Story by Lisa Moller
The big screen at Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Performing Arts Center flashed sports highlights and dynamic ESPN-style graphics to introduce the theme for the upcoming 2021–22 music season: “SVA Sports Spectacular.”
This theme, a close secret kept by band conductor Donald Huff and choral conductor Cristy Doria, set the agenda for a daylong field trip to Indiana, where band and choir members visited the Hoosier Gym, Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13, NIV).
As I look at 1 Corinthians 13, it is clear that prophecy, the gift of tongues and other gifts of the Spirit will come to an end because they will no longer be of value. But verse 13 has the wonderful word, “remain,” which expresses the idea of permanence for the three basic elements of our Christian experience: faith, hope and love.
This verse signifies that love is the element used to describe the very nature of God. That’s the reason Paul clearly says that, above all gifts of the Spirit, this one is the greatest.
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, KJV).
Except for the cross, the most convincing evidence that shows the Father’s love is found in Luke 15:20. The prodigal son left his father’s house to travel on the pathway of sin. After wasting his entire inheritance, he had no money or friends. While feasting on slop with the hogs, he thought of his father’s house and of the comforts of life. Pulling himself out of the slimy pit, he headed for home, hoping his father would let him be a servant. At least he would be able to survive.
Story by Kasper Haughton Jr.
Members of Beavercreek church, Ohio Conference executives and fellow pastors from across the state recently gathered for a special ordination service recognizing God’s ministry call on Delthony L. Gordon’s life.
Throughout his ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gordon has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, evangelist, lay pastor, academy chaplain and full-time pastor. He has served in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Oklahoma and now at the Ohio Conference as the senior pastor of Beavercreek.
Editorial by Richard Bianco
While 2020 is in our rearview mirror, its aftershock will linger in our collective memories for lifetime. We’ve seen everything from COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd to bitter politics, personal anxiety and fear felt by millions across the country. Through it all, our Seventh-day Adventist educators have shown strength and conviction, helping families and students move forward in their spiritual and educational pursuits.