WAA Podcast Episode 84 (46:30): Is Fundamental Belief 29 Fundamental?

"When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God...
the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.
In such communion is found the highest education."
-Acts of the Apostles Ch. 13

From the beginning the Advent movement was established on the authority and study of Scripture. As the early Adventists gained new Biblical insights they found it important to provide some clarification as to what the Bible says on certain doctrines. Since early Adventists decided against forming an official church creed, they developed a list of fundamental beliefs they believed any Christian could adopt if they believed in the authority of the Bible. These fundamental beliefs were never meant to determine membership or exclusively support denominational efforts but rather provide sound Bible based explanations on certain key doctrines central to the Christian faith. Over time the number of doctrines on this list has changed. Today the Seventh day Adventist Church has identified 28 fundamental biblical doctrines essential to the faith and salvation of any Christian, Adventist or not. 

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Recently there has been discussion about including a 29th fundamental belief in support of Adventist Christian education and the church's mission. Should our fundamental beliefs be used to support the existence of our Adventist institutions and policies or should they be used as a guide to point others back to God and His Word as the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom? Jesse and Chris throw in their collective 2 cents on the issue. 

Thanks for listening, God bless!

WAA Podcast Episode 83 (30:30): Guess Who?

Guess who joined our WAA team!
Image from Google images

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

Well it's finally happened. We somehow managed to persuade yet another poor soul to co-host WAA.  Sure we promised him fortune and fame but sometimes you have to do whatever it takes! His name? Well, you're gonna have to listen to find out. He's a good guy, I hope we don't ruin him. 

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On this podcast Jesse and Eli introduce our new co-host to our WAA audience and ask him about his experiences as a life long Adventist. 

Thanks for listening, God bless!

WAA Podcast Episode 82 (18:14): We're Back! Well, Almost...

Image from Google images

Welcome to a new season of What's an Adventist?

It's been over a year and a half since we last released a WAA podcast. One might say we've been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years! We've been met with several challenges but have learned that God is always faithful if we're willing to grow and listen to Him. We intend on resuming (and continuing) this podcast ministry and hopefully add a new voice to our program. We have no idea what new doors God will open, but like Isaiah all we can say is "here I am, send me."

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On this podcast Jesse and Eli talk about some of the hopes we have as we resume our podcast ministry. We hope you will join us on our journey and continue to grow with us. 

Thanks for listening, God bless! 

WAA Column: Noah's Ark: An Encounter Between Us and God

The Ark Encounter is a Christian theme park
featuring a full scale replica of Noah's Ark
located in Grant County, Kentucky.
image from Google Images

An impressive life size exhibit in Kentucky featuring Noah's Ark is attracting both Christians and Non Christians and stirring up conversation about this famous Bible story.

During his ministry on earth Jesus also made use of the story of Noah (Luke 17:26). But Jesus was not trying to directly defend a creationist perspective nor was he trying to make scientific claims about the story, which seems to be one of the main objectives behind the exhibit. More importantly, he was using history to teach a spiritual lesson. A lesson that we should think about seriously in our day.

Jesus began, "As it was in the days of Noah..." Jesus draws his audience's attention to a specific point in time in history- the time of Noah. This opening statement is like saying, "Remember Noah?" Jesus is talking about this story as though it is a historical fact. This serves the purpose of emphasizing the reality of what had taken place historically and what will take place at the close of earth's history. 

Jesus continues, "So shall it be in the days of the Son of man..." Jesus makes a connection between two specific periods in time, the days of Noah and the days of the Son of man.  The "days of the Son of man" is in reference to the days when Christ will  judge the world and set up his everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7:13). Jesus is saying that there is an absolute relationship between the way of life during Noah's time and the way of life in the final days of judgement and the establishment of His Kingdom.

Jesus goes on to explain that during the time of Noah people were eating, drinking and marrying. People were doing what they basically needed to do to survive and procreate. Interestingly, worshiping God or remembering their Creator is not mentioned, suggesting faith in God was not considered something that was necessary for living a good life or ensuring a posterity. At a time when judgement was imminent, there was no regard for God, the Author of life. 

Jesus finally describes the end result of a world oblivious to God and living on its uninhibited natural drives and passions. After years of warning people of God's judgement, Noah and his family were the only ones who trusted God, entered the Ark and were saved from the flood.

It's rather coincidental that this modern reminder of the story of Noah is taking place at a time in our country, and around the world, when people are "eating, drinking and marrying" with less regard for their personal relationship with God. Although the dialogue around this modern day Ark exhibit centers around the questions of Religion vs. Science, the real story behind Noah is about a world facing judgement and on the brink of destruction for turning away from God. It's really the story about us. 

The point Jesus was trying to make in recalling the story of Noah is that in the days of His judgement and the second coming, the world would be in the same condition as in the days of Noah. During a time of divine judgement, people would be living unrestrained lives, committing acts of violence and hatred, and dismissing the Creator as a necessary part of life. Too many people would be busy "eating, drinking, and marrying" to really make any changes. As one journalist covering the Ark story put it, "the Ark will change some minds, but not the majority."  According to the Bible we are living in the time of judgement but you would never know it based on how people are living. Just like in the days of Noah.

Even if not many people change, the Ark exhibit might serve the greater purpose of encouraging an encounter with God's Word and create an awareness of the state of the world, a time of judgement and prompt people to think about their relationship with God. Hopefully this time around we can all give some serious thought to taking His Word and warnings seriously before it's too late.