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There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Re: Majoring on minors? - part 1 of 4
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
2. Fw: ANN Bulletin: September 30, 1999
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
_______________________________________________________________________________
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 1999 09:39:35 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Majoring on minors? - part 1 of 4
Boyce & Lulama
I don't think there is anything wrong about looking forward to mansions in heaven, I am looking forward to be there. However, the point I am trying to make is that our main motivation/decision to be Christians should not be based on either the fear of hell or the desire for materialism. I strongly believe that anybody who becomes a Christian because of the fear of Hell is going to Hell anyhow. I love Him for He first loved me. I believe in Him because He died for me on the cross, Not because there are mansions. In fact I do not even know what heaven is all about. What does the Bible mean by mansions, I have never been in a mansion before. Are they the same as mansions here on earth? Do we have a point of reference? The Bible says eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for us. This means that we don't know anything about heaven. All we can do is to trust that God who knows what is best for us will provide the best place for us. Whether it be a mansion or a shack to me it does not matter, he knows how to make me happy. Sometime He makes me happier under the shack than in a beautiful house. Whether there will be Marriage or no marriage, I don't care, I know He knows how to please me.
When the saints go marching in, I want to be in that number!
Jeremiah
>>> "Adv. Boyce Mkhize" <bhizaman@aec.co.za> 10/01 2:27 PM >>>
From: "Adv. Boyce Mkhize" <bhizaman@aec.co.za>
Zantsi
Thanks for joining in Mr Zantsi. I knew you would provoke us mentally. You
see Jesus said : In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so,
I would have told you....' John 14. Yes Jesus says so that where I am,
there you may be also. This latter statement is an expression of a strong
desire for the re-union. But, why does Christ decide to talk about mansions
when He knows the plight of some people who sleep in the streets? Why does
He make the statement at all? He could have easily stopped after saying so
that we may be with Him. I immediately thought of Him saying, the foxes
have holes, the birds of the earth have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere
to lay His head. Wasn't He looking forward to a day where the cup would
have passed and He will be back to His glory and splendour? I suppose He
was. Christ therefore presents going to heaven (the re-union) together with
mansions, streets of gold, the tree of life, the pearly gates etc.as a
package. Why reveal to John even the measurements of the city and the
entire design, if He was not interested, encouraging or even inciting us to
look forward to the city foursquare (Rev 21)? Brothers, we must look
forward to enjoying the riches and wealth of our Father inasmuch as we look
forward to an eternal re-union. He wants us to enjoy and be happy and we
seem to be saying, as long as we are with you Father even in poverty. No
ways, we serve a rich God and materialism is proposed by Christ Himself.
You see we did not assist Christ in His decision to make the streets of
gold. Neither did we suggest we would like some mansions. He decided and
also told us. I say therefore, these things, reunion and material heaven
are a package.
Possessions that have been entrusted upon you must not become your God.
There must still be a distinction between you and your possessions----here I
borrow from Ps Papu. Yes, you are a manager, but managers have what I may
call fiduciary duty/responsibility to take care or caretake the
business/property of the Master/Owner. It would be irresponsible for
instance to leave your car unlocked and say Psalm 91. It would be
irresponsible for you to drive in Johannesburg with your doors unlocked and
argue Psalm 91. The same obtains for gearlocks and alarms. In fact some of
these things are even dictated by insurance companies and you do not really
have a choice, especially if you want to be insured. Perhaps this may be
another debate because some people argue that the insurance is Christ. The
point I make, at least for now, is that we must appreciate what God has
blessed us with, and use it to bless His work. It must not be a situation
of ---you touch my car, you have touched the apple of my eye. There must
still be that distinction.
The Master owner will come and will not keep silent.
Boyce
-----Original Message-----
From: Lulama R. Zantsi HM 610 X 7675 <wels124@welspta.pwv.gov.za>
To: sa-sda@onelist.com <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Wednesday, September 29, 1999 11:47 PM
Subject: [sa-sda] Majoring on minors? - part 1 of 4
>From: "Lulama R. Zantsi HM 610 X 7675" <wels124@welspta.pwv.gov.za>
>
>Brethren in the Lord,
>
>One finds himself sitting with a few questions in one's head.
>Actually, it is a series of four different but related issues that
>this humble learner is grappling with; but in order not to confuse
>the trend of thought or thinking processes, I will raise them one at
>a time.
>
>Lesson 13 of Quarter 3, 1999 carried some extracts from the Spirit of
>Prophecy like: "A fear of making the future inheritance seem too
>material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead
>us to look upon it as our home" (G.C. pp 674-5).
>
>My country is characterized by the need to make politically correct
>statements, lest one will be labelled as being "politically immature".
>I also want to be "spiritually-accurate". Is there any harm in
>confessing that one would want to go to heaven or even the New
>Jerusalem City for the materials that come with the full package to
>that environment? Is it really improper to look forward to the
>streets of gold, the pearly gates, the precious stones or even the
>mansions that Ellen White described as "most glorious houses that had
>the appearance of silver" (E.W. p 18)? Is one being too
>materialistic? Maybe someone say it is not about the dazzling
>glamour, glitter, majesty and splendour ... but about the presence of
>JESUS in heaven. Point taken, but for a poor person like me, is it
>really harmful to look for that excellent experience since one hasn't
>managed to obtain those material possessions in this cruel and
>discriminating world?
>
>A case in point:
>Stewardship talks about us as managers of God's possessions. The fact
>of the matter is that one may "own" a car, clothes, cattle, sheep, a
>cell phone - the list is endless. What is the correct language to
>use? Do you talk of "my" car, house, sheep, cell phone, etc. or
>rather "the car, house, sheep, etc. lent me by God or entrusted to me
>by God? The issue may seem trivial but if we think deeper it may not
>be. The issue of protecting one's material possessions comes into the
>picture. With a car, you may install some protective devices like
>alarm, gearlock, anti-theft and anti-hijack systems. Someone may come
>and accuse you of being too materialistic and of little faith since
>the best "device" in town is Psalms 91! A house may actually have a
>fire sensor and other such sophisticated devices. Is that wrong?
>Maybe not, but the truth is that if you have a scenario of two people
>praying for God's protection - the other one has all these devices
>and the other has none. Which prayer, if any such a thing, is (taken
>as) more meaningful and sincere?
>
>The question still remains - is one being too materialistic? Or
>perhaps, it's a matter of "striking a fine balance between that and
>spiritualizing issues. I look forward to that new world experience
>with its full package.
>
>God bless.
>
>Lulama R. Zantsi
>"This Humble Learner"
>
>>The King is even at the door!
>====
>To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to sa-sda@onelist.com
>To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
>To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>
The King is even at the door!
====
To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to sa-sda@onelist.com
To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 10:49:06 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Fw: ANN Bulletin: September 30, 1999
Happy, peaceful Sabbath!
Shirley
-----Original Message-----
From: adventistnews@lists.gc.adventist.org
<adventistnews@lists.gc.adventist.org>
To: adventistnews@lists.gc.adventist.org
<adventistnews@lists.gc.adventist.org>
Date: Friday, October 01, 1999 01:39
Subject: ANN Bulletin: September 30, 1999
>ANN News Release
>Adventist News Network
>Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
>September 30, 1999
>
>
>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>September 30, 1999
>
>* Discrimination Against Religious Minorities Criticized in Adventist
>Church Statement
>
>* Adventists Vote Guidelines Document on Birth Control
>---------------
>
>Discrimination Against Religious Minorities Criticized in Adventist
>Church Statement
>Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. ... [ANN]
>
>In an official statement voted September 29, Seventh-day Adventists
>expressed concern for discrimination against religious minorities in
>many parts of the world.
>
>"Some nations have published lists of religious groups described as
>potentially dangerous sects," says the statement. "Anti-sect
>commissions have been set up, investigative personnel have been
>trained, and restrictive laws passed. Hundreds of thousands of
>innocent believers are now under official suspicion and are treated as
>second-class citizens."
>
>The statement, entitled "Religious Minorities and Religious Freedom:
>A Statement of Commitment and Concern," was voted at the Church's
>Annual Council, a meeting of 330 Adventists at the Church's World
>Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, which represents nearly 11
>million Seventh-day Adventists in 205 countries of the world.
>
>"We expressed our concerns about violations of religious freedom, but
>we also affirmed our commitment to promoting, defending, and protecting
>religious freedom for everyone, everywhere. Being concerned about
>others and practicing what we preach must be a part of our Christian
>life," said Dr. John Graz, director of Public Affairs and Religious
>Liberty at the Church's World Headquarters.
>
>The statement also emphasizes that "the law must be applied evenly and
>without capricious favor. We submit that no religious group should be
>judged because some adherents may appear to be extremists. Religious
>freedom is limited when aggressive or violent behavior violates the
>human rights of others."
>
>The Annual Council, which opened on Tuesday evening, September 28, will
>continue until October 7.
>
>"Religious Minorities and Religious Freedom: A Statement of Commitment
>and Concern"
>
>Throughout history religious minorities have often been subject to
>discrimination and outright persecution. Today religious intolerance
>and prejudice are again on the rise. Notwithstanding the affirmation
>of the freedom of everyone to hold and disseminate religious views and
>to change one's religion-an affirmation sustained in the United Nations
>instruments and documents comprising an "International Bill of
>Rights"-many countries deny this right to their citizens.
>
>International instruments condemn discrimination against minorities,
>but tragically, some nations have published lists of religious groups
>described as potentially dangerous sects. Anti-sect commissions have
>been set up, investigative personnel have been trained, and restrictive
>laws passed. Hundreds of thousands of innocent believers are now under
>official suspicion and are treated as second-class citizens. All this
>violates religious freedom, which is the most basic and essential of
>the fundamental rights of humankind. Seventh-day Adventists believe in
>obeying the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with the
>laws of God. However, we oppose any law, policy, or activity which
>discriminates against religious minorities.
>
>The Seventh-day Adventist Church stands for religious freedom for
>everyone, as well as for the separation of church and state. Scripture
>teaches that the God who gave life also gave freedom of choice. God
>only accepts homage that is freely given. Seventh-day Adventists
>further believe that the law must be applied evenly and without
>capricious favor. We submit that no religious group should be judged
>because some adherents may appear to be extremists. Religious freedom
>is limited when aggressive or violent behavior violates the human
>rights of others.
>
>In support of Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of
>Human Rights and other international instruments, and in harmony with
>its beliefs and its history, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is fully
>committed to promote, defend, and protect religious freedom for
>everyone, everywhere. To that end, we will continue to cooperate with
>the United Nations Human Rights Commission and other international
>agencies and religious organizations to encourage every nation to
>implement the fundamental right of religious freedom. In addition, we
>will continue to promote dialogue and better understanding between
>governmental authorities and people who belong to religious minorities.
>
>
>Adventists Vote Guidelines Document on Birth Control
>Silver Spring, Maryland, USA .... [ANN]
>
>The Annual Council of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted on
>September 29 a statement on birth control that provides guidelines on
>the Church's position.
>
>"We are affirming the individual's personal relationship to God," said
>Dr. Allan Handysides, health director for the Adventist Church and
>chair of the committee that drafted the document. "This is not a
>statement of dogma. We are not assuming the authority to dictate, but
>to provide guidelines for those who want to know where we stand.
>Planning for children in a Christian family is a great responsibility.
>We have examined the various techniques and identified those which the
>Church does not oppose and those which may be termed 'birth control'
>but which cannot be supported."
>
>Speaking for the Church's administration, Leo Ranzolin, general
>vice-president, said that the document was especially applicable to
>those faced with such decisions of family matters.
>
>"It's appropriate for the Church to give guidance and some orientation
>to Christian married couples coming from a wide variety of backgrounds
>and cultures as to aspects of birth control," said Ranzolin.
>
>The Church's Annual Council is composed of 330 representatives from all
>over the world, meeting to direct the Church's affairs and to take
>actions on behalf of the Church community.
>The full text of the voted statement follows:
>
>
>"Birth Control: A Seventh-day Adventist Statement of Consensus"
>
>Scientific technologies today permit greater control of human fertility
>and reproduction than was formerly possible. These technologies make
>possible sexual intercourse with the expectation of pregnancy and
>childbirth greatly reduced. Christian married couples have a potential
>for fertility control that has created many questions with wide-ranging
>religious, medical, social, and political implications. Opportunities
>and benefits exist as a result of the new capabilities, as do
>challenges and drawbacks. A number of moral issues must be considered.
>Christians who ultimately must make their own personal choices on these
>issues must be informed in order to make sound decisions based on
>biblical principles.
>
>Among the issues to be considered is the question of the
>appropriateness of human intervention in the natural biological
>processes of human reproduction. If any intervention is appropriate,
>then additional questions regarding what, when, and how must be
>addressed. Other related concerns include:
>
>
>* likelihood of increased sexual immorality which the availability and
>use of birth control methods may promote;
>
>* gender dominance issues related to the sexual privileges and
>prerogatives of both women and men;
>
>* social issues, including the right of a society to encroach upon
>personal freedom in the interest of the society at large and the burden
>of economic and educational support for the disadvantaged; and
>
>* stewardship issues related to population growth and the use of
>natural resources.
>
>A statement of moral considerations regarding birth control must be set
>in the broader context of biblical teachings about sexuality, marriage,
>parenthood, and the value of children-and an understanding of the
>interconnectedness between these issues. With an awareness of the
>diversity of opinion within the Church, the following biblically based
>principles are set forth to educate and to guide in decision making.
>
>1. Responsible stewardship. God created human beings in His own
>image, male and female, with capacities to think and to make decisions
>(Isa 1:18; Josh 24:15; Deut 30:15-20). God gave human beings dominion
>over the earth (Gen 1:26, 28). This dominion requires overseeing and
>caring for nature. Christian stewardship also requires taking
>responsibility for human procreation. Sexuality, as one of the aspects
>of human nature over which the individual has stewardship, is to be
>expressed in harmony with God's will (Exod 20:14; Gen 39:9;
>Lev 20:10-21; 1 Cor 6:12-20).
>
>2. Procreative purpose. The perpetuation of the human family is
>one of God's purposes for human sexuality (Gen 1:28). Though it may be
>inferred that marriages are generally intended to yield offspring,
>Scripture never presents procreation as an obligation of every couple
>in order to please God. However, divine revelation places a high value
>on children and expresses the joy to be found in parenting (Matt 19:14;
>Ps 127:3). Bearing and rearing children help parents to understand God
>and to develop compassion, caring, humility, and unselfishness
>(Ps 103:13; Luke 11:13).
>
>3. Unifying purpose. Sexuality serves a unifying purpose in
>marriage that is God-ordained and distinguishable from the procreative
>purpose (Gen 2:24). Sexuality in marriage is intended to include joy,
>pleasure, and delight (Eccl 9:9; Prov 5:18, 19; Song of Sol 4:16-5:1).
>God intends that couples may have ongoing sexual communion apart from
>procreation (1 Cor 7:3-5), a communion that forges strong bonds and
>protects a marriage partner from an inappropriate relationship with
>someone other than his or her spouse (Prov 5:15-20; Song of Sol 8:6,
>7). In God's design, sexual intimacy is not only for the purpose of
>conception. Scripture does not prohibit married couples from enjoying
>the delights of conjugal relations while taking measures to prevent
>pregnancy.
>
>
>4. Freedom to choose. In creation-and again through the
>redemption of Christ-God has given human beings freedom of choice, and
>He asks them to use their freedom responsibly (Gal 5:1, 13). In the
>divine plan, husband and wife constitute a distinct family unit, having
>both the freedom and the responsibility to share in making
>determinations about their family (Gen 2:24). Married partners should
>be considerate of each other in making decisions about birth control,
>being willing to consider the needs of the other as well as one's own
>(Phil 2:4). For those who choose to bear children, the procreative
>choice is not without limits. Several factors must inform their choice,
>including the ability to provide for the needs of children (1 Tim 5:8);
>the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the mother and other
>care givers (3 John 2; 1 Cor 6:19; Phil 2:4; Eph 5:25); the social and
>political circumstances into which children will be born (Matt 24:19);
>and the quality of life and the global resources available. We are
>stewards of God's creation and therefore must look beyond our own
>happiness and desires to consider the needs of others (Phil 2:4).
>
>5. Appropriate methods of birth control. Moral decision making
>about the choice and use of the various birth control agents must stem
>from an understanding of their probable effects on physical and
>emotional health, the manner in which the various agents operate, and
>the financial expenditure involved. A variety of methods of birth
>control-including barrier methods, spermicides, and
>sterilization-prevent conception and are morally acceptable. Some
>other birth-control methods1 may prevent the release of the egg
>(ovulation), may prevent the union of egg and sperm (fertilization), or
>may prevent attachment of the already fertilized egg (implantation).
>Because of uncertainty about how they will function in any given
>instance, they may be morally suspect for people who believe that
>protectable human life begins at fertilization. However, since the
>majority of fertilized ova naturally fail to implant or are lost after
>implantation, even when birth control methods are not being used,
>hormonal methods of birth control and IUDs, which represent a similar
>process, may be viewed as morally acceptable. Abortion, the intentional
>termination of an established pregnancy, is not morally acceptable for
>purposes of birth control.
>
>6. Misuse of birth control. Though the increased ability to
>manage fertility and protect against sexually transmitted disease may
>be useful to many married couples, birth control can be misused. For
>example, those who would engage in premarital and extramarital sexual
>relations may more readily indulge in such behaviors because of the
>availability of birth control methods. The use of such methods to
>protect sex outside of marriage may reduce the risks of sexually
>transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy. Sex outside of marriage,
>however, is both harmful and immoral, whether or not these risks have
>been diminished.
>
>7. A redemptive approach. The availability of birth-control
>methods makes education about sexuality and morality even more
>imperative. Less effort should be put forth in condemnation and more
>in education and redemptive approaches that seek to allow each
>individual to be persuaded by the deep movings of the Holy Spirit.
>
> 1Some current examples of these methods include intrauterine devices
>(IUDs), hormone pills (including the "morning-after pill"), injections,
>or implants. Questions about these methods should be referred to a
>medical professional.
>
>
>12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA 20904-6600.
>(301) 680-6306.
>CompuServe address: 74532,2611. News Bulletin is a review of news and
>information issued by the Communication Department from the Seventh-day
>Adventist Church World Headquarters and released as part of the service
>of Adventist News Network. It is being made available primarily to
>religious news editors. Our news includes dispatches from the Church's
>international offices and the world headquarters. The information
>provided in the Bulletin may be reproduced without permission providing
>that the source "Adventist News Network" is acknowledged.
>
>ANN Staff: Ray Dabrowski, director; Jonathan Gallagher, news director;
>Heather Brannan, editorial assistant. Copyright Adventist News Network
>1999.
>-----
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