I recently received 2 small leaflets through my door from the local Seventh Day Adventist Church, published by the Adventist Discovery Centre. In these two leaflets, called ‘pocket signs’ from their ‘Signs of the Times’ series, they sought to give explanations for some of the troubles humans face. However, in carefully reading these 2 leaflets, I found some strange interpretations about the struggle between good and evil, and an unclear gospel message. I have pasted below my email to their organisation, and await their response:- (15th October 2014, still no response)
To:
adc@adventist.org.uk
Sep 29 at 4:40 PM
Dear Adventist Discovery Centre team
I am writing with some queries and comments, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who has recently received two or your ‘Signs of the Times’ leaflets through my door within this past week. My queries are as follows:-
1. ‘Does God care that I’m hurting’:- it talks of living in a world in which evil is a reality, which I would agree with. However, it then states “The Bible says that this evil is the direct result of Satan, who is engaged in a life-or-death struggle against God”. Firstly whilst satan is completely evil, it teaches in the Holy Bible that sin entered this world through ‘one man’ (referring to the first ‘Adam’ – Romans 5v12, 1 Corinth 15v21). Therefore, it is man who has been responsible for rebelling against God and giving satan the invitation to destroy. Does your organisation not believe this? Secondly, where in the Holy Bible does it say that satan in engaged in a “life or death struggle against God”, as if they are engaged in some sort of cosmic arm-wrestling match? This leaflet then goes on to talk about ‘God’s dilemma’ (?). God is always victorious, not somehow trying to be victorious, as Solomon realised when he declared (2Chron 2v5) “and the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.” No dilemma of God indicated there. The Lord Jesus stated (John 16v3) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
2. ‘Economic Crisis and your future’:- Firstly, this is geared towards Americans for some puzzling reason, it refers uses certain American terminology. Is it helpful to engage with people in the UK from an American perspective that does not seem to try to relate to the UK context? It also has a statement which, as with the other leaflet, implies that God and satan are in some kind of wrestling match, and God is trying to win, “two supernatural powers are battling for your affections” (?). God is greater than satan, ALWAYS. Whilst I agree that there is a spiritual battle going on over human souls, I am concerned that your organisation is promoting a view that contradicts what the Holy Bible teaches. It is believers who are wrestling again evil principalities and powers, as God’s redeemed ones in Christ whom satan hates. Satan already knows that God is much more powerful that him, so he can’t directly wrestle with God as he has been cast out. Jesus said (Luke 10v18) “and He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven…” (the context was the seventy/seventy-two disciples returning from being sent out, and amazed that demons were subject to them).
Please do not take my questions and comments as being rude or disrespectful, not intended at all. However, as these leaflets are coming through my door, and these troubling interpretations are probably going to many homes in the area (as the Adventist church is just down the road from me), I am concerned that some people who are seeking truth may end up with a confused view of God and not be receiving the clear gospel of Jesus Christ. Would this not concern you also?
Please would you kindly look again at the wording of your leaflets and the interpretations contained therein, in the light of the Holy Bible itself, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth in the name of Jesus Christ.
Truth Prevails 