The current wave of violent crime and apparent lawlessness has reached an unacceptable level in our country. It is impossible not to notice or be unaware of this trend, as almost each day we tune into the news we learn of someone who has been robbed, raped or stabbed. Unfortunately, our murder count for this year is nearing 80. For a population of around 350,000, this is just too much. In fact, the taking of one life is one too many. This was painfully highlighted in the case of the senseless ga…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on December 4, 2009 at 7:32am —
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A most piercing and penetrating Bible passage is found in Acts 9:15. There, God clearly outlined the mission of one formerly an anti-Christian named Saul, who would later become known as Paul. The passage states: “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.’”
What do we learn from this passage?
Among other factors, we learn that God is inclusive, in that He desires all persons to be presented with th…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on November 27, 2009 at 7:04pm —
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Generally, folks regard November as a month of thanksgiving, especially the latter part of the month. However, one’s orientation will determine what thanksgiving means. Accordingly, I proffer a few thoughts in the context of thanksgiving.
Gratitude - A State of Mind
The Apostle Paul enjoins us “to give thanks always.” What does that mean? Is one being called upon to give thanks under all circumstances? How can one be positive when he or she has been afflicted with pain as result of a murder of a…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on November 20, 2009 at 6:23am —
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Feel free to make your comments below. Undeniably television technology represents one of the most powerful means of transmitting the gospel locally and abroad. That is something that we knew and welcomed when we entered into an arrangement with Cable Bahamas, a local cable company in the Bahamas, to insert a few hours of local programming into the time allotted for 3ABN on channel #53. In fact, we may have up to six (6) hours daily. Well, fellow leaders it may please you to know t…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on November 13, 2009 at 5:14am —
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Undeniably television technology represents one of the most powerful means of transmitting the gospel locally and abroad. That is something that we knew and welcomed when we entered into an arrangement with Cable Bahamas, a local cable company in the Bahamas, to insert a few hours of local programming into the time allotted for 3ABN on channel #53. In fact, we may have up to six (6) hours daily. Well, fellow leaders it may please you to know that this is no longer a dream as within the last eigh…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on November 13, 2009 at 5:13am —
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40 DAY COUNTDOWN
Some time ago I shared with you plans pertaining to the “Follow the Bible” initiative. Well, for this week’s update, I use an article written by Nigel Coke, Communication Director of West Indies Union, as a basis for reminding you of these plans. We are now on a countdown to receive the actual Bible in West Indies Union on Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This past Sunday, November 1, marked a ‘Forty-day Count…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on November 6, 2009 at 8:54am —
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Among the most delightful and joyful celebrations performed by a pastor is that of a wedding, as it affords him the opportunity “to minister in a joyful and spiritual celebration for couples and their families and friends.” However, it can also turn out to be most embarrassing and disappointing for the same should certain and key guidelines be ignored and not adhered to. Accordingly, I attempt to share the following suggestions. For a more comprehensive account, one may consult The Minister’s Ma…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on October 30, 2009 at 9:14am —
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Praying with Your Eyes Open
Most of us grew up in homes where we were taught to close our eyes when praying. However, today’s topic is “Praying with Your Eyes Open.” Such a caption is bound to stimulate some reaction sparking some of you to ask, “Is it possible to pray with one’s eyes open?” In the local Adventist culture, it is not something that we practice. However, I hasten to explain that I am not referring to one’s literal eyes but instead the opening of the mind to God as one comm…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on October 25, 2009 at 3:01pm —
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Share your ideas. Ask your questions.
Given the significant response to last week’s update on Funeral Etiquette (which was also carried in one of the local daily newspapers --the Nassau Guardian), I thought to do an additional article related to funeral. Hopefully, it will address some of the suggestions and concerns noted by some of you.
Home Going
For some Seventh-day Adventists locally, the term “Home Going” is most repulsive and unacceptable when speaking about what ha…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on October 16, 2009 at 11:03am —
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Very few experiences stress families as the passing of a loved one, especially if it was tragic or unexpected. It can demand unanticipated amounts of money, and, in some instances, it may require one to relate to several institutions inclusive of insurance companies, place of employment, funeral home, cemetery, family members, and in no way least a pastor, priest or elder, etc. And yet those visits and experiences do not constitute the end, as the service itself can take on the unexpected.
A…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on October 8, 2009 at 7:27pm —
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Healthful Living, Part II Read and respond at the end of the article.
Reactions to last week’s update coupled with an ongoing reading of Counsels on Diet and Foods have encouraged me to do a part two to healthful living. However, I make it clear that I feel in no way qualified to write regarding health reform, but at the same time, I find it difficult to excuse myself from such an assignment. Writing on the subject of health reform may convey the impression that the writer or prop…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on October 2, 2009 at 10:40am —
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Paying Attention to a Most Needed Emphasis
Among the topics that receive less focus and balance attention is that of health reform. Unfortunately, there are those of us who shy away, and on the other hand, there are those who have a tendency to go overboard. Accordingly, I attempt to share a balanced article regarding health reform and its obligation and implication for us as leaders.
The Need to Focus on Health Reform
Ever since I have started to read Counsels on Diet and Foods…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on September 25, 2009 at 5:30am —
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This week’s update is a copy of an article on Follow the Bible shared with the media. Thanks to all of you who attended the joint service on Wednesday, September 9th to launch this initiative and also the September 12th service at Grant’s Town where we wrote our portion of the Bible in just over one hour owing to light rain showers as we were on the outside. Also, special thanks to local coordinator Pastor Peter Joseph, and assistant coordinator Pastor Andrew Burrows, as well as Executive Secret…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on September 18, 2009 at 11:33am —
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The Proposed Amendment to the Sexual Offenses Act
You can respond to this article in the comments box at the end of this page.
Within the local Bahamian society there is much debate regarding the proposed amendment to the Sexual Offenses Act before parliament. As with any issue, there would be those for and those opposed; and, in a democratic society, that is the right of persons. Given the feelings and reactions generated --persons for and against have been employing scriptures t…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on September 11, 2009 at 8:06am —
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Training to fulfill the Mission of the Church
A part of the current strategic document for the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is a commitment to training. Training of workers and laymen for the work of evangelism is critical to the growth and development of our conference. Thus for the planned graduation of the School of Evangelism this weekend, I commend Pastor Peter Joseph, Ministerial and Personal Ministerial Director, as well as each presenter and the many local elders w…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on September 4, 2009 at 6:08am —
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Identifying the Needs of Those We Seek to Reach
It is unlikely that people will respond to our overtures unless they are convinced that we are truly interested and care for them. The old saying is true, “People do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care.” While I am not sure that I have the quote right and do not know who penned those words, the message is clear; people want to know that we care for them.
The Example of Christ
For a third week, I find it nec…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on August 28, 2009 at 1:57pm —
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Evangelism –Fortress or Salt
Last week I sought to establish that there is much to be achieved in evangelism should we take another look at what we do weekly and/or daily. However, for today’s update, I attempt to zero in on two important approaches to evangelism namely: “salt” and “fortress…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on August 21, 2009 at 2:54pm —
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Answer to the above question is likely to result in a “yes” or “no” response depending on who is responding. Admittedly, there is more that can and ought to be done when it comes to evangelism. Unfortunately, when evangelism is mentioned, the idea of a church or tent crusade is conjured up. However, I would want us to broaden our thinking in considering the numerous potentially-evangelistic programs and or ministries being done within and outside the church weekly and, in some instances, daily.…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on August 14, 2009 at 9:52am —
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The Book of Books
Two weeks ago I shared with you several books that are a must for leaders. However, this week I focus on the book of all books --the Bible. It is possible to take this one for granted, as it is assumed that we all read it. While I believe that we do, it is possible that the Bible may not get the full attention it deserves, for we are busy people. Also, as we are surrounded with “the Bible,” meaning church and the Sabbath School Lessons, we may believe that we are safe; b…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on August 7, 2009 at 12:30pm —
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Supporting Our Interns
In June the Executive Committee of our Conference voted to deploy five interns to Family Island districts as of August 1 and an additional to be posted in January, 2010. These servants of God have been exposed to the operation and functioning of our church under the supervision and mentoring of senior pastors and elders. Now they have had this training they are being given the opportunity as licentiate pastors to man a district under the supervision of administrati…
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Added by Pastor Leonard A. Johnson on July 31, 2009 at 12:03pm —
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