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April 12. 2024 I hope to be able later today to post additional material in response to issues that Gustave has raised. Until I am able to do that, I am locking this thread. I will remove any comments that are placed in this thread by the few people who can post in a locked thread. After I have placed additional material in this thread, I will allow for posts to be made in this thread. In further study of the responses made to me, I believe that I have permission to post them in this forum. So, I will do so, with some explanatory remarks. I am still uncertain as to whether or not I have permission to publish either his name, or position in the SDA denomination. At this time I will simply call him Dr. Paul, (not his real name) and state that he is an SDA Scholar.

The Folded Napkin in John 20:7 contains an important Easter message that probably few have understood. See: https://atoday.org/the-folded-napkin-in-the-empty-tomb/

This topic is now open. I am reserving my right to respond at a later time, in this space. Others may now post comments related to the above posts.

10 Hopes For the Church Of Tomorrow is an article well worth reading. See: https://spectrummagazine.org/views/10-hopes-for-the-church-of-tomorrow/

NOTE: I am in contact with a SDA scholar who is willing to assist us.

Major Changes at Pacific Union College: An official video has been released at PUC, that has announced major changes to take place in student life. One change stated that all PUC students would be required to wear a common uniform. Another change announced that the restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A was planning to establish a restaurant on campus that would replace the chicken with Fri-chick, resulting in a name for the restaurant of Fri-Chick-Fil-A. That video has resulted in major questions from alumni. See: https://atoday.org/april-fools-day-video-causes-stir-among-pacific-union-college-students/

Identifying Michael as Jesus Christ is widely supported by reference to 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Paul there associates the Second Coming of Jesus with the voice of the archangel. The word archangel (Greek: archangelos, archangelou) appears only two times in the New Testament. In Jude 9 the archangel is named Michael, in 1 Thessalonians, the archangel […] The post Identifying Michael as Jesus Christ appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article

* Elderly man rear-ends an expensive car in front of him at a Stop Sign. * Joe, driver of the expensive car begins to berate the elderly driver and demand $10,000 for the damage. * Elderly man responds that he will telephone his son, John, who trains dolphins, who will take care of the situation. * Joe takes the cell phone and informs John that the wants an immediate $10,000. John responds that he understands and will be there in a few minutes. * John arrives and shortly pounds Joe into a quivering heap. * John then turns to his Father and says: "Dad, for the last time I do not train dolphins. I train Navy Seals.

An interesting perspective: https://spectrummagazine.org/views/hindus-adventists-and-a-1000-year-perspective/

An important article: https://atoday.org/loma-linda-pediatric-surgeons-warn-against-mechanical-bull-dangers-after-rise-in-child-injuries/

Seeking ‘the right side of history,’ Speaker Mike Johnson risks his job to deliver aid to Ukraine WASHINGTON (AP) — Staring down a decision so consequential it could alter the course of history -- but also end his own career -- House Speaker Mike Johnson prayed for guidance. https://apnews.com/article/house-ukraine-aid-speaker-ouster-c525efc953d532242d6d441c55724992?

Brain & Life is a magazine to which I subscribe and it is free of charge. Its purpose is to help elderly people and their caregivers to understand and deal with the changes that commonly take place in the elderly. The URL below links to the current issue. I find it to be helpful in articles which discuss Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which was a new condition to me, Parkinsons' Disease and on driving an automobile by the elderly. I consider it to be a valued magazine that helps people to better understand the elderly and their needs. I recommend it to clergy, caregivers and older people. Subscribe to it. It is free. I have done so for several years. https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/bl-current-issue/

Women in Combat: I often tell people that I am the first U.S. Army Chaplain in modern times to go into combat with a COED unit. What most people do not know, is that 885 female members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion served in Europe during World war II. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6888th_Central_Postal_Directory_Battalion NOTE: Later this year a movie about this unit, titled Six Triple Eight will be released to theaters.

Escape From Germany is a movie, released to the theaters on April 12, 2024, that tells the true story of 85 Later-Day Saint missionaries who fled Germany during World War II. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28172032/

U. S. Health Care: The following article, written by a physician, will inform you on more aspects than you probably knew existed. https://atoday.org/disease-and-doctors/

Pro Life: Are you Pro Life or are you Pro Birth? There is a difference. https://spectrummagazine.org/views/you-say-you-are-pro-life-what-does-that-mean/

Nefarious is a film currently being shown in the theaters that Christians would normally be expected to never view. However, according to the review below, it can be compared to the C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters. https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/books-film/nefarious-a-film-review/

(N) 1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Question: What does it mean when the husband states that he will make all of the decisions? Answer #1: Well in our marriage I would point out “no dear, I will decide what divorce lawyer I hire to dump you.” Answer #2: I did know a woman whose husband said that and she said OK. she then did nothing. He wanted dinner he decides what it is and cooks it. She badgered him with questions constantly even calling him at work to ask. “What time should I take a shower” then calling back to ask “what soap should I use” then calling back to ask if she should shampoo her hair then it was what towel, the blue one or the green one. The moment he hit the door she was asking “should I sweep the kitchen?” “what are you going to buy for dinner” “what soap for the dishwasher” “ when should I clean the toilet,” She spent most of the day compiling decisions for him to make. After a week of making all the decisions he crawled down from his idiocy and literally begged her to make most of the decisions he really didn’t want her calling him at work during a meeting to ask if their daughters hair should be braided or not or if their son should wear his sandals or closed shoes. I think the final straw was when she called his office during the lunch hour and left a message with the receptionist saying she started her period should she use a pad or a tampon. The receptionist put it up on the message board open and almost everyone in the office got a peek and teased him about it. Thanks to Quora and Angela Birch for the above question and answer. 6

Potlucks: According to the writer below, Potlucks may be an unrecognized answer to some of the issues faced by Adventism. https://atoday.org/three-reasons-potluck-could-save-the-adventist-church/

(N) Psalm 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

Adventist Today Magazine is available on the Internet, and may be accessed at: https://atoday.org/magazine-archives/

Biodiversity: Most of us would like to have hour home located among flowering plants, colorful birds and insects--think butterflies. That is best achieved when you plant species that is native to the area where you live. Milkweed attracts Monarch butterflies, but there are 70 species of milkweed. The following URL takes you to a website that identifies the plants, insects (Butterflies) and other life native to your area. Just plug in your Zip Code. https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

The Carter Center: Have you ever wondered as to what U.S. Presidents do after they retire. Well, in my opinion, former President Carter set the standard, when he established The Carter Center. The URL below links you to one article that will inform you as to what he has done. https://www.cartercenter.org/countries/sudan.html

So, let us look at this case on a bit deeper level: * The company is a private business that reports to its owners, whom I believe are probably stockholders. * As such, the company has the right to take a position on any public issue of it's choice, as long as the owners (stockholders) do not object to that position. * It is the owners (Stockholders) who are in the position of authority to object to any such position taken by the company and to remove from leadership position any person who takes a position that the owners disagree with. * No person has the right to remain employed by the company who is in opposition to the direction that the company is taking. * If I object to the consumption of alcoholic I do not have the right to be employed by a company that produces such. I would not want to be employed by such. * I wonder why this employee wants to be employed by a company that supports something to which the employee strongly objects. NOTE: I am not suggesting that the employee has no legal rights in this case. What I am saying is that I believe that the company also has some rights.

Our Solar End: The following article reflects current thinking on the end, which does not seem much different to me than what has been said for some time. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-reveal-how-the-solar-system-may-end/ar-BB1lpik8?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=39bbf24a435c434ebd8c77a5b998e7ed&ei=11

Spectrum: I have just received the current issue of Spectrum in the mail. It contains several articles of interest to Adventists today. Included in those is an article by Ronald Graybill on the visions that EGW had and an article by Warren Trenchard on a comparison of the writings of Richard Rice with those of John Peckham on the subject of the Trinity and on the Sabbath.

New York City Bridge: Did one almost fall as did the BAltimore bridge? See: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/huge-shipping-container-loses-all-power-near-nyc-bridge-not-long-after-baltimore-key-bridge-collapse/ar-BB1leAGY?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=f0caf09fa1414baa9d1bf5cc3b7bec81&ei=8

The United States Commission on Religious Freedom is an agency of the U.S. government that maintains a website dedicated to reporting on issues of religious freedom. The following URL takes you to that website. If interested, it contains a plethora of information on this subject. You will just need to search a bit for what you are looking for. https://www.uscirf.gov/

Park Forest, Illinois has named Alexandria Miller as Teacher of the Year. See: https://adventistreview.org/news/u-s-town-names-an-adventist-teacher-of-the-year/

Again: I have no problem with acknowledging that in the early days of Adventism, positions on the Trinity were held that were not orthodox. I would not argue against the idea that some elements of those non-orthodox positions may exist in some SDA members today. I think that both Gustave and I agree that the full nature of the Godhead is well beyond our human experience and understanding. But, some aspects of that have been revealed to us in Scripture and therefore are worthy of discussion. I hope that we can have some enlightenment from the person who will be working with us/me.

(N) Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

SDA Files Lawsuit: To put it mildly, the involvement of a SDA prisoner in the following religious liberety litigation is strange. https://www.10tv.com/article/news/world/solar-eclipse/new-york-inmates-suing-to-watch-the-solar-eclipse/507-2179058b-a750-4bd1-9823-6a8b77ceee50

(N) Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The expected path of the solar eclipse has changed. For the latest, path see: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/new-solar-eclipse-map-shows-change-in-places-where-moon-will-block-sun/ar-BB1kXiqh?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=795ae4b05a1e40129362a1010984edaa&ei=18

He was an amazing person, a type of politician that we need more of. The world is better because of him. He was a godly man, and a thinker who really loved God and God's world. Once when in Washington DC for Air Force Training, on a day off I got to sit in the senate gallery and he was one of the Senators that I recognized. I did not know this until hearing about his death on the news, but not only was he Al Gore's running mate on the democratic ticked, but despite him being a Democrat, John McCain seriously considered him for his running mate. When I heard of his death, I could not help but tell people "I hope that his death does not confuse people, to hear a good godly man and a politician", that they don't scratch their heads and say "Imagine that, two men in the same grave." Another smile I heard on the news was, since he was a Sabbath keeper, that his staff used to say "Joe Lieberman, working for you 24/6" Death is an enemy, but we can add smiles to our tears when someone has left such a legacy and resting in the blessed hope.

101 Years Old and goes to work every day. For more, see: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/at-101-years-old-i-m-the-world-s-oldest-practicing-doctor-my-no-1-rule-for-keeping-your-brain-sharp/ar-AA1f0T3I?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=27c1010d85aa4044a8b3218f320c7bfb&ei=19

Dementia is a word that is often bandied about today, and often by people who have little understanding as to what may be involved with it. So, I thought I would give you some background as to its background. Mental health workers in the United States typically go to the current edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) to inform on issues of mental health. Physicians in the U.S. and International clinicians commonly use the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Those books are typically revised and updated on a 10-year cycle. As people age, a decrease in physical function often occurs. This may, not always, be accompanied by a minor decrease in cognition. This is not dementia. Dementia is a more advanced form of a decrease in function. Dementia is believed to occur about 41% of the time in people in which a mild decrease in cognition has occurred. Dementia occurs in multiple forms. The following are several of the most common forms. Alzheimer’s Disease: is thought to occur in 60% to 80% of the people with dementia. “Aphasia is a common symptom. Issues with memory, confusion, and judgment are common. Changes take place in the brain which are not fully understood. Vascular Dementia: is thought to occur in 10% of the people with dementia. The etiology is thought to include changes in the vascular system in the brain to includes prior strokes. Lewy Body Dementia: is thought to occur in 4% of the people with dementia. It is quite similar to Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Fronto-temporal dementia: is getting recent attention as an important form of dementia. In this form, changes occur in that specific region of the brain. Those changes include, behoravial, personal and language. NOTE: Nothing in my comments here should be thought to imply that any individual currently in the news either has, or does not have, any form of dementia. In short, I do not engage in diagnosis from news reports.

it will be interesting to see what happens here. Way to move the ball down the field Pastor Matthews!

I am still working on getting a more scholarly response to some of the posts that Gustave has made, as I believe that such is deserved.

March 26, 2024 Effective today, the Review has posted the following comment on their website: Understanding the Trinity Gregory Matthews 12 days ago I appreciate the present position of the Review that allows for some level of discussion of issues on which SDAs do not totally agree. Such is representative of our actual membership. In addition it fosters spritual growth along lines that may be important to the direction that this denomination takes. Along this line, the recent articles by Dr. Peckham are important. The nature of the Godhead is fundamental to understanding salvation and Christianitiy in general. However, the publication of those articles serves a very limited population of people, even when posted on the Internet. The Internet has other discussion groups, such as Club Adventist, and I moderate it, which exist to foster discussion between the various groups within Adventism, and also the public at large. Currently Dr. Peckham's articles have become a part of our discussion of this issue. Our discussions would be much more valued, and effective, if he had the time to participate in them. In his absence, I and others, are placed in a position where we are limited in our ability contribute. While I appreciate such articles, I also wish for circulation beyond the limits of this website.

AI can now be used in the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy, which is a major cause of blindness. When so used, increases the quality of the diagnosis at a decrease in the cost. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/artificial-intelligence-diabetic-retinopathy-diagn

(N) Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

You opinions on this matter are a great example of the collective disillusion that has swept through the conservative movement. Conservatives are increasingly attaching themselves to wild opinions that they have to walk back when the get a moment of sanity or perhaps a word with their advisers. Unfortunately for them they are ensuring that another Bush will get the nod. Jesus did not say the world would hate Christians. He said they would hate his disciples/followers. I don't know where you get "the jews" bit from. The Jews hated Him and demanded his execution. It's quite interesting that Christians give millions to a people who reject Jesus. The Bible has some stiff things to say about those who reject the reality of Jesus Christ. Culture, money and power tops truth and the Word of God for Christianity in the western world. Evangelical support for Israel is the greatest example of apostasy at work.

Even hannity and Fox don't feel able to defend him anymore. Shooting and foot are two that come to mind concerning Bundy.

OK, no assumptions on my part then. What is the 'take away' message we are meant to get from reading this article? You tell me.

Guilt by association. Are we meant to assume that observing Earth Day will cause us to kill our girlfriends?