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  "La dispensación levítica se distinguía de una manera notable por la santificación de la propiedad.  Cuando hablamos del diezmo como norma de las contribuciones judaicas a los propósitos religiosos, no lo hacemos con pleno conocimiento de causa.  El Señor mantenía sus requerimientos por encima de todo lo demás, y en casi todo se hacía recordar a los israelitas de su Dador, pidiéndoles que le devolviesen algo.  Se les pedía que pagasen rescate por su primogénito, por las primicias de sus rebaños y por las primeras gavillas de su mies.  Se les requería que dejasen las esquinas de sus campos para los indigentes.  Cuanto caía de su mano al segar debía quedar para los pobres, y una vez cada siete años debían dejar que las tierras produjesen espontáneamente para los menesterosos.  Luego, había ofrendas de sacrificio, ofrendas por el pecado y la remisión de todas las deudas cada séptimo año.  Había también numerosos gastos destinados a la hospitalidad y los donativos para los pobres y demás, pesadas contribuciones sobre las propiedades".  (Joyas de los Testimonios, tomo 1, pág. 547.     RECONOCIMIENTO DE LA BENEVOLENCIA DE DIOS

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by Pastor Donald J Gettys Living Within His Means Today I would like to speak to you about living within HIS means. So often we try to live within OUR means. I remember when my wife and I had three children, all in diapers at the same time, all under the age of twenty one months. What a challenge it was to make ends meet. She didn't work outside the home but she surely worked inside the home. One day we just had to have some bread, milk and things like that. We didn't have any money. I remember several days like that. We went through the drawers looking for change. She would say, "I found a quarter." Oh, it was wonderful. We finally found enough quarters, nickels, pennies and dimes to get some bread and potatoes and other small things we had to have. Those were hard times. I noticed one time when we had been scraping through the drawers trying to get enough money to get a few meager things at the grocery store and mainly eating out of our garden. We went to the grocery store, and the man ahead of us was paying for some things and he took a hundred dollar bill out of his billfold, out of his wallet. And I thought, 'How wonderful to be able to have that kind of money. It would be easy to live within his means.' And as we went out of the grocery store to the parking lot, I noticed that he got into a rather expensive car. And I though, 'I wish I had his kind of money." But I didn't. I thought of how easy it would be to live within his means. Our problem is that we have to live within "OUR" means! But do we have to live within our means? I would submit that we live within HIS means. The trouble is that we never seem to have enough money. But there is no distinction quite so impressive, and no independence so significant, as living within your means. Try it. Everybody ought to do it. Look in Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. We need help, don't we, with our finances, our money. The knowledge of how to put all this together fortunately here in the Bible. Did you know that the Bible offers five hundred verses on prayer, a few less than five hundred on faith, but more than two thousand verses on money and possessions. Fortunately there's a lot of wisdom and a lot of advice here. Our problem is that we always seem to want more stuff. I have a dear friend that I will not mention her name or her husband's name, but I went to visit them in their home not too long ago when we were traveling up north. Every room in her house was filled beyond capacity. There were just a little paths through all the bargains that she has accumulated over the years. Have you ever been in people's houses where there's a little path between all the do-dads and all of the junk that they have? The accumulation as pretty well filled the house. I don't know what all they have. I suppose there's a xylophone back in there. I don't know what all is back in there. I doubt if we know what all is back in there. You can barely get through. They can't even park their car in her two car garage. It's amazing. If only somehow we could be satisfied with what we have. Come to 1 Timothy for some good advice here. Every Christian needs to be content with what we have. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Every time I go to the grocery store I look at that item, I put it on the counter there and I think, 'Is this bread?' I guess it better to ask that when I take it off the shelf. That's when I need to determine what "is bread" and what "isn't bread." We need to spend our money for that which "is bread." People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. I want to go through about eight points here on how god will help us to manage our finances. 1 - GOD IS THE OWNER: That needs to be firmly fixed in our minds. God is the owner. He owns everything. If you really think about it, none of us own anything. All that our heavenly Father has is ours on loan. Our Father is rich in houses and lands. He owns everything. Because our father is rich that makes you and me rich. You are rich in God. So, never feel poor. A Christian isn't poor. Do you feel rich? You should because your Father owns it all. His means are your means. The late Bishop Edwin Hughes once delivered a rousing sermon on "God's Ownership" that put a rich parishioner's nose out-of-joint. The wealthy man took the Bishop to his house for lunch, and then walked him through his elaborate gardens, woodlands, and farm and pointed out all the acreage he owned and all the things that he had. He said, "Now are you going to tell me," he demanded when the tour was completed, "that all this land does not belong to me?" Bishop Hughes smiled and suggested, "Ask me that same question a hundred years from now." Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; The lawn mower that you mow your grass with belongs to God. Let's get specific here. Be sure to change the oil in his mower faithfully. You take care of God's lawn mower. You need to take care of the things God has entrusted into your hands. They belong to God. They are on loan from God. He owns everything. 2 - WE BELONG TO GOD Not only does He own all those things out there, but He owns us. We belong to Him. Isaiah 45:11,12 calls us God's children.- This is what the LORD says-- the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. So we belong to God, don't we. He owns us. So we need to take care, not only of our lawn mowers, we need to take care of ourselves. I appreciate my neighbor, Charlene Anderson starting this walking club. We ought to be all out walking. We ought to be exercising. We ought to be taking care of our bodies because they belong to God. We ought to offer them up as a living sacrifice. Exercise. Eat right. Sleep well. You belong to God. He wants healthy children. Do what you can to take care of yourself. 3 - GOD GIVES US SUB-OWNERSHIP Think about that. Deuteronomy 26:9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey;. Now, milk is bad for you, they say, and honey is bad for you, so sweet and everything. But somehow they ate it back then. But God gave it to them, didn't he. Does that mean it didn't belong to God anymore? No. So, it's a joint ownership. God has given you sub-ownership of many valuable things. We are stewards to care for the assets of the owner. Because God owns everything, and loans it to us free of charge and free of any interest, our hearts ought to be filled with a willingness to distribute to Him some of the things He has given to us. To return to Him the tithe He that He asks of us and give a liberal and generous offering to God. We are all capable of giving to God. And Whoever is capable of giving, is rich. A baseball player once said that his ambition in life was to hear his coach say at the time of the player's retirement, "You are the best baseball player I have ever coached." And I think my desire as a Christian is when I am able to meet my Maker that He will say, "Don Gettys, you have been faithful in little things, now I am going to entrust you with bigger things. You may enter into the joy of my kingdom." What a blessing that will be! And I want to be that type of person. I want to be faithful in little things. Bankers must be honest Soldiers must be brave Runners must be swift Weightlifters must be strong Stewards must be faithful. Stewards must be generous. I am a steward of God. And God entrusts me with money as a test; for like a toy to the child. Why do you give your child a little plastic toy? It is training for handling things of more value. Isn't that sort of the idea? If he can't take care of that, well, I'm not going to give you something really good because you'll just rip it apart. 4 - GOD PUTS US IN CONTROL OF HIS MONEY. Does God spend His money? Does God own money? Oh yes, He owns everything there is. Who spends all that money? We do. God puts us in control of spending His money. And I would submit to you that we are in control of the money and money ought not to be in control of us. All the good and attractive things of this world must never be allowed to control, or shackle a true Christian. Do we have any compulsive shoppers here in our church? Are there any compulsive shoppers here, raise your hands? No?! Well, when you go in the store, are you able to contain yourself? Maybe you ought not to go in the store. It's a place of temptation. A true steward will always be free. He or she will never be controlled by money. He will be his own person, liberated from the tyranny that ownership can easily exert. Do you own your money or does your money own you? Money is sort of like fire. It is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master. Jesus told about a man who was once owned by his money: Luke 12:16-20 And He told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool! Now why was he a fool? Because he was a good farmer? Because he had lots of good crops? He had a bountiful harvest? Why was he a fool? Let's read on: 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'" This is what will be with anyone who stores up thing for himself and is not rich toward God. We need to be rich toward God. Have you ever made a pledge, have you ever said, "you know, when this happens I fully intend on giving this amount of money to the church." If you made that pledge, you ought to keep that pledge. If you made a promise to God, you ought to keep that promise. And this man in this parable was controlled by his surplus, by his assets. he prepared all those things for himself. He didn't realize that all this bountiful harvest should have been dispersed to people that were in need. And Jesus called him a fool because of his decision of what to do with his surplus. Now, if you have a surplus and you decide to keep it all for your future you are a fool. I guess the real question is, "How much is enough?" Well, you may be thinking, "I need to retire here in a few years and I need to save all the money I can possibly save. I need a hundred thousand dollars in the bank." Well, maybe that's true. But how much is enough? If you get a hundred thousand, will you want more? Does it have to be more and more and more all the time? That's a big challenge to Christians today. Luke 12:21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." How do you become rich toward God? By depositing your life in His hands, by depositing your assets in the hands of Jesus and giving yourself to His work. We are either rich toward God or we are rich toward the devil. It's one or the other. We're either owned by worldly money or we are owned by God and managed by God, controlled by God. Remember the rich young ruler? He did not own his possessions, but his possessions owned him. The test of whether we own our money is IF we have the freedom and the power and the willingness to give it away. If not, our money owns us. Jesus passed the offering plate to the rich young ruler and he said, "I can't today. You're asking me to give too much. Modern Americans even when they think they are poor are actually living in luxury compared to most of the world. You should go to some of these other countries. They really have poverty. And our problem here in America with so many of us is that we can't distinguish between greed and need. What is the difference? Each person has to determine that for himself. Are you owned, are you managed and controlled by money? OR are you controlled by a LACK of money? Should Christians have a lack of money? Well, look at Romans 13:8, good advice in today's 1990's, almost at the turn of the millennium here. The lack of money should not control us. Avoid Debt. Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. We need to pay as we go, don't we. Doesn't that almost sound like a cash basis? And yet, how many people operate on a cash basis? Christians should not be in debt. We need to avoid debt like leprosy or aids! Americans have too many plastic passports to poverty: credit cards! You can buy your gasoline with those things. You could charge your groceries. You can do about anything with a credit card. Many people have average balances of over twenty-five thousand dollars! They are slaves. I saw a sign in the window of a store: "Try our new easy credit plan, one hundred percent down and nothing to pay each month. That's the kind of plan you'll like." Debt comes when we do not distinguish between ENOUGH and SURPLUS. We see and we buy. We charge it. And corporate manufacturer are very good. They have all sorts of numerous do-dads we not only do not need, but that we cannot afford. The "Need Creators" (advertisers) convince us that we really need the things we don't need and we rush out and buy them to satisfy our greed. If there were no greed they couldn't have a hold on us. The need creators could not be successful without our greed. The consequence is that even Christian Americans are so enslaved to debt that they find it hard to be faithful Christian stewards. We have bought cottages, travel trailers, boats, RV's, condos, land, houses and stuff whose depreciation alone will eat up all the financial surplus and bankrupt us. We have lost our personal freedom. Our "soul" belongs to the company store. Just about the time we think we can make both ends meet we move the ends. It is our greed that is killing us. A rich industrialist came to a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. He asked, "Why aren't you out there fishing?" "Well, I've caught enough fish for today," said the fisherman. "Well, it's only noon. If you go out and fish some more, you could be rich like me. Why don't you go do that?" The fisherman said, "Well, I don't know. What would I do with them," said the fisherman. "You could earn more money, buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could buy nylon nets and catch even more fish. You could buy bigger boats. Soon you'd have a fleet of boats. Then you'd be rich like me." "Then what would I do," asked the fisherman? "You could sit down and enjoy life!" "What do you think I am doing now?" the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to the sea. 5 - GOD GIVES US POWER TO GET WEALTH I Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. That's where we get wealth. Does God want His people to be wealth? Yes! You look at the people of the Bible. You look at Abraham, you look at Jacob, and Isaac and Job and Joseph and so many of the people of the Bible. Were they poor? Not very many. They were rich! Should Christians be wealthy? Yes! We ought to be, first of all, wealthy in the character of Jesus Christ. We ought to be wealthy in His righteousness. We ought to be wealthy in faith and hope and love. And we ought to be wealthy by other standards. God does not want us to have financial worries. He wants us to have financial peace. God never intended for us to be the poorest of the poor. Wealth is a gift, and it comes from God. 6 - GOD REQUIRES US TO BE RESPONSIBLE WITH MONEY. Let me ask you a question that I shouldn't ask you: Would Jesus buy a BMW? I've gone to meddling, haven't I. Nothing is more controversial than to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Nothing is more dangerous than to live out the will of God in today's contemporary world. It changes your whole monetary lifestyle. Let me put it quite simply: If Jesus has $40,000 and knew about the kids who are suffering and dying in Haiti, what kind of car would Jesus buy? Would it be a Cadillac? Now I've really gone to meddling, haven't I? Would He purchase a Jaguar? or a Farrari? What would Jesus do? I don't know what God wants you to do and I'm not criticizing those of you that drive BMW's and Jaguars. Maybe you have given more in proportion than everybody else. And God know that, doesn't he. God is our judge, and I'm so thankful for that. (Adapted from Tony Campolo in U (April/May 1988), Christianity Today, Vol. 32, no. 10.) I heard about a little girl who experienced a major breakthrough in her life when she learned to tie her own shoes. Instead of excitement, she was overcome by tears. Her father asked, "Why are you crying?" "I have to tie my shoes," she said. "You just learned how. It isn't that hard, is it?" "I know," she wailed, "but I'm going to have to do it for the rest of my life." My hunch is that some of us feel the same way when it comes to Christian stewardship. We learn that it's exciting to give. But isn't there just a tiny bit of dread because we know we have to do it over and over again for the rest of our lives? It ought to be a joy. Giving is a joy. Jesus says that He loves a cheerful giver. See 1 Corinthians 9:7. (From -- Heidi Husted, "The Sermon on the Amount," Preaching Today, Tape No. 122.) Come over to 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. What is that telling us? Did you catch a little phrase in here? "In keeping with his income." The man who makes sixty thousand dollars a year will give far more than the man that makes fifty thousand dollars a year because he has that extra surplus, unless he has sued it to buy expensive things and build bigger barns. Begin your giving to God at the beginning of the week. By Sabbath you will be prepared with a generous gift. 2 Co 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Have you given God a pickle When He deserved a peach? If God's in need of peaches And we offer Him a pickle, We're trying to buy His blessing With a selfish old plug nickel! Be careful. I think God needs peaches. 7 - GOD BLESSES GIVERS If you give to God, you will be blessed. Proverbs 3:9,10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. When your barns are overflowing, should you build a bigger barn? God blessed Jacob and his family. Genesis 45:18 ".... I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land." To close, I want to give you an illustration on fat. Fat is beautiful. Would you agree? Have you heard that said? Is Fat good? Yes. Listen to Dr. Paul Brand, a medical doctor who has worked with lepers in India. "Fat is absolutely gorgeous," says Brand, "When I perform surgery, I marvel at the shimmering, lush layers of fat that spread apart as I open up the body. Those cells insulate against cold, provide protection for the valuable organs underneath, and give a firm, healthy appearance to the whole body." Have you ever thought of fat like that? He continues: "But those are just side benefits. The real value of fat is that fat is a storehouse. Locked in those fat cells are the treasures of the human body. When I run or work or expend any energy, fat cells make that possible. They act as banker cells. It's absolutely beautiful to observe the cooperation among those cells!" Dr. Brand compares body fat to the church, the body of Christ. Each individual Christian in a relatively wealthy country like America is called to be a fat cell. America has a fat deposit of material wealth and spiritual resources. Christians must wisely use those resources to benefit the rest of the body. Attempt to think of yourself as a fat cell in the body of Christ; a dispenser of energy, of wealth, of power. What can a church do if all the fat cells get together. Think about that. When there is a need somewhere within the body respond generously to meet it. Destiny has placed you where you can lift when lifting is needed. Focus on your privilege of directing your stored holdings into the work. The job of a fat cell is to accumulate that it may dispense in times of need. You were created to be a dispenser! Ephesians 4:28, He should do something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Be like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve- Mark 10:45 8 - GOD REIMBURSES HIS PEOPLE FOR THEIR GIFTS! Do you believe that? Proverbs 11:24,25 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. God will reimburse you for your tithe. Let us live within the means that God provides for us. Let us be generous with the money God gives us. Let us trust in Jesus and we will be rich in His righteousness and abundant grace. Opening Hymn: 15 My Maker and My King Scripture: Responsive Reading: #821. Closing hymn: 572 Give of your best to the Master McDonald Road Sermons

STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT: AN ADVENTIST IMPERATIVE Paul Mhlanga, Solusi University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Introduction Among Seventh-day Adventist Christians, stewardship is a concept largely associated with the body temple, time, talents and treasure, with most emphasis being placed on stewardship of treasure. A friend of mine who once served as a Conference Stewardship Director admitted during a personal interview that he was disappointed one day when he bought two books bearing stewardship titles only to discover much to his dismay that the books where dwelling on stewardship of treasure. As one reads the bulk of Adventist literature on stewardship he or she discovers that the subject of stewardship of the environment is either given little attention or is not mentioned at all. These observations make it clear that stewardship of the environment is a peripheral subject in Adventist thinking. The aim of this paper is to; 1. Point out some impediments that have contributed to Adventist's lack of high level of awareness and commitment to environmental care; 2. Give reasons why Adventist should view themselves as key players in matters of the environment. 3. Examine three working relationships between humans and the environment. Although we shall discuss the environment in general we shall at the conclusion of this paper make practical suggestions with regard to handling of natural disasters and responsible use of land. Impediments to Environmental Stewardship Among Adventists According to Gene Johnson there are three prevailing concepts among Seventh-day Adventists, which hinder them from a higher level of awareness and participation in matters of the environment. The first concept is based on the belief that the Lord is coming soon and that at His coming He will destroy the earth. The natural conclusion following this trend of thinking is "why worry about something that will be soon destroyed"[1] The second factor is what Johnson refers to as "fanatiphobia" which is actually fear of being labeled on "ecofreak" if one emphasizes environmental concerns.[2] The third factor has to do with accepting other people as one's role models in matters of environmental care. The problem with this pattern of operation is that one ends up doing wrong things to the environment because others are doing it.[3] We may also add another factor, which we will refer to as the "battlefield mentality". Those who operate under his mode of thinking treat this world as a battlefield where they are contending with forces of evil. Naturally people do not care much for the battlefield as they do for their homes. These are some of the factors that we see as impediments to Adventist's environmental awareness. Meanwhile, the world is experiencing many environmental changes, some positive, some negative, some brought about by human activity, some brought about by spontaneous natural powers, some originating from divine power while some originate from demonic forces. The bottomline is, whatever change comes and whatever its source, it does affect human life one way or another and for that reason humans have to reckon with it. The world outside is taking environmental issues seriously. This is demonstrated by the amount of literature that is coming out to address matters of the environment. As I write now I have before me a good number of books recently published by non Adventists on the subject of the environment. Major meetings concerning the environment have been conducted in places like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nairobi in Kenya; Kyoto in Japan and many other places all over the world in this last decade. Government agencies, religious organizations and private organizations are all involved. All these are involved for various reasons and to achieve different purposes. We want to highlight reasons why Adventists must be involved. Following are the reasons we shall discuss in the paper: 1 . God created this world perfect 2. God created man a steward 3. When man fell God reconciled man to himself 4. The Sabbath serves to remind men to inculcate a culture of environmental care. 5. God's example challenges human beings to care for the environment, 6. God will actually redeem this world. 6. The World at Creation God created a perfect world described as very good at the time of its completion (Gen.1:31). The Hebrew word "bara" used in connection with creating the world means to begin and has connotations of making something new.[4] Ellen White gave a beautiful description of the world as it came from God's hands. She says: "As the earth came from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains. interspersed with rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms. There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts, graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful."[5] This was the first state of the world. It was marked by beauty, goodness, perfection and cleanness. This is the place Adam and Eve had for their first home and it is the natural environment they were commanded to execute their dominion over. It was not only good because of conditions in the natural environment, it was also good because it was disease free, pain free and death free. It is important to us in that it reveals God's original ideal environment for us, which should serve as our model home even today. It is important also because it tells us this world belongs to God, its Creator. God Created Man a Steward God created man as a steward. A steward in Mel Rees' definition is "one who manages the property of another."[6] That man was created a steward is made evident by the nature of responsibilities and commands God issued to humans at creation. The key terms we shall consider in this respect are: 1. image of God. 2. be fruitful and multiply 3. subdue the earth 4. dominion 5. dress it and keep it. A. Image of God The image of God as elucidated upon most insightfully by Angel Rodrigues means that humans resembled God in all areas of being. i.e. morally, mentally physically and socially.[7] Among all His earthly creatures, it is only to humans that God could make the social appeal. "Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). It is only to humans that God could make the intellectual appeal, "Come now, let us reason together" (Isa 1: 18). It is only to humans that God could give the mental task to give names to animals (Gen 2:19). Rodrigues also observed that it takes a mind that can comprehend an animal's characteristics in order to come up with a name that corresponds to those characteristics.[8] In short humans were at creation equipped with the ability to shoulder responsibility and therefore could function as God's stewards over the environment. B. Be Fruitful and Multiply The expression "Be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28) usually associated with human procreation actually has direct implications on humans as productive managers of God's creation. Judeo-Chastan scholars who recently produced a book on environmental stewardship also indicated that this expression has to do with humans joining God in making "provision for our temporal well-being and enhancing the beauty and fruitfulness of the rest of the earth."[9] The call to be fruitful therefore is to be viewed as indicating the call by God to humans for productive and fruitful management of the world. To the Adventist Christian it is a clarion call for him/her to play an active role in the management of the environment. C. Replenish and Subdue the Earth This expression does not license humans to abuse the world but it encourages them to make good use of its resources. A perceptive comment on this passage was given by a panel of Judeo-Christian scholars whose work was edited by Michael B. Barkey. They said: "The Hebrew for conquering or subduing, (i.e. "koveish") clearly distinguishes between annihilating and conquering. The former is a verb for utterly destroying one's enemy. The latter refers to leaving one's enemy's resources and abilities intact and even enhancing them, but redirecting them for one's own end. That is what we are told to do with the natural world. We may not destroy, but we may use them in every possible beneficial manner."[10] The message to the Adventist Christian is clear. Take care of the world and use its resources without damaging it. Be productive without being destructive. D. Dominion What God did in His sphere, taking care of the universal environment, humans were to do, taking care of the earth's environment. It is therefore not surprising that after God created humans in His own image He gave them dominion over the entire earth. "And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish" of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Gen. 1:26). The word "dominion" has to do with humans receiving administrative rule over the earth from God. This word carries connotations of "benevolent kingly care."[11] Implied in human dominion over the world therefore is the concept of care. As a good benevolent king takes care of his subjects, humans are supposed to take care of their environment. The word dominion reminds humans that they have a kingship role to play over their environment. Michael Barkey warned against misuse of one's dominion. He said: "If man executes dominion in a way that ultimately destroys nature's creative potential or denies the human family the fruits of creation, such actions, constitute an offense against God's original plan of creation."[12] Human dominion over the earth therefore has the well being of humans at heart and the welfare of the environmental as a matter of prime importance. Humans should nourish the environment if they are to be nourished by it. The relationship between humans and the environment is one of interdependence. Dress it and keep it The expression "dress it and keep it" (Gen 2:15) conveys the idea of serving the environment. In the words of Professor Richard Davidson at a Faith and Learning Seminar held at Loma Linda University in July, 2000, the two words "dress" and "keep" in Hebrew respectively mean "to serve" (adad) and "to guard" (samar).[13] According to Caleb Rosado these terms express a sense of caring for rather than the usual sense of exploiting and raping the earth as many think the word dominion implies.[14] The terms discussed point to one truth, that God created humans as stewards and He expects them to exercise their stewardship responsibilities over the environment, among other things. Qualities of A Good Steward Two qualities stand out as demanding discussion with regard to attributes of a good steward; faithfulness and accountability. A. Faithfulness The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian church said: "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" I Corinthians 4:2. The Lord Jesus appealed, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household to give them their portray of meat in due season. Blessed is the servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath" Luke 12:42-44. In the two texts just cited stewardship is associated with faithfulness. The word faithful comes from the Greek word, pistos that means " genuine and trustworthy."[15] It has connotations of dependability and reliability. it calls Christian men and women to a life of dependability to the Lord in all areas of life including environmental care. Describing a steward Ellen White says the steward must identify with the master's interests and should attempt to do as the master would do if he were presiding over his own goods.[16] Faithfulness, then is a pivotal quality in stewardship. To Adventists the call to faithful stewardship is a call not only to good environmental care but more importantly, it is a call to a good relationship to God. In fact we seek the relationship to God as the basis of successful stewardship because it is in the framework of a good relationship between the Divine and the human that God's interests are revealed to man and it is also in the framework of a good divine -human relationship that humans find both the motivation and the capacity to implement God's design for the environment. B. Accountability The next essential attribute of a steward is accountability. Accountability means the quality of being accountable or responsible.[17] This term has connotations of answerability and being held responsible. This concept has been well illustrated in the parable of the talents where the Lord says He shall require recipients of talents to give an account of how they made use of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The world, like talents, has been divided into many small parts with each person receiving his/her portion. Each one of us will give an account of how we used our portions. The Lord says He will destroy those who destroy the earth. (Rev 11: 18). The Problem of Sin God originally made a perfect world. Sin entered and changed the whole picture. Sin turned man from a faithful, dependable, responsible steward into a selfish unreliable being. According to Rodrigues sin led humans to strive selfishly for self-preservation.[18] Sin actually leads one to sacrifice his/her relationship to God, fellowmen and the environment on the altar of self gratification. Man's sin affected the environment. Ellen White described the relational changes that came between humans and other creatures after the fall of Adam and Eve. She captures the sad picture in the following words, "Under the curse of sin all nature was to witness to man of the character and results of rebellion against God. When God made man, He made him ruler over the earth and all living creatures. So long as Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature was in subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law the inferior creatures rebelled against his rule"[19] In addition to nature's rebellion Ellen White describes changes in creation that subjected Adam and Eve to emotional trauma. These include the failing and decaying of leaves and flowers. Weather patterns changed also. This was but the beginning of the manifestation of sin's consequences over the natural environment. Some consequences that came upon the natural world on account of the entrance of sin include things like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods, storms, Elnino currents and global warming. In addition to natural disasters above there are environmental problems that came as a result of human mismanagement of the environment. These include things like air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, land mine problems and many other problems. These problems above brought -it untold misery to human life. Diseases of various kinds and painful deaths have been witnessed on account of the above listed consequences of sin. Sin ruptured humans relationship to the environment. It is because of sin that the "whole creation groweth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Rom 8:32). Reconciliation Sin destroyed God's image in man and without God's image humans lost the capacity to function as God's faithful stewards. In order to restore man to the status of a faithful steward, God came up with a plan of reconciliation. God effected the plan by sending His Son Jesus to come into this world to die in order to reconcile humans to God. Once accomplished, reconciliation had implications on human's relationship to God and the environment. Reconciliation leads one to a place where he/she recognizes and accepts their place in the universe, and rejects usurping of God's authority or claim of ownership. One reconciled operates as a faithful steward. We need to emphasize that when one is reconciled to God and is restored of His image what changes is not the environment around. What changes is the individual's perception of himself/herself in relationship to the environment. Once the individual is reconciled he/she is expected to give their surroundings quality care as was given to the Eden home by Adam and Eve. Environmental change then comes as a result of a spiritual change in man. The essence of the message of reconciliation is "back to Eden" and also "forward to Eden" encouraging the believer to look both back to Eden created and to look forward to Eden restored. The Sabbath And Environmental Stewardship The doctrine of the Sabbath stands as a symbol of environmental care. The following discussion largely based on Samuel Bacchiocchi's insights identifies links between the Sabbath doctrine and the environment. • The Sabbath helps man to recover scriptural values that ultimately equip him to act as God's steward of the body temple and the rest of the created order.[20] • As a memorial of creation the Sabbath reminds human beings that this world though marred now by effects of sin was originally created good and for that reason it still has value before God. [21]Humans ought to value it as well. • To the extent that the Sabbath offers humans an anticipation and foretaste of the new heaven and new earth (Isa. 66 22-33), it reassures humans that God values it because he shall restore it.[22] • To the extent that the Sabbath reminds humans that they share with the earth in the creation, sanctification and redemption and final restoration, the Sabbath leads humans to view the world as a working partner.[23] • Sabbath keeping by Christians is a form of acknowledging that God is the Creator and Owner of everything. Humans view their role as that of stewards of God since they own nothing but owe everything to God.[24] • The Sabbath calls on man to refrain from gainful use of the environment and thus inculcate in humans a culture of environmental recovery as opposed to a culture of environmental exploitation.[25] Adventists being Sabbath keepers should therefore demonstrate a high commitment to environmental care since the Sabbath provides them with so many pointers concerning the value of this world and humans' responsibilities and obligations to it. · God's Care for the Environment God's care for the environment is exemplary to human beings. The Bible has several passages, on God's care for the environment. We shall focus on two passages only, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament for purposes of making our point. In the Old Testament the passage that speaks most forthrightly of God's care for the environment is Psalm 104. Reading through it one gets the impression that all creatures live from day to day because of God's providential care and that the earth remains firmly positioned because of God's sustaining power. We shall capture some of the texts in this Psalm, which portray the Lord as Provider of the needs of all creation. "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every heart of the field, the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers, the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that he may bring food out of the earth" (Psalm 10410-14) . And also, "these all wait upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season." (Psalm 10427). Whereas G.C. Leupold suggested that the theme to Psalm 104 is "God's Superlative Greatness" we suggest that the theme to this Psalm is "Environmental Care, God's Business" since the Psalm portrays the Lord 26 deeply involved in caring for the environment.[26] In the New Testament the Lord stands again as the Arch-model of environmental care because he is portrayed as the God who feeds the fowls of the air and clothes the flowers of the field. (Matthew 6 25-28). To Christians God is our example in all things and His care for the environment should inform our relationship to the environment as well. The World's Redemption This world will come to an end state of perfection through divine intervention. In that intervention the earth will experience renewal and not annihilation as aptly pointed out by Angel Rodrigues. Listen to his insights: "The apocalyptic conflagration of the natural world is to be understood as an act of redemption, which leads, to the renewal of creation and not to its extinction. It is a transitional point from a world infected by sin to one liberated from it. If is not a denial of nature but a reaffirmation of its goodness, the experience of nature can be contrasted with that of the wicked powers. They will be totally destroyed, extinguished from God's universe, without any possibility-of recreation. They will be condemned as essentially evil. Not so with the natural world. The final conflagration is its liberation."[27] Rodrigues further asserts "Nature is not expecting a future participation in the eternal destruction of the wicked but rather "into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Rom 8: 21).[28] We see that God values this world in that although it has been infected by sin God still preserves it. It has survived the entrance of sin, the Noahic flood and it will, by God's grace survive the apocalyptic conflagration. It is true that the world as it exists now will soon come to an end, and it is true that this world is the battlefield between good and evil but nevertheless, on account of the fact that we are now reconciled to God, and an account of the fact that God has given us the Sabbath, and on account of the fact God Himself has given us an example of environmental care, and an account of the fact that God is going to redeem this world, we ought to care for it. It is our home now and will be our eternal home after its redemption. Basic Assumptions that Govern Relationships Between Humans and the Environment Generally there are three assumptions which govern humans in their relationship to the natural world. The first assumption sees nature as superior to man. The second assumption views nature as equal to man whilst the last assumption views man as superior to nature. Each of these assumptions is based on one, or more philosophic and religious foundations. We shall take each assumption at a time and suggest the possible religious or philosophic foundations that form its basis. We will also point out the implications of each philosophy's views on the human/nature relationships. A. I. Nature is Superior to Man Under the assumption that says nature is superior to man we shall consider two philosophies: Naturalism and African Traditional Religion. Naturalism is a philosophy, which essentially teaches that humans have no control over nature but are themselves subject to nature. In addition, this philosophy teaches that people do not possess the capacity to make moral choices since in this philosophy's view everything a person does is governed by either heredity, environment or both. Karl Beckson in the "Colliers Encyclopedia" agrees with most of the facts concerning naturalism as described above but he also goes on to shed more light on the subject by noting that naturalism is a philosophy derived from Darwinian conception of nature which emphasizes "man's animal nature and denies his relation to any supernatural reality. "[29] Naturalism has the following implications to man's relationship with the environment. 1. Man is a slave of nature and must therefore serve nature's needs. 2. Man operates on animal instincts and is therefore not accountable for his actions. 3. Since naturalism says there is no God there is no reference point for what is right and what is wrong. 4. Since nature is man's master, man should not explore nature or interfere with nature. Man should give nature the respect he gives to either a human master or to God. The major problem of naturalism is that it has not only reversed God's order for the relationship that should exist between man and the natural world but that it has also dismissed God out of the picture altogether. If we were to summarize naturalism's essence on the basis of the description's above, we would conclude that nature is divine, humans are nature's creation, God does not exist. We therefore reject naturalism because of the role-confusion that it promotes in the God-man-environment relationship. II. African Traditional Religion The African Traditional Religion rests firmly on the foundation of worshipping God through the ancestors. Dead people, especially the elderly, are viewed as still alive and still taking care of the family that remains. In connection with the environment, it is believed that certain spots of ground or hills, water pools or forests are the dwelling places of ancestors and therefore constitute "holy ground" whose trees or general vegetation should not be tempered with. One who chooses to "meddle" with those places, does so only at the risk of incurring the wrath of the spirits. In the traditionally protected woodland sites of Zimbabwe, it will be noted that there are places regarded as sacred which are supposed to be "places of respect for the ancestors to prevent " epidemics, famines and droughts.[30] The implications to man's stewardship of the environment are largely negative. Problems associated with the special "sacred places" include: 1. The institutionalization of worship through dead people. 2. Giving to hills, rivers or trees respect that is due to God alone. 3. Belief in the existing of sacred places discourages beneficial use of natural resources by people. 4. Promotion of a religion born of fear. 5. Man cannot be a good steward if he/she fears some places over which he/she should exercise control. Clearly man cannot be a good steward of God if he worships God through channels other than Jesus Christ who reconciles us to God. Fear is a wrong motivation for execution of any duty, including caring for the environment. We therefore reject African Traditional religion to serve as the ideology or religious base that informs our relationship to the environment. Both Naturalism and African Traditional Religion unfortunately seem to agree on placing man below the rest of creation, a place that is clearly contrary to revealed religion and therefore deserve not only to be mentally rejected but also to be practically discarded by every serious minded Christian. These teachings reduce humans to the place where humans worship what they ought to manage and fear what they ought to explore. These teachings are therefore serious impediments to productive stewardship. We therefore agree with Sammuelle Bacchiochi when he says "Secular ideologies can only motivate people to respect nature and its resources out of fear of punishment and annihilation if environment laws are disregarded. Fear of consequences, however, can at best restrain some from exploiting, polluting or destroying the environment, but it cannot produce a genuine love and " respect for all forms of life. Fear can compel but does not convince.[31] Nature is equal to man The second assumption we shall look at is the concept of egalitarianism. According to this concept, all created living things are equal and no one species of living things should claim superiority over others I) Nature is Equal to Man Among theories that view nature as equal to man are: 1. the concept of egalitarianism and the theory of evolution. Egalitarianism claims that all living things are equal. On account of this equality no one species of living things should claim superiority over others. One of the proponents of this position, Bill Mollison along with Reny Mia Slay pointed out; "I think harmony with nature is possible only if we abandon the idea of superiority over the natural world. Levi Strauss said that our profound error is that we have always looked upon ourselves as "Master of creation", in the sense of being above it. We are not superior to other life forms; all living things are an expression of life. If we could see that truth, we would see that everything we do to other life-forms we also do to ourselves. A culture which understands this does not, without absolute necessity, destroy any living thing."[32] This is the position advocated by most environmental activists. Its dangers are: 1. Egalitarianism causes unnecessary sense of quilt. e.g. If an individual cuts a tree or kills an animal, egalitarianism seems to equate this with the killing of a person since "everything we do to other life forms we also do to ourselves." 2. It contradicts the plain Bible teaching which says God created man in a superior state to that of other life forms. This concept, we see as discouraging man to use with a free conscience those forms of life God placed under his dominion at creation and therefore must be discarded. The other teaching, which promotes equality of humans to the rest of creation, is the theory of evolution. Evolution teaches that human beings are "a result of the long process of unaided evolution that converted primitive protoplasm into each one of us."[33] Following are the dangerous implications of this teaching as noted by Judeo-Christian scholarship. 1. There is no Creator and no instructional manual for life. 2. Humans are obliged to follow their instincts. 3. Since God is not there, there is no one to take care of the cosmic threats to the earth. 4. Human beings are nothing more than sophisticated animals. 5. Animals have the same rights as humans since "We are all animals and no animal should have any special species-specific rights that all other animals do not enjoy."[34] The theory of evolution and its erroneous implications we reject because it reduces human beings to the level of animals. Judeo Christian scholarship also contemptuously responded to the theory of evolution. Here is their statement of response: "Again if we are nothing but sophisticated animals, it is only right that important decisions should be made for us by the elite group of people playing the roles of zoo-keeper or farmer... Since nature is the ultimate good, our zoo- keepers will determine that no burden is too heavy for us to shoulder in service to our god of nature. "[35] The theory of evolution is to be viewed, as an enemy of responsible stewardship and therefore Adventist Christians have no option but to shun it. It was never God's plan that a human being should relate to animals as an animal to another animal. Man's Superiority to Nature That humans were created in a superior position to the rest of this world's creation we have already demonstrated in the discussion focusing on the creation of man and the commands God gave to human beings at creation. In this part we shall only discuss a few but key principles that should govern human beings in their relationship to the environment. As stewards of God human beings should feel free to use the earth's resources, but in so doing they are not to abuse the environment. Talking to this principle Barkey rightly noted "The principle at work here is of course precisely the same biblical principle that prohibits self-maiming, destroying a rented apartment or even having an abortion. This is to say tenants do not have the same rights as owners. We humans do not own the world, our bodies or the habitations we rent. Thus we may improve them but not destroy them."[36] This principle clearly discourages wanton destruction of God's creation and calls on humans to act as responsible stewards with a mission to develop the world, making it a better place to live in. The second principle enjoins that human needs take precedence over the needs of subhuman forms of life. The rest of creation should be viewed as serving the purpose of meeting human needs and when there is a conflict between human needs and animals needs, human needs deserve to be considered first over and above animal needs. On account of this principle we reject the position of those who view animals as deserving equal rights to humans. Inasmuch as we value development we need to avoid that kind of development, which endangers human life like the manufacture, and use of weapons of mass destruction. During the second world war for instance, two nuclear bombs were exploded, one at Hiroshima and the other at Nagasaki in Japan and more than eighty thousand innocent civilians were killed. Richard Nixon warned the world on the dangers of using weapons of mass destruction. Noting that the first and second world wars which were fought using conventional weapons for the most part accounted for the loss of more than sixty five million lives, Nixon went on to forecast that a third world war which may make use of nuclear weapons is likely to bring civilization as we know it now to an end.[37] Our appeal is that the world should focus on betterment of human life. We cannot afford development which reverses the gains of civilization and adds misery to human life. In fact that development is not development at all but a denial of faithful stewardship before God. We support the kind of development that adds to human health, freedom, prosperity, and happiness. Such development glorifies God. We also want to underscore the fact that the earth's resources should be used responsibly. · Practical Suggestions In this section we have two subsections. In each subsection we identify an environmental issue, justify its selection, and proceed to give theological and practical suggestions of tackling the issue under consideration. The two areas to be considered are: natural disasters, and land. A. Natural Disasters A disaster is a calamity, catastrophe or devastating event which is characterised by heavy losses of human life, aggravated human suffering, and other losses that lead to increased human misery. A natural disaster fits in with the above definition but it is caused by unusual natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes or monsoon winds. We shall focus our attention on cyclones, because the sad memories of three devastating cyclones that hit Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the period from February to March, 2000 is still fresh in the minds of millions of inhabitants of this Southern part of Africa. The deadly cyclones named Eline, Gloria and Hudah brought about heavy physical, biological, social and economic losses to the region. We shall cite some of the losses here: A Zimbabwean national newspaper "The Chronicle" of March 10, 2000 reported that 270 000 people had been displaced by the floods in Mozambique and 20 000 were reported as left stranded by the storms.[38] 130 people were reported dead in Madagascar in the same issue while 10 000 were reported as left homeless and 12 000 stranded. [39] The March 6, issue of the Chronicle reported that a million people in Mozambique urgently needed food, medicine and shelter. The March 7 issue reported that 100 people had been killed by floods in Zimbabwe .[40] The same issue also reported that in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe 1, 2 billion worth of maize crop had been destroyed by the cyclones.[41] On March 12 the Chronicle carried the sensational story of a woman who had given birth on a tree in Mozambique. She had been there for five days when the helicopter that rescued her and her new born baby arrived.[42] On March 19 it was reported that there was an outbreak of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, bronchitis and conjunctivitis in the 65 refugee camps where the flood victims were staying in Mozambique with 492 people confirmed dead.[43] Considering the magnitude of suffering of millions of people in the Southern African region faced during the cyclone, I thought it necessary to share practical suggestions on dealing with national disasters of this type. I have divided the suggestions into three parts: 1. What can be done before a disaster occurs? 2. What can be done when a disaster is happening? 3. What can be done after the disaster.? Most insights were included by students from the department of Environment Science, Solusi University. Period Before the Disaster We subscribe to the old adage that says prevention is better than cure, and we therefore propose that before a cyclone occurs the following preventive measures be taken: 1. National prayer and call to repentance; We do understand that prayer and repentance can change things. In the Bible we find the story of Jonah, which indicates that God had intended to destroy Nineveh on account of her sins. When Jonah preached and the people repented, God stayed away the judgment he had pronounced. (Jonah 3:1-10 In Egypt God poured out His plagues on the nation only after Pharaoh had rejected God's message. (Exodus 8 - 13). If Pharaoh had responded positively to God's word the plagues on Egypt might not have come. In Sodom and Gomorrah God rained brimstone and fire only after the citizens had spurned God's message that came through Lot. (Gen 191-25). We are advocating that when predictions of a national disaster are made, a national day of fasting, prayer and confession must be set apart when the nation as a whole turns to God in prayer. When people pray, God intervenes and disaster is averted. 2. When a storm is already on its way we still feel that prayer may accomplish what technology alone is not able to do. When the cyclones were wreaking havoc in this Southern African region cyclone detectors were able to tell the velocity of the cyclone and estimate the amount of destruction it could cause but they were not able to control the storm. God is able to stop a coming storm or to change its direction in answer to prayer. Sometimes prayer is the only thing that can work. In the Bible we see God opening the Red Sea (Exodus 14 21), the Jordan, (Joshua 315-17) , and we see Jesus stilling storms (Matthew 8 26). When a disaster is on its way let us remember to pray. 3. Governments and Humanitarian Organizations should keep equipment for rescue operations always in place. Helicopters makeshift tents and medical supplies must be always in place. 4. Technology is challenged to come up with storm detecting equipment which can detect bad weather patterns way in advance in order to allow for reasonably good time of notifying and evacuating potential victims of storms. 5. Governments and humanitarian organizations including churches should include in their organizational budgets a disaster relief fund so that when a disaster strikes those funds are employed to service the needs created by the disaster. 6. It is, we feel, the responsibility of the government to give public warnings to people through the media concerning a looming disaster. 7. People in general should be trained in skills of survival. 8. People must be evacuated from areas of danger to safer areas. Action must be swift The Period When A Disaster is Taking Place 1. When a disaster is in process urgent action must be taken to rescue people involved. Governments should bury all political differences and embark on one mission, saving lives with a sense of urgency. More lives are lost sometimes because help comes too late. Governments should appeal for help from the international community. We are a global village in the sense that information today moves very fast. This arm of technology must be used to the advantage of those people affected by disasters. We should globally act in concert to serve life. If only the global community had responded with one accord during the cyclones in Southern Africa, many lives would have been saved. 2. Christians must be involved in rescue operation from the beginning, giving whatever assistance they are able to render. For the church, it is important to note that when we demonstrate love to people when they are in crisis, they will in most cases believe what we preach. We Christians should regard world crises as opportunities for service, evangelism and growth. 3. Christians should care for bereaved families, counselling them. 4. Treatment should be given to those hit by disease because of the storms. 5. Government along with humanitarian organizations should source shelter, clothing and food for those affected. 5. What to Do After a Cyclone 1. Help families rebuild their homes. 2. Continue to give medical attention to those who will still be sick. 3. Since most of the affected people will have lost almost all of their possessions it is vital on the part of those well positioned to help to continue sourcing for as much material help on behalf of the affected. These people must be helped to begin all over again; otherwise they will forever constitute a group of people permanently incapacitated. They may suffer the aftermath of the disaster the rest their life and even pass on that tragic legacy to the next generation, we encourage each person to feel that we are each other's keeper. Let us extend brotherly love to one another when the need arises. 4. Rebuild all destroyed buildings, roads and communication facilities and restore destroyed land to its original state. Land Use The issue of land use is of our concern in this paper because of various factors related to land on the continent of Africa. To begin with, the Zimbabwean national newspaper, "The Herald," noted with concern the fact that forty percent of the world's agricultural land is in the process of being degraded due to soil erosion in Central America, soil nutrient depletion in Africa, and salinization in Asia.[44] The same article in the Herald also reported that the world which is currently producing 1,8 billion metric tones of grain will need an additional 40% in the next two decades. [45] Because of improper land use in some cases the harvests are poor and malnutrition is widespread on the continent and the infant mortality rate is high. On the political scene the issue of land distribution took centre stage in the rundown to the parliamentary elections of June 2000 in Zimbabwe. How much the Zimbabwean experience has influenced other countries on the continent is not clear. The United Nations has also reported that the Sahara desert is spreading at the rate of twelve to nineteen kilometres per year due to agricultural activities of nomadic herders. If we average the spread of the desert to fifteen kilometers per year and then think of the amount of land area that will have been turned to desert in ten years time the issue of proper land use becomes a pressing need for urgent consideration and redress on the continent of Africa. 4. Land As A Gift from God Land should be treated as a gift from God. Firstly it is God who created the world and gave it to Adam so that he could manage it, (Genesis 126-28) . To Abraham and his descendants God repeatedly impressed the idea that land is a gift from Him. "Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, "Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father's house unto a land I will show thee" (Genesis 123). "And the Lord said unto Abraham, after that Lot was separated from him, "Lift up thine eyes, and took from the place where thou art, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land which those seest, to thee will I give and to thy seed forever" (Gen. 13: 14-15). To Moses in Midian the Lord said "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt.... And I am come down to deliver thou out of the land of the Egyptians and to bring them up out, of that land unto a good land flowing with-milk and honey" (Ex 3:7-8). To Abraham and his descendants, land was viewed as a gift from God. God wanted the nation of Israel to also grasp the reality that humans were supposed to value their relationship to God above their relationship to land. They were to value the giver above the gift. For that reason God promised to bless Israel on condition of loving obedience. If Israel obeyed God, God would prosper them with good health, abundance of children, good agricultural yields, protection from enemies, and abundance of rains (Deut 2-81-14). On the other hand disobedience on the part of Israel would reap divine curses like poor agricultural yields (Deut 2824), death (Deut 28"), disease (Deut 28 24 ), defeat in war (Deut 28 41 ) and many other problems. Land is a gift to be used with reference to the Giver, God. God is concerned with our attitude to Him and one another. Practical Suggestions on Land Use Bill Mollison and Mia Reny Slay came up with suggestions, which we view as invaluable in land use methods and we are going ahead to endorse them. 1. In interacting with the environment one should think of the long-term effects of his or her actions. 2. Plan for sustainability. Sustainability has been defined as the use of the earth's resources in the present, which does out compromise the good of the next generation. 3. Increase the yields; work always with a view to increase production. 4. Reforest the earth and restore fertility to the soil. 5. Use everything to its maximum level and recycle all wastes. 6. Respect life in all forms; do not engage in reckless destruction of life of either animals or plants. 7. Use low energy environmental systems like solar energy, wind and water to generate energy. 8. Change our philosophy from one of consumption to one of production.[46] We may add to this list suggestions on three things that may be done to deal with deserts. 1. Open up irrigation schemes in the deserts and turn them to productive land. 2. Explore deserts for mineral wealth that may be lying hidden underground. 3. Find ways of arresting further spreading of the deserts, for example let those people with expertise such as those linked with deserts, which have been turned to productive land as the Californian deserts, come and begin productive projects in deserts like the Sahara. With see these suggestions as of great value in land use because they seek increased productivity and land protection at the same time. Conclusion We propose that Adventist Christians should be proactive in matters of environmental care. The message of the environment has its roots in the Bible, Believing as we do in the doctrines of creation, reconciliation, the Sabbath and redemption we have no excuse to remain aloof on matters of the environment. We should, on account of our rich understanding of these great truths play a leading role in environmental care. By God's grace we can. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Gene Johnson "Keepers of the Garden" Ministry (August 1988): 12. [2] Ibid. 13 [3] Ibid. 13 [4] William Genesins A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament and Trans. Edward Robinson (Oxford Claredon Press, 1951), 94. [5] Ellen G. White. Patriarchs and Prophets (Mountain View: Pacific Press Publishing Association 1958),44. [6] Mel Rees Biblical Principles for Living and Living (Allanta: J.A. Thomas and Associates. 1995).9 7 [7] Angel Rodrigues, Stewardship Roots (Silver Spring: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 1994), 5-6. 8 [8] Ibid. p. 5-7 [9] Michael B. Barkey, ed. Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition. (Michigan: Acton Institution for the Study of Religion and Liberty, 2000). [10] Ibid. 10 [11] Rodrigues, p. 8 [12] Barney. 32 [13] This insight was given by Dr. Richard Davidson of Andrews University during a Faith and Learning Seminar in California at Loma Linda University in July, 2000. [14] Caleb Rosado: This information is found in an unpublished work by Caleb Rosado. The paper is plainly focused on the value of the Sabbath for man today. [15] Wilgrum-Green. The New English Greek Concordance and Lexicon (Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1982), 714. [16] Ellen G. White. That I May Know Him (Washington DC: Review and Herald, 1964), 220. [17] Merrian Webster's New International Dictionary (Toronto: The Webster's Dictionary Company, 1976), 13 [18] Rodrigues. p. 13 [19] White, Patriachs and Prophets (Mountain View: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1958), 59. [20] Samuel Bacchiocchi, Divine Rest for Human Restlessness (Berrien Spring: Biblical Perspectives 1988), 205 [21] Ibid. 206 [22] Ibid. p.208 [23] Ibid. 208 [24] Ibid. 209 [25] Ibid. 209 [26] H.C. Leupold, Exposition of the Psalms (Michigan: Baker Book House 1992), 723, [27] Rodrigues, s. 15 [28] Ibid. s.16 [29] Collier's Encyclopedia. 1974 eds. s.v. "Halsey, D. William" and "Shores, Louis" by Karl Beckson. [30] Jeanette Clarke. Building on Indigenous Natural Resource Management (Harare: Earthware Publishing Services, 1994), 10 [31] Samuel Bacchiochi. p. 205 32 [32] Bill Mollison's and Reny Mia Slay Introduction to Peramaculture (Harare: Fambidzanai Training Center. 1991), 1 [33] Barkey, p. 22 [34] Ibid. p. 22 [35] Ibid. 15 [36] Barkey, 10. [37] Richard Nixon. Real Peace (Boston: Little, Brown and Company 1984), 9-10. [38] Stranded Mozambicans Spotted The Chronicle 10 March, 2000. p.3 [39] lbid p.3 [40] "Cyclone Victims Get Donations" The Chronicle 15 March, 2000 p.2 [41] Cyclone destroy $1 2bn Crops" The Chronicle" 7 March, 2000 p.1 [42] Flood Baby Faces Uncertain Future" Sunday News 12 March, 2000 p.1 [43] "Fresh Rains Cause More Misery in Mozambique" Sunday News 19 March, 2000 p. 2 [44] Forty Percent of World's Agricultural Seriously Degraded. The Herald, 22 May 2000, 4. [45] Ibid. p. 4 [46] Bill Mollison R.M. Slay introduction to Premaculture (Harare: Fambidzanai Training Centre, 1991) p. 3

LO QUE HAS PROVISTO, ¿DE QUIÉN SERÁ?

 

Pr. Aerce Marsola

Texto: Lucas 12:13-22

 

I. INTRODUCCIÓN

 

 

Un buen padre de familia está por hacer un viaje. Planea el día de la partida, cuánto tiempo va a permanecer en el lugar de la visita, el día de regreso. Todo parece ir muy bien. Hay prosperidad. En el hogar reina armonía y paz. Todo da a entender que habrá mucha vida por delante...

 

De repente, la tragedia – un accidente, muerte, tristeza, angustia. Y ahora, ¿qué se va a hacer con lo que fue acumulado?, poco o mucho, ¿para quién será? Cuánto trabajo. A veces, ¡cuántas peleas, cuánta dificultad para distribuir los bienes!

 

II. JESÚS Y EL RICO

 

 

Lucas 12:13-22Jesús habló sobre este problema. Un día alguien llegó hasta Él y le pidió que intercediese con su hermano sobre un problema. Esta persona creía que el hermano estaba siendo injusto. Quería que Jesús aconsejase a su hermano a repartir sus bienes con él.

 

 

Entonces Jesús le contó una parábola: Un hombre tenía una bonita hacienda. En aquel año había tenido una gran siembra. El tiempo ayudó. El trabajo fue bien hecho, la cosecha fue abundante. Entusiasmado con la gran producción, ahora él tenía una gran preocupación. ¿Qué hacer con todo aquello?

 

Rápidamente decidió: Derrumbaría sus almacenes viejos y construiría unos nuevos. Almacenaría toda la producción, y tendría una vida regalada por muchos y muchos años. Pensaba en muchos viajes, muchos placeres, mucha fiesta. Tenía planes para sí mismo. Ningún plan para sus familiares. Nada para los siervos, y mucho menos para los pobres. Y lo peor, no tenía lugar para Dios.

 

"Y diré a mi alma: Alma, muchos bienes tienes guardados para muchos años; repósate, come, bebe, regocíjate". Lucas 12:19. Ese era su pensamiento.

 

¿Cuál era el de Dios? "Necio, esta noche vienen a pedirte tu alma; y lo que has provisto, ¿de quién será?" Lucas 12:20. Él pensaba en vivir mucho. Dios dijo: Hoy morirás. Él pensaba que podría disfrutar de todo. Dios dijo: "Lo que has provisto, ¿de quién será?"

 

Entonces Jesús afirmó: "Así es con el que hace para sí tesoro, y no es rico para con Dios". (V. 21).

III. ¿QUÉ HACER CON LOS BIENES MIENTRAS VIVIMOS?

 

 

Dios tiene un plan determinado para el uso de nuestras posesiones.

 

Primero Él pide el diezmo. Mal. 3:10 (Leer).

La entrega del diezmo en primer lugar, demuestra mi aceptación de que Dios es el propietario de todas las cosas, y mi completa dependencia de Él. Determina quién es el Señor de mi vida – Dios. Hay una bendición prometida al fiel diezmista, Dios dice: "Y derramaré... bendición hasta que sobreabunde.

 

Dios pide nuestras ofrendas.

Además del diezmo Dios espera que ofrendemos, regular y sistemáticamente de nuestros bienes para el avance de su obra en la tierra, así como también para el sustento de los menos afortunados. La Biblia dice que la ofrenda debe ser:

·

Planificada – I Cor. 16:2

·

Según la bendición – Deut. 16:10

·

Proporcional (porcentual) – Deut. 16:12

·

Voluntaria – Éxodo 25:2

·

Con alegría- II Cor. 9:7

 

Para nuestro sustento

Dios, en su infinita misericordia, nos da diariamente bienes para ser usados en beneficio de su causa, y también para nuestro propio sustento y el de nuestra familia. Cuando recibimos el diezmo, y ofrendamos voluntariamente, sin duda alguna, tendremos lo necesario para mantenernos y vivir una vida segura en sus manos.

 

IV. ¿QUÉ SE HARÁ CON NUESTROS BIENES DESPUÉS DE NUESTRA MUERTE?

 

 

Nuestra responsabilidad y privilegio en la administración de nuestros bienes no terminan con la muerte.

 

Dios espera que usemos con sabiduría lo que nos da en vida. Desea también que planifiquemos lo que se hará con lo que nos pertenece después de nuestra muerte.

 

La Biblia dice:"Bienaventurados de aquí en adelante los muertos que mueren en el Señor. Sí, dice el Espíritu, descansarán de sus trabajos, porque sus obras con ellos siguen". Apoc. 14:13

 

 

Elena G. de White nos dice: "No obran de acuerdo con la voluntad de Dios los padres que son capaces de administrar sus propios negocios y que abandonan el control de sus propiedades para entregarlo aun a hijos que son de la misma fe...". Consejos Sobre Mayordomía Cristiana, Pág. 333.

 

1. ¿Qué es testamento?

 

Es una declaración de la última voluntad del propietario con relación al uso que se dará a sus bienes, después que él muera. Se distribuyen los bienes entre las personas y entidades que el propietario desea beneficiar.

 

2. ¿Quién debe hacer?

Dios desea que todos los que tienen bienes, pocos o muchos, determinen qué se hará con lo que acumularon.

 

"La ha ideado planes para que todos puedan trabajar inteligentemente en la distribución de sus recursos... ¿Queréis asegurar vuestra propiedad? Colocadla en la mano que lleva la marca de la crucifixión... Dadla a Dios,...".

 

3. ¿Por qué hacer?

Somos responsables por el uso de nuestros bienes, en vida y después de la muerte. "Los hijos no debían hacerse responsables de los talentos del padre... El Señor quiere que los que le siguen dispongan de sus recursos mientras pueden hacerlo ellos mismos".

 

¿Cuándo hacer?

Debemos hacer nuestro testamento en vida. Nadie conoce el próximo minuto.

"Los que son fieles mayordomos de los recursos del Señor, conocerán exactamente la situación de sus negocios, y como hombres prudentes estarán preparados para cualquier emergencia..." "Es completa insensatez diferir la preparación para la vida futura hasta llegar casi a la última hora de la actual..."

 

¿Cómo hacer?

Muchos benefician a quien necesita. Como cristianos, no debemos seguir las costumbres del mundo. El Espíritu Santo dejó instrucción al respecto:

"El egoísta sistema actual de disponer de la propiedad no es plan ideado por Dios... los cristianos deben romper el sistema,... la voluntad del Señor en este asunto es ley".

 

¿Quién debe beneficiarse?

a) Familiares – "Si tienen hijos afligidos o que luchan en la pobreza, y que harán un uso juicioso de los recursos, éstos deberían ser tomados en cuenta".

 

a) Iglesia – "Al legar vuestra propiedad por testamento a vuestros parientes, cuidad de no olvidar la causa de Dios... y debéis considerar primero sus requerimientos".

 

V. CONCLUSIÓN

 

 

Alguien podría pensar:

 

a) Tengo mucha vida por delante, voy a hacerlo después... Acuérdese del rico, "Esta noche vienen a pedirte tu alma..."

 

b) Tengo pocos bienes... Poco o mucho debe saberse con quién quedará.

 

Al hacer el testamento algunas otras cuestiones deben ser consideradas:

 

a) Recordar que Dios es el propietario. "Debemos reconocer que nuestras posesiones son absolutamente suyas, y hemos de usarlas generosamente cuandoquiera que se necesiten recursos para adelantar su causa...".

 

b) La muerte puede llegar a cualquier momento. "Deben ordenar su propiedad de manera que puedan dejarla en cualquier momento".

 

c) El testamento no sustituye nuestra generosidad de ahora. En realidad, si estamos con los oídos abiertos, poco restará para ser dividido después de nuestra muerte. Elena G. de White dice: "Debería comprenderse claramente que no porque... hayan hecho su testamento esto debe privarlos de dar recursos a la causa de Dios mientras viven". Textos del Espíritu de Profecía – Consejos Sobre Mayordomía Cristiana, Págs. 324 a 330.

 

d) El testamento debe ser hecho de acuerdo con las leyes del país. "Los testamentos deben ser hechos de acuerdo con las prescripciones legales. Después de hechos, pueden ser conservados durante años..." y pueden ser alterados mientras viva el testador.

 

e) Dios bendecirá ricamente al mayordomo fiel. Dará discernimiento para usar sus bienes en vida y cuidará para que sean usados correctamente después que él muera.

 

 

Consulte un abogado cristiano.

 

 

Que Dios lo dirija al colocar en Sus manos todo lo que usted tiene y es.

 

"Del Reino de las Tinieblas al Reino de la Luz"

Colosenses 1:13

I Introducción

 

 

 

Antes de hablar de estos dos reinos; primero trataremos el significado de estas dos palabras: TINIEBLAS y LUZ, según el diccionario de la Real Academia Española.

 

Las Tinieblas y la Luz.

TINIEBLAS:

es la falta de luz

es la suma de la ignorancia y la confusión. Es el alejamiento de Dios, es la muerte, es la obscuridad por falta de luz moral. Es corrupción y pecaminosidad.

la obscuridad limita la existencia de la vida.

nada puede reproducirse en las tinieblas, excepto ciertas formas inferiores de vida que hacen mas sombrías las tinieblas.

la podredumbre se prolifera más rápidamente en la obscuridad.

 

LUZ:

es un agente físico que hace visible los objetos.

es energía, la luz es ver.

es comprensión y conocimiento, es libertad del temor, es ser libre.

es el medio que da vida a las plantas.

A la luz, se la puede medir en su velocidad (300.00 kmxseg²). Podemos medir los efectos de la luz.

Es un tipo de onda; una partícula subatómica, llamada "fotón"Ahora observemos el significado de estas palabras frente a las enseñanzas de la Biblia, luego entenderemos mejor lo que significa el reino de las tinieblas y el reino de la luz.-

 

 

 

Las TINIEBLAS y la LUZ según la Biblia

 

 

Las TINIEBLAS

Se usa simbólicamente para referirse a la ignorancia espiritual. (Salmos 82:5; Is. 60:2)

Se lo usa para referirse a la maldad (Prov. 4:19; Is. 5:20)

Se usa para referirse a la condición espiritual resultante del descuido de la verdad o la indiferencia a ella. (Mt. 6:23; S. Lc. 11:35)

Se lo relacionan con las dificultades y problemas de la vida (2 S. 22:29)

Son la confusión y la incertidumbre (Job 12:25)

Tinieblas hubo cuando Cristo murió. (S Mt. 24:29)

Las tinieblas también anunciarán la proximidad de su venida (Ap.6:12)

En el plano espiritual, el pecado ocasiona la obscuridad moral e impide el crecimiento espiritual, anulando por completo la percepción de los temas sagrados. (S. Jn 3:19-20)

La obscuridad o tinieblas identifica al gobierno de Satanás y su séquito de demonios, se los llama: "las potestades de las tinieblas" (Ef.6:12; S. Lc.22:53)

 

La LUZ:

 

Dios es LUZ. (I Jn 1:5,7) Dios es la luz perpetua. (Is. 60:18,20)

a La luz es una cualidad de la naturaleza de Dios, Dios manifiesta esta cualidad en el plano supremo en la vida espiritual, en un grado superlativo. Ante sus ojos no puede existir la obscuridad del pecado. (Habacuc 1:13)

 

Cristo es luz. (I Jn.12:46; 8:12;1:7-9) El es la misma esencia de la luz (Sal. 104:2) Por eso David proclama: "Jehová es mi luz"

Cristo , en la Biblia, (S. Jn. 8:12; 9:5) es descripto muchas veces como la luz de la verdad y la salvación que rasga las tinieblas del pecado y la depravación. El vino a alumbrar e iluminar al mundo con su poder Salvador.

Su palabra es luz (Sal.119:105)

El creyente que sigue a Cristo, la fuente de luz y de su palabra, también se transforma en luz (S. Mt. 5:14) "Vosotros sois la luz del mundo"

 

III. El REINO de las TINIEBLAS

 

 

A Historia del Reino de las Tinieblas (Isaías 14:12-14)

Comenzó en el cielo con la pretensión de Lucifer de "Usurpar el trono, el trono de Cristo". El quería ser "Semejante al Altísimo" (Is. 14:14) mas no en carácter sino que El codició el trono, la posición y la autoridad de Cristo quería solo ser semejante en esto. Así es como comenzó su reino de tinieblas en el cielo.

 

Después de haber despreciado todas las oportunidades que Dios le dio para arrepentirse, fue echado del cielo, al único lugar en el universo al que le faltaba visitar para introducir en nuestros primeros padres sus ambiciones de dominio, de poder y de rebelión contra Dios, induciéndolos a la desobediencia abierta a las órdenes de Dios.

 

Con la caída de nuestros primeros Padres (Gn, 3:5-7) se introdujo el reino de las tinieblas, y este se estableció en la tierra.

 

Con su desobediencia

nuestros primeros Padres, aceptaron a otro gobierno, al gobierno del usurpador. (Gn 3:6)

Cita: "Eva infatuada, halagada y hechizada, no descubrió el engaño. Codició lo que Dios había prohibido, desconfió de su sabiduría (la sabiduría de Dios). Echó a un lado la fe, la llave del conocimiento" (La Educación, pág. 24)

 

"En la fruta no había nada de venenoso y el pecado no consistía meramente en ceder al apetito. La desconfianza en la bondad de Dios, la falta de fe en su palabra, el rechazamiento de su autoridad, fue lo que convirtió a nuestros primeros padres en transgresores , e introdujo en el mundo el conocimiento del mal.... El hombre perdió todo., porque prefirió oír al engañador en vez de escuchar a aquel que es la verdad, el único que tiene entendimiento". (Idem, Pág. 25)

 

Desde ese momento Satanás es declarado el PRINCIPE DE ESTE MUNDO

. (S. Jn. 12:31) También es llamado el " dios de este siglo" (2 Co. 4:4) "Príncipe de las Potestades del Aire" (Ef. 2:2)

Así, Satanás se constituyó en Rey del reino de las tinieblas en el escenario de la tierra, y tiene como súbditos a los seres humanos que permanecen en su vida de pecado y rebelión contra Dios. Satanás tiene sus secuaces, "los demonios" quienes hacen su obra de maldad alejando a los seres humanos del reino de la luz.

 

B. En que condición están los Seres Humanos que Nacemos en este Reino de la Tinieblas?

 

Debido a lo que dice el apóstol San Pablo en Romanos 3:23: Todos los seres humanos somos pecadores, destituidos de la gloria de Dios. Por lo tanto nacemos en este reino de las tinieblas con naturaleza pecaminosa.

 

Tenemos Naturaleza Pecaminosa

"Desde que nacemos ya tenemos las tendencias y las inclinaciones para mentir y desviarnos" Sal. 58:3

En la iniquidad hemos sido formados (Sal. 51:5) Nuestros genes ya tienen las taras y flaquezas de nuestros progenitores.

El Profeta Isaías usa una figura literaria de un cuerpo enfermo en su totalidad. Para expresar que el ser humano no tiene en su Ser nada sano, moralmente hablando. Sin Dios, todo está enfermo. (Is. 1:6)

 

Los actos del Ser Humano son pecaminosos

 

Aquello que no es correcto y bueno hacer, hacemos. (Ro. 7:15, 19-20)

EL apóstol Pablo dice: "NO hay justo ni aún uno" (Ro. 3:10)

El profeta Isaías compara los actos humanos como "trapos de inmundicia" (Is. 64:6)

EL Profeta Jeremías dice: "Engañoso es el corazón, mas que todas las cosas, incorregible" (Jr. 17:9)

 

En esta condición somos Esclavos del Poder de este reino.

 

Somos esclavos de nosotros mismos, de los hábitos que se constituyen en un poder que nos ata. (2 Pe. 2:19)

Los pecados que en forma continua cometemos, nos convierten en ESCLAVOS. (S. Jn. 8:34)

 

En esta condición de esclavitud total, nos sometemos al Dominio del Reino de las Tinieblas. (Gá.3:19; 1 Co. 2:12)

 

El Ser Humano obedece fácilmente a sus malos hábitos vive para si. (Ro. 6:16)

El que vive bajo este dominio implacable del rey del reino de las tinieblas, practica y obedece a los deseos del diablo, representado en todas las actitudes que apuntan a su naturaleza pecaminosa y que lo ponen en enemistad contra Dios y contra el prójimo. (2 Ti. 3:2-6) Estas son las características que distinguen a los súbditos de este reino:

 

Idolatría en todas sus formas

Amantes de si mismos (egoístas)

Gananciosos (materialistas) amadores del dinero infieles deshonestos con Dios.

Presuntuosos(dicen lo que no son)

Soberbios (orgullosos) Altivos contra Dios y su prójimo

Blasfemos, rechazan las invitaciones de Dios, calumniadores, ultrajadores.

Desobedientes a las leyes de Dios y del ser humano

Ingratos. A pesar de los beneficios que han recibido de Dios y de sus Padres no son agradecidos. Producto de su autosuficiencia.

Impío. NO toman en cuenta a Dios en sus vida para nada.

Sin afecto natural, Insensibles.

Implacables, Irreconciliables.

Difamadores calumniadores.

Intemperantes, que solo satisfacen sus propios impulsos sensuales. Viciosos.

Crueles llenos de maldad.

Aborrecedores de lo bueno, que no aman el bien.

Traidores, seductores.

Impetuosos, arrebatados, precipitados.

Infatuados, Cegados por el orgullo.

Amadores de los placeres antes que de Dios. Viven de sus pasiones.

Con apariencia de Piedad. Son las características externas de la religión:

Asistencia a la iglesia;

dan ofrendas , diezman, guardan el sábado.

leen sus Biblia, hasta hacen obra misionera.

Solo se identifican superficialmente con la iglesia.

Niegan la eficacia de la Fe.

Niegan el Poder de Dios que fortalece la voluntad del hombre para erradicar las tendencias pecaminosas de su vida.

 

Esta es una pequeña lista de los deseos diabólicos que sus súbditos practican en el Reino de las Tinieblas.

 

IV Cristo plantó su Cruz en el Reino de las Tinieblas para Liberarnos y trasladarnos al Reino de las Luces.

 

El vino para:

A) Librarnos y Rescatarnos: (Col.1:13)

Librarnos: Cristo es llamado el Libertador (Ro.11:26) Es el que nos rescata de la servidumbre de Satanás. (S. Mt. 20:28) Su muerte fue el Precio que Cristo tuvo que pagar para libertarnos del pecado, porque .... " sin derramamiento de sangre no hay remisión de nuestros pecados".(He.9:22) La muerte de Cristo fue una muerte vicaria.

 

 

 

 

 

B)

 

Nos libró de la Potestad de la Tinieblas (vers. 13)

 

Cristo el vencedor divino ha rescatado a sus santos del reino del mal donde preside el príncipe de las tinieblas como un tirano implacable. Ya no estamos mas sujetos a una autoridad usurpadora ".... Para esto vino el Hijo de Dios, para destruir las obras del diablo" (1 Jn. 3:8)

 

C) Nos trasladó y transportó del Reino de la Tinieblas al Reino del Hijo, al de la Luz.

 

 

Con su cruz plantada en el reino de las tinieblas, Cristo nos conduce por la fe al reino de la gracia (Ro.5:8,21) "Cristo murió por nosotros... para que también la gracia renaciese por la justicia, para vida eterna en Cristo" al que cree. (S Jn. 3:16)

 

D) Que significa la Gracia de Dios y Vivir en el Reino de la Gracia el reino de la Luz.

 

 

 

1 ) La palabra Gracia vienen del griego Járis, su primer significado señala lo siguiente: (leer Col. 2:15)

 

 

es una expresión o gesto de buena voluntad de parte de Dios para con la humanidad pecadora. Con el objeto de: concederles todo el favor divino; darles de su amor con mucha generosidad, sin límites; de darles un beneficio especial de brindarles su suprema consideración a través de Cristo. (1 Co.16:3; 2 Co. 8:4)

Es el abundante amor divino para con los pecadores en la persona de Cristo, el Espíritu Santo y de Dios el Padre. (Romanos 1:21,30,32,18,25,24,27) Pablo describe al ser humano pecador, que vive negando a Dios, que esta en abierta rebelión contra El, pervirtiendo su verdad; que ha vivido deshonrando el nombre de Dios y lo ha despreciado. A blasfemado el nombre de Dios. A este ser Humano que no merece en lo más mínimo, de su consideración de la amante bondad divina, y a pesar de todos estos actos de rechazo, El está dispuesto a considerarnos con mucho amor. Esta es su Gracia.

 

El segundo significado es :

Dios ha continuado considerando al hombre con amor, con paciencia, con bondad, para que este grande amor lo lleve al hombre al arrepentimiento. (Ro. 2:4)

Su amor transformador ilimitado abarca a todas las personas, no sólo para perdonarlos, sino para que su poder activo, lo salve ( Ro. 1:16; 12:3; Ef. 2:8) y lo transforme en Cristo Jesús.

 

3)

 

El Pecador entra en este Reino, cuando llevado por el poder del Espíritu Santo hacia Cristo, llega a tener por Cristo una profunda admiración y amor por todo lo que El hizo por El. Reconoce su propia impotencia y necesidad. Lo acepta por la fe a Cristo como a su Salvador Personal y se entrega a El. La vida perfecta de Jesús, su obediencia perfecta hasta la muerte le proporciona su justificación, y luego mediante su unión con Cristo, el cristiano recibe la promesa de su salvación y el poder vitalizador que transforma su vida. Así, la persona entra en el reino de la Gracia (Ro. 5:17; 3:24; 3:28)

CONCLUSION:

 

A) Antes, viviendo en el reino de las tinieblas, hemos permanecido, bajo el dominio del Tirano y rebelde usurpador del gobierno divino.

Hemos vivido cumpliendo sus deseos

Hemos vivido en abierta rebelión contra Dios y su Palabra.

 

B) Sin embargo, llegó Cristo mismo a plantar su cruz en el reino de las tinieblas para libertarnos del veneno del pecado. Así mismo como en los días de Moisés (Nm. 21:8, 9) cuando el pecador mordido por la serpiente venenosa miraba a la serpiente de bronce y vivía, así la cruz de Cristo devuelve la vida al que mira a ella. Hoy, esa cruz de Cristo, levantada en el desierto del pecado, y nosotros todos mordidos por el pecado de la desobediencia, el orgullo, el egoísmo y la impureza, podemos mirar por la fe hacia la cruz y vivir.

 

Es la cruz de Cristo, la que nos da acceso al reino de la Gracia, al reino de la luz. En este contexto de salvación, somos llamados hijos de Dios, verdaderos mayordomos de los bienes de nuestro Señor. Es aquí en esta experiencia donde se inicia la verdadera mayordomía. La mayordomía se inicia con nuestra Salvación, reconociendo a Cristo como a nuestro verdadero Señor y dueño de nuestras vidas. El nos compró con su sangre preciosa. Si vivimos aun en el mismo espíritu de codicia y egoísmo, entonces Satanás se apodera del ser humano independizándolo de Dios y convirtiéndose el en un falso dueño e induciendo al ser humano a pensar que es dueño de todas las cosas materiales que posee.

 

Usted y yo podemos mirar a la cruz y vivir. Vivamos en Cristo hoy. Acéptelo una vez mas por la fe, confíe en sus palabras y diga:

 

"Te acepto querido Jesús como a mi único Señor y Salvador Personal. Que el Espíritu Santo nos conceda esta seguridad hoy y vivamos una nueva experiencia en el reino de la gracia, el reino de la luz y tener a Jesús como el verdadero Señor de mi vida" Amén.