Participants:
Series Code: TDY
Program Code: TDY200013A
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00:02 Music...
01:08 Hello, and welcome to another 3ABN Today Program. 01:11 We're so glad that you have joined us today... 01:14 you know why? 01:15 It's because you're part of our family. 01:17 I hope your day has been going well... 01:18 I know that here at 3ABN, it's been a great week 01:21 that we're going through... been through... 01:23 and we just want to say, "Thank you for your prayers 01:26 and financial support for the ministry of 3ABN 01:29 because you... and of course the Lord Jesus Christ 01:32 you're helping to spread the gospel around the world 01:35 and you know what's so incredible about that 01:36 is that, as you pray 01:38 and as you send your gifts to 3ABN, 01:40 you're making a difference in someone's life... 01:44 not just for here on this earth but for eternity 01:47 and that's absolutely fantastic 01:48 and we have a very encouraging program today, don't we? 01:51 Jill: We do... I love the Today Program 01:53 because we get to feature what God is doing 01:55 in ministries... in people's lives around the world 01:59 and today is no exception. 02:01 It's our privilege to have the President of the world church 02:05 of Seventh-day Adventists here with us 02:07 Elder Ted Wilson, President of the General Conference 02:10 of Seventh-day Adventists, 02:11 thank you so much for being here, 02:13 and your beautiful wife, Nancy. 02:15 Elder Ted: She's the more important one. 02:16 All: Laughter. 02:18 Greg: We know that Mr. Danny Shelton, of course, 02:20 and his wife, Yvonne, would loved to have been here too 02:22 on this Set but their plans didn't work out 02:25 for them to be here 02:26 but they send their greetings to both of you as well 02:27 and we just want to say, 02:29 "Thank you for your support for 3ABN... " 02:30 because 3ABN is a supporting ministry 02:32 of the Seventh-day Adventist church. 02:34 We believe in evangelism... we believe in the message... 02:37 we believe in spreading the gospel around the world 02:40 and I know that that is your heartbeat all the way. 02:42 Elder Ted: Amen... amen... and thank you for your welcome, 02:45 it's a great privilege to be again here at 3ABN 02:48 and we are extremely grateful for the very wonderful support 02:53 that this Organization brings 02:56 to the evangelistic outreach of the church. 02:59 In fact, we will visit different places around the world 03:03 and, "You know, this person came in... " 03:06 or "this person came in... 03:07 because they heard the message on 3ABN 03:10 and they just showed up at church. " 03:12 So, praise God for what He's doing 03:15 through the gifts that people give... 03:17 the prayers that people offer 03:20 and the work that is accomplished... 03:23 we just give God the glory. 03:24 Greg: Amen. 03:26 Elder Ted: It's a privilege, you know, for the world church 03:27 to work together. 03:28 Hope Channel... and 3ABN... 03:30 and other outreach activities... 03:33 what a blessing to be a part of one focus and that is... 03:36 preparing people through the power of the Holy Spirit 03:40 for Jesus' soon coming. 03:42 Greg: I believe that as we work together that's... 03:46 I mean, that's powerful as a family, 03:48 now we're talking about you as being part of our family... 03:51 that's powerful because we are working together 03:54 to spread the gospel around the world 03:55 and we just want to say, 03:56 "Thank you for partnering with us. " 03:58 Now, you came in and flew in... in the plane into St. Louis 04:01 I know you have a busy schedule 04:02 but we're kind of in the middle of nowhere... 04:05 but you were mentioning, Mrs. Wilson, 04:07 about driving along... it's kind of flat 04:09 but as you get here, the terrain changes just a little bit... 04:12 Nancy: Hmmm... hmmm... 04:14 Greg: It's a little bit more rolling... 04:16 but it's amazing to me to think about... 04:18 out here in these corn fields... 04:19 about the signal going up into outer space 04:23 and then, coming back down 04:25 and like you said... touching people's lives 04:27 and they're coming into the Seventh-day Adventist Church 04:29 as members... praise the Lord. 04:31 Jill: So, tell us a little bit, 04:34 we have people who watch... many different denominations... 04:37 tell us a little bit... the Seventh-day Adventist Church 04:39 what's the membership? 04:41 What's the goal and objective of this last-day Movement? 04:45 Elder Ted: Well Jill, Seventh-day Adventist Church 04:49 is operating in about 215 countries of the world. 04:54 In some countries, we have large memberships... 04:57 others... just a small group 05:00 but everyone is important... 05:02 every outreach activity... 05:04 every witnessing opportunity is precious in the Lord's sight. 05:08 We have almost 22 million baptized Seventh-day Adventists. 05:15 Jill: Amen. Greg: Wow... 05:17 Elder Ted: So, that's not including smaller children... 05:19 and those who like to associate themselves 05:23 with the Adventist Church but that's the baptized members 05:27 and really, that's a small amount 05:30 in comparison with the... what? 7.6... 7 billion people 05:36 in the entire globe 05:38 but the Lord is using these people in a powerful way 05:42 to touch lives everywhere 05:44 and they do it through the wonderful method 05:49 that Christ has offered to us and to follow in His footsteps 05:54 helping people physically and mentally 05:57 and socially and spiritually 05:59 and it's such an important thing 06:01 to draw in those elements of Christ's ministry 06:05 as He touched people's lives... 06:08 as He helped them to realize 06:10 that there was something bigger in life than just existing 06:14 and it was really to bring glory to God 06:17 and to prepare people for the climactic event 06:21 of Christ's soon return 06:23 and that's the kind of thing that motivates me also 06:27 and I just am so excited about the Lord's second coming 06:31 and, of course, that's what 3ABN... 06:33 Three Angels Broadcasting Network... 06:34 you are broadcasting those three angels' messages 06:38 of Revelation 14... powerful messages... 06:41 which focus back on Christ's righteousness... 06:46 that's the real core of those three angels' messages 06:49 and the wonderful aspect that God is our Creator... 06:53 not only our Creator but our Redeemer 06:56 and that we need to turn people back to the true worship of God 07:00 as opposed to a kind of works-oriented arrangement 07:04 because we're only saved by the grace of Jesus Christ 07:09 but when you accept Christ, He then works in you 07:12 to do something miraculous to change your life... 07:16 to become more and more like Him... 07:18 that's sanctification... we're justified by Christ... 07:20 we're sanctified through His power 07:22 and we then are able to proclaim this message 07:26 in practical ways. 07:29 So, the Seventh-day Adventist Church 07:31 is really a Movement that is heralding Christ's soon return 07:35 and helping people to do exactly what Jesus said, 07:39 to live life abundantly, 07:41 not only now but of course, for the future. 07:45 So, the Seventh-day Adventist Church 07:47 focusses upon those elements 07:49 that are so important in Scripture 07:52 and we believe everything that Scripture says, 07:56 and what a blessing it is to be able to take God's Word 08:00 and accept it as it reads 08:04 not trying to put all kinds of strange interpretations into it 08:08 so, Seventh-day Adventists base their beliefs on this holy Word. 08:12 Now, this is a pretty small Bible... 08:13 Jill: It's super small. 08:15 Elder Ted: But it's still the Bible. 08:16 Greg: That's right, and that's the whole Bible. 08:18 Elder Ted: That's the whole Bible 08:20 and that's been around the world, 08:21 I don't know how many times with me 08:22 and it goes with me to the office every day 08:25 and it's a precious little Bible... 08:27 not my preaching Bible 08:29 although I've used it to preach 08:30 when I lost another one temporarily, 08:34 but the Word of God whether it's small or large 08:37 is God's Word. Greg: Amen. 08:39 Jill: And it needs to be hid in our heart, 08:40 that's the key and the important part. 08:42 Greg: Amen. 08:43 Jill: To read it and digest it and to take it internally. 08:45 Greg: Amen, sure... 08:46 tell us a little but about your family 08:48 and then we'll go to some music here shortly 08:50 but today as we're going to be talking with Elder Wilson 08:53 what a privilege to have he and his wife here, 08:55 we've got basically some updates 08:57 of what's going on in the church 08:58 there's been some different things that has been affecting 09:00 some of the members in the church 09:02 and, of course, there are things happening in the world 09:04 that we live in, so we want to be talking about that... 09:06 evangelism as well 09:08 so I know this hour is going to go by really quickly, 09:10 but in case you don't know the Wilsons... 09:12 Mrs. Wilson, how many kids? 09:14 I know you have some kids and grandkids 09:16 and so, tell us about your family. 09:18 Nancy: We have three daughters 09:20 and because we have three daughters, 09:23 we now have three sons... we call our sons-in-law our sons 09:27 and they have given us 11 grandchildren... 09:31 we have five granddaughters and six grandsons. 09:34 Greg: So, the oldest grandchild... 09:36 Nancy: Just turned 13... 09:38 Greg: And the littlest? 09:39 Nancy: Is six months old. 09:41 Elder Ted: Under one year. 09:43 Greg: So, when you all get together, 09:44 you got a fun household. 09:46 Elder Ted: We have our own Camp Meeting. 09:47 Laughter... 09:49 Our own tribe... 09:50 I mean, now it's... 09:52 Nancy: Our own Vacation Bible School 09:54 I call is "Chaotic Bliss... " 09:56 Laughter... 09:58 Greg: That's really special. 09:59 Nancy: Yeah, it is... and many of them 10:01 are very close in age so, they're very, very close 10:05 and it's a wonderful time when we're all together. 10:08 Greg: Do you all get to spend much time together? 10:11 because I know your travel schedule is just amazing. 10:14 Elder Ted: We try... we try to get together 10:17 at least two times a year... maybe three times... 10:20 we try to coordinate schedules and all of that 10:24 so, we'll meet at our home or someone's home 10:27 or go on a trip, you know, hiking or something like that 10:31 we... we like to be in the outdoors 10:36 and a blessing to be together in so many ways. 10:40 So, yeah, we've got quite a group... 10:43 I think we have what? 19... 10:44 Nancy: 19 when we're all together now. 10:46 Elder Ted: You put them in little corners of the house 10:49 and here and there but everybody has a great time 10:52 in so many ways. 10:53 Greg: That's fun... that's the preciousness of family 10:56 being together... spending the time together... 10:57 Elder Ted: Yeah. Nancy: Exactly. 10:59 Greg: I look forward to heaven too 11:00 together as all God's family. 11:02 Elder Ted: Amen. 11:04 Greg: Amazing... shall we go to a song, 11:05 we have Pastor Wintley Phipps... 11:06 you have a Scripture first? Jill: I have a Scripture. 11:08 Greg: Okay, let's go to the Scripture 11:09 and then we'll go to a song. 11:11 Jill: This is Matthew 24:14. Greg: Oh, that's great. 11:12 Jill: I was thinking of evangelism... 11:13 that's what made me think of it. 11:15 "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world 11:19 as a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come. " 11:22 Nancy: Amen. 11:24 Jill: And that's the mission and an objective of 3ABN 11:27 and the Seventh-day Adventist Church... 11:28 we preach the gospel message to a lost and dying world 11:32 and that's what we're talking about today. 11:34 Greg: That's right. 11:35 Jill: Evangelism is the heartbeat 11:37 and what God is doing in and through 11:39 the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 11:40 First, we're going to a song, Pastor Wintley Phipps is with us 11:44 the song he will be ministering is: Coming Again. 11:47 Music... Trumpet... 12:05 more music... 12:22 Why stand ye gazing there 12:27 up into the sky? 12:34 Be not discouraged 12:39 for we have brought good news 12:46 This same Jesus 12:50 Whom we do magnify 12:57 Soon He will come again 13:03 for all to glorify 13:11 He is coming again... 13:16 He is coming again 13:24 Son of the Father 13:29 He is coming again 13:35 On Calvary He claimed my destiny 13:42 Lord, I humble myself 13:49 myself... 13:52 to Thee... 13:56 Thee... 14:01 Lord, I want to see Your face 14:07 just help me be strong 14:13 I know You will return 14:19 I know it won't be long 14:27 He is coming again... 14:33 He is coming again 14:40 Son of the Father 14:45 He is coming again 14:51 On Calvary He claimed my destiny 14:57 Lord, I humble myself 15:05 to Thee... 15:12 Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring 15:17 Jesus is coming again 15:21 Cheer up ye pilgrims 15:24 Be joyful and sing 15:26 Jesus is coming again 15:31 Coming again... 15:33 Coming again 15:35 Jesus is coming again 15:40 Coming again... 15:42 Coming again 15:45 Jesus is coming 15:49 again... 15:53 Pause... 15:56 Greg: Amen, thank you Pastor Phipps, 15:58 praise the Lord... Jesus is coming again 16:01 and He's coming very, very soon. 16:03 I just want to say... thank you for your sacrificial gifts. 16:06 Just recently I received a letter across my desk 16:10 and maybe you're even watching now today, 16:12 where someone gave 99 cents to 3ABN 16:15 and to some of you, you may say, 16:17 "Oh, that's not very much. " 16:19 Do you know what? That is a lot. 16:20 I believe this person gave sacrificially... 16:23 God's going to take that 99 cents 16:25 and multiply and only the Lord knows 16:28 how many people will be in the kingdom because of the 99 cents, 16:32 you can't put a price on a soul, 16:33 God will multiply and take whatever you've got 16:36 the key is... is to dedicate it and give it to the Lord. 16:39 He'll take it and use it. 16:41 Jill: That's right, we're talking today... 16:43 visiting today with Elder Ted Wilson 16:45 and his wife, Nancy. 16:47 Elder Ted Wilson, of course, is President 16:49 of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 16:51 and thinking of that song Elder Phipps just sang, 16:54 "Coming Again... " 16:55 that is the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 16:57 to proclaim the undiluted three angels' messages 17:01 to a lost and dying world that Jesus is coming again soon. 17:05 There's an initiative with the church called: 17:08 Total Member Involvement 17:10 that deals specifically with getting people involved 17:14 in Evangelism, talk to us about that. 17:17 Elder Ted: Total Member Involvement really involves 17:21 exactly as the name implies. 17:24 Everybody doing something for Jesus... 17:26 everyone connecting with the Lord 17:29 through Bible Study and prayer 17:31 and then, allowing the Holy Spirit 17:33 to express the truth through your lives. 17:37 It involves not simply rhetoric and just a nice slogan... 17:45 it means that church members should be active 17:52 in the spreading of the gospel 17:55 and the preparation of Christ's soon return... 17:58 not just pastors and evangelists and church officers 18:04 but everybody... 18:06 even people who think, "Well, you know, 18:08 I just don't know how I can possibly talk to somebody 18:12 and well... " 18:13 the Lord will empower you 18:15 to say the right thing at the right time 18:17 to show love and Christ's compassion to people 18:22 and attract them to something much greater than anything 18:26 they have ever experienced. 18:28 So, total member involvement is empowering church members 18:33 to really become involved. 18:35 Jill: Hmmm... 18:37 Elder Ted: In John chapter 9 verse 4, 18:40 it tells us that Jesus was saying, 18:44 "I need to work the works of Him who sent me 18:47 because night is coming. 18:50 I got to work during the day time... " 18:53 and so, do what you can while it is light 18:56 and that's the same thing with Total Member Involvement, 18:59 there needs to be an urgency about it. 19:01 The church members feel, 19:02 "We are really part of an on-going activity... " 19:06 not just contributing, which is good... financially... 19:09 not just praying... which is absolutely crucial... 19:12 but actually doing something to help other people 19:16 know that the Lord is coming very soon. 19:19 We are seeing... all across this globe 19:23 amazing results from church members 19:27 simple people... if I can... 19:30 I mean, I consider myself to be a simple person... 19:32 not an... you know... a humble person... 19:36 I mean, you have to be a person that truly realizes 19:39 that it is the Lord working through you 19:42 and not some flashy dazzling thing 19:45 that you are producing. 19:46 This is the Holy Spirit working through you 19:49 and you have to humble yourself in order for that to happen 19:53 and I just pray that personally, I will do that every day 19:56 and that all of our church members will be so used by God 20:00 in touching the lives of neighbors and friends 20:03 and relatives. 20:05 This is what Total Member Involvement really is all about. 20:09 When it comes to public meetings, 20:11 we have seen in different parts of the world 20:15 and we're getting ready to head off to Papua New Guinea, 20:18 Lord willing, 20:20 provided there is no restriction, you know, 20:22 on travel and that kind of thing, 20:24 we'll probably get to that in a few minutes, 20:26 but we're going to be holding Evangelistic meetings 20:29 in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. 20:32 there will be about 2,000 other Evangelistic meetings 20:35 taking place... 20:37 Jill: So, 2,000 simultaneously. 20:38 Elder Wilson: Yes... Greg: 2,000. 20:40 Elder Wilson: It's amazing and they're hoping for 20:42 tens of thousands of baptisms, 20:45 of course, that's up to the Holy Spirit, 20:47 because we present the Word through the power of God 20:49 but, you can go to many different countries, 20:53 and Total Member Involvement is taking on 20:56 such a personal meaning for people. 20:59 They're not just looking there... 21:01 sitting and watching somebody else do something, 21:04 they're getting involved. 21:05 Greg: Hmmm... hmmm... that's important. 21:06 Elder Ted: And that I tell you 21:08 is just been one of the happiest things that I have seen 21:10 in a long time 21:12 and the Lord is just doing marvelous things through people. 21:15 I don't know, Nancy, if you have something you want to add 21:18 in terms of our observation of what TMI... 21:23 some people say, "Well, that's too much information" 21:26 but you know what? The young people... 21:27 some of the young people said, "That's great, 21:30 because TMI... you normally think of something else 21:33 but then, that draws your attention 21:35 to what the real purpose is... 21:37 Total Member Involvement. " 21:39 Greg: I love it, yeah. 21:40 Nancy: I think of it as an attitude 21:42 that we're all be the Lord's hands and feet and mouth 21:48 and if we have the attitude every day of saying, 21:51 "Lord, use me... " 21:52 and sometimes, you know, when you're in the grocery store 21:55 or wherever we are, 21:58 we see people who are discouraged... 22:00 who are troubled or maybe not well physically, 22:04 we have opportunities to encourage them 22:06 and, you know, it's... we can be ministering all day long 22:12 if we pray that we will be sensitive 22:14 to the opportunities that come our way. 22:16 But we have just seen people all over the world 22:22 and we must came from Malawi recently 22:25 and the involvement of the young people 22:29 and the women and everyone working together 22:33 doing their thing and it's just... 22:36 it's thrilling to see and it just... 22:40 it excites them and brings joy to them 22:43 and, you know, it's... it's a selfless activity... 22:46 you're thinking of others 22:48 and that's what makes you the happiest 22:50 when you're ministering for others 22:52 and you forget about self. 22:53 Greg: So what would be like, some examples then 22:55 because someone says, "Okay, that's neat... 22:57 Total Member Involvement... so does that mean 22:59 preaching every day?" 23:00 But it sounds like you said, "Helping others" 23:01 so would that be someone taking the trash out for somebody? 23:05 or... and let's say, someone's is shut in at home, 23:08 what could they do? Total Member Involvement... 23:10 someone can't get out of the house 23:12 based on their physical condition or something... 23:14 anybody can be involved somehow. 23:17 Elder Wilson: It can be involving any thing 23:21 that touches people's lives 23:23 and then... not just leaving it there, 23:27 but somehow drawing them to a relationship with Jesus. 23:31 Greg: So, in other words, someone could take the trash out 23:34 for someone next-door neighbor but then say, 23:36 "Hey, I've got a little tract for you. " 23:38 Elder Wilson: Exactly... 23:39 or, you know, remind them that God loves them 23:41 and... "You know, I've got a... 23:42 I've got a special text or two I'd like to just share with you" 23:48 or... or "How would you like to study the Bible with me? 23:51 Let's look at God's Word. " 23:54 I mean, all kinds of ways in which to touch lives, 23:57 and let me just add to what Nancy has said 23:59 about young people. 24:00 In some parts of the world, the church is getting older 24:04 but in a majority of the world church 24:08 or a huge portion of the church, 24:11 young people are so vibrant, they're so excited... 24:14 they're on fire... they're just... 24:16 and the church is full of young people... 24:20 you know, teenagers... early 20s... 30s... 24:23 they're just on fire for the Lord, 24:26 and they're not ashamed of representing Jesus. 24:29 Greg: Amen, that's encouraging. 24:31 Nancy: We heard one or two child preachers 24:33 in Africa recently, 24:35 and they got up and just spoke with conviction, 24:38 they were precious... 24:40 but, you know, if we just open our eyes 24:43 and ask God to show us... there are so many things 24:46 and there are a lot of shut-ins 24:48 or maybe someone is losing their eyesight 24:51 and someone could read to them... 24:53 someone could take their mail and... 24:55 and, you know, there are so many errands 24:57 and things that... ways we can help neighbors. 25:01 You don't have to wait for a huge project to be involved. 25:05 Elder Ted: Showing the kindness of Jesus 25:08 and then, drawing people to spiritual renewal 25:13 and spiritual life in the Lord. 25:15 I have a quotation from a favorite author 25:22 for many of us... Ellen White 25:24 and we believe... I believe that's inspired by God 25:28 and points to the Scriptures... points to Christ... 25:31 but it says in the book titled: Testimonies for the Church, 25:38 volume 9, it says, "The work of God in this earth 25:41 can never be finished, until the men and women 25:44 comprising our church membership, 25:46 rally to the work and unite their efforts 25:49 with those of ministers and church officers. " 25:52 So, God is waiting for all of us 25:56 to work together under the power 25:58 and leadership of the Holy Spirit 26:01 and then, things will happen in an even a greater way. 26:04 Greg: Yeah, yeah, that's powerful for sure, 26:07 I think about the times that we're living in... 26:09 you're kind of referencing the Coronavirus 26:12 as far as travel, restrictions and that sort of thing, 26:14 you know, you think about the natural disasters. 26:16 We had the fires in Australia... 26:21 a volcano in the Philippines... 26:24 and then, we've got the Coronavirus 26:27 and the scare about that. 26:29 Everyone is nervous and worried about travel... 26:31 Elder Ted: Tornados are happening... 26:34 unbelievable things that people normally just don't think about 26:42 this happening in their backyard, 26:43 terrible tornado that took place in Tennessee recently 26:49 and terrible earthquake down in Puerto Rico. 26:53 Now, we don't want to over dramatize these things 26:57 or over sensationalize these things 27:00 to the point where we're saying, 27:01 "Well, you know, the world's going to end 27:04 in the next week or something... " 27:06 because we know from prophetic understanding 27:08 certain things have to happen 27:09 and it's going to take a little more time 27:12 but I really believe the Lord's coming is very soon 27:15 but these things... 27:19 even though we don't over sensationalize them, 27:22 they are definite signs that Jesus' coming is imminent... 27:28 He's coming very soon. 27:29 So, I don't think people ought to just dismiss these things 27:33 as, "Well, they're cyclical... 27:35 they're just... just happenstance... " 27:37 there is something happening even in the physical world 27:41 that tells us... Jesus' return is imminent. 27:44 Greg: Yeah, amen, you know, it's exciting times 27:47 that we live in too. 27:49 You know, and it's really tragic that have lost their loved ones 27:52 and those who have passed away from the natural disasters 27:54 and things that are going on in the world 27:56 but then, it's right now is the time to go out and use these 28:00 as opportunities for evangelism 28:02 because, you think about the world right now, Elder Wilson, 28:04 there are a lot of questions going on, "What's going on?" 28:06 As we were traveling around recently, 28:08 people were like, "Boy, this is really scary!" 28:10 People are afraid 28:12 so, how should the Adventist Church approach this? 28:14 Elder Ted: But Greg, the Bible says, 28:17 "Men's hearts... men and women's hearts... 28:20 everybody's hearts are going to fail them for fear. " 28:23 This is an opportune time for Seventh-day Adventists... 28:27 for Christians of all denominations 28:30 who are Bible-believing people, 28:32 who are just placing themselves in God's hands, 28:35 to understand the full impact of what is going on the world 28:41 according to Bible prophecy 28:43 and as Seventh-day Adventists, we know 28:46 that these things are going to come about 28:48 just before the return of Christ. 28:50 This is a time for Bible-believing Christians 28:55 to be solid anchors... 28:58 to be people who will give stability to a situation 29:04 because, you know, people are just panicking... 29:07 they're... they're... they're agitated... 29:09 they don't know what to do, 29:10 but Christians can be solidly grounded in Christ. 29:14 Greg: Amen. 29:16 Pastor Ted: There's a beautiful verse 29:17 that comes from the Old Testament 29:19 which I think is key to all of this... 29:23 it's something that I grew up as a little child 29:26 looking at something on the wall 29:29 that had this beautiful verse 29:31 and it is really absolutely true, 29:34 it's Isaiah chapter 26 and verse 3. 29:38 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 29:42 whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. " 29:48 So, if you really trust in the Lord, 29:51 your life can be a source of stability for your community... 29:55 for your family... for those around you... 29:58 for the work place... 29:59 and you don't have to come across as being 30:02 part of the group that's just frazzled 30:04 because you don't know what's going to happen next. 30:07 Now, admittedly, 30:08 we can't predict what's going to happen next 30:11 but like with this Coronavirus, COVID-19, 30:15 it's... it's a dangerous thing... 30:17 you need to take precautions... 30:19 you need to be careful... 30:21 you need to not be standing near people 30:24 that might be infecting you, 30:26 you need to be pleasant and happy 30:28 but, you know, keep your distance. 30:30 Cleansing your hands... 30:32 not putting your hands to your face 30:34 which is probably one of the most detrimental things 30:37 but you also can't just go hide in the cave somewhere. 30:41 You have to be an active agent of Jesus 30:45 and God will use that to bring stability and a peace 30:52 into people's lives 30:54 because you are fixed upon the Lord Himself. 30:58 So, this is a great opportunity for Seventh-day Adventists 31:03 and so many others 31:04 to be real witnesses for the Lord. 31:07 Things may happen... restrictions may come in... 31:11 Government agencies may dictate things... 31:14 so, we need to be prudent and careful 31:17 but we can't act like everything is falling apart 31:21 and we don't know where to turn. 31:22 We can turn to God's Word for the Lord says... 31:26 He will be with us to the very end of time 31:29 and you can count on that promise, 31:32 and not only count on it... you can act on it... 31:35 and you can show people that you truly are connected 31:39 with the God of stability. 31:40 Greg: Hmmm... 31:42 Jill: Amen, what an opportunity for Seventh-day Adventists 31:44 to be salt and light in the world and in their community. 31:48 Talk to us for a moment about the church in China 31:51 because we know Coronavirus... 31:53 specifically there's quite a large outbreak in China, 31:57 have we lost any members in the church there in China 32:01 and what are the members there... 32:03 what is the spirit there amongst the members? 32:05 Elder Ted: Well, in a beautiful way, 32:06 the Seventh-day Adventist Church is trying to reach out to people 32:10 because of the lockdown situation, 32:13 many people, I think are destitute 32:16 of even some of the simplest things, 32:18 you know, toothpaste and this kind of thing... 32:21 soap and what have you... 32:22 I mean, things that... that may be difficult to find 32:26 because of all the restrictions, 32:28 so, Seventh-day Adventists are attempting 32:31 to be truly Christ's hands and feet 32:34 in helping people in a very personal way. 32:38 The area of Wuhan where the epicenter is of the Coronavirus 32:46 that has developed, 32:47 is a place where our Head Elder and his wife 32:55 contracted this disease and others... 32:58 so, this is something of... of really a personal nature 33:04 and you don't know when you might be infected yourself 33:09 but the church has to be a witness 33:12 even in those difficult situations 33:15 and what an opportunity for our church in China and elsewhere 33:20 because now there are other very strong centers 33:23 in different parts of the world with this Coronavirus. 33:27 Greg: Yeah, sure is. 33:28 Elder Ted: But, you know, to be a part of the remedy 33:31 as opposed to the problem... 33:33 be part of the solution. 33:35 Be someone who brings encouragement to people 33:40 if nothing more than that... 33:42 that can be real positive thing. 33:44 So, our church is trying, I think, everywhere 33:47 where they're facing this issue, 33:49 to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. 33:53 Jill: Amen. 33:54 Greg: I like that and I like being, like you're saying 33:55 to being stable... 33:57 in other words, be a stable Christian... 33:58 we base our stability on Christ and His Word, 34:01 we know that things are going to get bad 34:03 as we head toward the end times, 34:04 we don't have to be afraid, 34:06 I know off camera, Mrs. Wilson, you were mentioning 34:08 a really good text, was it in Isaiah? 34:11 Nancy: Yes... no... Psalm 34:4. Greg: What does it say? 34:14 Nancy: "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, 34:18 and delivered me from all my fears. " 34:23 Greg: That's powerful. Nancy: That's beautiful. 34:26 Jill: Have you claimed that promise? 34:27 Nancy: Many times. 34:29 Greg: And I'm sure, many different circumstances 34:32 that you've been in, 34:33 yeah, so when we go to God's Word, 34:35 what promises are found in it and we can claim them 34:38 because God is alive and He is well 34:41 and He is there to take care of us 34:43 and walk with us through whatever we're going through. 34:45 Pastor Ted: And let me just add that 34:47 that... you know, we're in this great controversy. 34:51 We are between Christ and Satan 34:54 and we are as some have portrayed it... 34:56 we are the theatre of the universe. 34:58 The entire universe is watching what is happening 35:02 on this earth. 35:03 Are individuals... human beings 35:06 willing to, of their own volition... 35:10 their own voluntary action 35:12 believe in a God that created them 35:15 and Who can sustain them. 35:17 Satan's great theme was that... and it was a complete lie 35:21 that's the beginning of fake news or whatever... 35:25 that... that, "No, you're just an Automaton... 35:28 you're just a robot... 35:30 you're just worshipping or serving God 35:33 because you don't have any other choice... " 35:36 but this great controversy to show the universe 35:39 that there are people 35:42 who, out of love for what God has done, 35:46 creating us and redeeming us... 35:48 we are His twice... 35:49 that you will give your heart and your life 35:54 completely to Him 35:56 and as this develops... as this is seen by the entire universe 36:02 we can know that this great controversy is going to end soon 36:08 and sin will never bring its ugly head up again... 36:11 it will be eradicated for the rest of eternity 36:14 and that's also a hope 36:17 that people who understand Bible prophecy 36:20 and the very imminent return of Christ... 36:24 they can place their hope that one of these days 36:27 that there will be no more Coronaviruses... 36:29 All: Amen. 36:30 Elder Ted: No more volcanos that are killing people... 36:33 no more earthquakes that will destroy... 36:35 there will be a time of eternal peace 36:39 throughout the ages, the ceaseless ages. 36:44 That's the hope we got to hang on to and believe in. 36:47 Greg: Amen, yeah, I agree. 36:49 Jill: As... as you travel throughout... 36:50 because I know both of you do a great deal of traveling, 36:52 you referenced earlier, Malawi, 36:54 talk to us about some of the countries you've been recently 36:57 and how you see our people having this hope 37:01 in the soon return of Jesus 37:02 or how they're working to spread the gospel 37:05 or be involved in evangelism more, 37:07 or any other stories from those regions? 37:09 Elder Ted: And then Nancy can share here 37:11 a few aspects of it as well... 37:13 our most recent trip was to the Galápagos Islands 37:18 where we had a marvelous inauguration of a... 37:22 a... a museum of nature called "Origins" 37:26 which, of course, Seventh-day Adventists... 37:30 we believe God created us by His word 37:33 in six literal days recently... 37:37 but, of course, many people have a different perspective 37:41 they believe in Evolution. 37:44 Frankly, I think it is... 37:46 it is harder to believe in Evolution 37:48 than it is in Creation to be honest 37:50 specially with the precious Word of God explaining 37:53 and what God is doing in our lives, 37:55 re-creating in us a new spirit every day 37:58 as we submit to Him 37:59 but in any case, we had a marvelous experience 38:03 where this beautiful center was inaugurated 38:08 in order to show people the power of God 38:12 and also to explain the beauties of nature 38:17 and how it is part of our God-given responsibility 38:22 as stewards of this earth 38:24 to take care of what He has given to us 38:27 and this in many ways will help people recognize 38:31 the beautiful creative power of God. 38:34 And that was a marvelous experience 38:36 to be with our people in Ecuador, 38:38 the Galápagos Islands are in Ecuador, 38:40 and it was a marvelous... 38:43 Greg: Hmmm... so it's a museum? 38:45 Elder Ted: It's a museum... a very interactive museum... 38:48 Greg: Wow! 38:49 Elder Ted: And it's just a marvelous thing, 38:51 we hope thousands of people... 38:53 because I think they have about 250,000 visitors a year 38:57 that come through the Galápagos Islands 38:59 so, they will... many of them be able to see 39:02 in that Center... the beauty of God's creative power 39:06 which again... that's part of the first angel of Revelation 14 39:11 of those three angels that God is the Creator. 39:15 But, just a little bit before that, 39:17 not too long ago, we visited five different countries, 39:21 Jordan, Ghana, South Africa, Malawi and Angola. 39:27 Greg: Hmmm... 39:29 Elder Ted: And in each one of those places, 39:30 we had meetings with our church members, 39:32 in some places, we have enormous membership... 39:35 Ghana for instance... and Malawi and Angola... 39:38 in other places like Jordan, 39:41 maybe 100 members in the whole country, 39:44 but we were opening a... 39:46 re-inaugurating a special Center of Influence 39:50 in that region... that will help people with music classes, 39:56 language classes, health classes, 39:58 education will continue... they have a school there... 40:02 so, that was a marvelous experience. 40:05 In Ghana, we had a beautiful celebration 40:10 of many years of... of Conference Status... 40:14 self-supporting status... 40:17 of the Central Ghana Conference 40:19 and just thousands of people there... 40:21 it was a marvelous explanation 40:24 of how God has used thousands of people 40:28 to spread to even a greater amount of people 40:31 in the country of Ghana. 40:32 But Nancy can share about Malawi a little more 40:36 and about Angola because the thing that really struck us... 40:39 we had in both places on Sabbath 40:43 a beautiful worship experience in both places... 40:49 in Malawi... Lilongwe 40:51 and in Luanda in Angola. 40:53 In Lilongwe I think we had probably 40:57 about 40,000 people there, 40:59 Greg: 40,000? Wow. 41:01 Elder Ted: 40,000... and, of course, the whole country 41:04 has... Adventists... maybe around 600,000. 41:06 Jill: Wow! 41:07 Elder Ted: And in Angola, we had about 35,000 people there. 41:10 Jill: It's a beautiful country. 41:12 Elder Ted: But in Malawi especially, 41:14 as Nancy was kind of referencing, 41:16 there was... there was a special parade of church members... 41:23 everyone from... from Literature Evangelists... 41:26 people who share Christian books... 41:28 to medical health workers... 41:31 to women ministries and Dorcas community services... 41:38 outreach... young people... Pathfinders... 41:42 Nancy: Adventurers... all levels of... 41:45 and they are just out there so enthusiastic. 41:49 Greg: In their uniforms? 41:50 Nancy: Oh yes... oh yes, marching and... 41:52 Elder Ted: You know, they're so excited about being 41:55 part of a Movement that is sharing eternal truths 41:59 and Christ at the center with others. 42:02 It's not as though they're hiding... you know... 42:05 making up apologies for who they are... 42:07 they are so happy to be Seventh-day Adventists. 42:11 To be Christians in this world of confusion, 42:14 where we were just talking about the Coronavirus 42:17 and all the frustrations that people are facing, 42:21 and yet, these young people and older ones 42:26 are just so happy to have a better message 42:28 and I think that's really what we experience... 42:32 people having this precious message 42:35 physically, mentally, socially and spiritually... 42:38 a completeness in Christ... 42:40 Nancy, maybe you can share a few things. 42:42 Nancy: I was just saying... a message of hope. 42:43 Everybody is... is looking for hope... 42:47 what can they hang on to, what is solid? 42:51 What is truth? 42:53 What will carry me through whatever I have to face? 42:56 And, we... in fact, we... 43:01 we saw people who'd been through a lot. 43:04 One man had been in jail for two months 43:07 because he was falsely accused of something 43:11 and he and his wife just radiated God's love. 43:15 Elder Ted: That was in Angola. 43:17 Nancy: They just... they were... 43:19 I thought I saw halos above their head... 43:22 they just radiated the love of God 43:24 in spite of what they had been through 43:26 and they were just humble, committed Christians 43:31 that were so inspiring 43:32 and they went through a lot! 43:34 But God was with them. 43:36 Elder Ted: And while he was in jail, 43:39 along with another church leader, 43:42 they didn't just sit there and mope, 43:44 they evangelized 43:47 and a church essentially was born in that prison 43:52 and it is growing so, I mean, wherever you... 43:56 I mean, the old saying, "Wherever you're planted, 44:00 you ought to grow... " you know. 44:01 Nancy: Bloom where you're planted. 44:03 Elder Ted: Bloom where you're planted, yeah... 44:05 and what a blessing it is, and I tell you... 44:06 they were falsely accused... totally falsely accused... 44:10 and one of our missions in Angola 44:14 was to meet with the President of the country 44:17 and to thank him for interceding because he has a great project 44:23 to try and eliminate corruption in the country 44:28 and we were able to have a meeting with the President 44:31 of the country and to read Scripture to him... 44:36 to share promises and to pray with him 44:39 and to thank him for what he had done to intervene 44:44 in this situation. 44:45 In fact, on this trip, 44:47 we had the privilege of meeting Heads of State in Ghana... 44:50 in Malawi... and in Angola 44:53 and that is a God-given privilege. 44:56 It has nothing to do to us... it's nothing special about us... 44:59 but it's an opportunity to witness 45:01 to these high influential leaders 45:04 as to what God can do through them 45:07 in bringing religious liberty to their country... 45:10 to preserving the opportunity to worship God 45:13 according to people's conscience and dictates. 45:16 Anyway, it was a... it was a marvelous trip in so many ways 45:19 and it is just emblematic... 45:21 it's a symbol of how God is working in the lives 45:25 of literally thousands upon thousands of people 45:28 all around this globe 45:30 because we're preparing for Jesus' soon coming. 45:33 Jill: Yes. 45:35 Greg: You know, I'm encouraged by what you're sharing 45:36 because you're over the Seventh-day Adventist church, 45:38 you know, as the General Conference President 45:40 of Seventh-day Adventists, 45:41 and by you sharing these stories of what's happening... 45:43 because these are recent stories... 45:45 this is not something that happened ten years ago... 45:46 Elder Ted: Not even a month ago, two weeks ago. 45:48 Greg: Yeah, because some people will say, 45:50 "Your church is dead, you know, people are leaving, 45:51 people are discouraged... 45:53 evangelism doesn't work anymore... " 45:55 what you're sharing... stuff is happening... 45:57 for those that are willing to be vessels, 45:59 things are happening... the church is alive and well, 46:00 young people are involved... 46:01 they're excited about evangelism. 46:04 Elder Ted: And lay people... and let me just put this in here 46:07 not to interrupt you too much 46:09 but in Europe... which is a very secular place 46:12 and a very challenging place, 46:14 lay people are taking charge of public outreach... 46:18 whether it's in small groups or in public evangelism, 46:23 and in about two years, there is planned 46:26 some exciting evangelistic outreach 46:29 which will work, of course, with the organized church 46:32 but lay people... 46:33 that's what Total Member Involvement is all about. 46:35 Greg: So, I was going toward a "Revival and Reformation" 46:38 because I know that's been our initiative 46:41 and initiatives are good but I like it to be lifestyle 46:43 right, it should just become part of our lifestyle 46:46 so, share with us about the "Revival and Reformation" 46:49 push of the General Conference 46:51 because I think it's really, really important 46:53 because it's not just as a... as an Organization as a whole 46:56 but you're going all the way down 46:57 to the individual life in a person. 46:59 Elder Ted: Total Member Involvement 47:01 will never get off the ground in your own life 47:04 or in the church 47:06 if there isn't a complete connection 47:09 with the Lord personally. 47:10 It... you know the church is not involved 47:13 with just some sloganeering and some kind of... 47:16 you know, "Get everybody involved 47:17 then, you know, blah, blah, blah... " 47:19 it just kind of happens. 47:20 No, it's got to be a personal connection with the Lord, 47:24 and that's what revival is all about. 47:27 Nancy: Yes. 47:28 Elder Ted: Connection with the Word of God... 47:30 daily reading of the Word of God 47:33 daily reading of the Spirit of Prophecy... 47:36 daily... not only daily... hourly prayer... 47:39 I mean, we got to be in connection with the Lord 47:41 all the time. 47:43 Just before the Program, we had prayer here 47:46 and that was powerful prayer that our Producer prayed. 47:49 Greg: Yeah, Bobby. 47:51 Elder Ted: And then... and personally I prayed also, 47:54 "You know, Lord, speak through us or use us... " 47:57 You got to be in constant contact with the Lord, 48:00 but all of this then produces supernaturally... 48:03 because the Holy Spirit is working in us... 48:08 supernaturally creates a... not only a revival 48:12 but it begins to change your life 48:15 and that's the "Reformation" part 48:17 because we have to submit to a lot of things... 48:20 sometimes, we're pretty stubborn... 48:22 and we're pretty self-centered... 48:24 and we just have to submit 48:27 and in... in Colossians in the first chapter, 48:31 it says here in verse 9 of Colossians 1, Paul is saying, 48:38 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, 48:41 do not cease to pray for you, 48:44 and to desire that ye might be filled 48:47 with the knowledge of His will and all wisdom 48:49 and spiritual understanding. " 48:50 Greg: Hmmm... 48:52 Elder Ted: God wants us to understand our role 48:55 in the very end of time 48:56 and then, it goes on to say, 48:58 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, 49:02 being fruitful in every good work, 49:05 and increasing in the knowledge of God; 49:08 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, 49:12 unto all patience and longsuffering 49:14 with joyfulness... " 49:16 and... you know, we can keep on going... 49:18 it's this marvelous text... 49:20 this "Revival and Reformation" 49:22 is... is a transformation in people's lives... 49:25 so that neighbors and friends and... and... 49:28 and work associates 49:30 and... and... and, you know, family... 49:32 they say, "What's happened to you? 49:34 You seem to be sweeter and kinder and more patient 49:38 and you're not frenetic and just... 49:41 you know, panicking because of the Coronavirus 49:44 or something... 49:46 but something... you're poised... 49:49 you have a stability... " 49:50 that's because you're connected to the Vine... 49:54 you're connected to Jesus 49:55 and that's what "Revival and Reformation" 49:58 is all about 49:59 and from that springs the wonderful sharing of the gospel. 50:03 Jill: Amen, absolutely. 50:04 If I can ask you Nancy, 50:06 I know we're almost out of time here 50:08 but, if I can ask you as a woman, 50:09 how do you keep your relationship with Jesus vibrant? 50:13 How do you keep that revival and reformation active 50:17 in your own life you travel... 50:19 you're constantly bombarded with different things and attacks, 50:23 how do you keep that in your own walk? 50:25 Nancy: I have tried to start memorizing Scripture more, 50:30 and then, it's fresh in my mind 50:34 and it's like... it is so soothing 50:37 and it's so powerful 50:38 and Scripture is so applicable to our lives every day 50:44 and I think the more... you know... 50:46 "Thy Word have I hid in my heart 50:48 that I might not sin against Thee. " 50:50 It brings us not only... it brings us peace... 50:55 absurdity... trust... and it keeps us faithful 51:00 so, I try to... to spend time with the Lord, 51:05 reading often it's on an airplane... 51:07 and I pray... 51:10 if I can't sleep at night, I pray. 51:13 Jill: Hmmm... 51:15 Nancy: And I try to take every opportunity... 51:17 sometimes we're just too tired to read. 51:20 Jill: Yes. Greg: Hmmm... hmmm... 51:22 Nancy: And so, then I can just talk to the Lord 51:26 but I try... I have to say I limit my reading 51:30 to things that I find will edify me spiritually 51:34 and it's not that... 51:36 it's because my time is so limited, 51:42 so, I'm very picky about what I spend my time reading 51:45 but when I'm in the kitchen, I'll listen to sermons... 51:47 I'll listen to things that... that help me 51:54 and I am trying to learn how to abide in Christ continually. 51:59 Jill: Amen. Greg: Amen. 52:01 Jill: Well, that's evident in both of your lives 52:02 that you walk with God... 52:04 that you seek His face in His Word. 52:06 We've been so blessed today by our time here with Elder Wilson 52:10 and his wife, Nancy, 52:12 we'll be back in a moment with a few closing thoughts from them 52:14 but we just want you at home... 52:16 encourage you to pray specifically for the Wilsons. 52:20 Pray for their leadership... 52:21 pray for what God is doing in and through 52:25 the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 52:26 We'll be right back. |
Revised 2020-03-25