Saul asked God questions. He wanted to know if he should attack the Philistines. Wouldn't it be nice to have clear answers from God at crucial decision points? Saul expected those clear answers. So when he didn't get them, he concluded that there must be some specific sin in Israel that caused God to be silent. To get an answer from God about the battle, they needed to find out who had sinned. That is a daunting task. How do you get an entire army to tell the truth about secret sin? It is not so hard when you can get a clear answer from God.

Saul prayed again, "Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault, respond with Thummim." (1 Samuel 14:41). That prayer got a clear answer. The Urim gave Saul a clear yes that the fault was with either him or his son. Then he got another clear answer: Jonathan was the one who had caused the problem. If you know the whole story, you might disagree that Johnathan was at fault, but don't miss the point: Saul had the ability to get a clear yes or no from God.

Here is how Ellen White describes the use of the Urim and Thummin (Christ in His Sanctuary 45.1)

"At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation."

Urim is a Hebrew word meaning light. Thummim is a Hebrew word meaning perfection or truth. So many of our problems would be solved if we had perfect light from God to make decisions. Are you even just a little bit jealous? Go ahead, admit it. It is not fair that they had Urim and Thummin, and you get silence.

Our most recent study in the book of Acts unfolded the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Just before the Spirit fell, the church got clear answers from God about replacing Judas with Matthias. They didn't know who to choose. So they trusted God to give a clear answer through casting lots. It may have included throwing sticks or stones. A modern equivalent would be flipping a coin or rolling a die and getting God's agreement to speak clear answers through this process. Are you jealous again? If you could trust casting lots today, it would be easier to decide who to marry, what job to take, what the best care is for your elderly parents, how to spend your time, or who to hire.

Interestingly, the last time we see the casting of lots used in scripture is at the end of Acts 1. The Spirit is poured out in Acts 2, and the church never needs to cast lots again. They didn’t need to anymore. If you were jealous of the clear answer of the Urim and Thummin and casting lots, you need to know that what we have in the Spirit is an upgrade. We have greater access to clear answers from God than Saul did that day in pursuit of the Philistines. We don't have the use of special stones. We have the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

As we continue in the book of Acts, we will see the Holy Spirit guide the church with clear answers from God. That is the Spirit that guides our church today. Trust the Spirit to be tangibly present as you make decisions with a heart surrendered to God. Linger with God in prayer until the Spirit gives you clear direction.

Ibbie Sandvik

Our friend Ibbie Sandvik passed away on Wednesday morning. Her memorial service will be at the Palmer SDA Church on February 17 at 1 pm. There will be a viewing before the service, burial will follow the service followed by food and fellowship back at the church. We are praising God for a beautiful life and continuing to lift the family up in prayer.

There was not a need among them… Acts 4:34

Thank you to those who have extended their love by donating to John and helping meet his immediate needs. John, a member of the Bethel company, was baptized last year and recently diagnosed with cancer. Further financial assistance is welcomed and can be done through AdventistGIving by directing your gift to the Bethel Company Benevolence Fund. Please follow up with Colette6341 / [email protected]), Reahl (907-690- who is coordinating donations. May we be encouraged to follow the example of the early Christians as described in Acts 2:44-47. It is wonderful to be a part of God’s family!

Baby Shower

What will baby be? The gender is a surprise! Please join us for a coed baby shower celebrating The Towers Family on February 16th at 2 pm. We will have games and prizes for adults. Bring a plate/bowl with finger food to share and a pack of Huggies/Pampers, diapers, or wipes. Help us build a diaper Tower! RSVP to Cassie Hoover (907) 355-4287 or Alyssa Rogers (907) 795-7157.

Baptismal Studies

Some in our church have decided to be baptized! You may also like to take this step in your walk with the Lord. Pastor Ryan will be leading a study to prepare for baptism. You do not have to commit to being baptized to join the study. And if you are already baptized, you are welcome to attend. The study will discuss the significance of baptism and church membership, and there will be opportunities to answer your specific questions.

 Kids Baptismal Studies (ages 8-13) are on the following Tuesdays at 3:15–4:15 pm in Pastor Ryan's office. Here are the dates: January 28, February 11, 18, 25, and March 18, 25.

Adult Baptismal Studies (ages 13+) are on Sabbaths at 1 pm in Pastor Ryan's office. Studies will be held every Sabbath in February, and March 15, and 29.

Around the AKC

Keep up with Alaska Conference news at https://www.alaskaconference.org/around-the-akc

Events

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