Assessment # 1
Introduction:
1. Core issue for ministry and best
place to start
2. Key is a heart experience
3. Will begin with historical and move
to biblical and then to challenges
II. Historical Situation
1. S.D.A. church arose out of Advent
Awakening which came out of Wesleyan
Methodist revival
2. Ellen White is an example. See
Testimonies Vol. 1, chapter 2 “My
Conversion”. She needed: a. A conversion
experience, and b. ability to convince others
Historical cont.
3. EGW rooted in John Wesley who was a
theologian, ordained minister and missionary but
had no conversion experience or assurance. Later
his heart was “strangely warmed” Example—
storm at sea
4. Early S.D.A. church knew this but lost it and
needed renewal in 1888
5. Still a problem even among ministers
Biblical Basis
1. Repentance is: a. The basic message of
Jesus (see Matt. 4:17, Mark 1:15) which
implied personal following (Mark 1:17, 20)
and is
b. the key message of the apostles (Acts
2:38, and 3:19) and means turning ones
whole life over to Jesus’ way
Biblical Basis Continued
2. New Birth See John 3 and story of
Nicodemus. Nicodemus had necessary
theological knowledge but needed spiritual
birth.
Read DA chapter 17.
N. need was not theoretical knowledge but
spiritual regeneration. N. did not need
curiosity satisfied but a new heart
Biblical Basis Continued
3. Result of all of this is Assurance
See John 5:13 All the book is to make sure
people KNOW
4. Other results are that sin is renounced
and love, humility, peace, and joy come in
(See DA on Nicodemus)
IV. Reasons for this Challenge
1. Overemphasis of theological truth
2. 2nd and 3rd generationalism—Socialized
Adventists
3. Inadequate teaching
Reasons for Challenge Continued
4. Improper Teaching
5. Hypocrisy
6. Examples of this including self, seminary
students, classes, and ministers
V. Conclusion
1. If this factor is missing then:
A. Life is minus true joy
B. Witnessing is difficult
C. Ministry is depressing burden
2. Where do you stand?