I was delighted to see that someone expressed in print what
I have been feeling for a long time. In the editorial “The Visit of the Magi”
(Aug. 14, 2014) Bill Knott wrote: “How is it that we have subtly constructed a
church culture across the face of Adventism in which new ministries must wait
for approval—must hold their tongues and cool their fires until they get
permission? Why does the onus lie on those in whom the Spirit burns to justify their
plans and validate their loyalty?”
I am only a teen, and I
sometimes feel held back by my age and lack of experience. The fire burns in my
heart for French ministries. I see the hand of God directing my passion. I’ve
been told, “The French are a hopeless case. Leave them alone and find something
better.”
No Way! Take the “no, you
can’t” as “yes, you can,” and the “yes, you can,” as “you did it!” I encourage
anyone in ministry to continue in God’s guidance and not give up. It’s
difficult and discouraging, but the only approval we need is from God. He said
long ago that He would make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert
(see Isa. 43:19).
Bon
courage!
—Hannah
Peek
Benton,
Illinois
Ariel Roth’s article, “Taking God Out of the Equation” (July 17, 2014),
was well constructed and informative.
However, since the realm of science
is ultimately concerned with an energized material universe, spiritual and
theological matters are better put aside for a different arena. I envision a
can of worms opened, say, at an international science convention, where Hindus,
Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, and Christians all convene. Which God, which
Scriptures would be granted authority when conflicts arose?
—Glenn Rochon
Leominster,
Massachusetts
I enjoyed Cliff Goldstein’s article “Another (False) Argument Against a
Six-Day Creation” (July 24, 2014). While he made a compelling argument for a
six-day creation, I wish he would have given some ideas as to the source of
light on earth before the sun and moon were created on day four. There must be
hundreds of readers who would like to know the possibilities.
—Walter S.
Hamerslough
Lafayette,
Colorado
I have enjoyed Andrew McChesney’s articles. His are the first ones I
look for when pulling my Review out
of the mailbox.
I was delighted to see him back from
Russia to join the Review staff.
—Janice
Boatwright
Proven Effective
I appreciated the comprehensive and interesting article “Friendship
Evangelism” by Joseph Kidder and David Penno (June 19, 2014).
When it comes to soul-winning, I
agree that usually evangelism is not one single approach or event; evangelism
is many influences creating the right atmosphere that gradually move people
toward God. But I feel that the article overlooked one sure, easy way for
winning souls.
The answer is enrolling people in the
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible course. Discover Bible Guides have proven very
effective in soul-winning, not only in North America, but around the world. They
have been translated into hundreds of languages.
—Lillian R. Guild
Loma
Linda, California
After reading the letters responding to God Is . . .?, I was prompted to
re-read the original article by Joseph Olstad (May 15, 2014) and respond.
I feel uncomfortable with Olstad’s
perspective. As with some of the Reviews
readers’ responses, my picture of God has been profoundly changed because of
Graham Maxwell’s and Jack Provonsha’s understanding of God’s character. A
closer look at Scripture and the messages of Ellen G. White bears out the
conclusions of Maxwell and Provonsha.
Actually, I am disappointed that Olstad’s
article was even featured in the Adventist
Review, because the author clearly has over-processed the entire topic so
as to conclude what he wants to conclude.
Concerning models and metaphors of
God, the question to ask is what is God’s
model of Himself. God uses relational metaphors to describe what He desires
from His children, and what He gives to His children. Olstad is entitled to his
opinion, but it is only his opinion.
The issues in the Great Controversy,
which include the character of God and the end of sin and sinners, have to be
clearly understood. If love is the foundation of God’s character, He wouldn’t
have one standard of love for us and another standard of love for Himself.
Ellen White wrote: “The last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a
revelation of His character of love” (Christ’s
Object Lessons, p. 415).
—Joanne Rector
Battle
Creek, Michigan
