Lest We Forget...

In case you have forgotten, our church grew out of a similar disappointment when a farmer turned preacher by the name of William Miller believed that he and tens of thousands of his followers, based on years of study of the prophecies in Daniel, had determined that Christ would return on October 22, 1844. This movement was part of a larger revival that took place in the United States known simply as the Second Great Awakening. During this period of the early 19^th century, an intense interest in the study of scripture, especially as it related to prophecy, revitalized the churches throughout America. Miller and his associates believed that the sanctuary to be cleansed in Daniel 8:14 was the earth, and that this meant that Jesus would return to cleanse the earth of sin. Of course, when Jesus did not return as predicated, many of the disappointed "Adventists" or Millerites as they were known began to search the scriptures once more for answers. What came out of this was the understanding that the sanctuary that was to be cleansed was not the earth, but the sanctuary in heaven.

So before we become smug in the accuracy of our Adventist theology, which took years to develop by the way, let's not forget that we too have made mistakes in our past. Now I'm not saying that Mr. Camping's movement is a legitimate one. After all, the Bible does state that when it comes to the time of Jesus' return that "no man knows the day nor the hour." But what I am saying is that before we begin to cast stones, we need to pause for a moment and reflect about those early Adventists that were criticized and mocked because of their deeply rooted hope in the soon return of Christ. It was a hope that burned so deeply in their souls that they were willing to sacrifice their jobs, the love of family and yes their reputations. The question that all of us need to be asking at time like this, including us "Adventists," is not how could this group make such a blatant error, especially with all the knowledge that we have of scripture today, but rather how badly do we really want Jesus to return. Does the thought of his return burn so deeply in our souls that we are willing to give all? If not, then maybe we truly aren't quite ready for his return regardless of when it might be. Not a sermon...Just a thought!

The Anatomy of Discipleship, Part 2: Let's Go Fishing!

Sligo Homecoming Weekend

Vacation Bible School is coming back!