NN Sept 2025

RMCNews – La Junta, Colorado … Members from Arkansas Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church and First Christian Church of La Junta, Colorado, joined the community for the annual Early Settlers Day, September 6. Twelve volunteers spent the day sharing Christ through their booth, “Christ Centered Living.”

The team began their day at 5:30 a.m., setting up in the park and returning to the church by 5:30 p.m. The booth centered around four questions: Who is Jesus? Who am I? Who am I to Jesus? Who is Jesus to me? These simple themes opened doors for conversations, prayers, and connections with community members.

Festival guests asked where the congregations worship, and booth volunteers shared information on attending Vacation Bible School to those with children. “People know us—they come by to talk and pray,” one volunteer reflected.

Throughout the day, the team distributed 16 cases of specially labeled water bottles, 600 T-shirts, and used 100 pounds of ice. More than 60 people signed up to win a set of Ellen G. White’s Conflict of the Ages books, while many Bibles and Spirit-filled resources were also given away. Several visitors returned to share how much they enjoy the book sets they had received in previous years. To date, the booth has placed 300 of these sets in the community.

For Ted Williams, lead pastor of Trinidad, Alamosa, and Monte Vista Seventh-day Adventist Churches in southern Colorado, the highlight of the day was seeing God at work. “God is busy, and He showed up again today for church in the park,” he remarked. The experience left the team grateful for the opportunity to witness, serve, and build connections through a community tradition.

—Event details provided by Ted Williams is the lead pastor of Trinidad, Alamosa, and Monte Vista Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Colorado. Photos supplied.

Liz Kirkland – Denver, Colorado … More than 200 women from around the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) converged upon Denver, Colorado, to recalibrate and renew in purpose and mission at the NAD’s Passionate Leader Summit, September 4-6, 2025. This second run of the event is part of a four-course leadership plan developed by the department under the leadership of NAD Women’s Ministries director DeeAnn Bragaw. It is dedicated to women’s ministries leaders and volunteers who support women throughout the division.

“My hope for Passionate Leader was that women would come find a place of connection, a place of inspiration, and a place where they would be equipped; that when they left here, they would go back home feeling empowered in what they were truly called and chosen and equipped by Jesus to do, which is to serve the women in their local communities,” remarked Bragaw.

Emily Brousson, former head of the leadership program at Andrews University, opened the general sessions and threaded her messages of community and communication through the biblical story of Moses: “The actions of women saved and shaped young Moses, creating a safe space that enabled him to grow and fulfill his destiny.” She explored the elements of communication in detail and challenged attendees to reflect on what may have been lost in what was left unspoken or how outcomes might have shifted with clearer expression.

Michele Joseph, communication strategist and founder of Michele Joseph Creative Solutions, continued the critical topic of communication. Through several activities, she had attendees explore their purpose and mission, identify who they were serving, and evaluate how they were communicating their purpose to those they serve. Joseph imparted the importance of purpose, saying, “Purpose is your engine” to help create direction, focus, and build trust through consistency.

Gina Creek, chief people officer for the Mid-America Region of AdventHealth, began her session advising that a leader’s most important role is to define and develop future leaders, creating a platform for others to lead. She gave several scriptural examples of people pouring into others, urging, “This isn’t the work of just those who are qualified. This is the work of everyone who is Jesus’ follower.” Creek closed by providing insights on identifying and nurturing future leaders.

Through the story of Deborah—the biblical judge and prophet—Heather Quintana, editor of Vibrant Life magazine, illustrated the call to make disciples. She pointed out that Deborah not only followed God; she also led others to Him. Quintana stressed the importance of knowing one’s identity in Christ, as Deborah did, and shared practical leadership lessons: treat people with love rather than as problems to solve, offer genuine support, don’t fear rejection, and always leave room for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The focus of Saturday’s programming was healing, beginning with a multi-generational panel. The summit organizers were intentional about not only raising awareness of the uniqueness and styles of each generation, but also sharing what that means in the lens of Women’s Ministries and working together in local churches and the greater church structure.

Panel member Vanessa Alarcón, therapy program manager of Community Reach Center in Westminster, Colorado, and adjunct professor at Andrews University, noted, “The more we talked [during the panel], the more we realized that, throughout the generations, we’re all women and we all want to serve God. Sometimes there are aspects of humanity that put limits and barriers [between us], but God breaks all those barriers, and we just have to be mission-focused. So, let’s just break the barriers and work together.”

The remainder of the day’s program was focused on trauma-informed ministry, led by Beverly Sedlacek, co-founder and clinical director of Into HIS Rest Ministries, who received verbal affirmations throughout her presentation. Sedlacek defined trauma and the subsequent expressions of trauma, reminding attendees of the importance of working through their own challenges first to be more effective in helping others.

Sedlacek reflected on what it means to be a compassionate caregiver and the importance of understanding the needs and wants of a person in pain. She counseled participants not to give advice but to listen to how others want to be supported and to offer presence, attentiveness, connection, comfort, and hope. “When we try to give them cognitive solutions to heart problems, we miss them altogether,” she cautioned.

“Trauma-informed care is what we do,” shared chaplain Freddie Maye Jenkins of the South Central Conference. “The ministry of presence is what a chaplain does. [This session] was just a confirmation that I am fulfilling my purpose. This is the second Passionate Leader that I’ve attended, and it was just awesome.”

Supporting the event were a number of women-run and women-focused organizations, including enditnow^®, a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to raise awareness and end violence; Woven Dignity, empowering refugee women with hope through sustainable work; AdventHealth; Adventist HealthCare; Adventist Women Leaders (AWL); and several more.

The concept of the “Friendship Bench” was also introduced and well-attended, as it was a physical seating place where anyone can meet and share with a trained, compassionate listener.

Integral to the running and success of the event were the tireless efforts of Heather Moor, project manager for the NAD’s Adventist Learning Community, and Marlene Poole, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference women’s ministries team, who served in countless ways as on-site manager for Passionate Leader and the AWL event that followed. Moor presented a ministry budgeting seminar—adapting materials developed by Poole—and invited Mid-America Union Women’s Ministries director Donna Brown to present on grants.

Moor stepped in to create and present the multigenerational seminar and then acted as moderator for the multigenerational panel. In addition, Moor managed production and logistics to ensure media needs were met. “Without her expertise, leadership, and both up-front and behind-the-scenes work, Passionate Leader could not have happened,” praised Bragaw. “Heather made everyone around her look good because of her incredible way of stepping out of the spotlight to let it shine on others. She truly embodies what a Passionate Leader is!”

Closing the summit, Bragaw brought to attention the stories of the women in the Bible and how crucial they were for the ministries of both Jesus and Moses. She then had every woman stand and declare that they are “Mission Critical” to God’s greater purpose. Bragaw highlighted the ways the enemy, the devil, wants to take leaders’ focus off what is truly important. She also demonstrated vulnerability—a true trait of leadership—with the heartfelt story of the passing of her son at the end of the last summit in 2024.

While the 2025 Passionate Leader Summit was designed for women in ministry, the takeaways from the event were applicable to women in all professions and seasons of life. Old connections were uplifted and new connections made, and the interactive moments and open times provided a forum for women across the division to discuss personal and professional challenges, providing a safe and welcoming space for all during their faith journey.

“I realize how much I can grow, and it was eye-opening to think that the Lord picked me,” commented Margie Hood, Women’s Ministries leader of Barstow Seventh-day Adventist Church in California. “The journey has not been easy, and I am going to do the best I can with the leadership that has been bestowed. I loved [the summit], and I will definitely return, Lord willing.”

—Liz Kirkland is the Rocky Mountain Conference communication director. Republished with permission from NAD News September 17, 2025, article. Photos by Pieter Damsteegt and Liz Kirkland.

Mona Fellers – Montrose, Colorado … The Western Slope Women’s Retreat, held September 12-14, was an amazing experience as almost 80 women gathered to bask in studies under the retreat theme “Grace is a Gift from God.” The setting was the beautiful Mountaintop Retreat above Montrose, Colorado.

There were beautifully decorated boxes throughout the retreat. To “fill” them, the participants were asked to put a note on the outside of the boxes stating what grace meant to them. In total, 81 notes of God’s grace covered the boxes.

Eilene Field and Thelma Hufman, deaconesses of the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church, led out the program on Friday afternoon with an informative and delicious cooking demonstration providing samples for almost 40 women.

The featured speaker was Jeannie Ryan, a nurse practitioner and missionary. Her relatable messages on grace, intermingled with heartfelt stories, were valuable to all those attending.

Alisha Knutsen, member of the Golden Seventh-day Adventist Church, spoke on how the gift of God’s grace makes us perfect through the righteousness of Christ. Linda Johnson, member of the Gand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church, remarked, “As a storm broke around the mountain retreat, Alisha spoke from her heart about God’s sustaining grace, love, and power. Her message encouraged us to be able to walk through the storms of life and be victorious in Jesus.”

Mona Fellers, Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wyoming, spoke on the grace displayed at Simon’s feast and the alabaster box.

Music swelled on the mountain with the praise team leading with songs celebrating the theme of God’s grace. Women from LaVida Mission* also sang praise songs in English, Navaho, and Spanish, and the girls from Castle Valley Academy in Grand County, Utah, sung acapella in beautiful harmony.

A powerful concert was held Saturday afternoon with familiar Gospel songs and the song, “Edelweiss” by Kenny and Jenifer Easton and Kenny’s mother, Dr. Kresten Mauk. Saturday night was full of talk and laughter, a beautiful sign craft, and chair messages.

Food was prepared ahead by the Western Slope Women’s Retreat team headed up by Judy Kelly, Montrose Church’s Women’s Ministry leader, and Jerilyn Pester, also from the Montrose Church. Several men were kind enough to volunteer to prepare and serve the food and clean up after each meal so the participants could enjoy the retreat.

The attendees also participated in a service project to help LaVida Mission by donating three vacuum cleaners and a variety of cleaning supplies.

Tracy Archuleta, a participant from Salt Lake City, Utah, commented, “I am so thankful to attend the Mountain Top Retreat at Montrose. I have attended twice and am always blessed! I have since invited two other women and one of them invited another woman. They were very blessed as well, and one of them found connections from the past which was another blessing for her.”

She continued, “Judy Kelly is always so helpful in getting registered, and Linda Johnson always makes me feel loved and seen—two very kind ladies. It’s such a joy to come and see them each year and get to know more women of God, which always fills my cup.”

“I enjoyed the cooking demonstrations as well, which were very healthy and delicious. We were given the recipes for them, and I will be making them soon. I also loved the special music and speakers. They were great messages and heavenly voices. Montrose is a special place for me as my parents are from the area and it’s not too far to drive from Salt Lake City,” Archuleta concluded.

The event organizers hope to see everyone next year in the second week in September to take part in a blessed, refreshing experience with God.

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Mona Fellers is the Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Eileen Field, Jerilyn Pester, and Mary Miles.

Paulette Yaple – Cheyenne, Wyoming … The Cheyenne Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, welcomed back Scott Ritsema, Belt of Truth Ministries* founder, for three presentations, September 13. Ritsema presented messages on various topics during the Sabbath School, worship service, and in the afternoon. On his last visit in late spring of 2021, Ritsema shared presentations from his series “Media on the Brain.”

During Sabbath School, Ritsema shared a captivating and timely message from his “Raising the Remnant” series. Tell Suckut, Cheyenne Church elder, reflected on the message stating, “Scott Ritsema provided valuable instruction on raising children according to God’s plan, showing how modern research has validated the counsel of inspiration. The timeless principles he shared equips parents with the tools to give their children the best opportunity to grow into Christian maturity and choose Christ for themselves.”

Lana Anderson, Cheyenne Church communication director, commented about the presentation during the worship service. She commented, “Scott Ritsema added to a very blessed Sabbath day! The session I found most interesting was ‘The Pilgrims in Providence and Prophecy.’ Ritsema tied the fascinating history of the Puritans and Pilgrims coming to America to prophecy. Particularly interesting was the fact that the first baby born in America to the Pilgrims was Peregrine White, ancestor to James White. God was already at work to raise up His remnant church!”

After an enjoyed fellowship lunch, Ritsema had a final session titled “I Will Not be Moved: the Coming Crisis 2025-2030.” Kevin McDaniel, lead pastor of the Cheyenne district, remarked, “Scott held a faith affirming presentation on end time events and encouraged everyone that the time is now to go forth and give the light of God to our community.”

“Many in attendance recognized the valuable topics shared by Scott and how very blessed we were to have him speak on these subjects,” reflected Paullette Yaple, Chyenne Church communication secretary. “We pray he is able to share again as he and his family are very loved in Cheyenne.”

* Belt of Truth Ministries is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Paulette Yaple is the communication secretary at the Cheyenne Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo supplied.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … For the third year, students from Adventist schools in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered for RMC’s Outdoor School, a joint initiative between the Youth and Education departments, for an experience that blends nature, fellowship, and faith.

Sixty-one students representing Mile High Academy (MHA), Brighton Adventist Academy, Lighthouse Seventh-day Christian School, Springs Adventist Academy, and Greeley’s Adventist Christian School (ACS) came together at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, for the much-anticipated event, September 10–12.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to get out in nature and learn some skills that they might not learn otherwise. Being able to bring them out here, connecting with other students from around the conference, and the spiritual atmosphere is always great, too. It’s just an all-around good experience for them,” commented Will Reed, ACS principal and fifth through eighth grade teacher.

Typically, eighth-grade students camp at GVR’s Pathfinder Village while fifth through seventh graders stay in the camps cabins. This year, however, everyone experienced tent camping. “Our hope is to return to the traditional setup next year,” shared Diane Harris, RMC Education director and Superintendent. “But this year’s all-camping format turned out to be a great experience.”

A highlight of this year’s Outdoor School was the involvement of three students from Union Adventist University’s (UAU) International Rescue and Relief program. They led hands-on sessions, teaching wilderness first aid and assisting Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, with rappelling.

One UAU student, Sally Marie Trana, attended a similar program in her youth in Minnesota, and was overjoyed to be invited to volunteer: “I loved it when I was a camper.” She continued remarking on how excited the children have been to participate saying, “They’ve been so enthusiastic … yesterday was wilderness first aid, and they were like, ‘oh my goodness, I’m so excited.’ So, they are having a lot of fun.”

Other activities included water filtration, orienteering, shelter building, and more. Camilla, an eighth-grade student from Lighthouse remarked enjoying carving soap and the rope activities and seventh-grade student Gideon enjoyed capture the flag.

Beyond outdoor skills, the heart of the event was the chance to bring schools together. Teachers and students alike expressed excitement about reconnecting from previous years and deepening relationships. Harris explained, “it’s a great opportunity to bring all our schools together, to bring our teachers together, and to focus on spirituality and Adventist education.”

The lack of cell phone coverage also added value. Without screens, students immersed themselves in conversation, games, and community. “The kids are engaged with each other here in a way they don’t get back in the city,” Harris shared.

As the worships closed each evening, the students left not only with new outdoor skills but with a stronger sense of belonging—to each other, to their schools, and to God.

Heidi Carpenter, associate pastor of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, assisted at RMC Outdoor School and commented, “I appreciate that the kids can come together from different schools and learn things in a different setting than the classroom. They get to learn how to deal with challenges and how to face them together.”

“And there’s always the worship times where we focus on how to handle our challenges with God,” Carpenter continued. “There’s a lot of focus on positive thinking, and that we can’t overcome difficulties on our own, it’s something that comes through our relationship with God.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

Pam Lah – Lincoln, Nebraska … A selected group of nine student leaders from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went to Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska, to strengthen their leadership skills at a three-day conference along with student officers from different Adventist academies, September 4-7.

Over the three days, the student leaders worked with other students in groups, and had sessions with UAU leaders, getting to hear about emotional intelligence, leading like Moses, and more.

“This was my first time sponsoring this trip and I was impressed by the practical and valuable lessons that the students learned about leadership. I’m excited to see how the Campion student leaders use what they experienced to better lead our community,” expressed Erin Johnson, CA’s English and Drama teacher and sponsor.

During their free time, students got to intermingle with UAU alumni and students from other schools, socializing together and enjoying each other’s company.

Marc Winokan, a senior student and resident advisor, shared, “Not only did we learn how to be better Christ-like leaders, but we also had lots of fun hanging out with the other academies and alumni. It was so fun, it felt like I was on a mission trip.”

—Pam Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Newday NewsFlash – Parker, Colorado … Traveling outside the U.S. to another country broadens horizons, increases cultural awareness, and provides opportunity for personal growth. When international travel is a mission trip with opportunity to live out your beliefs in tangible ways, the experience is transformative.

For these reasons and more, Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, provides scholarships for students to experience a mission trip. When they return, the students share their stories in hope of inspiring others to serve.

This summer, Noah, son of Aaron and Becca Dickerson, went on a mission trip with his grandparents and an organization called, Quiet Hour. Here’s Noah’s story:

Noah, where did you go and what was the purpose of this trip?

I was excited to go to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia! It’s a regular, big city with tall buildings and lots of traffic. The purpose of our trip was to tell people about Jesus and put on health clinics to provide basic medical support.

What was your role on the trip?

I learned to take blood pressure and tested people for reading glasses. I also helped my grandpa preach. We visited local church members in their homes to get acquainted and pray with them.

What are some of your favorite memories?

I helped preach a sermon where we showed part of the Jesus Movie on the topic of heaven. The church where we met was called, Light on a Hill. It was actually on top of a hill and the surroundings were beautiful. At the end of our week of preaching, there were 20 baptisms.

Did you do anything fun?

Yes! We saw the Chinggis Khaan statue, which was really cool. It’s an enormous statue on top of a building. We saw a famous landmark called Turtle Rock. I also rode a camel. It was creepy and hairy.

Noah, what advice would you give someone who hasn’t gone on a mission trip?

Definitely go. It’s fun and a really good experience. You can help change a lot of lives!

Newday will be going on a mission trip to Peru this next summer. Watch for details and consider going!

—Republished with permission from the September 10, 2025, edition of Newday’s NewsFlash. Photos supplied.

Jennifer Audette – Greenwood Village, Colorado – AdventHealth University Denver officially opened its doors September 16 at its new 16,000-square-foot site in Greenwood Village, Colorado, that will facilitate expanded student enrollment, helping to stem the shortfall of essential health care workers in the community and throughout the U.S.

The moment was marked with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, drawing education and health care leaders from around the U.S.

“This is a historic day for AdventHealth University, AdventHealth, and the Colorado community as we develop the next generation of nurses and imaging science professionals who will practice health care as a ministry,” C. Josef Ghosn, EdD, FACHE, president and CEO of AdventHealth University told guests. “AdventHealth University Denver boldly exemplifies our commitment to play a vital role in the health care workforce pipeline, and we are thrilled to welcome students to this wonderful space that sparks discovery, encourages excellence, and fuels purpose.”

AdventHealth University Denver, celebrating its 16^th anniversary, offers degrees in nursing, sonography and radiography. The new site includes state-of-the-art simulation equipment, high-fidelity mannikins, an energized lab and expanded student and classroom space. In addition, the new site is situated in the same building as the AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region headquarters, 6061 S. Williow Drive in Greenwood Village, providing opportunities for synergy between the two organizations.

“This partnership is more than sharing a building. It’s about sharing a vision,” said Brett Spenst, CEO of AdventHealth Colorado. “Through scholarships, leadership, and clinical training, AdventHealth is committed to helping AHU students thrive.”

Guests toured AdventHealth University Denver’s new instructional spaces and talked with students, alumni, and faculty.

AdventHealth University Denver is an extension of AdventHealth University, a private Christian university headquartered in Orlando.

AdventHealth University Denver aims to double its enrollment to 200-250 students over the next five to seven years.

To learn more about AdventHealth University Denver or to apply, visit ahu.edu/Denver.

To view the full ceremony, visit youtube.com/live/LU6RLBQgbJY.

—Jennifer Audette is the External Communications senior manager for AdventHealth University. Republished with permission from AdventHealth University News September 15, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

Eeheon Ryu – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Are you ready to survive? Well, senior students at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, were as they embarked on “Senior Survival,” August 27-29, a yearly tradition of roaming the outdoors. However, with new challenges and changes to this tradition, this year’s trip might have been the start of a new and transformed Senior Survival.

On the morning of August 27, nearly 30 MHA seniors loaded the bus with their belongings. The unprecedented class size was the reason this year’s Senior Survival was no longer the traditional backpacking trip, explained senior co-sponsor RD Gallant, MHA Upper School Bible teacher and chaplain. With so many seniors—last year’s class was around ten—finding enough of the right gear for everyone was unfeasible, and the trip morphed into a camping experience at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado.

However, these changes to Senior Survival might be here to stay. Rebecca Berg, another senior co-sponsor and MHA Upper School History teacher, noted the overall increase in high school class sizes is the main reason for the change. Her verdict? This year is a turning point in the tradition.

Despite this historic change, the spirit of the longstanding tradition was alive and well. The senior class bonded over fun activities like hiking, surprisingly competitive slacklining, which is competing over dish washing duties and phone charging privileges, and just sitting around the campfire at night together in conversation.

Moxie, Berg’s dog, also accompanied the class and made herself a much-loved camping addition with students petting her, playing catch with her, and enjoying her companionship.

Worship also remained a key component of the three-day trip, with worship happening daily. The night worship on August 28 especially stood out, as Gallant and Ellen, a class spiritual leader, jointly provided the message. The two delivered a captivating message about the legacy of being a senior, to shine their light at school and elsewhere. And, as long as students can come together and be reminded of messages like these, Senior Survival, in any form, will remain a valuable tradition.

—Eeheon Ryu is a senior student at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

By Logan Earles

In music, when a musical phrase is incomplete, it’s called unresolved. This feeling of an unresolved phrase is awful. Most times we hear this it is done on purpose to leave you with a sense of anticipation, and, let me tell you, I really, really don’t like it. There is something about having a complete musical thought played out that is satisfying.

This dislike for the incomplete is not unique for music. Half-baked thoughts are infuriating. Half-baked pies are disgusting. When a cookie is half baked on purpose for it to be “gooey,” I might as well give up on it.

There are some things that are left undone that only seem like a waste. Paintings or sculptures that are begging for the artist to complete them are the perfect example. It’s not infuriating, it’s invigorating. Imagining the potential of a piece is a beautiful part of art.

The Bible paints a picture of us that is missing something. From the fall of humanity, we have been changed by sin. Our Creator and artist didn’t make us this way, and we as people are living a life that is incomplete, unresolved, half baked. Thankfully, we are not left on the shelf to cool in our gooey mess. Let’s discover the rest of the plans that God has for us.

Alright, I admit I may have leaned into the baking analogy a bit much there. But I do think it’s true that the average human experience is one that is lacking something—there is a hole in our lives.

The biblical authors described this missing piece as separation from God. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were separated from God and all of humanity began to feel the consequences of separation from the life-giving force. So, God sent Jesus down to bring us together. This was no easy task. Jesus faced the ultimate separation from God on the cross when He cried out why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46). He experienced a death we do not have to experience if we choose to believe in Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10 NIV).

Jesus told his followers that He is offering a life that is full. Like a masterpiece waiting to be restored, the Father is looking to fulfill your potential through His power. Notice the verse in John 10 doesn’t say “life in part,” or a “different but equal life” to the one before. Jesus is offering us a life that is full. This is an Eden-like experience, an existence that is with the source of all life: the Father.

In order to give us access to this life, Jesus tells us that He came down.

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV).

Jesus came down and died and rose again for us—this is the central idea of the Bible, this is the reality of our God. He did not want us to be separated from Him forever, so He paved the way forward. He did everything in his power to reconcile us to Him.

When God created this world, He worked for days and then He took a day off to enjoy what He made with his creation—humanity. This was the first Sabbath. God is looking for that experience again, but, this time, it will last forever. So how can we respond to God seeking us?

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life Romans 6:3-4 NIV.

God has given us a gift in the form of baptism. Paul describes this baptism as a baptism into death, burial, and resurrection that brings us new life. That life is one that Jesus has suffered in order for us to choose. He will not force you into it, He invites you into it.

Are you seeking to be fulfilled?

You don’t have to keep searching in vain. Jesus is offering you a life in Him that will complete you. It will require your old life to die. But the new life that comes when Jesus is the reason we live, will outshine anything from the old. Give Jesus a chance, you were made to be with the Creator and to experience completeness that even the sweetest melody cannot compare to.

—Logan Earles is the associate pastor at the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Elijah Crouch of Unsplash.