LET MY PEOPLE GO!
A Message for Celebration-type SDA Congregations
October 28, 1997
Don Hawley
In his message to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of a group of people in the clutch of spiritual blindness. This message is as appropriate for certain groups today as it was in Paul's time.
Not only Moses' face was veiled, but his people's minds and understanding were veiled and blinded too. Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because they cannot see and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures.
For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings their hearts are blind and they think that obeying the Ten Commandments is the way to be saved. 2 Corin. 3:14, 15.
Paul goes on to say that there is little one can do for those entrenched behind the veil of salvation by works; in their blindness they simply cannot comprehend the real meaning of the Word. Until that veil slips they largely are unreachable, and efforts to minister to them will prove unproductive. According to the official organ of Seventh-day Adventism, approximately 85 percent of denominational members fit into this legalistic category.
Dismal as this picture appears, there is hope for the other 15 percent who have been enlightened by a clear understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many such are to be found in a cluster of SDA congregations often referred to, usually in a derogatory manner, as "celebration churches." The animosity shown toward them is due to their praising God in spirited worship services.
The land of Egypt demanded spiritual bondage in the midst of a false religious system. As such it is a fitting representation of any denomination or religious entity today that denies the precious blood of Jesus by depending on salvation by works. Unfortunately, Seventh-day Adventism fits into that category. With this in mind, let's see what God did about calling his people out of Egypt.
GOD'S COMMAND
This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "Let my people go!" Ex. 5:1. It's important to understand that this pronouncement wasn't a plea, but a command from almighty God. Pharaoh admitted that he and his leaders didn't "know the Lord," and consequently he wasn't interested in their demand. After all, large numbers of slaves helped the aristocracy live in luxury and added to the wealth of the nation. Those denominational leaders who do not truly know the Lord also desire to hold members in tight bondage. They fear anything that might draw them away, and thus deplete organizational coffers. Notice that to begin with, Moses didn't announce the Israelites wanted to go to Canaan land. Let us take a three-day trip into the wilderness so we can offer sacrifices to the Lord our God. Ex. 5:3. Let my people go so they can worship me. Ex. 7:16. The Israelites were interested in true worship, and felt they were inhibited in that exercise while still inside Egypt. The "celebration churches" also feel a deep need for worship beyond the formal, dry services of traditional SDA congregations. The very first time I visited a celebration churchit was such a wonderful change from the deadly dull "worship" I'd been used to, that I never returned to my previous congregation. But it is difficult to praise God freely while still inside the denomination. Even yet, I am astounded at the hatred directed toward that "celebration church" by tradition-bound members. Although there were many, many traditional congregations available in the area, traditionalists could not rest as long as one lone group was joyfully praising their God. And bitter attacks came from all over the nation--nearly always from those who had never actually attended a service. Legalists suffering from guilt and fear always are suspicious of anyone who is happy in the Lord. DRAWING A LINE IN THE SAND We've already pointed out that the original demand had to do with worship; Pharaoh hardened his heart against such activity. The religion and traditions of Egypt were held in high esteem, and deemed sufficient for all needs. However, as the plagues began to fall, Pharaoh wanted to avoid further trouble. "All right, go ahead," Pharaoh replied. "I will let you go to offer your sacrifices to the Lord your God in the wilderness. But don't go too far." Ex. 8:28. As celebration congregations came into being, Adventist leaders were greatly perturbed. They didn't like or approve of them, but to move against them was politically dangerous. Driving them clear out of the fold would create too much chaos; leaders were already in trouble with denominational members due to serious errors and mishandling of funds. So, like the Egyptian leaders, they decided to compromise. "All right, go ahead. Raise your hands and clap, have your keyboard and drums, but don't go too far! None of that spiritual gifts stuff, like healing, prophesying, or speaking in tongues." Unfortunately,some celebration churches felt inclined to accept the proposed compromise. They satisfied themselves with playing in the shallows of the river of Renewal, rather than launching out into midstream. Failing to keep step with the Spirit is dangerous; we tend to forget there is more, and think we are experiencing the fullness of what is available. The larger temptation is to remain inside "Egypt." This accommodation demands reining in the Holy Spirit, so he doesn't have enough freedom to precipitate a serious crisis. Deeply ingrained in all Seventh-day Adventists is the concept that no matter what happens, official connection with the denomination must never be broken. But is that sound thinking? Would the Israelites ever have realized their destiny in Christ had they remained inside Egypt? A majority still cherishes the idea that somehow Seventh-day Adventism is going to be reformed. History does not support that view, and I believe there is no more chance of that happening than there was for Egypt to become a godly nation. Note Paul's solemn warning about any professed Christian entity that actually denies the efficacy of the blood of Christ by holding onto salvation by works. I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ. Let God's curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed. I will say it again: If anyone preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curse fall upon that person. Gal. 1:6-9. This is strong language, but not mere hyperbole. In its more than 150-year history Seventh-day Adventism has never espoused the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why should we expect any great advance at this late date? We can't afford to be found blessing that which God pronounces cursed. WHOSE TIMING? God made the presence of the Israelites a growing problem to the Egyptians. Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will send just one more disaster on Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. After that, Pharaoh will let you go. In fact, he will be so anxious to get rid of you that he will practically force you to leave the country." Ex. 11:1. It has already been demonstrated in a couple of cases that denominational leaders can be pushed to the extent they feel forced to expel celebration leaders and their congregations, but it is always a last resort. As far as I know, no celebration congregation has ever chosen to leave without being expelled. The danger I see in this is that a group, by allowing conference leadership to determine their fate, may miss the timing of the Holy Spirit. There is even the possibility that denominational leadership can be so fearful of doing what they believe to be right, that a congregation waiting to be forced out will be allowed to stay on and on and on. Once again, should timing be in the hands of men, or in the hands of the Lord? Due to abject slavery, the Israelites were not free to leave on their own no matter what they thought God wanted them to do. Celebration churches on the other hand, while also in spiritual enslavement, are not in physical bondage. They can opt out of"Egypt" any time they choose--and have the courage to act. THE CRISIS HOUR Those who are tuned into what God is doing in the world today know that the final crisis is upon us. Just ahead all heaven and hell are about to break loose in the last great battle of the war of the ages. This is preparation time, the time of choice. Who is on the Lord's side? There must be no ties with spiritual Egypt, even tenuous ones. Once the battle is fully engaged, we simply cannot afford to be found fraternizing with the enemy. Wouldn't it be more noble to take a stand on the side of right now, rather than hope to achieve it by default at some later date? God warned his people about half-way measures. Do not breed your cattle with other kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven from two different kinds of fabrics. Lev. 19:19. When it comes to dealing with the one true God, he demands total loyalty on our part. There can be no double mindedness. Even when making a break from the denomination, celebration congregations may be tempted to settle for some kind of hybrid. There may seem to be some advantage in coming up with an entity that is part Adventist and part non-Adventist. Such an arrangement is not acceptable, and never will produce the desired freedom in Christ. Leaving Egypt means just that--leaving; not bringing Egypt along in partnership. A WARNING If Moses thought everything was joyfully settled when they crossed the Red Sea, his hopes were soon crushed. The Israelites were out of Egypt, but Egypt wasn't out of Israel. Leaders of a newly-freed celebration church quickly will find that the old SDA mental grooves are deeply etched. Those traditional tapes will keep playing until replaced with better things. Even though God brought the Israelites out of abject slavery with signs and wonders, the hearts of many were still stuck in Egypt. Changing the beliefs and habits of a lifetime does not come easily or instantly. The people blamed Moses and said, "We wish we had died in the Lord's presence with our brothers! Did you bring the Lord's people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place?" Num. 20:3, 4. Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt, and the people of Israel also began to complain. "Oh, for some meat!" they exclaimed. "We remember all the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic that we wanted. But now our appetites are gone, and day after day we have nothing to eat but this manna!" Num. 11:4-6. How brazen! How unappreciative! The good was remembered; the bad forgotten. They were even bold enough to denounce the miracle of the manna. How patient and merciful is our loving God; we would have wiped them out in a moment. Those Celebration leaders who are brave enough to take their flock out of Egypt, should expect exactly the same response from some of their members. Moses had a "mixed multitude;" you will have a mixed-up multitude. Today's leaders will be tested as was Moses. At first there will be the joy of escape, but after a time some members will forget the bad things in Adventism and recall only the good. Remember, Seventh-day Adventists are taught salvation by denomination, so some will lose their original boldness and become fearful. The old tape plays, "If you retain your trust in the one entity on earth upon which God bestows his supreme regard, you will make it to the Kingdom. The old ship is going through, and your only safety is in being on board." In Adventism, it isn't the blood that counts. Others in Celebration flocks will actually leave and return to Adventism. Some of those who remain will grumble and accuse leadership of leading them astray. For a time the flock may diminish in size, but have heart. Before Gideon could lead his people into battle it was necessary to pare the army down to a totally loyal fighting core. Right now God is busy "Gideonizing" his troops for the impending climatic battle. Don't forget the millions of former SDAs who have never found a permanent harbor, but are in spiritual limbo. When they hear there is a Sabbath-keeping congregation that has fully severed denominational ties, and is truly free in Christ, they will swell the ranks. Furthermore, there is a need to address the unchurched as well. DECISION TIME We're fast approaching the time when not to choose decidedly for God must be counted as a decision against him. Laodicean fence sitting will not be allowed much longer. We serve a God that, in the crisis hour, would rather have us hot or cold. Decision by default is no decision at all. One of the most serious times of testing for Moses came when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram challenged his leadership. Appearing before Moses they stated, "You have gone too far!" Notice how God resolved the matter. When Moses heard what they were saying, he threw himself down with his face to the ground. Then he said to Korah and his followers, "Tomorrow morning the Lord will show us who belongs to him and who is holy. The Lord will allow those who are chosen to enter his holy presence. You, Korah, and all your followers must do this: Take incense burners, and burn incense in them tomorrow before the Lord. Then we will see whom the Lord chooses as his holy one. You Levites are the ones who have gone too far!" Num. 16:4-7. One of the most terrifying records in the Bible concerns the earth opening up and swallowing the dissidents, and blazing fire cremating the disloyal leaders. It isn't safe to deal lightly with the living God. Celebration pastors have been tested and will be tested. Denominational leaders have warned about "going too far." Some of the members of the flock will sound the same warning, but our pilgrimage is never "too far" as long as it is Spirit led. Seventh-day Adventism always demands to be the center of the universe, but we must not bow to that prideful stance. The greatest move of the Holy Spirit since Pentecost is underway, and I believe it will culminate in the Second Coming of Christ. In view of this, Adventism is an insignificant blip on the landscape. The latest move of God is increasing in intensity and speed. We must keep up with what God is doing, and not become bogged down with either the pro or the con of Adventism. Allow me to share a word of personal testimony. It's difficult for anyone in bondage to comprehend true freedom. In 1990 I was part of a large Sabbath-keeping celebration congregation. I understood and had embraced the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord gave me the spiritual gift of teaching, and my Sabbath School class grew to between 150 and 200 members each week. I seemed greatly blessed. However, it wasn't until 1991 when I officially severed my ties with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination that I came to know true and complete freedom in Christ! As long as those denominational ties exist, there's always a certain impediment to going all out for the Kingdom. God doesn't want us relatively free, he wants us free indeed! One more important text: The people of Israel left defiantly, in full view of all the Egyptians. Num. 33:3. God's people weren't driven out of Egypt like cattle. They left on their own terms with heads held high and a mighty shout of victory. That shout was loud enough to capture the attention of everyone in Egypt, thus providing a powerful witness to those still in bondage. Never has the cloud moved as it is moving in this our own day; the final events are about to burst upon us. Unfortunately, Seventh-day Adventism not only refuses to move with the cloud, it actually is resisting what God is doing. Most of the sheep in Celebration congregations will follow their pastors if they lead boldly and decisively. I pray these leaders will have the courage to take their flocks to greener pastures. Return to Spirit and Truth Ministries