ON HIS KNEE ONCE AGAIN

This last Sabbath (February 12, 2011) was the PA Conference Youth Rally at Blue Mountain Academy. Following the speaker’s time for the church worship service and after nearly everyone had left the room, I observed a young child come to the front where the “Jesus Painter” had left 3 canvasses from the time he spent depicting certain aspects of the life and character of Christ, while relating to the young people lessons from Christ and the experience of Christ’s work in his own life.

As the young child approached the painting with no one around to distract him, or to make him feel self-conscious, he gently drew closer and closer to the face of Christ. Then he slowly reached out and began to tentatively stroke the “hair” and “face” of Christ on the painting. Almost tenderly this child gently stroked and patted the face of Christ.


It made me remember the following quote from Steps to Christ:
“The poorest and humblest were not afraid to approach Him. Even little children were attracted to Him. They loved to climb upon His knees and gaze into the pensive face, benignant with love.” Steps to Christ, p. 11

How Christ, the Savior of the world, the Creator of the universe, the shaper of this earth in 6 days, the hand-crafter of the human family, and the originator of the breath of life, must look forward to the day when the earthly redeemed family can again stand in the presence of the Almighty. And just as this little boy drew close with no fear or concern, so we will once again experience the embrace of our “Abba.”

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

This week the Board of Trustees at La Sierra University has met to receive a report from the Education Department of the North American Division, and then consider the University's position on the theory of evolution and the Biblical record of Divine Creation, as it is to be emphasized and presented in the classroom.

As can be expected, a wide spectrum of reactions to the La Sierra Board's discussion and prayerful decision has been floating across the blogs and websites. A signficant number of comments are concerned about "Academic Freedom" and the ability of professors to teach what they understand to be truth. Also a number of comments are concerned that the "evidence" does not support a "short history of the earth" or a less than 10,000 year history of the human race. Other comments are concerned about Church Leaders seeming to have undue influence on an institution that is not directly under their sphere of responsibility for day-to-day operations (these same commentators fail to acknowledge that as members of the Board of Trustees, Church Leaders do have a responsibility for the philosophy, direction, administration and ultimately the operation of the institution that carries the name of Seventh-day Adventist). While the report from this week's Board of Trustees has not been made public yet, I have given much thought to the stakes involved.

In reading again recently in the powerful book, Great Controversy, I have noticed a principle that for me, aides me greatly in considering the relationship between "Academic Freedom," scientific thought and theology. The following 2 paragraphs help the Christian balance the understanding between Science and the Divine Inspired Word of Scripture.

"To many, scientific research has become a curse. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art; but even the greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation.
Human knowledge of both material and spiritual things is partial and imperfect; therefore many are unable to harmonize their views of science with Scripture statements. Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific facts, and they think that God's word is to be tested by the teachings of "science falsely so called." 1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His works are beyond their comprehension; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws, Bible history is regarded as unreliable. Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments too often go a step further and doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. Having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity." Great Controversy 522

Now is the time to, "...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude 3 NKJV

ICE STORM CAUSES DAMAGE TO CONFERENCE OFFICE

Among the casualties of the snow and ice storm that passed through much of Pennsylvania and damaged trees, power lines and buildings across the region February 1, 2011, is the Seventh-day Adventist Pennsylvania Conference Office building, located at 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA.

Officials at the Pennsylvania Conference indicated that a large oak tree, which had been located near the Northeast corner of the building, had fallen across the office building, striking the roof and smashing through several windows sometime before the first employee arrived on Wednesday morning. No one was injured in the damage. The tree appeared sound and was thought to have fallen due to the heavy ice buildup which has caused numerous trees, branches and even power lines to fall to the ground.

Ron Christman, Conference Treasurer and Paul Shobe, Conference utility technician have been assessing the damage and making temporary repairs. There appears to be some damage to portions of the roof, exterior flashing and gutters, and several windows, which will be removed and made weather proof until more permanent replacement windows may be installed.

Adventist Risk Management, the insurance provider for property damage has been contacted, according to Ron Christman, and the goal is to restore the affected areas and return the building to its original condition as soon as possible. The Conference Office is open and conducting business, serving the 101 churches, 14 schools, and ministries of the Pennsylvania Conference.

Floyd Dare, Vice-President and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, which holds title to all Conference properties, stated that reports the falling tree was caused by squirrels attempting to use the natural weather conditions to their advantage in order to gain access into the building and raid the supply of bird seed, to be completely baseless and without foundation. (Now-to be sure- this paragraph is only meant to bring you a smile!)

Pictures of the Conference Office Damage are available for viewing on the Conference website: www.paconference.org


 For more information on this story, contact Floyd Dare (610-374-8331) Assistant to the Communication Director for Emergency Communications.