WAA? Special Christmas Podcast: Where Did Christmas Come From? (41:16)

Welcome to a special Christmas podcast of “What’s an Adventist?”

In case you were wondering, the majority of Adventists observe Christmas and embrace the occasion as an opportunity to share Jesus with the world around them. But there are some Adventists, and Christians in general, who wonder whether they should be observing or celebrating Christmas at all being that it has pagan roots. But what’s the real story behind Christmas? Where did it all begin? Was Christmas an ancient festival made for sun worship? Or is December 25th the day Jesus was really born? The answers to these questions may surprise you (click on title to hear podcast).

This week Jesse Sias explores this intriguing topic from an Adventist point of view. Also, in this week’s podcast, WAA? listeners share what Christmas means to them. Thanks to all our listeners who shared their thoughts and helped make this special podcast, special indeed!

Merry Christmas from everyone at WAA?

Article mentioned in this podcast: "Is Christmas pagan, Christian, or just convenient?"

If you would like to contact us please send us an email at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com. Join our facebook and be a part of future podcast discussions.


Did you learn something new about Adventism? Let us know by clicking on the “comment” link below.

WAA Podcast Episode 20: What You Didn't Know About William Miller (54:28)

Welcome to our season finale of "What's an Adventist?"

William Miller, Adventist Pioneer

Although the roots of Adventism go way back to the time of the apostles, it really became a movement in America during the 19th century in large part due to the work of a man by the name of William Miller. Persuaded by his studies of the Bible, Miller was convinced that Jesus would return within his lifetime. But when Jesus didn’t return, Miller along with many Advent believers, were ridiculed and mocked for their faith. To this day there remain some questions as to what kind of man and preacher William Miller was. Some think he was a fanatical “monomaniac” while others believe he was a sincere man who made great sacrifices for his faith.

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne highlight some of the things people may not know about William Miller and how he became a pioneer of the Advent movement in America.

Thanks to all our listeners to who have supported us on our first season! We hope you will join us for more next season. Coming soon!

If you would like to contact us please send us an email at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com. Join our facebook and be a part of future podcast discussions.

Did you learn something new about Adventism? Let us know by clicking on the “comment” link below.

WAA Podcast Episode 19: What People Should Know About Adventists (48:20)

Welcome back to another episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

People have all sorts of wacky ideas about Adventists. Some people think Adventists are a cult while others think they’re religious health nuts. But those who have embraced Adventism beg to differ. This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne with the help of the WAA? listeners, speak up and set the record straight about what being an Adventist is really like (click on title to hear podcast).

Thanks to all of our WAA? facebook fans that helped make this podcast possible. Join our facebook and get involved in future podcast discussions.

Did you learn something new about Adventists? Please let us know by clicking on the “comment” link below.

WAA Podcast Episode 18: Adventists Making Headlines (41:53)





Chilean miners rescued at Camp Hope

  Welcome to another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

Some people may think that Adventists are an exclusive or “cultish” group of people that only take care of their own. But although Adventists aren’t publicized as much as other Christian denominations, they are still prominently involved behind the scenes of many of today’s mainstream news stories.

This week Jesse Sias goes solo to bring you some of the stories around the world where Adventists are making a difference. Whether a need is found in the collapsed mines of Chile or in the frigid land of the Arctic, Adventists are there to provide hope and relief in order to follow Christ’s example of love and compassion and to finish the work of the gospel.

Did you learn something new about Adventists? Tell us by clicking on the “comment” link.

WAA Podcast Episode 17: Are 150 Years Worth Celebrating? (42:10)

The first Seventh-day Adventist church, Washington, NH

This October Adventism celebrated its 150th anniversary as a Christian denomination. Over the course of 150 years Adventism has grown to be a global movement and today is responsible for the largest Protestant network of schools, hospitals, and churches worldwide. Although these are impressive milestones, might there be a reason to not get too excited? (Click on title to hear podcast)

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne talk about some of the history behind the organization of the Seventh-day Adventist church and how although its anniversary is something to celebrate, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual work that needs to be done as Christ's coming draws near.

If you would like to comment on this podcast, click on the “comment” link below. If you have any questions or comments for us you can contact us via email at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com or click on our facebook badge to join our page!

Thank you for your support.

WAA Podcast Episode 16: Adventists Just Want to Have Fun! (47:35)

Welcome to another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

To the outside world being an Adventist may not appear to be very fun, but the reality is that Adventists are a lively bunch of people with a lighthearted side and a sense of adventure. Whether it’s camping, hanging out with friends, or making a mystery casserole (is that really fun?), the bottom line is Adventists just want to have some good and clean fun. (Click on title to hear podcast)

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne, with the help of our listeners, talk about what Adventists do for fun and how having fun can actually be good for one’s spiritual life. We would like to thank all our listeners who shared their thoughts and comments and helped make this podcast a truly “fun” one!

If you would like to comment on this podcast click on the “comment” link below. Stay up to date with our podcasts by clicking on the “follow” link to the right or find us on facebook!

WAA Podcast Episode 15: On the Road to Discipleship (44:31)

Welcome back to another podcast episode of "What's an Adventist?"

Adventists, like many other Christian groups, believe that the only way to share the gospel with others is through discipleship. Discipleship is all about partnering with other people in order to encourage them to follow Jesus.

For Tyler Bower discipleship has been a journey filled with many lessons and blessings. Tyler didn't grow up in an Adventist family, but when he invited Jesus into his life and became an Adventist he felt the Lord calling him to be a disciple and to encourage others to follow Jesus also. Tyler went into ministry and has now been an Adventist pastor for 10 years (Click on title to hear podcast).

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne talk with Pastor Bower about how he became Adventist and about his journey to being a follower of Jesus.

WAA Podcast Episode 14: Roshan Finds an Anchor for the Soul (46:26)

Welcome to another podcast episode of "What's an Adventist?"

Every Adventist is encouraged to study the Bible for themselves and come to their own conclusions regarding its doctrines and teachings. Roshan Mansinghani wasn't Adventist, or Christian for that matter, but after exploring the Christian faith and studying the Bible for himself, he came to believe that Christianity and Adventism had something special to offer (Click on title to hear podcast).

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne talk with Roshan about his experience being an Adventist Christian and how his in-depth study of Hebrews has been an anchor for his faith and his soul.

Roshan attends Dallas First SDA Church and continues to lead out in Bible studies and ministries. Roshan loves Jesus and has a passion for sharing Jesus with others regardless of their faith or background.

Visit Dallas First SDA Church at http://www.dallasfirstchurch.org/

Also mentioned in this podcast: God's Special Forces

If you would like to comment on this podcast click on the "comment" link below. Thank you for your support!

WAA Podcast Episode 13: Do Adventists Drink? (42:03)

Welcome to another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

Adventists strive to live a life according to God’s principles as laid out in the Bible-not always an easy thing to do!

When it comes to drinking you may find that the majority of Adventists you meet have made a choice to abstain from consuming alcohol. Adventists are taught to avoid drinking because of the destructive nature of alcohol on the body, one’s personal spirituality, and society. However, while the majority of Adventists agree on the practical benefits of not drinking, some Adventists believe that it’s ok to drink so long as one doesn’t go overboard. Still other Adventists go as far as to say that the Bible is ambiguous on this issue and it’s alright to drink so long as the person is a “smart drinker”. (Click on title to hear podcast)

This week, Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne talk about what the Bible has to say about alcohol and how it relates to the Adventist and Christian way of life.

For more on the article mentioned in this podcast regarding alcohol and the Bible click here

If you would like to comment on this podcast, click on the “comment” link below. You can also email us at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com or look for our fan page on facebook! Thank you for your support!

WAA Podcast Episode 12: A Temple In Heaven? (43:32)

When Jesus didn't return on October 22, 1844, as many Advent Christians expected according to their understanding of the prophecies in Daniel, only a few believers thought of returning to the Bible to figure out what had gone wrong. What they discovered was that the belief that the "cleansing of the sanctuary" mentioned in Daniel 8:14 was not the "purification of the earth" but rather referred to the cleansing of the actual temple in heaven where Jesus was acting as a High Priest (click on title to hear podcast).

This week Jesse Sias and Adventist Pastor Tony Gonzales talk more about what this temple in heaven is for and how understanding what's happening in this temple is crucial to the salvation of every Christian believer.

If you would like to comment on this podcast click on the "comment" link below. Thanks for listening!

WAA Podcast Episode 11: What's the Sanctuary? (37:32)

Welcome to another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

One of the most interesting and distinct teachings in Adventism, and one that most Christianity is unaware of, is that of the heavenly sanctuary or “temple.” Although this teaching is not exclusive to Adventists, Adventists are the only major Christian denomination today that teaches the Biblical view that there is an actual temple in heaven of which the Old Testament Isrealite tabernacle, later known as Solomon's temple, was a copy of.

This week, in the first of two podcasts, Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne invite Pastor Tony Gonzales to explore this Biblical idea of the sanctuary and shed some light on the significance of this temple in history, prophecy, and for the world today. (Click on title to listen)

For more on the Biblical view of the heavenly sanctuary read the book of Hebrews and the Great Controversy “What is the Sanctuary?”

You can also visit http://www.andrews.edu/~damsteeg/pion.html for more on how this Biblical teaching was discovered.

If you would like to comment on this podcast please click on the “comment” link below. You can also email us at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com or find us on facebook!

WAA Podcast Episode 10: Our Salute to Potluck Do's and Dont's (38:01)

Welcome to podcast number 10 “What’s an Adventist?”!


When it comes to Adventist potlucks you never know what you’re going to get! Oh the drama! Oh the suspense! Oh my goodness, what’s in that??

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne, with the help of our listeners, talk about the do’s and don’t’s of potlucking. This has to be one of the most informative and perhaps shocking podcasts yet. Thanks to everyone who helped make this 10th podcast one for the books! (click on title to hear podcast)

If you would like to add a comment about this “potlucking” podcast please click on the comments link below. If there’s a topic you would like for us to talk about, email us at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com or find us on facebook!

WAA Podcast Episode 9: Is an Adventist Identity Important?

Welcome back to another brilliant episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne discuss some of the many ideas that make Adventism a unique faith. Although there are a variety of views and differences among Adventists, the Bible should always be our source for direction and guidance. The history of Adventism is one founded on the Bible and its teachings. God has always led His people through the His Word and as Adventists we need to rely on it more and more as Christ’s coming draws closer. Are we being faithful to those truths today or are we struggling to uphold the truths that God has revealed to us through His Word? (Click on title to hear podcast).

You have a voice here! Give us your feedback! Click on the “comments” link to leave us a message. We will mention your thoughts on upcoming podcasts.

Thanks to all who have tuned in week in and week out to support this ministry. We appreciate all the support and encouragement! God bless!

WAA Podcast Episode 8: Bridging the Generation Gap

Welcome to another podcast episode of "What's an Adventist?"

Society, with the help of the media, often makes it seem as though the younger generation and older generation are from two different worlds and can never come to understand each other. The older generation is portrayed as “ole fashioned, “outdated” and too “close minded” to ever understand the complexities of the modern world. Meanwhile the younger generation is portrayed as “irreverent” and “unmindful” and “ungrateful” for the sacrifices made by their predecessors. Unfortunately, these sentiments have created a gap of mistrust between the young and the old. Even more disheartening is that these “worldly” attitudes have rooted themselves within Adventist churches with devastating effects.


Jesse Sias, Samuel Ikonne, and special guest Christopher Mckenzie, talk about the need for Adventist churches to get rid of these attitudes and encourage dialogue and cooperation between the young and old. Jesse, Sam, and Christopher challenge Adventist churches to be models of what can happen when young and old build trust and work together to do God’s work (click on title to hear podcast).

If you would like to comment on this podcast click on the “comment” link below. You can also email us at whatsanadventist@hotmail.com or look for our fan page on facebook!

WAA Podcast Episode 7: Where's Adventism Headed?

Welcome back to another podcast episode of "What's an Adventist?"

The GC has come and gone but what exactly did it leave behind? Well a new President of the global church for one thing and it seems some controversy as well. While some Adventists praised the President’s call to move forward at his inaugural sermon, others were left unsettled by his message. (See podcast 4 for more on GC).


This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne talk about some of the sentiments that were stirred up at the GC and give their opinion on the issues that Adventism faces moving forward. No doubt this is only the first of many of these discussions, so feel free to contribute. We might be seeing the first signs of a shaking within the Adventist church so don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard (click on title to hear podcast).

Also, Jesse and Sam make all new "shout outs" to loyal listeners and talk about the contribution that one listener gave to bring some perspective to the idea that the Adventist health message is the "right arm of the gospel."

If you would like to comment on this podcast click on the "comment" link below or look for us on facebook.

To read the articles discussed in this podcast follow the links below:

http://www.spectrummagazine.org/blog/2010/07/05/unsettled_delegate_reflects_ted_wilsons_sermon

http://news.adventist.org/2010/07/sabbath-sermon-story.html

Also mentioned in this podcast: Modern Revivals, Great Controversy Chapter 27, by Ellen G. White

WAA Podcast Episode 6: Christopher Shares His Faith

Welcome to yet another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne invite their good friend Christopher Mckenzie to share how he became an Adventist and how the Bible changed his life. Christopher is actively involved in his church and has grown to love Christ and constantly shares his faith with others. Oh and don’t miss Christopher’s attempt to invent the “What’s an Adventist?” theme song! (Click on title to listen to podcast).

Feel free to post your comment by clicking on the comment link below.
Picture: from left to right (Jesse, Christopher, Sam)

WAA Podcast Episode 5: The Bible Alone (34:37)

Welcome to another podcast episode of “What’s an Adventist?”


Adventists are known to uphold the Bible as the sole authority for the Christian faith. Although many Christian denominations are falling away from taking a literal and historical approach to the Scriptures, Adventists still hold fast to the idea that the Bible is a literal, historical, and spiritual record of God’s relationship with humanity.

In this week’s podcast Jesse and Sam discuss some of the reasons why Adventists believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and what difference it makes to those who have stood in defense of its teachings (click on title to hear podcast).

If you would like to comment on this podcast or share your views on the importance of the Bible, click on the comment link below.

WAA Podcast Episode 4: What's a "GC" Session? (38:40)

Welcome back to another podcast of "What's an Adventist?"

Every five years the Seventh-day Adventist church hosts what's called a General Conference Session or "GC." Adventists from literally every corner of the earth get together to discuss issues relevant to the mission and direction of the world wide Adventist church as well as to elect leadership.

This week Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne interview their very first guest to get some insight into what a GC is all about and what to expect at this year's GC session being held in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, find out when the first GC was held and how many delegates attended.

Click here to visit the official page of the GC

WAA Podcast Episode 3: Is Health Really That Big A Deal? (36:20)

Welcome back to another podcast episode of What's an Adventist?

In case you didn't know studies actually show that Adventists live anywhere between 7-10 years longer than the average world population. Is that just because Adventists eat their "veggies" or is there more to it than that? Join Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne as they discuss some of the principles and practices behind Adventists and health (click on title to hear podcast).

Also, this week Jesse and Sam introduce a new segment called the Adven-test. This week's question is: "What two popular cereal brands have an Adventist connection?"

If you know the correct answers (and spell them right) email us along with your mailing address at jxsias@hotmail.com for your chance to win a DVD copy of the PBS documentary, "The Adventists."

To see an excerpt of the National Geographic article featuring Adventists and longevity click here.

WAA Podcast Episode 2: The Seventh Day Sabbath (40:16)

Welcome back to another episode of "What's an Adventist?"

One of the things that sets Adventism apart from other Christian denominations is the fact that Saturday (Sabbath) is observed instead of Sunday. So why do Adventists keep the Sabbath? Isn't Sabbath just a Jewish tradition? What are the challenges that Adventists face in keeping the Sabbath? Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne discuss these questions and share their perspective as life long Sabbath keepers.

Post your comments or feedback by clicking on the "comments" link below. (Click on title to hear podcast)

WAA Podcast Episode 1: What's an Adventist? (24:10)

Welcome to our first podcast of "What's an Adventist?" Join Jesse Sias and Samuel Ikonne as they introduce you into the world of being a Seventh day Adventist. With over 40 years of combined Adventist experience, Jesse and Sam will take you through the in's, out's, twists and quirks of the Adventist world from their points of view. From haystacks to Bible doctrine, Jesse and Sam discuss what makes Advenitsm a compelling and unique faith.

Your comments are welcomed and appreciated. (click on title to hear podcast)