Can One Believe In
Christ and Deny The Resurrection?
It
is that time again when Christians give focus to the death, burial and
resurrection of Christ. Also, it is the time that questions regarding the same
evoke much debate and discussions. For example, some resurrection skeptics
argue, "How can one know for a certainty that Jesus ever rose or existed for
that matter?" Empirical evidence is what they request and admittedly, that is
not always possible to produce, especially as it relates to the existence of
God. It is important to note that The Bible does not seek to prove God's
existence, but simply declares "in the beginning God…" (Gen.1.1); and Paul
adds, "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb.11.6). On the other
hand, subjectively, believers in Christ declare like Bill Gaither, "I know He
lives, for He lives within my heart" and that no one can deny. To me it is
impossible to be a Christian and not believe in the resurrection. Says the
Apostle Paul, "If Christ be not raised then your faith is in vain" (1 Cor.
15.17).
However, does the resurrection still feature prominently in our
conversation, preaching and teaching? To focus on the resurrection of Christ
is in essence focusing on Christ. A classical book, Desire of Ages, by a noted
author, Ellen Harmon White, urges all to "spend a thoughtful hour in prayer
each day on the life of Christ especially the closing scenes which take in the
resurrection." It goes without saying that what we read, meditate upon and
muse over will have an "in kind" effect upon us.
The resurrection spells good news for Christians as it assures them because
Christ rose they too will rise in the first resurrection and live eternally
with God. This promise offers much hope when one is living in abject poverty
or is terminally sick, but when there is prosperity and "things are apparently
well, " one may not be as focused on the second coming of Christ that will
result in the resurrection and a "caught up" experience in the clouds forever
to be with the Lord. Therefore, it is necessary for Christians to have a daily
reminder of Christ. In essence, if Christians today fail to refocus by reading
God's word, the resurrection story will have little impact. This explains why
Adventists throughout the year preach the resurrection as opposed to just a
period or season. Each day for the child of God there ought to be a reminder
of the fact that it cost God His son and that it cost Jesus His life. What
more could heaven have given to demonstrate its love for residents of planet
earth? Nothing! In the words of the great Methodist, John Wesley, "I need no
other evidence --It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me." The
Church of God needs no argument!
It is my prayer that a resurrection or rebirth of thinking and decorum will
so permeate our nation that crime and lawlessness will be reduced. I also
desire a rebirth in caring for our bodies and pointing out to the youth of our
nation, by precept and example, their value and worth in the light of the
cross. I desire a rebirth in our driving on our streets and respect for
authority. I desire a rebirth for family values, committing to one spouse of
the opposite sex, as noted in the book of Genesis. I simply desire a rebirth
of turning the eye upon Christ and looking fullly into His wonderful face. It
is by looking at Him that we become changed and have hope because He lives.
-Leonard A. Johnson, D. Min.; President of Bahamas Conference of SDA
My Happy Life Her face beams with joy and happiness. You may wonder
why? Here’s her story. Phillipa Walkes, age 29, was living in the fast lane of
life just
over
a year ago. As a single mother with a seven-year-old son, she found it
necessary to have two jobs, one at a radio station and the other at a hotel.
In the midst of her busy life, she was yearning for real meaning and purpose
in her life. She grew up in a Catholic Church but found it to be dull and dry.
She wanted something different. One day, while watching television, she came
across 3ABN and found it interesting. The programs and messages seemed to be
answering all of her questions on life and spiritual matters. She sensed a
peace of mind as each day she listened and learned about the truths from the
Word of God. One by one, without anyone knowing it, she was accepting the
teachings as she heard them on the television from 3ABN.
Up to this point, she had never visited an Adventist Church or shared her
new found peace with others. One day, while watching a program at home, she
decided that she was going to keep the Sabbath and become a Seventh-day
Adventist. On her own volition, she quit her job and went to San Salvador for
about ten days to rest and reflect on her decision. When she returned to
Nassau, she made up her mind that on Sabbath she would go to an Adventist
Church. She woke up that Sabbath morning, got ready for church, and started to
head out of the door when her sister asked her, "where are you going?" With a
smile on her face, she responded, "I'm going to church."
That was an adventurous and somewhat disappointing first Sabbath for
Phillippa. She first drove to Bethany Adventist Church on Wulff Road and
discovered that it was closed. "That is strange," she thought to her self.
Then she drove by Maranatha Adventist Church on Prince Charles Drive and then
New Providence Church and saw that they were all closed. "Why are these
churches closed today? Aren’t they Sabbath keeping churches?" she thought
aloud. She felt depressed and did not want to go home to face any questions
from her sisters. Still driving, she turned on the radio to a religious
station and to her amazement heard someone advertising a Vegetarian Food Fair
to be held at the Adventist Headquarters on Sunday. "I'm going to that Fair
tomorrow and find out what is going on," she said to herself.
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon when Phillipa and her son turned up at the
entrance to the Food Fair on the grounds of the Adventist Headquarters. To her
surprise, she found out that there was an entrance fee. She had no money. What
could she do? "I really need to ask someone some questions today. I cannot go
home without finding out why there were no church services that Sabbath," she
thought. "Please sir," she began as she shared with the gate attendant, "I do
not want any food. I just need to know how I can become a Seventh-day
Adventist" Just then Pastor Paul Scavella was passing nearby, and he heard the
conversation and invited her inside the gate. He took her to his office where
they had an intense Bible study. This is what she was looking for. She came
with her mind made up. She was going to be an Adventist Christian. It was then
that she found out about the gospel campaign conducted by Pastor Glen Samuels
at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center. She now understood that the churches
were closed because the members were worshipping at the tent that day. It was
April 12, 2004, just a few days after hearing about the meetings that Phillipa
was baptized. I witnessed her baptism on the sunny Sabbath day. She came out
of the water beaming, smiling, and rejoicing in her new found faith, and she
is still smiling today. When you see her, it is as if joy is radiating all
around her.
From that Sabbath day her life has been different. In her own words, it has
been "wonderful, joyous, happy, and peaceful." She said,"I no longer worry or
have burdens. I have a wonderful church family at the Living Faith Adventist
Church." Phillipa Walkes shares her testimony by the way she lives. Although
she was unemployed for a short time because of her decision to keep the
Sabbath, she did not let that discourage her. She knew she made the right
choice. Today she works at G.P. Batteries as the sales and office manager. She
is actively sharing Christ by participating each night as a Praise Team member
at the Power of Truth Crusade. At her church she serves as an usher, choir
member, health director, and is involved in the Conference Listen Up
Television Ministry. - Barrington H. Brennen
CRUSADES CONTINUE
Western Region Crusade Choir Practice Senior Choir practice for the
Western Region Crusade will be held at Hillview Church on Thursday, March 31,
at 7:30 p.m. Practice for the youth choir will be at Berea Church Thursday,
March 31 at 7:00 p.m. - M. Knowles, Music Coordinat
Western Region "Real Harvest" Crusade Continues The "Real Harvest
Gospel Campaign" continues tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Members,
remember to invite your friends to the meetings. Come bring your family and
let’s discover God’s promises and prophecies for these end times.
Eastern Region "Power of Truth" Crusade Continues The "Power of Truth"
crusade will continue tomorrow, Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Please
contact your guests and friends, and encourage them to come and be blessed.
Pastor P.A. Scavella, Coordinator
Eastern Region Crusade Choir Practice Choir rehearsal for the
Eastern Region Crusade will be held today at 5:00 p.m. at the Tent. Younger
persons are encouraged to join the youth choir for the Eastern Region.
Practice for the youth choir will be at Living Faith Church today at 4:00 p.m.
-Sis. Althea Tinker, Music Coordinator, ER
Family Life Certification Part two of the Family Life Certification
Series with Pastor Gordon Martinborough for all pastors and departmental
directors will be held on Sunday, April 10, 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Monday,
April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hillview Church.
Free Married Couples Seminar Pastor Errol Thompson, Family Life
Director for West Indies Union will be in Nassau, April 8 to 10 and will be
hosting free Married Couples Seminars as follows:
Friday evening 7:00 to 8:30
Sabbath afternoon 3:45 to 6:00
Sunday evening 7:00 to 8:30
All of these meetings will be held in the Bahamas Academy Auditorium (not
the Gym).
Stewardship Bible Institute The West
Indies Union and the Inter-American Division are excited at
collaborating
to conduct the Stewardship Bible Institute jointly between the Bahamas
Conference and the North Bahamas Mission, April 15 to 17, 2005, beginning at
8:00 a.m. in Nassau. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a
training program for Pastors, Church Elders, and Local Stewardship Leaders in
order to offer Dynamic and Biblical Leadership to the local church focusing on
Adventist Theology, Homiletic, Hermeneutic, and other courses. A minimum of
two persons is required from each church. Those who attend will receive a
certificate of participation. All churches, including the family islands, are
encouraged to select a delegate from their Stewardship Department and an elder
and submit their names to the Stewardship Department of the Conference as soon
as possible.
Adventist Business Directory The Adventist Business Directory is almost
ready to be published. All listings should be sent in immediately. Please call
Pastor Neville E. Scavella at 364- 1460, or Dr. J Carey at 341-4021 for
further information,
Bahamas Academy Announcements The ENTRANCE EXAM for new students
desirous of entering grades 1 – 10 of Bahamas Academy of Seventh-day
Adventists for the 2005 – 2006 school year will be held on Thursday, March 24
from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon at the elementary and secondary campuses
respectively.
Application Forms for K2 to grades 6 can be collected from the elementary
campus (Penny Savings Bank Lane) during regular school hours. Application
Forms for grades 7 – 10 can be collected from the secondary campus (Wulff
Road) during regular school hours.
The Application Form and registration fee of $20.00 must be turned in
before or by March 24, 2005. Enquires can be made at 393-8898 (Elementary) or
393-3381 (Secondary). -Lynn C. Smith, Principal, BA
Youth Corner All Masterguides-in-training are asked to meet tomorrow,
Sunday, March 27 at 8 o’clock the Hillview Church. - Pastor A. Burrows,
Youth Director
Church Membership Directory Software Training Workshop The above
training workshop for pastors, church clerks, communication leaders and
persons interested will be held Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Conference
Headquarters from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a laptop and call
361-6355 regarding fee.
He Healthy, Be Happy Health Club "Be Healthy, Be Happy" Health Club
partners with Z.N.S., Colina Insurance and the Ministry of Health for a month
of Health Emphasis. The second major event of the week is the 8th annual
"Be Healthy, Be Happy" Fun Run Walk joining with Z.N.S. 2nd annual Fun Run
Walk. This event takes place on Monday the 28th of March this year beginning
at Goodman's Bay to the Crystal Palace.
Registration forms and fee information are available at the Adventist Book
Center, Z.N.S. and Colina outlets. Registration is twelve dollars ($12.00).
Late Registration is fifteen dollars ($15.00).
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 5:00 p.m. The schedule
for today, March, 26, 2005, will be Hillview Church and next week, April 2,
the Johnson Park Church.
Adventist Book Centre The Adventist Book Centre is pleased to announce
that the large SDA Hymnals with notes are available in various colours. For
your complete health food needs, come and visit us. Devotionals for 2005 are
still available. Thank you for your patronage. -Kenny V.A. Deveaux, ABC
Manager
Newly baptized members who are needing jobs should call
341-4021 and asked for Mrs. Duncombe
Meistersingers gospel concert coming soon
Sun sets today at 6:23 p.m. Sun sets
next Sabbath at 6:26 p.m.
