October

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October 2024 Issue

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Editorial

Lead people to Jesus and His Word

Pavel Goia

Some years ago, while I was pastoring, two young ladies who occasionally attended church came to me with a request after the sermon. “Pastor, we love each other, we live together as a family, we are not married yet, but we would like to have Bible studies and be baptized, and then we would like you to marry us. We don’t cheat on one another; we love Jesus and love people. We try to keep the Sabbath and help the poor. We study the Bible daily. We pray regularly.… Continue reading...

Purity and holiness: cover image

Purity and holiness: A biblical response to sexual immorality

Ramon J. Canals

Convicted by the Holy Spirit, a young man approached me after listening to a sermon emphasizing the importance of obedience to the Word of God. “How can I live a holy life when I am involved in a homosexual relationship?” he asked. “I want to give my life to the Lord…

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Sexual intimacy: cover image

Sexual intimacy: The power of connection

Alan Parker

How long have you been intimate?” The unmarried couple squirmed uncomfortably. “About four months,” the young lady finally blurted out. She paused. “I’m also pregnant.” This scenario is not unusual in pastoral ministry—a couple barely out of their teens in a sexual…

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Embracing human sexuality: cover image

Embracing human sexuality: Guided by God’s Word

Ted Wilson

The topic of sexuality has always generated much interest, but in recent years, it has become an even hotter topic as definitions have proliferated and practices broadened. What at one time seemed to be a straightforward topic, has evolved into discussions much more…

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Return to Eden: cover image

Return to Eden: God’s design for human sexuality in the Song of Songs

Richard M. Davidson

Genesis 1 and 2 set forth God’s original design for human sexuality, and its profound portrayal of sexual love and marriage between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is paradigmatic for the rest of the biblical treatment of the subject.1 Later in Scripture, we find…

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In the image of God: cover image

In the image of God: The powerful and beautiful

Michael Goetz

Our family has spent countless hours at a ski resort every winter. Each year, the resort issues each of us a new picture ID card that serves as the lift pass. In the spring, we tend to pack our ski gear away along with the pass tucked into a coat pocket. Then, when…

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Religious news from around the world

Willie and Elaine Oliver Andrews University holds annual Adventist family research conference Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States The focus of the 2024 Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice, held at Andrews University, was “Understanding…

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More from this issue:

Church Statement

What does the Seventh-day Adventist Church say?

Over the past several decades, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has felt it necessary to clearly state in various ways its position in regard to marriage, the family, and human sexuality. These subjects are at the heart of many pressing issues facing society. That which for centuries has been considered to be basic Christian morality in the marriage setting is now increasingly called into question, not only in secular society but within Christian churches themselves. The… Continue reading...

Resources

Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? 21 Conversations from a Historically Christian View

Justin Spady

Preston Sprinkle has created something remarkable: he has compiled arguably the most comprehensive list of contemporary biblically derived arguments in favor of same-sex marriages, then provided equally thoughtful and reasonable counterarguments. I think this book is a must-read for every minister, especially with the expanding globalization of our world. Young people of every nation and culture are joining a global community online that predomi­nately accepts… Continue reading...

Practical Pointers

A solid foundation in a shaky world:

Gina Wahlen

In recent years, one of the most challenging topics to address in ministry is human sexuality. Sex has always been a hot topic that generates a lot of interest, particularly among young people, but today, the discussion has gone to an entirely new level. Whereas the topic once focused on the differences between men and women, avoiding sexual relations until marriage, and being faithful to one’s spouse, it is abundantly clear that the topic has broadened far beyond… Continue reading...