cosmic great controversy regarding the character of God provides hope amidst the troubles of our time. In the final analysis, we are Christians for whom Jesus Christ is the organizing power and principle of everything we are, say, and do. “For in Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28, NLT). Purpose and meaning to life is a daily experience of knowing that God loves us and has a plan for every individual. Every care that burdens us touches the heart of our Heavenly Father. Each day-to-day trial and challenge, joy and success, are guided by the hand of God to ultimately bring us home to Him. Jeremiah 29:11-12 reminds us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (NLT). Purpose and meaning to life come by knowing that God cares about the quality of life of every person. Seventh-day Adventists believe
that our Creator cares about every aspect of how we live. Not to catch us making mistakes! Rather, as our Great Designer He knows how we optimally function. The way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us impacts our happiness both now and for eternity. Hence Paul writes, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NLT). Purpose and meaning to life come with the knowledge that the God of the Universe desires to spend personal time with us. It’s a humbling and joyous realization that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit desire an individually tailored relationship with us. From the first breath to that final moment of our lives, God is there and longs to be close to us. That’s why we pray, worship together, and spend time studying His Word—all in order to experience more of that
personal connection. The Psalmist exclaims with joy, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” (Psalm 139:17, NLT). Within the frame of these five divine certainties are many more pieces of the puzzle for discerning God’s direction and ultimate fulfillment of His plan for Earth. As we continue to explore the greater spectrum of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs found in Scripture, we will grow to cherish the joy and hope for living today as well as find an abiding confidence in God’s great future. Here is a comprehensive focus on God’s true character and His plan for each of us that millions have found compelling and life changing. I am one of those people. Together we look for that day when the fulfillment of the journey will come as the final puzzle piece falls into place. Jesus will come and we will see Him face to face. O C TO B E R 2018
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