Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #6 — Bridging The Gap

Picture: Counsel #6 — Bridging The Gap CCL 117.1

The Adventist world can be very comfortable! You can be born in an Adventist hospital, receive an Adventist education, and build a career without setting foot in the “real” world. So how can you bridge the gap between those worlds?^[145] Paul grew up with a similar experience. His Jewish career peaked when Jesus called him to reach the Gentiles. Aware of the differences between his world and the world of his audience, Paul built connections. Sometimes that meant working as a tentmaker to connect with people. Other times, it meant learning about local beliefs. Just like Paul, we can follow the example of Christ—the ultimate Bridge-builder who came down from heaven to reach us where we are. CCL 117.2

“For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:” Acts 17:23 CCL 117.3

“That we might become acquainted with His divine character and life, Christ took our nature and dwelt among us…. God was made manifest in the likeness of men. So it was in Christ's teaching: the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine truths by earthly things with which the people were most familiar.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 17.1 CCL 117.4

Reflect: What bridges can you build to help your non-Christian friends find Jesus? CCL 117.5