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Noah's Ark Discovered? The following is a reprint of a 2023 article that claims that the Biblical Ark has been discovered. It also claims to have an association with Andrews University. This is just one such article that is being circulated today, November 30, 2024. The main thesis of the article has been debunked. There are no credible remains of the Biblical Ark in the location cited in the article. We do not serve God well when we circulate such nonsense. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/noah-s-ark-has-been-unearthed-by-archaeologists/ar-AA1v1jKl?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Liberal and conservative are very hard to define, especially as we have so many different options that get both labels. In the religious field on the one hand those who minimize the Bible are seen as the liberals, and those who maximize the Bible are labled as conservative. But those who question 1844 as well as those of us who support 1844 are Biblical maxamists, but the Fordites are called liberals and we supporting 1844 are the conservatives. But many of us believe that the Bible teaches women's ordination, and others believe that the Bible does not teach women's ordination, so here we who believe in women's ordination are considered liberals and those who are against women's ordinaiton are seen as the conservatives. There are people who question Mrs. White's inspiration and those who believe in her ordination, the questioners are called liberals and those of us who believe in her are conservative. But there are prople who see her pre-1888 writings as from God and her post 1888 writings from what she read, her increased interaction with non-Adventists, and very much influenced by people such as Willie, Daniels and Prescott, so the everything before 1888 are called consdervatives and those who include her post 1888 writings liberals. The list goes on and on and on. We need to develope better vocabulary. Same thing with the terms "Old" and "New" Theology. "New Theology" has been used as a lable for such groups as those who did not accept the fundamentalist view of inspiration. It has also been used for Mrs. White's post 1888 writings and Adventists who believe in the trinity. It has also been used to seperate the Fordites from the rest of the Adventists. And the so called "Historic Adventists" use it for anyone who does not fit their subgroup of Adventists, no matter how similar or different any specific idea is to theirs.

If you did not know what happened, then why would you say that Ham was not a good guy? The Bible shows what happened; you just accepted the lie that was told to you. You do not realize that YAHWEH had Moses to show about Nimrod, and he is black and the only ruler of all the people of the then know the world. They followed him into sin. Even though he was a sinner, all paganism comes from him, including the mother-child that even the Catholic Church observes. But YAHWEH felt a reason to speak about him. I know he is a six, a symbol to clarify that flesh has lost its perfection of being a seven! YAHWEH showed that Babel became Babylon, which symbolized the holy city in the end, which is near! I do not know why you get so upset, but it is the lies and all denomination beliefs! So why did Noah get drunk and wake up and curse Kenaan? If you are sick, then I suggest you pray and ask THE HOLY SPIRIT to assist you. Because he was black and was accused of something because of the color of his skin! Benjamenites were never accused of being cursed and supposed to be enslave people. I will pray for you! Blessings to you!

Thank you. We live in a world gone wrong and that may be painful. God is with us. May the Lord be with you as you continue to experience the death of your wife.

November 4, 2024 One aspect of David's personality was to play down the issues when he did something that was right. As I have stated, he was awarded the 2nd and 3rd highest medals from the Department of Corrections. He typically dismissed those as simply doing what was right. In regard to the evacuation of the burning building, he sometimes dismissed that by stating that people had left the building prior to his arrival. I will point out that the Department of Corrections would never award the 2nd and 3rd highest awards without fully investigating the incidents and discovering the truth. David told me that when he arrived, some people had already left the building. But, he then entered the burning building to discover others who may have been sleeping and needed to be wakened and evacuated. Yes, he did not do it all. In addition, another Correctional Officer also stopped and assisted in the evacuation of the burning building. That person also was recognized with an award. NOTE: A decision has been made to have services for David, by his wife, on February 2025, at a local SDA Church, but conducted by a pastor of the church that she attends. It is expected that the Department of Corrections will provide full honors.

David–Eulogy R: ‘090624b David Milton Matthews began life in 1972. His Father, Gregory was a Seventh-day Adventist congregational pastor, and his mother, Sharon, would later become a Licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist. His middle name honored his maternal Grandfather who spent his life working for the California Department of Corrections, as a Correctional Officer. At birth, David joined his older brother, Gregory # 4. As was typical for the denomination of his parents, David moved several times in Virginia during his early years as his Father began to pastor larger congregations. A major change in David’s life came as his Father moved from congregational ministry to becoming a full-time U. S. Army Chaplain. That change resulted in a move to Ft. Ord, in Central California. This resulted in the family living near maternal relatives in the Sacramento area and other relatives living in the Modesto area. That was a positive change which was enjoyed by all. While David was living at Ft. Ord, a major change came in his life. His parents decided to separate. His mother moved to Sacramento to be near her relatives and to begin graduate schooling. His Father continued on as an Army Chaplain. Both parents shared joint custody of David and his brother. Over the next years David traveled between locations in the United States, Asia and Panama as visits ranged from short periods of two weeks to longer periods of thirteen-months. After several years as a single parent, his Father married a woman, also named Sharon, who gave David and his brother freely of her love. Christopher later joined this family as David’s younger brother. It was characteristic of David for him to want to earn money. In one visit with his Father, David began working for the apartment manager on the first day of his visit. On another visit with his Father in New Jersey, he made the acquaintance of the son of a Colonel. One Halloween evening they went out to have some fun. It ended with the Military Police escorting him back to his Father with a full report of his fun activities, which had included smashing pumpkins sitting by people's front doors. Later in life David decided to follow in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather and he applied to the California Department of Corrections to train at the Academy. He was accepted in 1996, graduated and was assigned to The California State Prison, Sacramento, located in Folsom, California. He retired in 2022. In the year 2000, David married Denice, the love of his life. She brought a daughter, Tiffany, into the marriage. David came to deeply love her as a daughter. With the passage of time, Alayna was born, and David had two daughters whom he deeply loved. He felt good about the accomplishments that both daughters had made in their lives. In our society today, every family has stress points. David and Denice were united and met them together. As David, shortly before his death said to his Father, there is no daylight between Denice and I as to how to handle issues as they arise. As a Correctional Officer, David held high ethical standards. On one occasion he witnessed a prisoner being mistreated. It was investigated and David told the truth. Administrative and criminal convictions were obtained and the Governor of California awarded David the third highest Department of Corrections medal, for his cooperation in this matter. On another occasion, while driving to work, David noticed a fire in a nearby apartment building. He stopped, entered the building and began to awaken and evacuate the people living there. In 2017, the Department of Corrections awarded him the Gold Star, it’s second highest award, for heroic deeds under extraordinary circumstances in saving the lives of those people. David enjoyed frequent trips going exploring, camping and fishing with family, friends and cousin Jeff. In brief, David lived a full life of giving himself to others, and loving all of his family. He both loved and was loved. His life was cut short well before his time. He is deeply missed by the many who knew him.

Like bonnie1962 I can't fathom the heartache and pain either. My brain scampers for words to put together for you Pastor Matthews but I know anything I could say would fall infinitely short. Your Family and your Son will be in my wife and I's prayers.

I was really so sorry to read this. As the mother of four sons, I cannot imagine the pain and heartache for your wife and yourself.

🍂 Photo: Ashley Corso Check out this stunning snap of a November afternoon inside Manhattan's Madison Square Park, taken by reader Ashley Corso.

Free Adult Education: The following link informs ass to sources of free adult education cources that you might like to take. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/14-of-the-best-georgia-tech-courses-you-can-take-online-for-free/ar-AA1rRMif?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=0dd66eb99f974f1589a59905eda2b2ce&ei=19

(N) Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

(N) Isaiah 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

In the following article, a retired SDA pastor reports on his experience of attending church services on a Sunday. See; https://atoday.org/i-went-to-church-last-sunday/ I have taken a slightly different approach, as I state in the following which I posted in response to his article: As a Federal Chaplain I often attended Catholic services when we used a contract priest because I wanted to better understand what they needed, and how they could better be served. As a SDA congregational pastor, I found that I had better relations with local pastors when I had attended their services on occasion. When I had SDA members married to members of other congregations, I had better relations with the non-SDA when I occasionally attended their preferred church and had something good to say about it.

Associated with this general subject, but with some differences, is an article by Reinder Bruinsma, which is well worthy of reading. See: https://atoday.org/loyalty-to-our-tradition-and-appreciating-beauty-elsewhere/

For more information see the post SDA School Shooting, also posted in this section of CA.

The Oxford Handbook of Adventism is a recent addition to the Oxford Handbooks that has been produced by the Oxford University Press. Amazon is currently selling it for the lowest price. For a critical review of it by the Adventist Scholar and Administer, Reinder Bruinsma, see: https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/books-film/does-the-oxford-handbook-of-seventh-day-adventism-accurately-represent-the-faith-community-a-review/ Detailed information about it may be found at: https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/56488 It is edited by five people, four of whom were Adventist scholars. Thirty-seven scholars contributed to writing it. Thirty-three of them were Adventists. It contains thirty-eight chapters which are divided into Seven major sections.. Those sections are as follow: Part I: History of Adventism, 4 chapters. Part II: Scripture, Inspiration, and Ellen G. White, 3 chapters. Part iii, Theology, 9 chapters. Part IV, Worship, Preaching, and Ordinances, 8 chapters. Part V, Organization and Ministry, 5 Chapters. Part VI, Global church, 7 chapters.. Part VII, Culture, Ethics, and Politics, 7 Chapters. In my initial approach to the book I went to the areas that I considered myself to be well informed about. In all cases, I found additional information of which I had not been aware. I have been further impressed by the depth of the discussion and its balance. In some cases, I might have taken more of a position, but, the book is fairer in presenting the diversity that exists within Adventism. The purchaser of this book will want to read the detailed review by Dr. Bruinsma. At the end of his review, he says: “After carefully reading the book I have concluded that it provides a remarkably balanced picture of Adventism. In multi-authored books, the academic quality and literary level can often be uneven. Although some stylistic differences are detectable, various chapters’ historic introductions overlap, and the writing is at times a bit denser than the majority of the chapters, these minor flaws do not tarnish the book’s content Moreover, the book avoids a public relations approach, which constantly emphasizes the great accomplishments of the church while de-emphasizing the problematic aspects of Adventism in the past and present. I believe, The Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism succeeds in positioning the Adventist tradition as a serious, and important player in Christianity, and in showing that—in spite of its challenges and imperfections—the Adventist Church makes a meaningful, and increasingly global, contribution to the Christian mission in today’s increasingly secular world.”

NOTE: All Seventh-day Adventist schools in Northern California (Probably with the exception of Pacific Union College.) have been closed today. In addition, civil authorities are giving increased attention to police presence at SDA schools.

Addventism Today: The following article suggests that we can learn how Adventism today compares with that of it in the days of our founders and that learning is facilitated by looking at Adventist reactions to recent election issues. NOTE: it does not get into who should have received Adventist votes. It does not evaluate the candidates. https://atoday.org/what-progressive-adventists-can-learn-from-the-2024-presidential-election/

Religion & Trump: In general, this forum has not welcomed politically focused comments. The following may be thought to violate this practice. I am posting it now as I believe that it takes a moderate position, in the middle between two extremes that deserves consideration. https://spectrummagazine.org/views/columns/one-nation-under-trump/

I am in my 80's and in reasonably good health. My brain is still active, even if it is somewhat diminished. I have reasonably good physical health. However, I am having problems with my vision. I receive regular eye injections, which were not on my list of things that I wanted do in life. I am aware that my published posts may contain typos that I have not seen. I work on it, but I have not resolved the issue. I have decided that I will not let that stop me from posting. God does not require perfection. If there is anything of value in my posts, God will use them despite my imperfections. Gregory Matthews

Micrkosoft now allows older Windows 10 computers to be upgraded to Windows 11. It does not go fast. But it can happen.

The following is pure Satire: https://atoday.org/satire-loma-linda-researchers-claim-pumpkin-pie-technically-a-vegetable/

(N) Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Earth's Second Moon: Scientists have discovered that the Earth has a second moon in orbit. See: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/earth-s-second-moon-confirmed-scientists-discover-new-natural-satellite-orbiting-our-planet/ar-AA1ueTgB?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=5dabee1bc6344fbb8c1cbc494c601ef9&ei=11

📷 Parting shot! Photo: Mike Walker Tonight's stunner comes from the backyard of reader Mike Walker in Cornville, Maine. "We had a slight sprinkle, and then this rainbow emerged."

🗳️ Record number of women state lawmakers Data: Center for American Women and Politics. Cartogram: Kavya Beheraj/Axios Women will fill a record number of state legislative seats next year, filling about a third of seats nationwide. Why it matters: The most notable increases were in New Mexico and Colorado, where women will make up most lawmakers for the first time, AP reports. 🧮 By the numbers: 19 states will increase the number of women in their state legislatures in 2025, according to Rutgers' Center for American Women and Politics. Female GOP state lawmakers, at least 851, will break the record set last year. Reality check: The uptick was small. And at least 13 states saw losses in female representation. Go deeper.

Just heard about this door opening at the Vatican 2025! seems like many things are coming together

I can not shop at Costco anymore :-)) Yesterday I was at Costco buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Necco, the Wonder Dog, which weighs 191 lbs. I was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think, I had an elephant? So because I'm retired and have little to do, On impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and that the way that it works is, to load your jacket pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care, because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stopped to Pee on a Fire Hydrant and a car hit me, I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard. Costco won't let me shop there anymore. Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the World to think of crazy things to say. Forward this (especially) to all your retired friends...it will be their laugh for the day! NOTE: This has been widely circulated on the Internet. I have no idea who first wrote it.

Andrew Tate is a British-American (born at Walter-Reed army Hospital) who has received a substantial, International, Internet following. For more on him see the following article, which includes multiple links to more information related to him. https://atoday.org/andrew-tate-and-the-rise-of-toxic-masculinity/

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Nobody Wants This is a current television series that addresses an important issue. See: https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/nobody-wants-this-the-perils-and-pleasures-of-being-unequally-yoked/

Can Adventism Change: The following article addresses that question. It provides food for thought. https://atoday.org/editorial-can-this-church-change/

NAD Finances: The article linked below reports in some detail on the current (November 2024) financial picture of the North American Division. It makes for interesting reading. Frankly, my personal position is that we must reduce upper-level overhead and provide increased support on the congregational level. I do not believe that every position currently on each organizational level is either needed or helpful. https://spectrummagazine.org/news/nad-reports-stable-finances-leaders-call-for-more-local-funding/

The Data: One out of every four U.S. Military veterans have a VA rated disability. Of those veterans, half have a disability rating of 50% or higher.

Issues in Adventism: The following link takes you to a set of videos of programs presented at Loma Linda University on aspects of Adventism. You may find it of interest to view some of them. https://religion.llu.edu/event-videos

Adventists and Catholics: The History of a Turbulent Relationship is a 2024 book by Reinder Bruinsama. It is of interest as a historical study related to how the developing SDA Chruch related to the Roman Catholic Church. One addressed issue of interest is whether or not Rome is different in any way from what it was in the early days of the SDA Church. The following article is a review of this 346-page book. NOTE: It is on sale on Amazon for $100. https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/books-film/how-reinder-bruinsma-challenges-adventisms-fundamental-premise-on-catholicism/

Pete Hegseth is reported by the news to be Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense. His military background includes combat service and service in a National Guard unit. During the prior time of Trump's service as President, Pet Hegseth advocated favorably for several prosecuted for War Crimes. In addition, he presently advocates against women serving in combat roles. In my background, I was the first U. S. Army Chaplain to go into combat with a unit that had women serving in combat roles. My observation of their combat service concluded that they served on a higher level than the males as they had to prove their value against issues of discrimination. In addition, presently, qualified males are not enlisting in the numbers needed today. IOW, the Army cannot accomplish the mission given it today unless women are allowed to serve in combat roles. On a slightly different aspect of military enlistment: U.S. military service can result in major financial benefits. Recently the U.S. The army was giving a bonus of $15,000 to High School graduates who enlisted as Combat Medic. Bonuses of up to $40,000 were being given to people to re-enlist for their jobs. NOTE: Some officer positions were much higher.

i am so sorry this happened to you and your son and your family so sorry😭

From the early days of our Church comes the following story. https://adventistreview.org/experiences/heritage/the-orphan-the-angel-and-the-long-walk/

Fired Fire Chief: The following legal case has some interesting aspects. https://decisionmagazine.com/terminated-christian-fire-chief-petitions-supreme-court/

The Bible in OK Schools: The following article reports on litigation related to the issues of Bibles in OK schools. https://www.bing.com/searchq=adventist+today&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEEUYwgMyBwgAEEUYwgMyBwgBEEUYwgMyBwgCEEUYwgMyBwgDEEUYwgMyBwgEEEUYwgMyBwgFEEUYwgMyBwgGEEUYwgMyBwgHEEUYwgPSAQw0MDIxODQ0OWowajSoAgiwAgE&FORM=ANAB01&adppc=EDGEBRV&PC=EDGEBR

Thank you, all of you. Relationships are complicated as they are both biological and step-relationships. However, all are good as they have been over the years. My wife (David's step-mother.) is the center-piece that is holding everybody together. Each of us is dealing with this in their own way. That is normal and healthy. People differ and do not have to deal with this in the same way. David's wife told us yesterday that she would like to have the funeral in early October. We understand her thinking and all are in agreement. Me: I am working very hard in a number of ways, to develop something of lasting good out of this for our society as a whole--something of benefit in the years to come. That is how I am coping. If I am successful, you will hear about this in the future. If I am not, I will probably also tell that story. But, for now, it is not appropriate to talk about what I am doing. At this time, I am working on two different proposals. October 27, 2024: It looks like I have had some success, and I will be able to identify it later.