Participants:
Series Code: 13GYC
Program Code: 13GYC000010
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00:15 Happy Sabbath, GYC.
00:16 We're so happy that you're here with us, 00:18 to those who have been with us since Wednesday 00:21 to those who are visiting here on Sabbath. 00:23 We're super excited that you have chosen 00:25 to worship God with us here at GYC in Orlando. 00:29 I have a short quote that I want to read to you 00:32 in preparation for our Sabbath school this morning. 00:35 It's going to be a Sabbath school program 00:37 that I feel will be very useful to us, 00:40 very inspirational and I hope also very inspiring. 00:43 So the quote reads as follows is found in the book 00:47 "Christ Our Righteousness" 126 and it says, 00:50 "As Christ was glorified on the day of Pentecost, 00:53 so will He again be glorified 00:56 in the closing work of the gospel, 00:58 when He shall prepare a people to stand the final test, 01:02 in the closing conflict of the great controversy." 01:04 And I believe, my friends, that He is preparing such a people 01:08 and we've been spending all these days studying, 01:10 thinking about that representation 01:12 that we make of Him. 01:13 And so I pray that as we listen to some of the leaders 01:17 of our church speaking to some of the things 01:19 that we face these days, I pray that our hearts 01:22 would believe by faith that in fact we are being prepared 01:26 as these people that will reflect 01:27 His character and all His glory. 01:29 I have a couple of announcements to make. 01:31 On this Sabbath, we are going to be having 01:33 a lot of extra people, more people visiting us 01:36 and for that we're extremely happy. 01:38 Now for-- when we start going to the seminar 01:41 that's going to be happening this afternoon, 01:43 I just want to remind you that if you are a visitor today, 01:47 just make sure that the people who have registered, 01:50 who want to be in that seminar 01:51 are able to make it to that seminar 01:53 and once it gets a little bit closer to the time 01:55 and you're able to find a seat 01:57 and because there's going to be so many people, 01:58 we're also going to be asking that you'd not save seats, 02:01 both in the programs and in the seminars 02:03 so this makes it easier for those that actually make it 02:06 to the seminar early to find the spots that they need 02:08 and I really appreciate that. 02:10 We're going to be having a very special music now 02:12 and it will be followed by our Sabbath school program, 02:14 thank you. 02:35 Someone is praying for you 02:44 Someone is praying for you 02:53 And when it seems you're all alone 02:58 And your heart will break in two 03:02 Remember someone is praying for you, for you. 03:12 When it seems that you've prayed 03:16 Till your strength is all gone 03:21 And your tears fall like raindrops all the day long 03:29 Jesus cares and He knows just how much you can bear 03:37 He'll speak your name to someone in prayer 03:45 I know someone is praying for you 03:55 Remember someone is praying for you 04:04 And when it seems you're all alone 04:09 And your heart will break in two 04:13 Remember someone is praying for you, for you. 04:22 Have the clouds 'round you gathered 04:26 In the midst of a storm 04:30 Is your ship tossed and battered? 04:34 Are you wearied and worn? 04:38 Don't lose hope 04:40 Someone's praying for you this very day 04:46 And peace be still is already on the way 04:54 You know someone is praying for you 05:04 Remember someone is praying for you 05:12 And when it seems you're all alone 05:17 And your heart will break in two 05:21 Remember someone is praying for you 05:29 We know Jesus is praying for you 05:38 We know that Jesus is praying for you, for you 05:46 And when it seems you're all alone 05:50 And your heart will break in two 05:54 Remember Jesus is praying for you, for you 06:08 Remember Jesus is praying for you 06:24 Amen. Amen. 06:28 Thank you so much for that beautiful special music. 06:31 Good morning, everyone. 06:32 We are here for our Sabbath School Panel discussion 06:35 and we are excited about 06:37 the next hour that is ahead of us. 06:39 My name is Israel Ramos and I'm working with GYC 06:43 as the previous president. 06:45 Actually, the previous president is now Justin 06:48 because he is on his way out 06:50 but we have Natasha the future president. 06:52 So we have here on this panel, panel of GYC presidents 06:55 that have the opportunity to interact 06:58 with the General Conference 07:00 and North American Division Church of Officers. 07:03 We want to say thank you for the time 07:04 that you've dedicated to spend this with us. 07:07 It's something that GYC looks forward 07:09 to whenever we have the opportunity. 07:11 You remember in Kentucky, we had this opportunity 07:14 and it was one of the greatest blessings of that conference 07:17 and our highlight, I think, 07:19 of many young people's experience. 07:21 So we are excited about this opportunity again 07:25 and we're happy that we have this privilege 07:27 to interact with you in this question and answer panel. 07:30 I want to introduce you to our audience. 07:33 On my far, on the far length of the table, 07:35 there we have Pastor Paul Ratsara representing 07:38 the Southern African Indian Ocean Division. 07:41 The longest name for sure, one of the largest confer-- 07:44 largest divisions, fastest growing, at least one of them. 07:48 So we're thankful Elder Ratsara 07:49 that you're here all the way from South Africa. 07:52 Next to him, we have Pastor Bill Knott, 07:54 in charge of the Review and Herald. 07:55 We're thankful that you are here with us as well. 07:58 Pastor Ted Wilson, 07:59 the President of the General Conference. 08:01 And next to him we have Elder James Black, 08:04 who has been Youth Ministry for quite a bit, 08:07 quite a long time, in charge of North America. 08:09 Thank you for your time here and Elder Wils-- not Wilson. 08:13 Elder Finley, who is no, no stranger here at GYC. 08:17 Thank you for being with us. 08:19 Just so that the audience knows, we do have a process 08:23 that we followed in our discussion here this morning 08:26 and we want to make that open to you 08:28 so that you know where we're going. 08:30 First of all we opened the-- 08:34 email accounts for people to submit questions. 08:37 Some of these questions, we had many of the-- 08:40 of similar sounding questions so we put them together 08:43 into one general topic. 08:44 And so we're gonna ask these questions in a general format. 08:48 Some of the questions that were asked had a specific point 08:51 and we will ask the point but not directly quote the question 08:55 just because it's-- we try to make it as concise as possible. 08:58 And some of them will be directly asked 09:01 as they come to us from the emails that were sent. 09:05 The topics that we are addressing 09:08 ultimately fall under three categories. 09:10 One of those categories is unity. 09:12 How was it that the church 09:13 can experience unity even amidst diversity? 09:17 And so that's one of the topics that we will addressing, 09:21 several questions that go along those lines. 09:23 Another big issue that is on the minds 09:25 of the young people is the issue of sexuality. 09:28 How does the church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church 09:31 deal with this topic of sexuality, 09:33 not just sexual temptation but sexual abuse and so forth. 09:37 And then finally, Adventist church identity, 09:40 it kind of goes along with unity. 09:42 But what makes a Seventh-day Adventist 09:44 and how was it that we can represent 09:47 the Seventh-day Adventist Church together 09:50 even a midst many different people, 09:53 many different backgrounds, many different cultures? 09:55 We were able to have a discussion with the panelists 09:58 yesterday to prepare for this time 10:02 and we came up with the understanding at the end 10:05 that there is definitely a difference-- 10:07 a different way of thinking. 10:09 As we have more experience we believe that we'll finally 10:13 reach the way of thinking of our great panelists here. 10:17 But at this point, we're hoping that this discussion 10:20 will help bridge the gap 10:22 and understand the mind of church leaders 10:26 and help the church leaders understand 10:27 the minds of young people. 10:29 And so our aim here is to be honest and respectful 10:32 and at the same time to be very open. 10:34 And we understand, and we want our young people to understand, 10:38 that some of the questions that we ask 10:40 we know are short-sighted. 10:42 And so we're very open for the church 10:44 to give us a broader understanding. 10:47 Just, please, let's make sure 10:48 that we answer the questions that are asked. 10:50 So with that in mind, we do have 10:52 the privilege of asking the question, 10:54 we're gonna give that over the first question 10:56 to our GYC President, Justin McNeilus. 10:59 Thank you, Israel, for the nice introduction you gave us. 11:03 So the first question I would ask as 11:06 one sort of a personal nature first day note of appreciation, 11:11 the church leaders got together and they looked at 11:13 what was happening in that GYC and you said to yourselves, 11:17 at GYC they need a representative 11:19 at the general counsel in session. 11:22 And so you sent me to represent the young people here by GYC 11:26 and so that is undoubtedly one of the highest privileges 11:31 I've had as GYC President, so first thank you for that. 11:34 But second, as a banker, 11:36 I would follow up that question with this. 11:39 I think it's safe to say that the General Conference 11:42 spends about $5 million on that 11:44 that's $50 million of production from the church. 11:48 And so my question would be as a banker, is it worth it? 11:54 And if I could ask you, Elder Wilson as our president. 11:58 All right, well, thank you, Justin. 12:00 And it's good to be with you and Natasha and Israel. 12:06 I want to preface my remarks and any of our remarks 12:09 by stating that we give our answers humbly 12:16 and we may not get everything exactly right 12:22 but we do it in the spirit of Jesus. 12:25 And we would covet your prayers, 12:27 I love that song that the choirteth sang. 12:29 Someone is praying for you. 12:31 In fact, everywhere I travel, people are saying, 12:34 "I'm praying for you. I'm praying for you." 12:35 And it just is so reassuring. 12:37 So I hope while we give our answers this morning 12:41 that you'll be praying for us. 12:43 The General Conference session 12:46 is a large gathering every five years. 12:50 At that particular meeting, 12:53 things are done in a business setting. 12:57 It is a time in which officers 13:00 and department directors are elected. 13:03 It is a time when the church manual is looked at 13:07 as to whether some changes need to be made. 13:10 Any changes to the fundamental beliefs that we have 13:14 are only done at a General Conference Session. 13:17 And some people might say, "But, you know, 13:20 we have about 2,700 delegates or so that will be coming. 13:25 Why can't you just rent a small little place? 13:28 Have a meeting for four days 13:30 and take care of things and lot less expense." 13:35 Many of us have actually thought about 13:37 the possibility of trying to do that 13:39 and shorten General Conference Session. 13:42 On the other hand, there is something very unique 13:46 and one has to say the $5 million 13:49 that the General Conference spends. 13:51 In addition to that, divisions spend money for hotels 13:56 and all of that kind of thing, air fares. 13:59 So there is considerable amount of money 14:00 and this has been rather transparent, our treasurer, 14:04 Bob Lemon, I think he's been very transparent 14:06 and open about these things. 14:07 We don't want to hide things. Is it worth the money? 14:13 I suppose I could simply indicate 14:18 an illustration using my precious wife. 14:21 My wife grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. 14:26 And probably knew the president of her conference 14:30 and the pastor and that was about it. 14:33 She didn't know anything much about the world field 14:36 because her world was very focused. 14:40 She never attended a General Conference Session 14:42 until she married me. 14:45 And when she attended, she was absolutely amazed 14:50 at the international fabric 14:53 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 14:55 And I think, probably one of the most beautiful benefits 15:00 from the money that is invested and it is God's money 15:04 is the sense of belonging to a world family 15:09 at a setting like that 15:11 that you will never get in any other venue. 15:14 And when you see how God moves in so many dramatic ways, 15:19 then I think we can at least help 15:22 to justify some of the money 15:25 that is spent on a General Conference Session. 15:28 And at this coming General Conference Session 15:30 in San Antonio and Mark may allude to this sometime, 15:34 we're hoping to create a very, very mission-oriented setting 15:40 with an emphasis on evangelism, on our mission, 15:44 and the coming of the Lord, 15:45 in fact that's basically the theme. 15:48 And so General Conference Session I think, 15:52 in the long run is well worth the money. 15:56 You know, I may just pickup on some of the things 15:58 that Elder Wilson has said, the question is, 16:01 is it too expensive to hold a General Conference Session 16:04 when you considered this $5 million spent on it. 16:07 I guess you could ask the question a different way, 16:09 would it be more expensive 16:11 not to hold a General Conference Session? 16:13 Would it be more expensive not to hold it? 16:16 The Seventh-day Adventist Church is in over 16:18 200 countries in the world, we are 18 million members now. 16:22 There are 3,000 people baptized everyday 16:25 into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 16:27 What if we didn't hold a General Conference Session? 16:30 What if the Adventist Church became fragmented 16:34 as many other protestant denominations? 16:38 What if this fragmentation led to why theological 16:43 diversity much greater than we did today? 16:46 What does a General Conference Session do? 16:49 Among other things, it brings the church together 16:51 in a unified focus to reach the world for Jesus Christ. 16:56 It brings us together as a youth-- 16:59 as a church family, it focuses on mission. 17:03 One of the things we hope to happen at this coming 17:05 General Conference Session is, you know, 17:07 every year, we end the General Conference Session, 17:10 every session at the end of five years, 17:12 we end the General Conference Session 17:14 with what we call the Parade of Nations. 17:18 This year, we want to do the March of Mission 17:20 where each of the country's represented 17:24 in that great March of Mission, 17:26 focuses on what God is doing in that particularly country 17:30 to win that nation for Christ. 17:33 And we're thinking about ending the General Conference Session 17:36 with an international baptism 17:38 with people from countries around the world. 17:41 Why is the General Conference Session so important? 17:44 Because it unifies the church in policy 17:48 and in doctrine and in mission 17:50 to reach a world in fulfillment of Revelation 14:6, 7. 17:56 Amen. 17:59 The question about the value of unity is one that the church 18:03 actually looks at not only 18:05 at General Conference Session times 18:07 but around the calendar throughout the year, 18:10 what's it worth and how much are we willing to commit 18:13 the value of unity worldwide? 18:15 I look at the magazines that I edit, General Conference, 18:19 if you go back to 1863, has invested 18:22 millions of dollars in the Adventist Review. 18:25 And in Adventist World Magazine because it has always 18:28 placed a high value on what James White called, 18:32 "gathering the scattered flock." 18:34 The natural tendency of human beings is disintegration. 18:39 Centrifugal force throws us away from each other. 18:42 And God's call in His church is to gather together, 18:45 "press together, press together, 18:47 press together," Ellen White says. 18:49 General Conference Session is just an illustration 18:51 of a fundamental principle of ongoing unity 18:55 to which the church has always committed 18:57 great resources and great time. 19:00 Thank you so much. Yes, Elder Ratsara. 19:03 I just want to add my voice to what was just been said. 19:09 You see, we take this church, we believe that this a family. 19:15 And if family needs to be together to remain together, 19:19 and to me the value of the General Conference 19:24 is to give opportunity for this family 19:27 at least once every five years to be together 19:30 and to say, "Hey, we are part of this family 19:34 even though belong to a small company, 19:37 a small church far, the extreme of the earth," 19:41 and look we belong to a church, a family church 19:46 that the global-ness of the church is to be maintained 19:51 and we have to be intentional about this 19:54 and that costs money but it is worth it. 19:56 I appreciate the honest responses 19:58 in addressing the question 20:01 and I would just submit also like your wife, 20:03 I left more excited to be an Adventist when I got there. 20:06 And so from a personal experience, 20:07 I can say that now we have a lot of questions gentlemen 20:11 and so we're gonna ask that we just get a few answers 20:13 to each of these and we're gonna try 20:15 and move through these because we have some 20:16 really good ones coming up. 20:18 I appreciate the comments that were mentioned regarding 20:21 the General Conference serving as a means to unite people. 20:24 I think it's great, you know, 20:28 comments were mentioned to the fact 20:29 that it's like a family coming together, 20:32 you're able to see what's happening around the world 20:35 and this or the-- at least the word that came that's-- 20:37 that got to me was this is all a movement 20:40 that helps to unite people. 20:43 I guess, how would you respond to the fact 20:45 that sometimes well the-- 20:46 the General Conference are understanding 20:47 the General Conference Session is 20:49 it's ultimately a large church business meeting. 20:53 And we would think that 20:55 it is that which unites us would be the word of God, 20:58 I mean, that's, at the end of the day the word of God is 21:01 what unites us as Seventh-day Adventists and so forth. 21:04 Our understanding as of the Seventh-day 21:06 Adventist Church policy is ultimately a representation 21:09 or our understanding of God's word put into practice. 21:14 And the question that I have is 21:17 if the purpose of the General Conference is to unite us? 21:20 Do you feel that it is fulfilling that, that goal, 21:24 the goal of unity especially in, 21:27 you know, in the light of the fact 21:28 that it is at General Conference Sessions 21:30 that many young people get the perception 21:32 that unity is not taking place but the opposite is. 21:43 Well, I think simply depends on a person's perspective. 21:47 A General Conference Session is not necessarily 21:51 a rubber stamp arrangement. 21:53 Now people come to a session 21:55 or to an annual council or spring meeting, 21:59 we have over 300 members 22:02 of the General Conference Executive Committee. 22:04 They come from every single division. 22:06 They represent administrators, laypeople, frontline workers, 22:12 people are free to express their opinion 22:16 and they ought to do that. 22:17 But it ought to be done in a spirit 22:20 of intense reliance upon the word of God, 22:25 on the council of the spirit of prophecy, and of prayer. 22:29 And one of the things that we have attempted to do recently 22:33 is to spend much more time in prayer 22:36 at the General Conference Annual Councils 22:39 that we have and spring meeting 22:41 and certainly at the General Conference Session, 22:42 we will be doing that as well where we pray together 22:46 in order to find the kind of unity 22:48 that Jesus prayed for himself in John 17. 22:53 So when people see that there is disagreement 22:57 and that there are opinions being shared 23:00 that actually should not be a sign 23:04 that there is not necessarily unity 23:06 but that there is an expression that is open, 23:09 I mean, the Lord has given us freedom of conscience. 23:13 And let's just take for instance a particular issue 23:18 that is very high on people's minds, 23:22 the ordination of women to the gospel ministry. 23:25 And we have setup an arrangement 23:28 where we have a Theology of Ordination Study Committee 23:31 with many representatives from varying views. 23:35 Different divisions are weighing in on that, 23:39 every division has reviewed things 23:41 and are putting their own presentations to the committee, 23:48 it'll be coming up in just 23:49 about another couple of weeks or so. 23:52 We've had two meetings already, 23:54 another one this month and another one in June. 23:57 The issue will be presented to the Annual Council 24:01 where there'll be full representation. 24:04 We are not hiding anything, 24:06 we're wanting to do things in an open way 24:08 but there will be differences of opinion. 24:11 How do we handle that? 24:13 How we do we handle items that are very flammable 24:17 and very emotional and that can only be done on our knees. 24:22 And done in a very prayerful way 24:24 and I believe that God will guide. 24:27 I suppose the biggest question that needs to probably 24:30 be answered is not necessarily that particular question 24:33 or other questions that will be certainly coming up. 24:37 But what do you do, 24:40 let's say that this particular question is, 24:43 and I have full thought 24:46 that it will be sent to the General Conference Session 24:48 to have full exposure and discussion, 24:52 what happens to you when your particular viewpoint 24:59 in the final analysis is not accepted 25:04 and you find yourself facing a challenge 25:08 whichever way it may go? 25:10 And I don't know exactly which way it'll go. 25:14 What do you do? 25:15 Is your church and the mission of the church worth more to you 25:22 than some personal impassioned conviction? 25:28 Now that's something that you have to decide 25:30 between the Lord and yourself. 25:32 And I would certainly, as I understand, 25:36 Daniel and Revelation as I understand prophetic 25:39 understanding within spirit of prophecy council 25:43 that the church at the end will be united 25:46 in its great mission to proclaim 25:48 the three angels' messages 25:50 and to help people know that Christ is coming soon. 25:54 So I think as people look at how the church works, 25:58 they should not become discouraged, 26:01 they should pray more 26:02 enter into the discussion and activities, 26:05 and realize that the Holy Spirit 26:07 is gonna lead this church to victory. 26:11 Amen, I-- were you gonna say something? 26:13 No, okay, go ahead. 26:16 I would-- just to point out, 26:18 this is not new for God's church. 26:20 The longest single portion of the Book of Acts 26:23 deals with the issue of unity. 26:25 Acts 10-15 is about when God is doing something in the body, 26:31 how will we relate and the significant disagreements 26:34 are all recorded there very candidly for us 26:37 so that we can see how God's Church resolves issues. 26:42 That's a biblical way to go about doing business. 26:45 And it's one that we ought to be paying more attention to 26:47 as we move forward toward 26:49 important decisions on our landscape. 26:51 I appreciate what you had to say about unity 26:55 not necessarily being absolute uniformity 26:58 of everyone thinking exactly the same. 27:00 I'm wondering if you can 27:02 perhaps clarify a little bit from me. 27:06 What the difference is between being able to have 27:10 differences of opinion within the church 27:12 and being able to have that discussion 27:14 and not all having to think precisely the same 27:17 and how the General Conference responds to that versus 27:20 when the General Conference enacts policies 27:22 that they expect the church to follow. 27:29 Unity in the Book of Acts is really based on four things. 27:34 When you look at the Book of Acts, 27:36 there is a passion for Jesus Christ. 27:39 There is a commitment to Christ. 27:41 The unity in the Seventh-day Adventist Church 27:44 is based on a common commitment to Christ 27:49 and the desire to do His will. 27:51 Secondly, when you look through the Book of Acts, 27:53 there is a commitment based on biblical truth. 27:59 The church in the Book of Acts saw Jesus 28:01 as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, 28:03 so there was a real sense of a prophetic identity 28:07 in the Book of Acts. 28:08 Thirdly, in the Book of Acts, 28:10 there was a unity based on mission. 28:12 This idea of reaching the world with the gospel. 28:15 And fourthly, in the Book of Acts, 28:17 there was a common church organization, 28:19 you look at the conflict between Jew and Gentile 28:23 and over circumcision in Acts 15 28:26 and so there was common church organization. 28:29 So that was the very basis of unity. 28:32 Within that context of unity, there can be diversity. 28:37 There can be differences of opinion 28:39 but commitment to Christ guided by the Holy Spirit 28:42 into common biblical truth focused on mission 28:46 and focused on a sense of church organization. 28:49 Now what if one part of the church, 28:54 one entity of the church disregards a policy 28:59 voted by the corporate church? 29:01 What can be done? 29:03 In the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 29:05 we don't have fiats that come down 29:08 from the General Conference 29:10 that dictate what each of the entities 29:12 whether their local churches' conferences or unions do. 29:16 But we can express which we have done recently 29:20 strong disapproval for a constituent group 29:24 or constituent groups that have stepped outside of that policy. 29:29 So what can the General Conference do 29:30 if a constituent group sets-- well, a policy? 29:34 It can simply express its disapproval for that 29:38 which we have done in varying days in certain issues. 29:43 What is policy? Policy is not doctrine. 29:48 Policy can be changeable 29:50 but policy is our mutual understanding 29:54 and a common agreement, a covenant 29:57 that we make together as the body of Christ 30:01 on the way we're going to act. 30:02 That's why it's so critical. 30:05 I guess I would ask a question, 30:06 then what about the-- what about tithe if it comes, 30:10 how would tithe fit into this whole thing? 30:19 Are you speaking in terms of 30:20 how the obligation of paying tithe 30:23 or returning tithe? 30:25 Or the-- We believe the tithe for example is, 30:29 you know, is-- 30:31 belongs in God's storehouse and there's, 30:33 you know, the biblical of returning tithe, 30:35 the tithe going to the General Conference, 30:36 the General Conference distributing that tithe back, 30:39 the system of tithing is a biblical system 30:42 and I would assume it's also a policy. 30:44 And so there is to some degree-- 30:48 is there a consistency between the policies at the church, 30:52 for example, has do you-- 30:54 I don't know if you understand what I'm-- 30:55 In terms of the principle of tithing, 30:59 we do take it directly from scripture. 31:01 There are many studies that have been done, 31:06 our treasury department spent, 31:09 well, they along with many leaders, spent over 31:13 I don't maybe seven years, six years 31:17 in a particular commission on tithe 31:20 to help define exactly how one ought to approach this, 31:24 what it can be used for, and all that kind of thing. 31:27 We do believe that tithe is for the support of the ministry 31:32 and direct evangelistic activity 31:35 and the mission of the church. 31:37 It's not to be used for constructing churches. 31:40 It's not to be used for just 31:42 whatever someone thinks is a good cause 31:45 but it is to be given to the storehouse 31:47 and then once you return your tithe 31:50 because we use the word return, 31:52 it's not yours anyway 31:53 but then the church would decide 31:56 and not an individual. 31:59 That along with other aspects helps to unify the church 32:04 now that the interesting question 32:05 that Natasha asked regarding 32:11 the flexibility in how unity and uniformity compare. 32:19 I think that we have to look at the big picture 32:22 and realize that there are some things 32:25 that the Holy Spirit is in full control of. 32:28 In other words, 32:29 the Spirit will lead us into all truth. 32:32 We have to believe that theologically, 32:34 under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 32:36 we will understand what the Bible says. 32:38 Now there's a big difference between that 32:40 and what color of carpeting 32:42 your local church should put in. 32:44 And yet, in both of those areas, 32:47 there is an incredible need 32:51 and I'm gonna share it in the sermon as well today. 32:55 A need for humility and submissiveness. 32:58 Because if you happen to like a red carpet in the church 33:02 but they vote a blue carpet, 33:04 is that gonna wreck your Christian experience? 33:08 If something theologically is voted 33:11 and you see that the entire group 33:14 votes in a certain direction 33:15 and you're just out there on a limb, 33:17 are you gonna say, 33:18 "No, I defiantly stand here and say, you're wrong." 33:22 Or do you submit to the Lord and to the church 33:27 as it moves in a spiritual way? 33:30 Thank you. Let me just-- 33:32 I want to come back to your question. 33:33 Yes, please. 33:34 'Cause let me rephrase it and then if my question is 33:39 if tithe is a part of church policy and other, 33:42 you know, you have not just women's ordination 33:44 but you have the issue of sports, 33:46 you know, in our schools 33:49 or music in these sort of things. 33:51 If tithe is a policy 33:53 and there are also other policies 33:55 just women's ordination was mentioned. 33:57 Why is there a difference in the way that the church, 34:01 I don't want to say discipline, but in other words, 34:03 if I decided to divert my tithe or to-- 34:06 if I was a church entity 34:08 or not send forth my tithe according to policy 34:10 would I only get a letter from, 34:13 you know, the Review and Herald 34:15 or the General Conference or whatever? 34:18 I'd probably come by to visit you. 34:20 Okay. 34:22 Don't tempt me, don't-- 34:26 Israel, I think your deeper question 34:29 really what's behind the question is this. 34:33 We're talking not about individuals but entities 34:37 and I think that's an important distinction. 34:39 If an entity consciously chooses 34:44 to violate a voted church policy 34:46 and again let's define what a church policy is. 34:51 A policy is a mutual agreement or a covenant 34:55 that we make as the body of Christ 34:57 of how we want to act. 35:00 It is our best understanding of a topic at that given time. 35:04 A policy is not doctrine. 35:07 Doctrine like the Sabbath does not change 35:10 but policies can change. 35:12 We can see different aspects of that policy. 35:15 So let me come right to the heart of your question. 35:20 What if an entity chooses to violate a particular policy 35:24 whatever that policy is consciously 35:27 because they feel conscienciously in 35:29 not out of harmony with that policy, okay. 35:33 If they do that, they're on a slippery slope. 35:39 Although, the General Conference 35:41 does not have constituent authority 35:43 because that union conference etcetera 35:46 has constituent authority. 35:48 Here is the slippery slope. 35:50 It's precisely the question you've raised. 35:53 How then do you deal with others who may say, 35:57 "My conscience is leading me in tithe or other areas?" 36:01 So I think the question you've raised 36:02 from a young person's perspective 36:05 is a question that we wrestle with 36:07 in General Conference leadership 36:09 because we don't have constituent authority, 36:12 each individual group does. 36:14 And I think our concern is this opens the door 36:21 for other open violations of policy 36:24 in the area of tithe, 36:25 in the area of certain sexuality issues 36:27 that people are gonna say, 36:28 "Look, this is a matter of conscience 36:30 in the matter of a variety of other things." 36:33 So this leads us to prayerfully 36:38 work together in a process 36:40 if policy needs to be changed, 36:42 not to try to force that change. 36:46 But I think submission, respect, love, 36:50 concern for one another 36:52 that we're part of the body of Christ. 36:54 And in the final analysis, the things that you unite us 36:56 are far greater than the things that divide us. 37:01 If I may, it's kind of hard to speak 37:03 sitting between these two gentlemen 37:04 about policies of-- 37:07 but now they're good godly man. 37:10 I talk with thousands of young adults every year 37:13 about their church and in North America, 37:16 we're trying to do a better job of just listening. 37:19 And one of the challenges, I think, we're facing now 37:22 is when young people ask the question, 37:24 we can see the process 37:26 but then there are some who begin to doubt the process. 37:29 And I would hope and pray that as we move forward 37:32 that we're gonna look in our processes 37:34 because what happens is 37:35 when we look at some of the things 37:37 that we're being challenged by now, 37:38 somehow I would adjoin their own conclusions 37:42 in terms of how they think things are gonna turn out. 37:44 Now some might say, 37:45 "Well, that's jumping ahead of the Lord, 37:47 that's jumping ahead of the process" 37:48 but let's look at it an example for a moment. 37:51 In North America, I mean, culture and diversity 37:54 and all those it does impact us greatly. 37:57 There are certain practices here that you may find that 37:59 don't take place in other parts of the world. 38:01 I gave an example, the very first time 38:03 my wife and I went to a certain part of Africa, 38:05 she was not accustomed to walking behind me 38:08 along with the other ministers' wife, you know, 38:11 and that was very difficult for her 38:12 but that was a practice there 38:13 that was apparently a custom there. 38:15 But at the same time, if we come together 38:17 at the same table, trying to make the decision, 38:20 we have to really look at process 38:21 as to how that brings us together 38:23 and that, and that our foundation, 38:26 our orientation, that base is different. 38:28 Now we can go to the word of God 38:29 and find the foundation 38:31 that hopefully will unite us and our thinking. 38:33 But I think at the same time, 38:34 young people are looking at that saying, 38:36 "Let's look at our process, let's pray about our process 38:38 because we look at a world feel"-- 38:40 I pray for Elder Wilson, I pray for Mark 38:41 and other world leaders 38:43 because it's a difficult task trying to manage a world feel. 38:47 I mean, I honestly pray for them 38:49 regardless of how I feel about the process, 38:51 regardless of how you feel about the outcomes of things, 38:54 I know it's a difficult challenge 38:55 trying to bring everybody together 38:56 with the same type of thinking 38:58 but I think the spirit of Christ 39:00 is what unites us. 39:01 So that if I disagree with a position, 39:03 I'm not mad at my church 39:05 but we are still in love with Christ. 39:07 So let me just jump in 39:08 'cause I am listening to the conversion 39:10 and I appreciate it 39:11 but we're sort of talking about lofty ideals, 39:15 so we're talking about General Conference Session 39:17 and, you know, a young person may even come to hear 39:20 and hear the great sort of what we might call 39:23 best-case-scenario answers. 39:25 But the reality is there's a lot of young people 39:27 that aren't experiencing best case. 39:29 And so for instance, you pick the-- 39:32 your favorite hot topic if it's music, 39:34 if it's women's ordination, whatever it is, 39:36 there may be a young person that comes and listens to you 39:38 and sees the policy in the church manual 39:41 on music for instance 39:43 and I was very vulnerable with you last night, 39:44 expressed my views on music I really don't care about it 39:48 which-- don't hold me against that. 39:50 But I've looked at it very objectively 39:54 and the reality is 39:55 if we're just being honest they will listen to you 39:58 but then they'll go back to their local church 40:00 and the local church isn't following that. 40:03 And so what advice or what response 40:07 would you have for the young people here that 40:09 they're hearing your great lofty philosophic ideas 40:13 which are fantastic and we can appreciate 40:14 but then we're not seeing it practiced at the local level. 40:21 I watched over 35 years now from when I was in college, 40:27 the value of persistence in the life 40:30 of changing a local congregation's perspective 40:34 and view point about many things. 40:37 There is nothing so successful 40:40 and so powerful as Godly persistence. 40:43 If you have a conviction about music 40:46 in the life of your congregation 40:47 or a form of worship that doesn't seem to you 40:50 to be following the policy that the church has 40:52 offered guidelines on 40:54 or seems to be moving against the council of scripture, 40:57 you've got an obligation, a responsibility 41:00 and I would add a privilege to go and make that case 41:04 to the responsible leaders of your congregation 41:06 and to persist in it. 41:08 I have watched young adults 41:10 successfully change significant policies 41:13 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 41:14 because of their persistence 41:16 in continuing to bring their perspective 41:18 in front of leadership. 41:20 That works at the local level, 41:21 it also works at the General Conference level. 41:24 And that's why many of us are encouraging 41:27 stay with the process, don't drop out, don't back out 41:31 when something in your local congregation 41:33 is out of line. 41:34 And I've pastored enough congregations 41:37 to know that there can be things out of line. 41:39 So I'm-- there's no suggestion 41:41 that there's some panacea of righteousness 41:44 all every where. 41:45 There are problems that need to be addressed 41:47 but they can be if we're respectful, 41:49 careful, thoughtful, prayerful and persistent. 41:53 I appreciate that, I really do 41:55 but again sort of best case scenario. 41:58 They're relentless, they're trying to get 42:00 their local church to subscribe to the church manual, 42:04 just give us some council when that's not happening. 42:08 Even as if we've been persistent as you're suggesting 42:11 but then what happens when that's not happening 42:14 even after the persistence. 42:17 The genius of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 42:20 is that this is a global church, 42:23 its global-ness. 42:25 And when we study, for example, 42:27 the constitution and the bylaws, 42:29 I like a section there 42:32 that it is "You are part of part of part of" 42:35 that means a local church is part of a local conference. 42:40 And the local conference is a part of the union 42:43 and the union is the building block 42:46 of the General Conference 42:47 and of course the division is a division 42:49 of the General Conference. 42:52 So this is beautiful, it is really genius 42:56 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 42:58 that means the first thing 43:01 that I would like to advise humbly is that 43:05 we need to have a strong conviction first 43:08 that this is the church of God. 43:10 Amen. 43:11 This is the remnant church. 43:14 According to the prophecy, this is a prophetic movement. 43:17 There will be no other denomination after this. 43:21 I think that helps us to put everything in perspective 43:26 when we deal with difficult issues, 43:29 it is just like a marriage. 43:31 If we have the commitment that 43:34 the solution is not divorce or separation 43:37 then it will work it out. 43:39 You sit down and make it work. 43:41 But if you, your commitment is so low 43:44 anything can say, "Oh, no, this thing is not working. 43:48 I will be out of this." 43:50 So the first thing is to 43:52 a strong commitment to the church 43:54 of course through God and to His church. 43:56 This is a remnant church and you are part of it. 44:00 I forgot to mention that 44:02 the first part is the individual membership, 44:06 the individual member's part of the local church. 44:09 So if you try very hard, to pray humbly and to dialog 44:16 and it seems that you don't go through, 44:21 don't give up. 44:22 Don't say, "Okay, this is apostasy, 44:24 I'm out of here." 44:26 You continue to pray and you continue to dialog 44:30 and the Holy Spirit will work. 44:33 And you continue and maybe you don't find result at all 44:36 but you are sowing a seed, 44:40 the result will germinate maybe after you. 44:43 So keep going, doing it humbly but with perseverance 44:48 and the last thing I would like to say is that 44:51 if you see that 44:52 don't lower your commitment to a mission. 44:55 Amen. 44:56 You need rather to do even more get involved more 45:01 and that will help you to overcome 45:04 any kind of discouragement. 45:06 Amen. 45:08 Thank you. 45:09 As we move on to the next top of the conversation 45:12 I have a question here from a young person 45:15 who emailed it to us, his name is Joel. 45:18 "Many young people perceive the church 45:20 as having become too institutionalized 45:21 and bureaucratic 45:23 playing defense rather than innovating." 45:25 I'll stop the question there continues on. 45:27 But I'm wondering, what are things 45:29 that the General Conference is doing in innovatively, 45:33 evangelizing or targeting the world around us 45:36 that you can share with us as young people today? 45:40 There are many things that are happening 45:44 including small group development all over the world, 45:47 mission to the cities 45:49 which is one of the greatest challenges 45:51 I think that young people have today to help us, 45:55 to reach over 50% of the world's population 45:58 using spirit of prophecy methods. 46:00 The comprehensive health ministry 46:02 that we're trying to emphasize, medical missionary work 46:06 which is very much a part of the final loud to cry. 46:10 We have initiated a wonderful program 46:13 which we hope will grow, one year in mission 46:17 where young people all over this world 46:20 will be sponsored by their local churches 46:22 or by entities to give one year in service locally 46:27 or it could be outside of their local area. 46:30 We have international evangelistic activity 46:35 that's taking place in an unprecedented way. 46:39 We have integrated media evangelism 46:42 which is rising to such a level that it is phenomenal 46:49 what God is doing through every platform 46:53 and format of media today. 46:56 But the most important thing is that 46:59 age-old principle of each one tell someone. 47:03 And I think we have to comeback to that as well 47:06 but there are exploding opportunities in evangelism. 47:13 One simple example of that, 47:15 later this month, I'll be in India. 47:17 And, you know India is a country 47:19 of over 1 billion people. 47:21 It took us 100 years to have our first 47:24 100,000 members in India. 47:26 But in the last 15 years we have gone from about 47:30 100,000 members or actually, 47:32 we then continued to develop our membership 47:35 but we've added a million members in 15 years. 47:39 India has more Seventh-day Adventists 47:40 than any country in the world, 1.6 million. 47:43 But you talk about innovative methods of evangelism, 47:45 we have village workers, young people 47:48 going into villages in India now beginning a Bible studies 47:52 and starting hundreds and hundreds of young people 47:54 and Bible workers in India. 47:56 It's amazing what's happening they're 47:58 Indians background speaking the local languages, 48:01 and we'll have the largest satellite evangelistic program 48:04 in the history of the Adventist church 48:05 in a few weeks there. 48:08 We'll have 50,000 cities 48:10 involved in downlinks across India. 48:13 So I think what Pastor Wilson has said is so clear 48:17 and that is the integration of every aspect of the church 48:22 whether it's publishing, education, 48:26 whether it is media, 48:29 whether it's health ministry 48:32 into a comprehensive evangelistic focus 48:36 uniting pastors and lay people. 48:39 This, I think, is the way with the future for Adventism 48:43 constantly focusing on mission 48:45 in the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14, 48:48 "This gospel of the kingdom 48:49 will be preached in all the world 48:51 as a witness to all nations, then the end shall come." 48:54 And I think one of the things that we would hope 48:56 as church leaders is that as you leave GYC, 49:00 you are more committed to the mission of the church 49:05 than going back and arguing 49:07 about a particular thing in the local church. 49:10 That you would go back really with the passion 49:14 to be actively involved in some aspect of soul winning 49:18 and winning people to Christ 49:19 and winning in for the Adventist message. 49:24 I've been struck so many times when I attend events like GYC 49:27 or the ASI Convention. 49:29 How important it is for us to not define the church 49:33 by the leadership that comes from the General Conference. 49:36 That is a portion of what God is doing, 49:39 a significant guiding portion but it is by no means 49:42 a description of everything God's doing. 49:44 One definition that someone has offered 49:46 for what leadership ought to be doing 49:48 is figuring out 49:49 what the Holy Spirit is doing in the church 49:51 and getting in on it. 49:52 What I walk and talk through the exhibit halls, 49:55 when I talk with young people here 49:57 I discover that the Holy Spirit doesn't send 49:59 every good idea through the General Conference. 50:01 In fact, the Holy Spirit is it working 50:03 thousands of minds here, 50:05 inspiring them to move, be creative, try new media, 50:09 talk with leadership, 50:11 ask for support, ask for resources. 50:14 That's one of the things that we can help with. 50:16 We're not here to come up with all the good ideas, 50:18 we're here to help resource 50:19 what God is doing in the church. 50:21 Amen. 50:22 You're talking about innovative things 50:24 in terms of evangelism. 50:26 One church area is even offering 50:32 special assistance in funeral services 50:36 for those in communities 50:38 who seem to have no connection to a church, 50:40 and, you know, out of that you're able to touch lives. 50:43 You can use every possible creative method 50:46 and what Pastor Finley was saying 50:48 is absolutely correct. 50:50 Get involved in the mission of the church 50:53 and not in fighting 50:55 and in heavy discussions on things 50:58 that really are not eternally of great value. 51:01 Amen. 51:03 Amen, thank you for that. 51:04 I appreciate that and that's very inspiring 51:08 to know how we can get involved in the mission of the church 51:10 without getting distracted. 51:12 Moving on to another question 51:14 that was sent in by an attendee, 51:16 this is a young woman says, 51:18 "How can I believe what the Bible has to say about 51:20 God protecting us when He didn't protect me 51:23 when I was a child from sexual abuse?" 51:31 One of the tragedies of the life 51:34 the church throughout time 51:36 has been that sinful human hearts take their sin 51:42 and by violence affect other lives. 51:46 And the church has to be very strong 51:48 in its statement that it will not tolerate 51:51 this kind of behavior, 51:53 that it supports those who've been victimized, 51:56 that it offers a place for healing and restoration. 52:02 The challenge as you well-- 52:03 as this questioner well-stated 52:05 is "Where was God in all of this moment?" 52:08 Scripture tells us that God weeps 52:11 with the expression of human sin. 52:14 But that His decision to allow human beings free choice 52:21 means that He can't step in and intervene in every moment. 52:26 He continues to work to build up 52:29 to restore those who are hurt and broken by life experiences 52:33 and to offer repentance 52:35 to those who were their abusers. 52:39 When we wrestle with these issues, 52:41 we come back to the ministry of saying 52:43 I have to trust God as Job said, 52:45 "In the middle of my pain, in the middle of my struggle." 52:48 I'm sitting next to a brother who's been through 52:51 some of that pain and some of that struggle 52:53 recently in his own life 52:55 and I hope he'll tell you about it. 52:58 Thank you so much. 53:00 This is really, I would say very real issue. 53:08 Last year, it is already last year, this is 2014. 53:12 It has been a very difficult time for me and for my family 53:17 because I have lost three loved ones. 53:21 I started the year by losing my nephew, 53:28 a dedicated young man, 38 years, 53:32 church elder died a year ago, January. 53:37 And then my wife was sick, struggled with cancer 53:42 and we did everything, we prayed, 53:46 and did all the treatment that we could give 53:50 and but finally God allowed her to rest 53:53 about three months ago. 53:56 And we buried her, that was on Sunday 54:03 and then my sister, 54:06 my sister died a few days after that. 54:10 That was Wednesday night. 54:13 Burial was on Sunday 54:15 and then Wednesday night my sister died 54:18 so three loved ones. 54:20 So I've been processing this. 54:23 Why? 54:25 Of course the first thing I resolved is that 54:29 I should never blame God. 54:31 When I look, when I look what He has done for me, 54:35 I've no right to say that "No, God has abandoned me." 54:41 So the first thing I would say 54:43 if you pass through challenges and difficulties 54:46 that I don't know why and it is so much, 54:50 first thing is that resolve by the grace of God, 54:53 not to blame God. 54:55 Secondly, we need also to know 55:00 that this world is a battlefield, 55:03 we are in the middle of the great controversy 55:06 and in a battlefield, 55:08 there are two camps and you have casualties. 55:11 We should not either say, well, it happened to me 55:15 because of my fault, 55:19 and then on top of the grief you add guilt 55:22 and that will be even more. 55:24 Even if, let's say, 55:26 some of it is because of your fault 55:28 you have also the forgiveness of God 55:30 so we should not allow ourselves 55:33 to be overwhelmed by the grief, 55:35 overwhelmed by the guilt 55:38 because I just want to read quickly text 55:41 that really helped, it is very clear. 55:44 It is in Isaiah Chapter 53. 55:48 It is a very familiar text. 55:51 It is said in verse 4 and verse 5. 55:54 Said, "Surely He has borne our griefs 56:00 and carried our sorrows, 56:02 yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." 56:07 And verse 5 says 56:09 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, 56:12 He was bruised for our iniquities, 56:15 the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 56:18 and by His stripes we are healed." 56:22 So God is a healer, not only a physical healer 56:28 but emotional, spiritual, 56:30 so those who experienced abuse or something difficult in life, 56:35 remember, God is a healer and He heals now 56:40 and of course the ultimate healing 56:43 is when Jesus comes, 56:44 when this temporary will go 56:47 and the permanent one will come. 56:49 So take courage, don't be discouraged 56:53 or overwhelmed by this. 56:55 Look up to God and God will help you 56:58 and be positive in the Lord. 57:01 Thank you, Elder Ratsara. 57:03 We do have-- 57:05 and we appreciate those-- the advice. 57:10 It's alarming the statistics 57:13 that we have regarding sexual sins, 57:16 sexual temptation, etcetera. 57:18 Some statistics that were emailed in, 57:21 48% of Christian students struggle with pornography, 57:26 68% of these young people are watching pornography 57:30 on Christian school computers. 57:32 They're owned by the school on school equipment 57:35 or church equipment. 57:36 One in three women, 70% of men, 57:38 18-34 struggle with pornography and self abuse, etcetera. 57:43 It seems as though 57:44 the Seventh-Day Adventist Church 57:45 doesn't provide 57:47 or what is the Seventh-Day Adventist Church 57:49 doing to provide support and resources 57:53 for these young people in our church today? 58:00 Right now we're dealing with a situation worldwide. 58:04 Where as our entire world is just jacked up, 58:08 how we think, how we process, how we see life. 58:14 Before we get to church, 58:17 we have a whole world telling us that 58:18 if anything feels good just do it. 58:22 Everything seems to be redefined nowadays. 58:25 People don't care about what the Word of God teaches. 58:27 Everyone comes up with their own definition. 58:30 The moment someone finishes the dissertation 58:31 then that becomes social, you know, practice 58:34 and these kinds of things. 58:36 And I think one thing we have to get back to is, 58:38 is what God intends 58:40 for our happiness in this world. 58:43 Right now we have situation where 58:45 because of the internet and access to the internet 58:47 all you got to do is pull up your iPhone right here 58:49 and I can be sitting here in a religious service 58:51 and pull up my iPhone and see anything I want to see. 58:53 Our world has totally changed 58:55 and because of that easy access, 58:57 you say the parents will watch your children, 58:59 teach your children, train your children, 59:00 have devotion with your children, 59:01 they can leave devotion 59:02 and pick up their iPhone once again 59:04 and get easy access to the stuff. 59:06 And so we're facing a different kind of world 59:08 but having said that, 59:09 I think we have responsibilities to society, 59:13 to be a standard for God 59:15 in terms of standing up for what's right. 59:17 The challenge is 59:18 a lot of young people are now confused 59:20 about what is right and what is wrong 59:22 because what they're seeing on television, 59:23 what they're hearing from their friends, parents 59:26 and the church are no longer educating young children 59:28 in terms of what is right. 59:30 I'm having young men ask me, you know, how do I be a man? 59:33 A young would ask me how, you know, how do I be woman? 59:36 Well, I asked my wife, "Could you please talk to her?" 59:38 And so we are allowing the world in the streets 59:41 to define for our children, 59:43 you know, what God has intended for them 59:46 and it's becoming very confusing 59:47 so when we come to the cross genders, 59:50 to the homosexual and gay issues and so forth, 59:53 we have a confused world 59:54 but I don't think that means we have to relax 59:57 and because of political pressure, 59:59 we can't openly talk about the issues 01:00:01 that's facing our war in the church. 01:00:03 One thing that's frustrating me right now is 01:00:06 how everybody has to be so politically correct 01:00:08 as to not to offend gay people. 01:00:10 You know, well, I don't want to offend anybody 01:00:12 but if someone asks me the truth 01:00:14 about what God's plan is for their life, 01:00:15 I'm gonna tell you the truth. 01:00:17 I'm not intending to offend. 01:00:19 I'm gonna love everybody but we have some issues 01:00:21 and I praise God that 01:00:23 through spiritual guidance and direction, 01:00:25 I see former homosexuals and former gay folk 01:00:28 come to Jesus Christ and rebuke that lifestyle 01:00:30 all the time. 01:00:32 Amen. 01:00:33 And we have to believe that and claim that. 01:00:35 Let me just touch on one thing that is really crucial 01:00:37 when it comes down to self-abuse 01:00:39 in terms of the whole sexuality issue 01:00:40 because we got to come to the point 01:00:42 where the church feels comfortable 01:00:43 talking about sexuality. 01:00:45 It's not doing the nasty. 01:00:47 We got to talk about this and this is something that 01:00:49 God gave for our good to the marriage institution. 01:00:53 We got to get-- Between a man and a woman 01:00:55 we got to get back to that discussion. 01:00:57 When I have to hear a young man says to me, 01:00:59 "Pastor, is it okay for me to masturbate?" 01:01:01 And he is looking at me with sincerity, 01:01:03 he really wants to know 01:01:04 because the society has taught him, 01:01:06 "If it feels good, just do it." 01:01:07 There are some young people who feel that 01:01:09 it's less of a sin to do that 01:01:11 rather than to actually engage with someone. 01:01:13 We've got to address that honestly. 01:01:15 And here's what I shared with someone, 01:01:16 "We were created in the image of God, 01:01:18 God made no mistake when He created us. 01:01:20 He knew what He was doing He said, 'It was very good.' 01:01:23 The moment you enter in--" 01:01:24 and I'm just going through the core of it, 01:01:26 we don't have time for workshop this morning, 01:01:28 "but when you engage in that kind of activity, 01:01:31 you are engaging in the counterfeit. 01:01:34 You are engaging in that which is superficial 01:01:37 and anytime we go down the road of counterfeit and superficial, 01:01:40 you are practicing what is not real. 01:01:43 So what happens is 01:01:44 after a lifetime of doing that as a teenager, 01:01:47 when it's time for you to get married 01:01:49 you have no idea 01:01:50 what the marriage experience is gonna be. 01:01:52 And we have individuals not getting married 01:01:54 and they're saying there is nothing here. 01:01:55 Why? 01:01:56 Because you have lived the counterfeit. 01:01:58 You have lived the superficial. 01:02:01 Get back to what God says. 01:02:02 He made no mistake when he made man and a woman 01:02:05 and in a marriage institution, 01:02:07 we come together and be sexual," 01:02:09 but what happens is we as a church 01:02:11 have to become comfortable with at least talking about it 01:02:14 and giving guidance and counseling to children 01:02:17 and by the way, please do not excuse little children 01:02:21 when it's time for the discussion. 01:02:23 Please do not ask them to leave the room 01:02:25 as if this is virgin for their ears 01:02:27 and the idea of being a virgin is not a foreign word anymore. 01:02:32 Live for God, ask God to sustain you. 01:02:34 I want to just share with you one scripture 01:02:36 that is my foundation because often times, 01:02:38 young people ask me, "Well, Pastor, 01:02:40 as a pastor how do you-- are you ever tempted?" 01:02:42 Of course, I'm a human being and one thing I don't do, 01:02:46 don't ever trust yourself 01:02:47 because you feel you're spiritual, you're holy. 01:02:49 That's dangerous round. 01:02:51 Here's what I read every single day, 01:02:53 James 4 beginning with verse 7, "Submit yourself to God. 01:02:58 Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 01:03:00 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 01:03:03 Cleanse your hands, you sinners; 01:03:05 and purify your hearts, you double-minded." 01:03:07 I don't trust James Black. 01:03:09 I trust God. 01:03:10 Finally, I have to say this. 01:03:12 When it comes to the initial question 01:03:14 of the person who was abused, in the church 01:03:19 and I'm speaking as a youth director now, 01:03:21 if you violate or abuse a child you go to jail. 01:03:28 You go to jail. 01:03:30 We have a responsibility to protect children. 01:03:33 I speak to too many young adults and parents now 01:03:36 who were abused as children by members of the church. 01:03:41 That has to stop but just understand 01:03:44 that child abuse is not legal anywhere, 01:03:47 it is illegal and if you abuse a child and so forth 01:03:50 we don't call the church board, 01:03:52 I have to report that as a crime. 01:03:55 Everyone is innocent till proven guilty 01:03:57 but we have-- if we do share responsibility 01:03:59 to protect children not just 01:04:00 in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 01:04:01 but throughout the world. 01:04:02 Amen. Thank you. 01:04:07 Elder Black, I just wanted to thank you, 01:04:08 I've had young people texting from the audience 01:04:10 thanking you for your response to that question, 01:04:12 I appreciate it. 01:04:14 Yeah, thank you so much. 01:04:16 When we go to the website, Adventist Church website, 01:04:19 a young person, 01:04:21 I guess what I'm wondering is the statistics are alarming, 01:04:25 you know, I'll read them again. 01:04:26 "One in three women and 70% of men, 01:04:30 18-34 struggle with pornography." 01:04:33 That means that's the crowd here a lot of them are 18-34 01:04:38 and there's a good mixture of men and women. 01:04:40 And so I think that it's clear to a lot of people 01:04:45 what the Bible says about sexuality and so forth. 01:04:48 I guess the question was more regarding people 01:04:51 who are struggling with these things. 01:04:53 What is the Seventh-Day Adventist Church doing 01:04:54 to assist them in these situations? 01:04:57 So we go to Adventist Church website 01:04:59 and it's very, very easy to find out 01:05:03 what's the latest news regarding certain items. 01:05:07 It's easy to find out how the church is divided 01:05:09 into 13 divisions and so forth. 01:05:11 Now if a young person goes to that, 01:05:13 are they finding any support for what happens 01:05:15 if I am one of the 70% of the young people, 01:05:18 18-34 that struggle with pornography? 01:05:21 What can I do? 01:05:22 Is there any resource Adventist resource 01:05:25 that supports them that helps them 01:05:27 not understand whether it's right or wrong 01:05:29 but how to over come? 01:05:31 If I may just speak very directly 01:05:33 into direct response. 01:05:34 Look at the January 9, Adventist review, 01:05:36 an article by Wayne Blakely, "Ministry, Not Magic" 01:05:40 addressing the issue of how to deal 01:05:43 with the phenomenon of homosexuality 01:05:45 inthe life of the church 01:05:46 and to being very clear about the biblical response 01:05:49 we have to be both kindly and clear 01:05:52 in our holding to the biblical standard. 01:05:54 There's a resource you'll find it on line 01:05:57 as of January the 9th 01:05:58 and you'll find it in print on that day too. 01:06:00 The church is actively 01:06:01 beginning to move into this area 01:06:03 providing resources speaking more directly. 01:06:06 James, you're absolutely correct. 01:06:08 We've got to do a better job. 01:06:09 But we've got our resources 01:06:12 aligning toward beginning to create real substantive help 01:06:16 for people who are wrestling with questions. 01:06:18 There are many resources that are available 01:06:21 from Family Ministries department, 01:06:24 both the division and the general conference 01:06:27 and other levels as well. 01:06:30 The youth ministries department of course, 01:06:32 women's ministries, 01:06:34 there's a lot of good information 01:06:36 that will help people. 01:06:37 To those who have been abused, 01:06:40 I would echo the view points that have been stated 01:06:44 that there is real hope 01:06:46 and the hope is not just in trying to pull yourself up 01:06:50 by your own bootstraps 01:06:51 but it is in focusing and centering your thoughts 01:06:56 and understanding in Jesus Christ 01:06:58 and in being born again, there is hope. 01:07:01 Every morning, there is new hope in Christ. 01:07:05 And I appreciate what Pastor Black has said 01:07:09 regarding the church and its intolerance 01:07:15 to the kind of abuse for children 01:07:18 but abuse for anyone whether it is an older person 01:07:23 or whether it is a young lady at an academy 01:07:27 or young men or whatever it is. 01:07:31 The church institutions and organizations 01:07:34 must be very vigilant 01:07:36 in holding the Christ-like standard high 01:07:40 and for eliminating the tendency of people 01:07:45 to simply put things under the rug and move on. 01:07:48 We must hold people accountable 01:07:51 and, you know, in terms of pornography 01:07:54 and everything that's hitting people today, 01:07:57 our best answer is simply to focus on those things 01:08:01 which are real and positive. 01:08:04 and understanding 01:08:09 how Christ can give us the victory. 01:08:11 That's what the Christian life is all about. 01:08:13 There may be some young person here thinking, you know, 01:08:16 "I have really been struggling with this temptation or that 01:08:19 and I've fallen again and again 01:08:22 and I feel kind of disappointed in myself," 01:08:25 there may be somebody watching on 3ABN 01:08:27 that feels that way and the question is 01:08:29 "Where is their hope 01:08:31 when you know you have fallen more than once?" 01:08:35 And there's a marvelous passage in scripture, 01:08:38 in Joel 2:25, 01:08:42 where the Prophet Joel says, speaking of God, 01:08:47 "I will restore to you the years." 01:08:50 Here is the incredible good news, 01:08:53 it's never too late to begin making positive decisions, 01:08:58 it's never too late. 01:09:00 God's forgiveness is there, God's power is there, 01:09:04 God will restore the years not by letting you go back 01:09:08 and living the last five over again 01:09:10 but by giving you new years in the future 01:09:12 so the good news is, 01:09:14 God wants to do for you exceedingly, abundantly 01:09:18 what you could ask or think if you failed in the past, 01:09:21 He'll restore those years 01:09:23 and He has a marvelous future for you. 01:09:25 Amen. 01:09:28 Just as another resource, adventistyouthministries.org 01:09:32 we have a listing of resources that are very supportive there, 01:09:36 also I think we need to remember that 01:09:38 even though as a church we have a responsibility to resource 01:09:43 and sometimes we may not have the most effective recourse 01:09:47 and partnering with other Christian organizations 01:09:49 who are Bible based, 01:09:51 there's a lot of great resources out there, 01:09:52 too, to aid the church and so let's not, 01:09:55 you know, be fearful of that. 01:09:57 But I also want to say that 01:09:58 when it comes to the question of pornography, 01:10:00 one thing that really concerns me is that 01:10:03 how close we are to pornography in our homes? 01:10:08 If you have cable television and your children have access 01:10:11 to those kinds of things whether its magazines 01:10:14 or books, the movies we watch, people going to Redbox 01:10:16 and if something is rated R, 01:10:19 I mean no one has to talk about what rated R is. 01:10:22 You know, and what happens is 01:10:23 we don't look at a good movie as drama 01:10:26 because we're looking at the overall drama 01:10:27 as pornography 01:10:29 and many times these things start in small steps 01:10:31 and before you know it, you start liking it 01:10:34 and before you know it, that's all you do. 01:10:35 Let us just be very careful 01:10:37 in terms of what we feed our minds as says 01:10:39 "Let us be very careful in God 01:10:41 we are the avenues of ourselves. 01:10:43 Well, thank you very much. 01:10:44 We appreciate your honesty and your vulnerability. 01:10:47 We didn't share the questions with you ahead of time 01:10:49 and we appreciate you willing to answer them 01:10:51 and I think out of respect 01:10:54 we'll give the last question to Elder Wilson 01:10:56 and it'd be very fitting for a question 01:10:58 to come for a president to a president 01:11:01 but I'm on my way out. 01:11:03 And so I'm gonna turn the time over 01:11:05 to last question to be asked by our President, Natasha. 01:11:08 So Elder Wilson, you know, I really appreciate 01:11:12 the atmosphere that you've created, 01:11:15 the willingness to come, 01:11:16 all of you, and speak with young people. 01:11:18 I think there can sometimes tend to be a perception 01:11:21 of a difference between the way young people think 01:11:23 and the very black and white 01:11:25 and the way our church leadership thinks, 01:11:26 so what is your, what is your primary advice 01:11:30 to invested young Adventists 01:11:32 as their interacting with their church and their leadership? 01:11:35 I hope that every young person here 01:11:38 and those watching on television, 01:11:40 those who might hear in some way 01:11:42 that you are a vital part 01:11:45 of the worldwide Seventh-Day Adventist Church 01:11:48 and never give up on this church. 01:11:51 One of the things that is very heavy on our hearts 01:11:54 is the outflow of young people from the church 01:12:01 and this is a perennial problem 01:12:03 but it is a real and a critical one 01:12:05 and the church is trying to do something about that 01:12:08 and about people leaving the church in general. 01:12:12 But I would just want to appeal to every young person, 01:12:15 get involved in your local church, 01:12:18 be a part of what's happening, don't just throw your hands up 01:12:21 and stay in a corner and to those of you who are older 01:12:24 get to know the names of young people 01:12:26 include them in activities, ask them how they're doing. 01:12:30 Young people get involved in service to the church 01:12:33 and regardless of what you may face, 01:12:36 and remember this beautiful gem 01:12:38 from Acts of the apostles in the first chapter, 01:12:42 "Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, 01:12:45 the church is the one object upon which God bestows 01:12:49 in a special sense His supreme regard. 01:12:52 It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights 01:12:56 to reveal His power to transform hearts." |
Revised 2014-12-17