, it seems
like many other issues within the church structure, that perhaps these issues
are best left on the back burner. Arguments about these peripherals take up
an enormous amount of time and energy that rightly belongs to the cause of evangelism.
New believers need to focus on their relationship with God and non-believers
really don't care who wears what, when or how. Let us share the love of Jesus
and the rest will take care of itself.
Kenneth W. Gale.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
I have just one comment on the jewelry issue.
Since when is a tie for men considered functional rather than ornamental? This
has bothered me for years, and whenever the question is asked all I get is a
lot of hemming and hawing. It's customary. It completes the outfit. It makes
a man look professional. I have news for all who think this way. Simple, non-ostentatious
jewelry is also customary for females and accessorizes their outfits and makes
them look more professional, too. Some ties attract a lot more attention than
women's jewelry. I have seen Christmas ties, Star War ties--you name it. I hope
the book in question (Jewelry in the Bible) suitably addresses this issue.
So many "sins" in the church are aimed at women. Let's admit that
men wear things for ornamentation too.
Connie Godenick
I just read online the excellent article on jewelry from Manuel Rodriguez. What
about men's ties? With one exception, I have never seen a [male] preacher preach
without that awful piece of cloth tied around your neck.. Interestingly enough,
the Croats were wearing red ties as a sign of battle dress. The French made
the word into "Cravate" for Croats and the rest is history. Fashion.
Ties are expensive and some are flashy. It is not what is on the outside that
matters but what you have to offer in your heart. Generosity will disarm many
men and will teach us to be content with nothing more than life. Yet not one
gentleman would not dare wear one "cravate" when preaching or go to
church without one. Tradition.
We wear our best to go to church, even an awful tie that we're happy to untie as fast
as we are done with the church service. Simplicity is what we need as Rodriguez
pointed out: "To be as simple as Christ was simple." He wore a simple
robe and sandals. We could learn from the Amish and maybe this is what I will
be after all--an Adventist Amish. Plain has the virtue of eliminating class
values. Rich and poor blend under the same attire.
Michel Kordas
West Bend, Wisconsin
ONLINE OUTREACH
I am so glad that I subscribed to your online
[newsletter, AR IN TOUCH ]. I enjoy it so much that I send them to people
of our church that didn't know about it. They enjoy them too. Thanks again.
Marla Beltz
I forwarded this article (From Battle Creek to Battle Creek,
December NAD edition) to at least four non-Adventist families. [This is] my
outreach ministry.
Don Carrier
