Chapter 1, Page 9 –
We live in momentous times in the history of this world and at a critical juncture in the history of our church. It is of paramount importance that we – as a people, as a church, and as individuals – know for ourselves who we are, why God has called us into existence as a church, what our mission is in this world. Without a clear answer to this question, we will be unclear in our planning, unfocused in our mission, and uncommitted in our organizations.
I believe that the world needs to hear the messages that we have been directed by God to give. But it is only as we know who we are and why we are here that we can grasp the significance of the end time events to which we are witnesses and in which we will participate. And certainly the world will be confused and will not be interested in hearing anything that we have to share of whatever value, if they sense that we don’t know who we are.
In these little chats, these conversations, I want to suggest several Biblical answers for my question. Please consider the answers – and their implications for your life. Pray about them. Let them roll around in your brain and bump into all the other ideas you have about God and church and what you are doing and why you are here – and who you are.
It’s my prayer that these thoughts and ideas will spark thoughts and ideas in you. It’s also my prayer that, with our renewed sense of who we are, we – you and I, as well as our beloved church – will awaken to the urgings of the Holy Spirit. By His guidance and conviction, I pray that we will understand the significance of the times we live in and the role God has assigned the Seventh-day Adventist Church to play in them. I pray fervently that we will recapture the urgent passion for witness that marked the efforts of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist movement.
Do you sense my passion and my urgency to discuss these things with you? I hope you do.
