The Undercover Adventist

  God Dwelling with His People Exodus 25:1–9 Introduction Exodus 25:1–9 marks a turning point in Israel’s journey with God. After the covenant at Sinai, God gives Moses detailed instructions to build a sanctuary. These verses reveal not only the practical steps of constructing the tabernacle but also deep theological truths about God’s desire to dwell among His people, His holiness, and His plan of salvation. God’s Desire to Dwell with His People God said in verse 8: “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” What a stunning truth! The Creator of heaven and earth chose not to remain distant, but to live among His redeemed people. This shows us that the heart of God has always been relational—He longs to be with His children. God Does Not Live in Man-Made Temples—But Manifests Himself There Scripture elsewhere reminds us that God is not confined to buildings made by human hands (Acts 7:47–50; Acts 17:24). He is greater than the heavens themselves. Yet, ...

So you just finished a great series on "Stewardship." You are now pumped up for the cause. Adventists are feeling recharged and ready to open their pocketbooks. Well, at least that was the goal. Back in 2015, the good people that run the Adventist Church, decided we needed a reboot. That giving was not up to snuff, and by golly, they were bound and determined to do something about it. They created stewardship directors for each division. Thirteen in all. They were given salary, benefits, and travel to shepherd the masses. They wanted to teach every man, woman, and child in the church about stewardship. In other words, you gotta spend money to make money. Of course it fell flat. Local churches and pastors were not really on board. It was a perfect storm, really. The GC had troubles with the strong dollar, less tithe money coming in, and a few questionable business practices. Something had to be done. We need to get people on board to start tithing! In the Fall o...

As Adventists, you have heard that having a medical job is sacred. That somehow you can work on The Sabbath because you are a healer. Ditto with other "emergency" jobs that someone else has deemed sacred. So, why is this? If you happen to work at a department store, and called to work on Saturday, we become militant. We tell them in no uncertain terms that they MUST get off. That they must trust God to somehow come to their rescue. However, if you have the privilege of being a doctor, we give you a pass. Or a nurse. We tell them they are doing some sort of God's work, so that is okay. Of course this makes us look foolish. Oh sure, some people say to give the money you earn on Sabbath back to the church, and you are pure.  But you still worked your regular job! Working on Sabbath seems to be okay so long as you : A) Have a medical or emergency job. And, perhaps.... B) Give the money back to the church. Of course this violates Sabbath keeping, does it not? Is one job sacred...