The article
“Super Bowl Sabbath” by Ray Hartwell (Apr. 17, 2014) made some good points
about getting our priorities straight.
But why should this even be an issue? Why do professed
Adventists worship at the altar of sports to begin with? If our highest
priority is the kingdom of God, why would we waste our time watching highly
paid, spoiled athletes? And why should we care who wins or loses?
In the context of eternity sports is really quite irrelevant. And,
lest anyone misunderstand, I used to worship that idol, so I know how caught up
one can be with it all. But it is all chaff.
— Walter Sumner
Canaan, Maine
Stephen
Chavez is, and has been, my editorial hero. He made my day twice when reading
“He is Risen!” and “The 11:00 Hour” (Apr. 10, 2014).
Chavez reflected his Christ-like character, as well as his
ability to write simply and elegantly about important ideas. In “He is Risen”
he described “the sum and substance of Christianity” in half a page. In “The
11:00 Hour” he spoke for all of us parishioners confronted by traditional, time
worn Sabbath services, and provided tested ideas about how they might be
improved.
— Andy Hanson
Chico, California
A comment
about church worship: From the beginning written “Bibles” were few and hard to
come by. “Preaching” was about the only way a person could “hear” the salvation
plan of God. But as of the 1900s, Bibles have become so numerous, and access to
the plan of salvation so available, maybe it is time to totally rethink our
church services. Instead of trying to compete with worldly entertainment, maybe
it is time to return to primitive Christianity.
How about removing pews and putting in tables? Instead of
preaching “at,” how about “facilitating” the needs of the people. Gathering to
share their needs, concerns, and sharing with all who can then study and input
their wisdom and help. Maybe the Spirit of God will be able to move upon all
people for the perfection of the church.
— Ronald Issler
Lucerne Valley, California
After reading
“At the Feet of His Disciples” by Richard Sabuin (Apr. 10, 2014), I was reminded
of the time in the late 70’s. After attending church a time or two and with no
understanding of the Word, or anything the church would teach me in matters of
truth, I was told during my second visit we would be having communion. A former
Catholic, I knew it would be different when we were told before the bread and
wine we would be washing one another’s feet. My immediate thought was: How wonderful!
When we think about Jesus washing His
disciples’feet for the first time, and that no one offered to wash His feet,
and that Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least
of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40), the one I
serve becomes a representative of my Savior. Can anything be more wonderful?
— Robert Rouillard
Lakewood, Washington
With the
deepest interest I read “Through the Fire” byLuz Alva Arauzo(Mar. 20, 2014).It reminds me of the text: “Do not be afraid. . . . Surely the lord has done
great things” (Joel 2:21).
However, Arauzo did not mention when this happened. Is it
possible to know the date of this experience?
— M. D. Cools
Via E-mail
Darius
Jankiewicz’ article “Serving Like Jesus” (Mar. 13, 2014) about biblical
authority in the church according to the teaching and practice of Jesus is so
appropriate for a present-day church organization that considers itself made up
of “people of the Book.” As a conclusion to the New Testament Bible passages
cited, Jankiewicz correctly concludes that it is commitment to Christ and His
church, spiritual gifting, and maturity that determines fitness for various
functions in the church.
The Adventist Church has officially taught, but not always
implemented this principle as also articulated in the 1996 Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedia: “The doctrine of spiritual
gifts (as taught in Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:1–28; Eph. 4:8, 11–16; Acts 6:1–7; 1
Peter 4:10, 11) teaches that God gives gifts for service to all without respect
to race or gender. Included among those gifts are those of evangelist, prophet,
teacher, and pastor.”
— Ray Hartwell
Reading, Pennsylvania
