There was much prayer and song during this time, and I learned most of the songs in the hymnal by memory. Needless to say I was immersed in Adventist theories and doctrine from the earliest of ages. I was educated by the best pastors and theologians in the world who taught me how to study the bible and how to pray. I learned the scriptures while sitting at the feet of Jesus Christ who guided my education,

One of the things that I learned over the years is the difference between theoretical doctrines and practical Christianity. We tend to get unbalanced when we focus on one at the expense of the other. We can give a bible study on the Trinity and the nature of Christ which is extremely philosophical in nature, or we can tell people how to schedule their day, how to spend their money, how to dress, how to live a healthful life, and how to live out the Christian life in a practical way.

I believe the most effective ministers of the gospel balance both theological and practical Christianity in a way that is interesting and inspiring to the members of their congregation.

The next time you read a verse of scripture ask yourself how this verse fits into the bigger picture of biblical doctrine and the plan of salvation, but don’t forget to look for the practical spiritual applications that can help you gain spiritual blessing from God as you apply His word to your life.

Stephen Beagles (2020)

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” Job 13:15

Be at peace my friends and remember the words of Jesus:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Stephen Beagles (2020)

Let the people know that their salvation depends on the life and death of Christ their substitute who paid the penalty for their sins. Only the heart that has cast aside self-righteousness will receive the Holy Spirit who will make us Holy.

The more I know Christ as my Lord and Savior, I hear him tell me that holiness is about living a balanced life centered on biblical principles. Stay away from extremes. This means we will have to become stricter in some areas of life while becoming less strict in other areas. Stop straining out gnats while swallowing camels (Matthew 23:24).

Ellen White the founder of our Church warned against fanaticism and going to extremes: “As the end draws near, the enemy will work with all his power to bring in fanaticism among us. He would rejoice to see Seventh-day Adventists going to such extremes that they would be branded by the world as a body of fanatics. Against this danger I am bidden to warn ministers and lay members. Our work is to teach men and women to build on a true foundation, to plant their feet on a plain “Thus saith the Lord.”—Gospel Workers, 316 (1915).

We must be Holy as Christ was Holy. Remember, He was accused of breaking His own laws concerning the Sabbath. It was diligent Sabbath Keepers who demanded the death of Christ. Christ was perfectly balanced in His attitude towards the letter of the law and the Spirit of the law while rejecting the unhealthy fanaticism of the leaders of Israel.

Let us renew the urgency of the gospel of Jesus while guarding against the fanaticism of the evil one. Lift up Jesus and His death on the cross. Allow Him to draw all men unto Himself.

Stephen Beagles (2020)