The Good News Tour 2006

A biased review, by Brad Cole

The Good News Tour completed its first convention last weekend on the campus of the University of Redlands. The focus was entirely about God and all of the discussions pointed to the central question of the conference, “what kind of a Person is God?”

What was said?

The format for both days of the conference was the same. Following my overview talk, Ty Gibson, Manuel Silva, Alden Thompson, Marco Belmonte, and Tim Jennings each presented a lecture which focused on a different aspect of the character of God. The evening sessions concluded with a panel discussion which featured questions from the audience. Since the goal of the conference was to focus on God, I will not draw attention or praise to any of the individual speakers, but I will give an overview of the major points that were made.

The lectures were planned in such a way that the subject matter would progress chronologically. For this reason, first was described the war that began in heaven, and that the real issue in this war is over the character of God and the principle of his kingdom. The ultimate problem of sin was explained as having, at its roots, a false picture of God’s character. This leads to distrust, fear of God, and eventually in willful rebellion.

What followed was a discussion about the God of the Old Testament and the many ways that God has sought to win his children back to trust. The point was made time and again that God’s victory was ultimately achieved through the life and death of none other than God in the flesh, for in the life and death of Jesus we see the greatest revelation of God’s character and the principle of his kingdom – selfless love. At the same time, the lies Satan has been so successful in spreading about the character of God are completely shattered by Jesus, as we see that Satan and the nature of his kingdom – selfishness and survival of the fittest – are a sham and lead to destruction.

Texts referred to frequently throughout the conference included the most reassuring words of Jesus about the Father:

“If you have seen me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:8 – CEV)

“I have been speaking to you in parables - but the time is coming to give up parables and tell you plainly about the Father. When that time comes, you will make your requests to him in my own name, for I need make no promise to plead to the Father for you, for the Father himself loves you.” (John 16:25, 26 – JB Phillips)

The meeting concluded with 2 talks about the healing and restoration of the individual mind and within the community of God’s friends. The description of the actual mechanism of our healing by the life and death of Jesus was very clear and helpful in bridging the gap between the many different and sometimes complex models that have traditionally been used to explain this process.

Quotes from those who attended the conference

“The most powerful conference I have ever attended. From Genesis to Revelation the issue is...do you trust God...and that, of course, depends upon His character. The Good News Tour team gave a stellar defense.” – Charles Beck

“This was not a conference to bash or find fault with church leadership in any quarter. This was not a conference that dealt with differing personalities or their unique persuasions within the Church. This was not a conference that focused on outward performance or behavior. This was a conference that focused on Jesus Christ and His regenerative love, His willingness and ability to re-create in each of His children that image of Himself in which He created us in the beginning.

It was a call to Witness to and for Him, "...Whom to know is life eternal!" The pangs of physical hunger or the fatigue of long hours of sitting were minimal to the desire of the attendees to hear and hear again the message each speaker brought to the gracious ways Jesus used to win us to Himself. The call to go out from this conference with that life shaping message was clear and brought response seldom seen in other conferences.” – Gerald Reynolds

“As I see it, the Good News Tour lived up to and surpassed its “billing.” Following the emphasis in [a] masterful overview on Friday morning, speakers and hearers focused their thoughts and hearts on God - the kind of God He is and His passion to know us and for us to know Him as the closest of forever friends. It was a blessed Friday and Sabbath - well planned and well spent.” - Pastor Louis Venden

“It was a wonderful experience! I commend you all for doing this thing for not a whole lot is being said about Jesus' character anymore. We have moved so far away from that and I feel like the sermons we hear are all starting to sound alike. Our central focus should be JESUS...to know Him, and to behold Him. That is why I am so glad this sanctuary tour came about and that it offered a fresh perspective. I brought my friend with me and she loved it, too. We were both so blessed. What a wonderful way to spend the Sabbath!!!” – Jam Salon

Lasting Impressions

A very large banner of Lars Justinen’s painting of Jesus washing the feet of the world leaders provided the stage backdrop. This could be seen vividly even from the back of the auditorium and many people in attendance commented that their eyes frequently turned away from the speaker and to the face of Jesus. The resounding conclusion of this conference left in the minds of many, was that we have greatly underestimated the gracious and kind character of our God. As evidence for this, despite lectures stretching far beyond their allotted time and resulting in a very late conclusion to the final panel discussion Saturday night, the audience enthusiastically asked for more. Alden Thompson then made the insightful observation that it was quite remarkable to witness a group of Seventh-day Adventists begging for more talk about God even though the Sabbath hours had long since passed. For me, the realization at that moment was that all eyes were on God and that everyone in the room seemed full of great admiration for the kind of Person our God is.

DVD/CD recordings 

For those interested, we will have both an audio CD and a DVD recording available within a few short weeks on HeavenlySanctuary.com. In addition, a free web cast and MP3 download of the event will also be available. Recordings may be ordered by e-mailing office@heavenlysanctuary.com or by calling 1-888-250-4612.