Not long after the founding of the Christian church, the apostle Paul gave some wise counsel to a young preacher named Timothy about the importance of preaching and teaching sound biblical doctrine: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2).* Then the aged apostle prophesied about a falling away from sound doctrine: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (vv. 3, 4).
Paul’s counsel and warning to Timothy is just as relevant for preachers today. We need to preach and teach the Word of God with clarity and power. The turning away from sound doctrine that began even in Paul’s day seems to be accelerating in our day. Another of Paul’s prophecies is also being fulfilled: “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29, 30).
In this issue of Ministry, we want to introduce you to the Biblical Research Institute (BRI), a team of biblical scholars who serve the Seventh-day Adventist Church—encouraging pastors, church leaders, and the church membership at large to hold fast to sound biblical doctrine. Many excellent resources have been produced by BRI that can assist you to preach and teach the Word of God with clarity and power. By the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit, let’s study the Word of God deeply and then proclaim that Word with clarity and power.
Several other articles in this issue provide the opportunity for us to think deeply about the Word of God. We welcome the contributions of several district church pastors. Lennox Abrigo challenges us to view the words of Jesus recorded in John 14:1–3 as a betrothal promise to His bride. This perspective not only provides hope regarding His return but also gives us joy in His love and concern for us as His bride.
Stephen N. Allred addresses the issue of church discipline in his article on liberty of conscience and church discipline in the Adventist Church. His candid discussion of the tension between freedom of conscience and church discipline will challenge you to critically ponder this important topic.
Regarding our mission as Christ’s bride, while we wait for His glorious appearing, Ivan Leigh Warden encourages us to regard ourselves as kingdom builders. What does kingdom building involve? One thing is certain—it is quite different from the popular kingdom building of our self-centered, self-serving cultures. This thoughtful article will challenge you to move beyond maintenance to mission.
Closely related to the theme of kingdom building is the article by Lilya Wagner, “Caring Is Not a Spectator Sport.” Wagner carefully examines a number of vibrant churches in the United States of America where caring is not just a theoretical concept or an appealing slogan—it is a way of life. These snapshots illustrate how it is possible to take the clear teaching of Jesus and put it into practice.
Writing from a northern European perspective, Vesa Annala notes that taking the message and the mission of Jesus to our cities and villages is a unique challenge in a secular environment. His article, titled “Evangelism in a Secular Context,” examines the problem and also explores some practical ways to connect with secular people.
You’ll find this month’s issue of Ministry packed with helpful material that can assist you as you preach, teach, and serve faithfully. As you step out in faith, be assured of our prayers.
* All scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
