WCAS Newsletter

Vol. 3, No. 3, March 1, 2019
We are a world church. We go forward now.

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Higher Authority

Linda Brehm

World Church Affirmation Sabbath has received feedback that some have difficulties with the following statement in our Statement of Harmony document:

“TO FURTHER DECLARE according to the General Conference Working Policy that the policies and voted actions of the General Conference shall retain authority in the local church congregation over all Division, Union, or Conference voted policies.”

Some fear that this phrase might cause division; however, the division was there long before the writing of this statement. The above statement came out of the General Conference Working Policy, to signify that the voted actions of the General Conference shall retain uppermost authority in the local church congregation, in case the Division, Union or Conference policies conflict with the General Conference votes. To me this seems very clear.

Here is the phrase from the GC Working Policy: B10 22 – “All organizations and institutions throughout the world will recognize the authority of the General Conference in Session as the highest authority of the Seventh-day Adventist Church under God.”1 There are several other quotes out of the GC Working policy that I could provide regarding harmony and all entities of the church working together but I think the above shows the intent of WCAS.

What is the issue right now in the church? The issue is that the General Conference votes and policies are not being respected as the Bible and Ellen White clearly state they should. We should always respect the higher authority. The same will be true when the state shall make a law requiring the observance of Sunday. We as Seventh-day Adventists must respect the higher authority, which is God. God is the higher authority over the state.

In this case, the higher authority would be the General Conference in session, or the General Conference Executive Committee. If the Division, Union or Conference chooses to make policies or act out of compliance with the General Conference then WCAS believes we should go with the higher authority. This is not disrespect for the Conference, Union or Division. It would be disrespectful on their part not to walk humbly with the world church which have voted at the highest level.

I have served on many committees. When you work with a group of people there will be things that are voted that you don’t agree with. It is sometimes difficult to accept some decisions. Yet we are told when the General Conference in session makes a vote we need to lay aside personal opinion. Why? Because the Lord loves this church, and I believe when we pray for God’s spirit to work in this session that He will do so. It is lack of faith in His guidance that has brought us to this difficult place in Seventh-day Adventist history. We are unwilling to surrender our will and way to the Lord’s will and way. Self is still alive. Let us uplift God’s church and His authority, for it is the only thing that will give us true unity.

1. GC Working Policy 2015-2016, B 10 22, Pg. 57

“. . . into the storehouse . . .”

“Of all our income we should make the first appropriation to God.” C.S. 68

Janet Lundeen Neumann

WCAS (World Church Affirmation Sabbath) began and continues as an audible voice in support for the world church of Seventh-day Adventists. Because the issue of offerings/fund raising have never been at the forefront of our focus; because each event, now spreading across the country, has always self-funded with a single offering collection, WCAS hasn’t needed to address the issue of tithing.

However questions are beginning to arise and already inaccurate assumptions are being made. Clarification has become necessary.

In the same way that WCAS supports the world church of SDA’s, we urge that members follow the Fundamental Belief, No. 21 entitled, “Stewardship,” in which we are held responsible to God for the proper use of the blessings and resources with which He entrusts each of us. That includes “returning titles and offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and support and growth of His church.”

“The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time.” 3T, p.404-405

Malachi 3:10 clearly states where tithes are to go – “into the storehouse.”

WCAS has not and will not accept any donation of tithe. Any offerings given beyond tithe are gratefully accepted, however, tax-deductible receipts cannot be provided. In May of 2017, WCAS filed for and received a non-profit organization status in the state of Washington however WCAS does not have a 501 (C) (3) status.

On a personal note, I like what Christ says in Matthew 5:24 --- “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way.” The phrase “go thy way” tells me all will be well with the funds returned to God. I can almost imagine Christ continuing on with a reassurance for to those who are concerned today --

‘Don’t look back. Don’t worry where it goes.
Don’t fret over who handles it. I’ll take care of it now.
Remember, it’s was Mine first.’

Tithing is not giving. It is returning. We must have faith and be content that the “storehouse” is under divine management. And beyond the “storehouse” there is a blessing in additional giving.

Mission of the WCAS Newsletter

To strengthen member resolve to do the work of Jesus,
To encourage Adventist laypeople to pray for world church leaders,
To equip them to become actively involved in decision-making in their conference constituency,
To realistically inform them of items of concern, and
To accomplish these in a positive and balanced manner remaining vigilant with regard to the present crisis facing the Church.

WCAS 10 Principles of Action

Participants support the decisions of the world church expressed through the General Conference.
Participants seek unity on the basis of inspired truth rather than cultural compromise.
Participants uphold God’s purpose for church organization and for pressing together rather than separation.
Participants learn Protestant biblical interpretation – the historical-grammatical method.
Participants are active and responsible members in their local congregation.
Participants learn how to work effectively in board and constituency meetings.
Participants commit themselves to pray for faithful workers, and for Heaven to provide godly, decisive leaders for the harvest.
Participants embrace the conviction that God is in control, and choose not to be intimidated by factions opposing truth in the Church.
Emphasizing connection to Jesus our Lord, participants learn how to resist pluralism, congregationalism, and other present errors.
World Church Affirmation Sabbath emphasizes the Seventh-day Adventist representative form of church governance. We are the Church.

Upcoming Meetings of Importance

If you know of upcoming meetings please send the information to affirmationsabbath@gmail.com.

== March 22 (7pm PDT) & 23 (11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm PDT), 2019 Last Generation For Christ presents:
God's Character and the Final Generation, Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sacramento, CA. This event will be live streamed, https://livestream.com/saccentral/events/3378356
(916)457-6511.

== April 9-10, 2019 Spring Council, Silver Spring, MD

== September 15, 2019 Upper Columbia Conference Constituency Meeting, Spangle, WA

== October 10 - 16, 2019 Annual Council, Silver Spring, MD

== April 14 - 15, 2020 Spring Council, Silver Spring, MD

== June 25 - July 4, 2020 General Conference in Session, Indianapolis, IN.

Featured Readings & Video Presentation

General Conference Executive Committee Newsletter

An informative publication for members of the General Conference Executive Committee as a service through the office of the Chair

https://executivecommittee.adventist.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ECN-January-February-2019.pdf

Wohlberg Affirms WCAS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiNM-bB4G8A

Comments From Our Readers

Hello WCAS,

I read with interest in the last WCAS newsletter, Randy Bierwagen's beginning article of the Texico Conference adding their disapproval of WCAS. I am aware this is not the first time you have had issued upon you bans on your activities, with Upper Columbia being the first. Just take courage. We have been in self-supporting work here in New Zealand for 35 odd years and it has been a hard road for all those years. The South Pacific Division just don't tolerate ministries that is not under Conference control, and for us, all we have ever tried to do within the church, is uphold our message given to us by our God, with the founding fathers who put this church on a firm footing based on our Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy.

But in all that, we have learnt to live with it and carry on regardless. As you hold up the principles of the General Conference and the true message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, you are on solid ground. Fear none of these threats, just keep going and do what you know to be right.

We do attend a large church in Christchurch where we all as a family hold membership, and are very active to support that particular church. While we still face resistance from administrative fronts, we love and work for the people at the local lay level and have a good relationship with just about everyone of them.

Be encouraged brothers and sisters, we feel for you when the church you have grown to love and respect, want to disown you when you are standing upon what you believe to be firmly Biblical and with the the world church vote in your support. It is difficult, but just remember, others are going through similar trials and struggles. God still has His 7000!!!

Rich blessings,

Doug Hurley, New Zealand.

WCAS Updates Website

Please go to www.affirmationsabbath.org

Request for News and Article Submissions

The WCAS Newsletter is distributed to interested Adventists. It originated in the Pacific Northwest and will on occasion feature some material of special interest to UCC church members. It is prepared by participants from UCC-WCAS and Nameless Network. We invite readers from all NAD Conferences to forward dates for their upcoming conference constituency meetings. We are also interested in brief, factual reports of especially encouraging or troubling conference executive committee and constituency meeting actions from across the NAD. Submit these short items to the editor at affirmationsabbath@gmail.com. Responses will be limited. SUBMISSION TO WCAS NEWSLETTER CONSTITUTES PERMISSION TO PUBLISH.

Regarding the use of WCAS Newsletters

We are glad to provide WCAS Newsletter freely to Adventist readers. We speak plainly in its pages and view it as best that non-Adventists not be engaged in these questions. We plead with readers not to post the newsletter onto the internet in any form. Readers are encouraged to email the Newsletter only to other interested Adventists. Readers are also granted permission to print-out hard copies of this Newsletter to give to interested church members who do not use email. Thank you for respecting our earnest wishes that you not post the Newsletter to the internet.

Contact

Physical:
            World Church Affirmation Sabbath
            PO Box 28034
            Spokane, WA 99228
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            Reach WCAS communication director at:
            mail to: AffirmationSabbath@gmail.com

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