Wilson Calls Adventists to ‘Go Forward’
Greetings from Obama read at Sabbath worship
3 Jul 2010, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Mark A. Kellner, Adventist Review
Addressing a crowd of 69,989 Seventh-day Adventists and friends, Ted N. C. Wilson, in his first Sabbath sermon as General Conference president, urged members to “go forward” in confidence through the days ahead.
Wilson’s message — delivered as he was surrounded by the Church’s 13 division presidents, nine general vice presidents, and his two immediate predecessors — came in a morning service where worshippers heard the fourth movement of Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, the “Reformation Symphony,” and where the world church leader read words of welcome from United States President Barack Obama.
“Throughout history, faith has shaped our philosophies, our perspectives, and our lives,” Wilson read. “As we face the challenges and opportunities of this unique moment in history, may faith move us to unite in common cause to serve our fellow brothers and sisters. … I wish you all the best for a wonderful event.”
Wilson began his sermon stressing the “heaven-directed journey” of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: “With the power of His truth, God has carved out of this chaotic world the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We are to be a peculiar people, God’s remnant people, to lift up Christ, His righteousness, His three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, and His soon coming,” he said.
“God is the Creator and is to be worshiped on His Sabbath day as a sign of our loyalty to His Word and creative power,” Wilson said, adding later, “Brothers and sisters, look to the Almighty God who can take you through anything you will face in the future. Never lose your full confidence and trust in Him. Always obey His command to ‘Go Forward.'”
“God has a plan for your life and for this church,” Wilson urged the massive crowd. “Never doubt the destiny of this mighty Advent movement. It is in God’s hands. God has given us prophetic instruction to know the culmination of the great controversy — God is the Victor.” (Read more)
