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Reason to Hope

"O my lovin' brother, when the world's on fire, don't you want God's bosom, to be your pillow. Hide me over in the Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages, cleft for me."

This old chorus seems to fit the mood of many hearts today. The world is an increasingly fragile place to live. This past week has seen thousands die in earthquakes and storms (China's 7.8 earthquake, Myanmar's devastating cyclone, and scores of tornadoes throughout the mid-west United States).

No, the sky isn't falling--yet. There are still beauties to behold and pockets of tranquility to enjoy. But economic and environmental changes are rapidly transforming our world. The prospects of global energy and food shortages are real.

More than ever, the world (our neighbors, friends and associates) need reasons to hope. We all do. We can hope that things will get better, and in specific ways do what we can to make them so. Through our involvement in local causes (food banks, Habitat or Humanity, community gardens, youth mentoring, etc) we can show others that we care--not because we are Adventist, or because we want them to join our church, but because Jesus reigns in our hearts and we are doing His bidding.

Regardless of our walk in life, many opportunities exists for us to be used by God. Mary Jo Lauderdale shares how God is using her to meet some of the needs of others.   

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Delusional Leaders

Jesus said that in the last days some would claim to be the Messiah and would try to get others to follow them.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand."

“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it..."

Matthew 24:23-28 (NKJV)

Throughout my life I have heard of numerous incidents where charismatic leaders have made such claims. For me, the question that always begs to be answered is--how can someone be so naive to fall for such a claim?

Three Self-Proclaimed Messiahs

Here are three examples of individuals who have boldly proclaimed themselves to be either Jesus Christ, or a Messiah figure.

1. Jim Jones - Answers.com provides the following summary of his life and ministry.

"Jim Jones was the founder and leader of Jonestown, Guyana, a community of over 900 members of The People's Temple Full Gospel Church, an offshoot of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Jones had been an untrained preacher in Indiana and California before moving his congregation to Guyana to avoid government scrutiny. In November of 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown to investigate allegations of human rights abuses. Ryan and his group were murdered at Jonestown, and on November 18, 1978 Jim Jones and 911 of his followers committed suicide or were murdered." --Answers.com | Watch YouTube (part 1) account

2. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda - This Puerto Rican pastor claims to be Jesus Christ: CNN Article | Watch YouTube account

3. Wayne Bent - Recently we've heard about Warren Jeffs and his followers in Texas, and now we are hearing about another group in New Mexico whose leader, Wayne Bent (a.k.a. Michael Travesser), claims to be a Messiah. Evidently he used to be an Adventist minister (1970-1982) in southern California. According to church news sources, "He voluntarily terminated his employment with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1982. He has had no affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church since then." You can read more about Bent and his claims on his website at StrongCity.Info | CNN Article

This is a good topic for discussion. Watch the video (part 1) and then respond to the questions that follow.

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Discussion Questions

1. Google the word "cult" in a dictionary and describe what it is.

2. With this definition in mind, would Jesus and His disciples have been classified as a cult by His contemporaries?

3. Are people who strongly embrace spiritual values and beliefs more susceptible to cultish deception?

4. Jesus said, "false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." What criteria should be used to establish personal faith? How can we be kept from this kind of deception? 

5. At what point should we walk away from a religious leader or group of people making spiritual claims?

Final Considerations

David said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Solomon said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We are cautioned, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

Jesus said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13).

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, it is important for us to study God's Word, and to allow His Spirit to guide our steps.

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20-Church Districts

Dr. David Clevenger currently supervises a church District in South Central Pennsylvania where he is responsible for six churches, a branch Sabbath School, and an approaching new church plant. His goal is to potentially supervise as many as 20 churches. His thinking is as follows:

"The key is lay people and pastors working harmoniously together, while both follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pastors become trainers and equippers, empowering the lay people instead of hovering over them and enfeebling them. As a District Pastoral Supervisor, training lay pastors and members to do the work is my main concern. And the membership’s main concern is winning people to the Lord, and nurturing those they win by the power of the Holy Spirit."

You can read more of his thoughts here: Church the Early Church's Way

Questions to Consider

1. Is this a viable approach in North America?

2. What positives and negatives might be associated with such an approach?

3. Do you believe finances will mandate that we eventually go this direction?

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