QUESTION: For several years there has been a good deal of talk about the Ukrainian Sabbatarians, but precious little fact. Could you create something accessible from your web page that clearly explains the doctrines of the Ukrainian Sabbatarians on (1) God, (2) Christ, (3) the Holy Spirit, (4) angels, (5) the Kingdom of God, (6) repentance, (7) baptism, (8) the gospel, (9) the Church, or any other pertinent belief? ANSWER: Perhaps we should devote more time to explain what they do believe. Some technicalities of belief vary among them. While some may say that they are heavily Old Testament-based, you will not find people who proclaim, preach, evangelize, sing about Jesus Christ more. He is definitely the focus and center of their faith. They do believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. In speaking with their leader about God, they do believe that the Father and Jesus Christ are God and are distinct personalities. They are one as described in John 17, that is, they are one in thought and purpose. The Holy Spirit is the power of God and is not a distinct personality. I have never discussed angels with them, but when I go over to visit them in April, I will discuss this with them. They do believe that the Kingdom of God will literally come to this earth as Christ told his disciples to pray for. The Kingdom has been prophesied by the prophets of old and will create a literal new world order. I have given a sermon about the Kingdom of God in their churches and they were appreciate of the approach I used about it being a future event while at the same time we had access to it spiritually. They believe that repentance is an act of repudiating the way one’s lived and accepting Jesus Christ. This includes coming to obey the law of God, forsaking worldly conduct and living a life of caring for your fellow man. Baptism is done by complete immersion in water. The gospel is a message of hope in Jesus Christ, His message and salvation. They believe that God’s literal Kingdom will come to this earth and that this was the message that Christ brought. That’s the good news that Christians should be proclaiming. As I’ve mentioned, there are differences in technicalities of doctrine. We found, though, that they are tolerant of one another to various degrees. You need to remember that they have come from a very secret oppressive state where there was little communication. They are still trying to organize and find their identity and one another for that matter. Having us come and visit them as people who have similar beliefs is very comforting and reinforcing to them. I personally have been greatly enriched by my relationship with them. As one of their leaders told me: "we want to learn from you; I hope that you will learn from us, too." I hope that we can all be open and humble to the learning process.