January - 2012
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Revelation's Lamb |
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By James Rafferty |
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Revelation, the prophetic book at the end of the Bible, is filled with gloomy images of beasts, doomsday judgments and a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns. In other words, it's not a book you would expect to be introduced as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1). Yet, time after time this book unfolds a clear, simple and powerful gospel message. read more... |
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Revelation has long been the focus of doomsday messages portending tribulation and judgment to those who follow the "beast" and receive his "mark" and the number "666". Prophecy seminars fill our minds with pictures of beasts rising from the land and sea, augmented by war, famine and natural disasters. One might conclude, and many have, that Revelation has nothing to do with Jesus, yet . . .
Tucked in every corner of this book, even in the ominous "666" chapter, is the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). The symbol of the "lamb" is, in fact, mentioned more times in Revelation than any other, even outdoing the "beast" (praise God!). It will take you 11 chapters to encounter your first bad beast (and 12 to encounter the dragon), but Jesus is in the first chapter—hello! In the book of Revelation, John sees those who behold the Lamb, praise the Lamb, overcome by the Lamb, are written in the book of the Lamb, fall so in love with the Lamb that they follow Him wherever He goes, becoming the bride of the Lamb. On the other hand, those who turn from the Lamb worship the beast who makes war against Him. The entire book of Revelation can be understood by the symbol of the Lamb. This symbol stands above all others, directing us to Calvary and Jesus, the Lamb slain from earth’s foundation, the One who has taken away the sin of the world (Revelation 13:8; John 1:29).
Understand this one truth, that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that God's love preceded the salvation gift and, therefore, motivated it, and you will have mastered the message of this final book of the Bible. John saw it—he saw the Lamb opening the seals. John knew that this was more than just a phrase describing more than just an action. This "I saw" was key to the entire book, the mystery of the Lamb explains all other mysteries—it unseals all truth! (I think I hear an Amen.)
I've been a student of the Bible now for 27 years and my favorite book is still, and always has been, the book of Revelation. In it I have encountered beasts, judgments, plagues and a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns. Yet, through all these scary images there is one that gives me hope... the Lamb. Mentioned more than any other symbol (29 times), the Lamb makes the book of Revelation good news. Amen.
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A Class of Their Own |
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By David Asscherick |
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The ninth four–month Cornerstone class has come and gone. It's hard to believe we've been at this for nearly a decade! Every class is special. I'll be the first to insist on that. But what made 2011's class so special? I think it was a combination of several things, but two in particular come to mind. Let me share them with you. read more... |
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First of all, the 2011 class is the
first class we've ever conducted at our
very own facility! Over the years, we've
rented furnished corporate housing
or summer camp facilities from other
denominations, but not this year.
This year we were in the new ARISE
campus located in Jasper, Oregon. The
facility, a former boarding academy,
is absolutely perfect for our needs
and the needs of our students. To
be sure, we were saddened to hear
of the academy's closure; there can
be no rejoicing when a Seventh–day
Adventist institution closes its doors.
The academy board, however, was persuaded that the time was right.
While we did not encourage their
decision, we are are thankful they
saw fit to allow us the privilege of
occupying the facility.
You don't have to look very hard to see a gospel illustration in this. One gives up its life so another can live and prosper. We are not rejoicing in the death, but we are certainly rejoicing in the resurrection! And it's not just us who are rejoicing. The former board chairman is my new neighbor (and a longtime friend), and he is fully enthusiastic and supportive of ARISE's move to "his neck of the woods." So while there is still sadness in all of our hearts, that sadness is tempered with great joy.
As one of the co–founders of ARISE, it is impossible for me to adequately communicate just how significant it is for us to have our own facility. In the past we've had to work around our landlords' schedules, rules and perspectives. Not anymore! We can have spontaneous praise services any day and at any hour! We can invite community contacts to come for worship services, to listen to visiting instructors, or for a game of ultimate Frisbee. We have an onsite dean (Matt Minikus) who, with his wife Josie, lives literally with the students. This creates ongoing and important opportunities for ministry, mentorship and friendship. We can take evening, morning, or afternoon walks (or runs!) around the expansive grounds. We can even have class out on the lawn on a bluebird day (which we did several times!).
The list goes on and on. Really, there is just no comparison to the way it was versus now. It's a whole new world.
There's a second reason that this ninth class was in a class of their own. It has to do with their phenomenal academic success. Here's a little background. The Cornerstone program offers three levels of certification. The most demanding is called the Certificate of Highest Excellence, which requires the equivalent of at least 99% on all reading, assignments and tests. For example, each student is required to memorize 100 verses in the 100 days they are here. The memorization has to be word–for–word in the New King James Version. The students are tested weekly on the assigned verses. In order to attain to highest excellence, a student has to make three or less mistakes total for all 100 verses! A "mistake" is any deviation from the word–for–word text, even the very smallest.
The second most demanding certificate is the Certificate of Excellence, which requires the equivalent of 97–98% on all reading, assignments and tests. The third is called simply the Certificate of Completion and is still the equivalent of a "A–" to "B" in the traditional grading system. So it's A+, A, and A–/B. Anything below the "B" receives no certificate status, and does not participate in the graduation/commissioning service at the end of the course.
In fairness to the other classes, we've only been employing this system for the last three years. Nevertheless, this year's class is remarkable in terms of their commitment and performance. Of the 39 students, 25 attained the Highest Excellence Level! Remember, that's 99–100%! Nine reached the Excellence Level (97–98%), and four received the Completion Certificate (an "A–" to "B"). Furthermore, of the 25 at the Highest Excellence Level, 12 scored a full 100% on their Scripture memorization tests. That's a perfect 100% on 100 verses in 100 days!
I can say in the plainest of language that I was completely inspired by this year's class. Their academic and in–the–community accomplishments are truly amazing and inspiring. But let me hasten to add that I am sure that this class (or any other!) would take no credit or praise for their efforts. They would give all the glory, honor and praise to Him who alone deserves it!
And that's the best indicator of all.
They not only learned the words, texts, books and doctrines. They learned what (Who!) all of it points to: Jesus Christ!
Thank you class of 2011! You’ve inspired me. And you've taught me a great deal about God and His love. I, along with the other staff here at Light Bearers, am indebted to you.
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17).
You don't have to look very hard to see a gospel illustration in this. One gives up its life so another can live and prosper. We are not rejoicing in the death, but we are certainly rejoicing in the resurrection! And it's not just us who are rejoicing. The former board chairman is my new neighbor (and a longtime friend), and he is fully enthusiastic and supportive of ARISE's move to "his neck of the woods." So while there is still sadness in all of our hearts, that sadness is tempered with great joy.
As one of the co–founders of ARISE, it is impossible for me to adequately communicate just how significant it is for us to have our own facility. In the past we've had to work around our landlords' schedules, rules and perspectives. Not anymore! We can have spontaneous praise services any day and at any hour! We can invite community contacts to come for worship services, to listen to visiting instructors, or for a game of ultimate Frisbee. We have an onsite dean (Matt Minikus) who, with his wife Josie, lives literally with the students. This creates ongoing and important opportunities for ministry, mentorship and friendship. We can take evening, morning, or afternoon walks (or runs!) around the expansive grounds. We can even have class out on the lawn on a bluebird day (which we did several times!).
The list goes on and on. Really, there is just no comparison to the way it was versus now. It's a whole new world.
There's a second reason that this ninth class was in a class of their own. It has to do with their phenomenal academic success. Here's a little background. The Cornerstone program offers three levels of certification. The most demanding is called the Certificate of Highest Excellence, which requires the equivalent of at least 99% on all reading, assignments and tests. For example, each student is required to memorize 100 verses in the 100 days they are here. The memorization has to be word–for–word in the New King James Version. The students are tested weekly on the assigned verses. In order to attain to highest excellence, a student has to make three or less mistakes total for all 100 verses! A "mistake" is any deviation from the word–for–word text, even the very smallest.
The second most demanding certificate is the Certificate of Excellence, which requires the equivalent of 97–98% on all reading, assignments and tests. The third is called simply the Certificate of Completion and is still the equivalent of a "A–" to "B" in the traditional grading system. So it's A+, A, and A–/B. Anything below the "B" receives no certificate status, and does not participate in the graduation/commissioning service at the end of the course.
In fairness to the other classes, we've only been employing this system for the last three years. Nevertheless, this year's class is remarkable in terms of their commitment and performance. Of the 39 students, 25 attained the Highest Excellence Level! Remember, that's 99–100%! Nine reached the Excellence Level (97–98%), and four received the Completion Certificate (an "A–" to "B"). Furthermore, of the 25 at the Highest Excellence Level, 12 scored a full 100% on their Scripture memorization tests. That's a perfect 100% on 100 verses in 100 days!
I can say in the plainest of language that I was completely inspired by this year's class. Their academic and in–the–community accomplishments are truly amazing and inspiring. But let me hasten to add that I am sure that this class (or any other!) would take no credit or praise for their efforts. They would give all the glory, honor and praise to Him who alone deserves it!
And that's the best indicator of all.
They not only learned the words, texts, books and doctrines. They learned what (Who!) all of it points to: Jesus Christ!
Thank you class of 2011! You’ve inspired me. And you've taught me a great deal about God and His love. I, along with the other staff here at Light Bearers, am indebted to you.
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17).
| Consider This ... | Speaking Schedule | |||
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The mystery of the cross
explains all other mysteries.
In the light that streams from
Calvary, the attributes of God
which had filled us with fear
and awe appear beautiful and
attractive. Mercy, tenderness,
and parental love are seen to
blend with holiness, justice, and
power. While we behold the
majesty of his throne, high and
lifted up, we see his character in
its gracious manifestations, and
comprehend, as never before,
the significance of that endearing
title, "Our Father."
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen White,
Ellen G. White, |
January 14 Sutherlin SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 459–4131 January 18–21 3ABN Anchors of Truth Series David Asscherick • (618) 627–4651 • 3abn.org January 21 Central Point SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 664–4687 January 27–28 Stateline SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 558–3817 February 4 Springfield SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 746–8263 February 10–25 Icap School, Poptum, Guatemala James Rafferty • (509) 842–3952 info@H2Oforlife.org February 17–18 Great Lakes Union GYC, Andrews University, MI Ty Gibson • (269) 473–8239 March 3 Junction City SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 998–5914 March 10 Cottage Grove SDA Church, OR James Rafferty • (541) 942–5213 March 16–30 Wolverhampton, England James Rafferty • 44(115)960–6312 March 19–22 Longburn Adventist College, New Zealand David Asscherick • www.lac.school.nz |
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