Digest 71, originally sent Thu Oct 28 07:08:13 1999
There are 5 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Re: SDA and Council of Churches
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
2. Re: SDA and Council of Churches
From: Alvin Masarira <amasar@xxx.xxx.xx.xxx
3. Re: SDA and Council of Churches
From: "Lulama R. Zantsi" <wels124@xxxxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
4. WHO AM I
From: Ngamlana Pumla <PumlaNgamlana@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx.xxx
5. Re: SDA and Council of Churches
From: Daniel Dlongolo <daniel@xxx.xx.xxx
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Message: 1
Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 11:25:42 +0200
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: SDA and Council of Churches
Alvin,
No, our church distanced itself from structures like the SACC because
the main existance of the council was primarily of political objectives
than spiritual.
Our church did not see anything sinful with the past regime believing
that all the rulers are placed by God and removed by God, we as the
church are to be submissive to our rulers.
As to our time, our church still maintains the distance between the
church and politics - especially when the present government is so
corrupt and sinful. Let alone the thought of being led by self
confessed atheists. We even believe that the spirit of prophecy warns
us against political involvement.
"Equivalent body". Our church has been instructed to come out of
worldly interests - "Come out of it my people" - the Bible says. We
have been set apart - against all other churches and bodies - we cannot
involve ourselves with them. They have to come up to our level if they
want our invlovement and it has to be on our terms.
That is what we have been preaching by being - not much was said but
most done. We even hated freedom fighters.
Its an interesting question - why do you ask?
Lungani
>>> Alvin Masarira <amasar@eng.uct.ac.za> 10/27/99 11:11AM >>>
From: Alvin Masarira <amasar@eng.uct.ac.za>
Hallo sa-sda,
Is the SDA Church in South Africa a member (either full or with only
observer status) of the Southern African Council of Churches (or an
equivalent body)?
If not, why not.
Greetings from the Cape.
Alvin.
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 09:42:01 +0200
From: Alvin Masarira <amasar@xxx.xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: SDA and Council of Churches
Hallo sa-sda,
Lungani Mfeka wrote:
> As to our time, our church still maintains the distance between the
> church and politics - especially when the present government is so
> corrupt and sinful. Let alone the thought of being led by self
> confessed atheists. We even believe that the spirit of prophecy warns
> us against political involvement.
>
I think you are mixing issues here. Are you equating the SACC with the
political leadership of this country? As far as I know the SACC is (as the
name implies) a council of christian churches, whose objective is to
collectively and in a coordinated manner make a positive contribution to the
nation.
> "Equivalent body". Our church has been instructed to come out of
> worldly interests - "Come out of it my people" - the Bible says. We
> have been set apart - against all other churches and bodies - we cannot
> involve ourselves with them. They have to come up to our level if
> theywant our invlovement and it has to be on our terms.
I am sorry I have to use once again the term "arrogance". I hope you
understand that I don't mean to offend any one. I love my (SDA) church but
it always amazes me that we don't seem to get it, that God and His work is
not only confined to our denomination. I honestly believe that by working
together with other christian churches in SPECIFIC areas we will be able to
make a much bigger contribution to soceity that if we go it alone. This does
not mean that we have to agree theologically in all areas with others. Many
people in our church are mistaken and think that this (theological unity) is
a requirement for cooperation with other churches. We agree to disagree with
other churches in some theological arera but in those areas where we have
common ground we should work together. Areas where we can be more effective
together are e.g.
1. Push for government to legislate tougher gun laws (we all know what guns
are doing to destroy this nation)
2. Work against abuse of women and children
3. Social justice
4. Poverty alleviation
5. Reconciliation and healing the wounds caused by apartheid
6. Freedom of worship
If we find common ground on these issue with other churches and work
together our "voices" will be louder than if only the 70 000 or so of us
(SDA) shout.
> Its an interesting question - why do you ask?
>
I believe we have a lot to learn from other christian and by isolating
ourselves we might be missing out on what God might want to share with us.
Greetings from the Cape.
Alvin.
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Message: 3
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 10:26:45 +2
From: "Lulama R. Zantsi" <wels124@xxxxxxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Subject: Re: SDA and Council of Churches
Alvin,
It would seem, at least to me, that the theme of your inputs is that
the SDA Church is IN THE WORLD but not of the world. None will
disagree with that. Your response to Lungani has reference.
Wouldn't it be interesting to find out what main features, if any,
do you consider as the sole preserve/characteristics of the SDA
Church in terms of her distinction and distinctness from other
Christian denominations around. I believe that God brought this
Church about for a specific purpose. Without that clear analysis and
understanding of our unique role, we might continue adopting and
expressing "arrogant", exclusive and hard line approaches as you
would put it (No offence meant). In fact, one is even beginning to
wonder as to which then is the best description of the SDA family -
God's Church or another Christian denomination or a movement?
Should we really be that apologetic?
To know Him and make Him known.
Lulama
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Message: 4
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 12:01:55 +0200
From: Ngamlana Pumla <PumlaNgamlana@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx.xxx
Subject: WHO AM I
Greetings to you all
Let me start by thanking you all for welcoming me in this mailing list.
My name is Pumla Ngamlana, I was born and grew up in East London, in the
dusty streets of the place called Mdantsane. After my matric, I moved to
Port Elizabeth where I did my tertiary education and the Lord blessed me
with a wonderful job immediately after my final year of studies. At the
moment, I am working for Delta Motor Corporation.
I believe that the Lord will do wonderful and great things through this
mailing list and I am looking forward to be part of it and hoping that I
will be more uplifted spiritually.
May the good Lord bless you.
Ngamlana Pumla
Ckd Cost Controller
DELTA MOTOR CORPORATION
E-mail: PumlaNgamlana@deltamotorcorp.co.za
Tel.: +27 41 403 2570
Fax.: +27 41 403 2901
Cell no.: 083 5958 326
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Message: 5
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 12:01:31 +0000 (GMT)
From: Daniel Dlongolo <daniel@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: SDA and Council of Churches
On Thu, 28 Oct 1999, Alvin Masarira wrote:
> If we find common ground on these issue with other churches and work
> together our "voices" will be louder than if only the 70 000 or so of us
> (SDA) shout.
Alvin, you seem to believe that the SA government is intimidated by
numbers. This is not the case. For an example, the majority of South
Africans are in favour of the death penalty and are against abortion but
this does not mean a thing to the government.
Daniel
> From: Alvin Masarira <amasar@eng.uct.ac.za>
>
> Hallo sa-sda,
>
> Lungani Mfeka wrote:
>
> > As to our time, our church still maintains the distance between the
> > church and politics - especially when the present government is so
> > corrupt and sinful. Let alone the thought of being led by self
> > confessed atheists. We even believe that the spirit of prophecy warns
> > us against political involvement.
> >
>
> I think you are mixing issues here. Are you equating the SACC with the
> political leadership of this country? As far as I know the SACC is (as the
> name implies) a council of christian churches, whose objective is to
> collectively and in a coordinated manner make a positive contribution to the
> nation.
>
> > "Equivalent body". Our church has been instructed to come out of
> > worldly interests - "Come out of it my people" - the Bible says. We
> > have been set apart - against all other churches and bodies - we cannot
> > involve ourselves with them. They have to come up to our level if
> > theywant our invlovement and it has to be on our terms.
>
> I am sorry I have to use once again the term "arrogance". I hope you
> understand that I don't mean to offend any one. I love my (SDA) church but
> it always amazes me that we don't seem to get it, that God and His work is
> not only confined to our denomination. I honestly believe that by working
> together with other christian churches in SPECIFIC areas we will be able to
> make a much bigger contribution to soceity that if we go it alone. This does
> not mean that we have to agree theologically in all areas with others. Many
> people in our church are mistaken and think that this (theological unity) is
> a requirement for cooperation with other churches. We agree to disagree with
> other churches in some theological arera but in those areas where we have
> common ground we should work together. Areas where we can be more effective
> together are e.g.
>
> 1. Push for government to legislate tougher gun laws (we all know what guns
> are doing to destroy this nation)
> 2. Work against abuse of women and children
> 3. Social justice
> 4. Poverty alleviation
> 5. Reconciliation and healing the wounds caused by apartheid
> 6. Freedom of worship
>
> If we find common ground on these issue with other churches and work
> together our "voices" will be louder than if only the 70 000 or so of us
> (SDA) shout.
>
> > Its an interesting question - why do you ask?
> >
>
> I believe we have a lot to learn from other christian and by isolating
> ourselves we might be missing out on what God might want to share with us.
>
> Greetings from the Cape.
>
> Alvin.
>
> > 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
>
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