This past week I had a lunch date with a friend in our precious valley. As we talked, it didn't take long for us to broach the subject of the Bible. Being a pastor and my friend having many question s about the bible we began talking. I love talking about the Bible, especially with someone who is open to discuss different ways of seeing things.
As we continued our discussion, my friend mentioned to me that another good friend of his is a Seventh-day Adventist. As I shared with him that I believe Seventh-day Adventism provides a unique flavor to Christendom, his response was the following, "Yeah, a very strong flavor . . . " Understanding what he meant, I didn't want to assume so I asked.
He shared with me that his friend and he would have discussions where Adventism was the "only" correct way to see the Bible and our world. As I listened to him, I knew that I didn't believe that, however, I also knew that many Adventists do believe that and are toxically proud of that fact. As I listened to my friend, I realized something . . . perhaps Adventism has it wrong.
Perhaps we are not the "only" correct way to see the Bible and our world. Perhaps, Adventism is "a" way to see the Bible and the world. If so, then Adventism doesn't have an absolute understanding of absolute truth. We have a good understanding, but not an absolute understanding. Therefore, it is plausible that we could be wrong?
How can we be wrong? In what exactly? In not putting Jesus "first" in all things. My experience in Adventism has definitely been Jesus "and" . . . you name it. The longer I live in this world, the more I realize that it's not Jesus "and", but rather Jesus, only Jesus. As we listen to the words of Pastor Linda today (at the Milton church), may we hear the voice of God to our hearts.
May you find that Jesus . . . only Jesus is the way to life, salvation, and a true purpose of living.
So, until the next time, this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives?
Pastor Howard Tello