Malaysia #4

 

So our meetings have begun.
Actually tonight will be #5.
The first weekend of a Share Him series is always the most intense. Now we are starting to get into the flow of things.
The group seems to have a bit more of a focused demeanor...at least over the weekend. I think it became very clear very quickly how important and potentially significant what we are doing actually is. Others in the group have come to the (maybe abrupt?) understanding that it will be a great deal of hard worke. Its definitely not a vacation; even if the sermons are prepared beforehand. "Marathon" isn't too far from the feeling as we look forward.

For all the imperfections of the Share Him series, it is very good that it forces each individual to think for themselves cogently about what they themselves believe...and that quickly because the next topic is always approaching rapidly. Teaching seems to do that to us: we can stand by idly and listen to someone talk all we want and not necesarily let it close ot our hearts; but when we have to teach it, when we have to put ourselves out there and say what we think, we compelled to figure that out for ourselves. Share Him leads everyone into that situation - and it is good.

Tonight's topic is the 2300 day prophesy and its implications - and tomorrow night is the judgment. Some students are having a difficult time understanding why we are even teaching on the 2300 days - and why we need back to back sermons on 'judgment'. One student expressed dismay that we moved from the topic of "grace alone" and how "God died for you because he loves you so much" - to tongight which is lots of calculations, details, assertions with seeming limited Biblical support, and fear. Given that many of those attending are illiterate and minimally educated, it seems like a questionable topic decision to them. I find it a bummer too - but more because of the way the sermon itself is crafted: it seems to me that the most important part of this teaching (Jesus is advocating for you right now) is a side note at best.

I've been told the next iteration of these sermons is in the makings - perhaps done so with more careful editing and even shifts in topic selection/order. I cant help but be disappointed that sermons on some of Jesus' core teachings didn't make the cut: welcoming outsiders, forgiving others, living generously, loving our enemies, suffering for doing good, and the problem of hypocrisy. I suppose it is somewhat a matter of style and of focus - perhaps it is good that the author has a different take on the story of God than I - perhaps that is what makes me proud of the Adventist Church.