January 2010 Newsletter of the Columbia SC Midtow Seventh-day Adventist Church

Midtown Herald

Church Newsletter of the Midtown Seventh-day Adventist Church

No. 19

January 2010

PASTOR'S COMMENTS

In Genesis 6:13 it is said that men filled the earth with violence. Only a far greater vitality of body and mind than we now have could encourage such a prolific human population. The climatic conditions of that original world, the abundance and accessibility of food supplies, of virgin soil and unlimited riches beckoning man to take possession: these were the most ideal conditions for population growth.

Now we cannot be certain as to the world's population when Noah's Flood came, but let's do a little calculating. On a worldwide basis, five children per family is today considered average, with a female reproductive capacity of say, 30 to 35 years. Until recently, up to eight or a dozen children was considered the norm in many countries. Certainly the very much longer life spans in the antediluvian world must have facilitated a rapid population explosion. If the reproductive capacity of the pre-Flood woman was half her age (as is so for mothers today), then it would appear that 400 years of child-bearing per woman may not have been unusual, as the lifespan was around 800-900 years then.

On this basis, a family of 20 to 26 children does not seem unreasonable. But, let's be conservative, and allow a family of just 20 children. If, as the ancient sources concur, there were ten generations of mankind up to the flood, the population growth may have been something like this:

Generation one, 2 persons; generation 2, 20 persons; generation 3, 200 persons; generation 4, 2,000 persons; generation 5, 20,000 persons; generation 6, 200,000 persons; generation 7, 2,000,000 persons; generation 8, 20,000,000 persons; generation 9, 200,000,000 persons; generation 10, 2,000,000,000 persons. This is a figure close to the world's population about 80 years ago. If we were to assume that pre-Flood families averaged 22 children, then the figure increases to almost 5 billion — the population just 15 years ago. Population figures change rapidly. In the early 19th century, world population reached 1 billion; in 1930, 2 billion; in 1960, 3 billion; in 1970, 4 billion; in 1981, 5 billion; and in 1995, 6 billion.

For a time, one generation simply "added" to the previous one. It is only comparatively recent that the "adding" has been replaced by "multiplying". And the "multiplying" has produced an exponential growth curve. The Genesis record refers to a similar state of affairs shortly before the Great Flood intervened. It says that mankind "began to multiply" (Gen. 6:1). With a likely high birth rate and low death rate in that pre-Flood world, the strong possibility emerges that mankind covered practically the entire globe. Pre-Flood population might easily have been as great as that of today — or even more. It could easily have "filled" the earth, as the Bible says.

We can certainly trust God's Word in all situations and in all truthfulness. "As it was to the days of Noah..." (Matthew 24:37).

It is now 2010! I do believe we are in for some serious times ahead. We are in a season of change -- where freedoms are passing away, humanism and secularism are bearing sway, and Satan is doing his utmost to have his way. But the good news is, we "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth" us (Philippians 4:13).

God bless each one of you and let's pray for Jesus' soon return, so that an end will come to all suffering, pain and hurt that exists in this world. Romans 11 :36.

Pastor Fry

PROPHETIC COUNSEL

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.

Already has the new year been ushered in; yet before we greet its coming, we pause to ask, what has been the history of the year that with its burden of records has now passed into eternity? The admonition of the apostle comes down the lines to every one of us, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." God forbid that at this important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interests ...

No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in Him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience ...

What fruit have we borne during the year that is now past? What has been our influence upon others? Whom have we gathered to the fold of Christ? The eyes of the world are upon us. Are we living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men? Do we follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, in devotion? Will the world be compelled to acknowledge us to be the servants of Christ? ...

Shall we not in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ to be meek and lowly of heart, to be firm, unwavering, steadfast in the truth; for thus only can we advance in holiness, and be made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Savior's claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ.

"Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people. Lift Him up in exhortations, in sermons, in songs, in prayer. Let all your efforts be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, and lost, to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Bid them look and live."

E.G. White (LHU 15.1-6)

CHURCH NEWS

We wish to give Mary Grace a great big thank-you for her tenure as Church Treasurer. Her record-keeping was impeccable. Thank you, Mary Grace, for your trustworthy help these last three years. Doug Leonhardt is our new Treasurer.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES

Please remember the food pantry at ACTS. We need flour, sugar, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, corn meal, cake mix, frosting, and pancake mix. Thanks so much for your kindness and generosity.

Rose Sheroian

"The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." (Psalm 121:5). "True happiness may be found in unselfishly striving to help those who need help ... To those laboring in the heat of the conflict, God says, "The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." ... He comes very near to those who are engaged in willing service for Him. He knows every one by name... "

(MS 51, 1903)

In our quest for happiness for ourselves we most often overlook the joy of helping others. We often look for ways to fulfill ourselves by indulging in more possessions, or if that doesn't work we seek the world of entertainment and find that we are still left empty. There is much fulfillment in helping others. At ACTS we have found many ways to help those in need. If you are looking for real joy in your life, get involved for Jesus by volunteering at the thrift shop. There is something for everyone to do. We also need ideas in tastefully arranging the varied items we receive.

We ask that you review and keep in mind the Vision, Mission, Values and Goals statements you received in last months news letter. Our vision is to develop and maintain a lifestyle center in the downtown area that will transform the lives of all who come through its doors, from the Christian seeking a closer walk with God through diet to the alcoholic and addict who need help overcoming. God's work in Columbia in this new and different endeavor is just a vision at this point but He is preparing hearts now. Please pray that you will find true happiness in life by "unselfishly striving to help those who need help". God will find a place for you in His work, at ACTS and in His time, at the lifestyle center.

Helen Koon

CHURCH BOARD ACTIVITY

No relevant activity took place this month.

MIDTOWN BIBLE SCHOOL

Dear Church members and Friends,

Midtown's Discover Bible School is progressing with all your help. Through December, 2009, we have mailed lessons to 128
students. It takes about a year to complete all 26 lessons and all students do not continue the entire course. I am happy to report that we have our first graduate and you will hear more about this later. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support which is getting the WORD to these students.

Doris Sheriff

BUILDING FUND

Our Building Fund continues to grow. It now stands at $129,000. Let's continue to work towards our goal of $250,000.00 for a down payment.

Charlie Davis, Chairman

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Members who will be celebrating their birthdays soon:

February 15, Mertis Butler
February 22, Susan Balcerzak
February 25, Penny Biehl

MIDWEEK AT MIDTOWN

The time of our Prayer Meeting is 6:30 PM. If you haven't yet stopped in, it's never too late. We welcome all members and visitors to join our group and participate in the Bible Study. We do have a lively discussion as we study Face-To-Face With Jesus. Our goal is to learn more about our dear Savior.

In about two or three weeks we will begin a new series on the book of Nehemiah. This is an interesting book.

We also pray for our church, and other requests, as well as the needs recorded on our Prayer Request cards from our Worship Service. Stop by any Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM here at the Capital Senior Center.

We are told in Steps To Christ, p. 98, that, "Those who are really seeking communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting."

Bob Sitko

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES

On the second Sabbath of each month, we have a Full Lunch, and on the fourth Sabbath of each month, we have a Light Lunch consisting of salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Please come and enjoy the fellowship of eating together and getting to know others better.

BITS OF WISDOM

Where God raises up a church, the devil builds a chapel nearby.

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

If you want to stand out, don't be different; be outstanding.

Corrie Ten Boom

Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.

Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.

Mary Ann Fry

HEALTH BITES

Cherry Pills Ease Arthritis Pain

In a new study of twenty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, more than half the patients experienced significant improvement in knee pain after taking tart-cherry supplements daily for eight weeks. Theory: Cherry extracts contain flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. If you have osteoarthritis: Ask your doctor about trying tart-cherry supplements.

John Cush, MD, rheumatologist, Baylor Research inst.

VESPERS

Friday Night Video Vespers

Each Friday, at 6:30 PM you can watch an inspirational sermon from one of our church's great speakers, such as Dwight Nelson, Steve Wohlberg, Dr. Walter Veith, or others. The program lasts about an hour, and is a great way to start the Sabbath. Check our website, MidtownChurch.net. These video programs are held at Doug Leonhardt's home in the downtown Columbia area.

Bob Sitko

Church Location

Midtown Church meets at the Capital Senior Center on Park Circle, behind Maxcy Gregg Park, Sabbath (Saturday) Morning at 10:00 AM for Sabbath School and 11:15 AM for the Worship Hour. Please come and join us for fellowship and worship.