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I just recently received yet another "warning" about The One Project. When I read the goals and mission statement of The One Project, I can't say anything but AMEN! Yet it baffles me why the "gathering" in San Diego in Februay features John Ortberg, senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, who, unless I've been misinformed, is part of the emergent church, contemplative prayer, spiritual formation, etc. movement. I would appreciate it if anyone has had experience with The One Project, or has any first hand information to share on this topic.

Since I have returned from Oxford, England last April '14 I have seen the same triple numbers when looking for the time of day; 3:33, 4:44, 5:55 and even 11:11; especially in recent weeks when it has become almost daily. More than a little concerned I prayed diligently for some explanation, even lying awake at 2, 3 o'clock in the morning. My last decade has been in intense study of church history and why one worships, with a center piece of Revelation 12-14. Repeatedly I returned to Rev 13:18, which is NOT a number of A man -666, but the number of THE man who represents THE apostate religious system depicted throughout that chapter; for the Greek states that it is six hundred, sixty and six. That number is hidden in a vault on the crown of Satan's church leader and is burrowed in the foundations which also contain every form of man's inclination of isms. While this 'mother church' stays aloof her 'chicks' vie for frontrunner in movements of gay ministers and marriage, women enshrinement-a neutering movement, acceptance of prophetic interpretation of counter-reformers, ecumenical programs and parties, and secularizing Scripture, fulfilling the intent of Vatican 2 which came about exactly one century after the last formation of the last reformation church. The cultural call is to find common ground and debunk Scriptural doctrine. Cum Bye Yah! This is easily accomplished by stressing love and mercy and cupboarding righteousness and judgment. The church that fled into the wilderness, across the sea, across the desert and into the mountains to an ecumenical ground, has turned to quicksand. They feast on Mediterranean stew concocted by Alexandria flavor, seasoned by some Clement, Origen, Tertullian,Hippolytus and based by Augustine with Constantine mandating eternally poison herbs, rejecting any notion of refraining from genuflecting on the Plain of Dura. The final earthly chapter births unbridled terrorism, cellular destruction of man and planet, calamity and strife in every wind on earth and righteous doctrine. No worries, most teach that everyone is saved.

January 12, 2013 Things We Know "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5:4) In these days of relativism, situational ethics, and changing mores, it does a Christian good to note the many things in Scripture we can know, things we can count on, things that do not change. Following is a sampling of such truths, with little comment, intended to encourage the reader to extend the list, perhaps as an ongoing project. We can know that Christ is God: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). We can know that we are saved: "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). We can know we are His dear children: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God" (1 John 3:2). We can know His protection: "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28). We can know He answers prayer: "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14). We can know He will help us through temptation: "In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). We can know how we should act: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done" (John 13:15). We can know He desires us to speak on His behalf: "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). We can know that He will come again: "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). We can know of our eternal rewards, as in today's verse: "An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). JDM January 13, 2013 If So Be "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:3) The little phrase "if so be" (Greek ei per) is used four times in the New Testament, each time setting forth a vital spiritual result established on the basis of a vital spiritual premise. The premise in today's verse is that a new Christian has truly experienced the saving grace of Christ. The result will be that these "newborn babes" will truly "desire the sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2). The "word" (Greek logikos) is always both pure and reasonable. Then, "ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9). When a person truly receives Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells his body, and the result is that he will henceforth live in the guidance of the Spirit instead of the flesh. But this life in the Spirit will necessarily entail suffering for the sake of Christ, and this is the premise that assures our future inheritance and glorification. The indwelling Spirit bears witness that we are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17). Finally, our future resurrection is assured by the certainty of the bodily resurrection of Christ. "We have testified of God," Paul says, "that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not" (1 Corinthians 15:15). Christ's resurrection is proved as well as any historical fact has ever been proved, so the dead surely rise also. These "if-so-be's" of Scripture, although seemingly expressed in the form of conditions, actually speak great assurances. The true Christian life is one of thirst for the logical words of God, guidance by the indwelling Spirit of God, certainty of future resurrection, and anticipation of a glorious inheritance in Christ. HMM

24 Cheshvan Yahrtzeit of Baron Edmond de Rothschild (1845-1934). A member of the Rothschild banking dynasty, he preferred to pursue artistic interests, acquiring an important collection of drawings and engravings that he bequeathed to the Louvre. In 1882, Rothschild became a leading proponent of the Zionist movement, buying land throughout Israel and subsidizing Jewish settlements. He financed the first new Jewish town, Rishon Letzion ("the first of Zion"), as well as Zichron Yaakov, Caesarea and some 30 other settlements. He also established Israel's wine industry when he helped Russian Jews flee pogroms in the 1880s and plant vineyards in Israel. In 1954, Rothschild's remains were re-interred to Israel. To honor his memory, his son paid for the construction of the Knesset building in Jerusalem.

... to returning to this forum in 2017 when fewer threads are about Obama.

This is kinda fun... Find the 30 books of the Bible in the following paragraph... There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his friend John's boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people however will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "the books are all right there in plain view, hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.

Sabbath Sermon: Adam and Steve 10 October 2014 | RACHEL LOGAN New Pacific Union College chaplain and PUC Church associate pastor Jonathan Henderson took the university’s week of prayer as an opportunity to deliver a message that has resonated deeply with LGBTQ Adventists and their allies. On Wednesday night, October 8, Pastor Henderson took the PUC Church stage for the third night in a row in a series on relationships. Monday night he highlighted Adam and God; Tuesday focused on Adam and Eve; and on Wednesday, Adam and Steve were the focal point of the conversation. Henderson started his presentation with a humorous tone, noting that he still had his job, despite the intense nature of his sermons. After beginning with prayer Henderson asked the audience to recognize his limitations understanding homosexuality. “You need to hear the perspective of those who have walked this journey,” he said. “I am not an expert. I am not the Holy Spirit. I am not the Judge. I am not the prophet. I am your chaplain, who is still on his journey, and I am wanting to understand even better.” Henderson quoted Matthew 19:3-12 (NIV) to propel his sermon. He focused on verse 8: “Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’” Henderson went on to say that God gave in on this issue of divorce, despite this not having been God’s intent in the beginning. “You need to realize that God has given in often throughout history to us,” said Henderson. He cited God’s giving the Israelites a king when they asked for it, even though God was their King. When David, a “man after God’s own heart” became King, he was good, but after time, he became corrupt. “They [the Israelites] chose to be a part of something that was never God’s original design, but this is the world we live in,” said Henderson. “How I wish we could all go back to the way things used to be,” he continued. “And interestingly enough, God works with us in our own sinful matrix. How often that God has to put up with the way that we chose to do things. It was not God’s will that Eve take the fruit and that Adam also partook in it.” Henderson stated that maybe even up to 90% of the things that happened in the Bible did not happen as God wanted it to happen. “And you’ll say ‘but no, it’s God’s will!’” added Henderson. “God is just willing to allow us have our will. That’s it. Let’s just keep it real….just because God knew it was going to happen, doesn’t mean that God planned it.” Henderson suggested that acting as though God is in control of everything is unhelpful, because then God bears responsibility for every molestation, hungry person, and murderer. “God isn’t in control,” Henderson said. “He gave that over to you, and look what we’ve done with it.” Henderson preached that what really upsets God is when people hurt other people. He cited Nineveh as an example, calling it the city of blood where people walked over dead bodies in the streets. “We keep thinking that ‘Wicked Cities’ was like people at the slot machine in Vegas—people just watching a bunch of porn. When the Bible describes evil, it’s talking about stuff that’s so scary, so disgusting, that even the wicked city doesn’t want to be around itself.” Henderson stated that sin is everywhere, but for some reason, the church has chosen to focus on one sin that some consider worst of all. People in the church will say that God did not choose to create Adam and Steve; He created Adam and Eve. People will say that homosexuals are like rabbits, and all they want to do is have sex. Henderson said this is a problem, because these statements dehumanize. “You create all these images as if they are not people that are having soul connections—relating to one another, identifying with one another. You need to understand the foundation of relationships…and it’s not sex! It’s heart to heart connection.” Henderson admitted that he used to believe it was okay for same-sex couples to “have the soul connection,” but not to engage in sexual activity. As he began to read the Bible, Henderson began to see the situation differently. He realized that God can “call an audible” because the game of life changes. In Jonah 3:10, Nineveh repented and God saw their repentance, so He changed His mind. “Listen, the character of God never changes. His heart never changes. His love never changes. It will never–we could never be separated from that. But God will change His mind because we change! The game changes and God will adjust based on the circumstances. Why wouldn’t He? In fact, coaches get fired because they don’t know how to change their game plan within the game!” Henderson reminded the audience that not everyone will accept or interpret the Bible the same, though some people find that hard to accept. Henderson pointed out that in the Bible, Christ says some people are born asexual. Henderson suggested that it’s possible for people to be born homosexual. Again, this is hard for some people to accept. “‘It just couldn’t be that way, pastor, because then somehow we wouldn’t be able to judge them in the same way that we are used to doing...If they are born that way then we might have to be more compassionate and understanding!’ And there’s something wrong with that picture!” said Henderson. Henderson stated that while some people may be born homosexual, others might be shaped that way by experiences they had as a child. People in the church find this all hard to accept because it is complicated; it isn’t black and white. He went on, noting that people have a tendency to want to fit sins in a box, but one size does not fit all. In the past, people did not believe a white woman should marry a black man, but things change–people change, Henderson pointed out. He asserted that people believe the Bible governs morality, but oftentimes culture shapes our moral beliefs. “We are afraid of what we don’t understand. We are afraid of what’s different,” said Henderson. Henderson drew attention to the fact that there is a ministry on Pacific Union College’s campus called Safe Place. He believes that the fact that this group exists on campus is a “tragedy.” PUC itself should be the safe place. “How do you have a sanctuary within a sanctuary?” he asked. Sometimes, when homosexual individuals “come out,” their parents have a hard time dealing with it. Some unsupportive parents tell their child not to bring their partner around the house. Henderson said that thankfully, this isn’t always where the story ends. Sometimes, parents come around to accept their child, and their child’s partner because they love their child, and nothing can change that. “If your parents can come to that point, how much more will your heavenly Father, who loves you more?” Since Henderson’s talk on Wednesday, his words have prompted an overwhelming response. PUC student David O’Hair, who also works as the editor for the Campus Chronicle, called Henderson’s sermon surprising and great. “The talk addressed the differences between being born, made, or choosing to be part of the LGBTQ community. The honesty and different approach was refreshing to hear,” said O’Hair. “In an age where controversial issues are touched on, but never fully divulged, Pastor Henderson crafted a great message that was able to reach all listeners, not only those personally influenced by this topic.” O’Hair stated that the “Adam and Steve” sermon seemed to draw the biggest crowd of the series so far. “I honestly have not heard one bad review of the talk or its message. It was well received and led to many discussions outside the sanctuary.” PUC professor of psychology, Dr. Aubyn Fulton, spoke highly of Henderson’s talk. “This just may be the most powerful sermon ever preached from the PUC pulpit," he said. “What makes Jonathan's talk last night such a landmark is that it so clearly creates the space for pretty conservative Christians, who still might believe that LGBTQ is not quite what God originally had in mind, to still treat LGBTQ people with love and respect. From now on, no conservative Adventist has an excuse for their hate or rejection. We now know it is possible for people with those views to still be loving and respectful - and (I think) from now on we should expect nothing less than this.” Seventh-Gay Adventists producer Daneen Akers also spoke passionately about Henderson’s sermon. “I was weeping through much of this sermon because I know what a step it is, and it just felt like this—this is what Jesus was talking about when he said his followers would be known by their love,” said Akers. “It’s really just the Gospel, and it’s what Christians should be known for—love and respect, even if we all don’t fully agree. But somehow we’ve gone so terribly wrong, especially around this topic, that tears are shed when someone preaches such a beautiful sermon about what Jesus said it should be all about.” Jonathan Henderson began working at PUC in September 2014. Previously, he served as the head pastor for Grand Advent Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oakland, California for eleven years. Watch Adam and Steve: Rachel Logan is a writing intern for Spectrum Magazine

Wednesday, February 11, 2014, the 3rd Federal Appellate Court in Philadelphia Issued a major ruling that overturned previous decisions. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/291728401.html For the actual ruling see: http://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/133536p.pdf

Basketball coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian dies at 84 http://sports.yahoo.com/news/basketball-coaching-legend-jerry-tarkanian-dies-at-84-171240684.html

“If you plant for a year, plant grain. If you plant for ten years, plant trees. If you plant for a 100 years, plant men. If you plant for eternity, plant the word. ” - Unknown?

Some years ago, a woman joined Club Adventist. She had been born and raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But, her life was very hard and with the passage of time and circumstances, the time came when she was no longer associated with the denomination. But, God was not finished with her. Sitting on a stool in a bar on a Friday evening she had a life-changing experience. On that evening she began her return to the Lord and to the SDA Church. But, her spiritual journey was not an easy one. While she achieved her goal to return to the Lord, she died prior to returning to the SDA Church. The first part, of the introduction to her spiritual journey has been posted on the Internet. It may be accessed at: http://atoday.org/welcome-home-maybe-part-one.html This is the first part of an introduction to a series on her life that may last for as much as six months. The introduction sums up the major issues that she faced in her life. Some of the members of Club Adventist will recognize her and may be generally aware of what is published in the introduction. However, the following extended material on her life will likely contain much new material. My goals in being involved in the posting of this material are to stimulate thought: 1) As how former SDAs may be treated when they start a spiritual journey back to God and the SDA Church. 2) As to the efforts of God to do whatever is needed to effect the salvation of every person. Adventist Today is publishing this story because the editors believe that there is a message there. The story is being published in the Internet edition, rather than the print edition as the Internet edition has a larger audience. The story is being published in a restricted section of the Internet edition. That section is open to people who are subscribers to the print edition and to others who have paid a fee of $10 to obtain access for a year. While I do not have an exact figure for the time that it will take to publish the full story, I am expecting about six months. I will later open this thread up for comments. I that time I will strictly moderate it; The following will not be allowed:: 1) The mention of actual names, to include the name of the member, her family members, and others. 2) Negative comments directed against people. Positive comments will be accepted. 3) A focus on the problems and failures of the SDA Church and its congregations. All human organizations can be criticized, but that is neither the focus, nor my intent. Personally, I believe that this story, while it has its sad parts, will be helpful as can be related to my two listed goals above. Later I will open this thread up for comments and discussion. NOTE: It was the desire of the woman that her story be published and prior to her death she worked with me in assembling the material for publication.

So far this month we have earned $15.87 on 13 items purchased.. Thanks to those who are supporting this way.

Notice in Hebrews 1:1-2 how God spoke in various ways in times past but it wasn't through a Son. Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. Jesus Himself bears witness to the fact that He has become a witness with His Father. John 8:17-18 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” Prior to Jesus, the Father had no other witness. Hebrews 6:13-14 For instance, there was God’s promise to Abraham: God took an oath in his own name, since there was no one greater to swear by, that he would bless Abraham again and again, and give him a son and make him the father of a great nation of people. Many people say that it was Jesus who created us but Jesus Himself tells us that it wasn't He who created us. Mark 10:5-6 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ Matthew 19:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female.'

(please have a conversation about this with out the word Liberal Conservative Democrat Republican Obama.) While a lot of trash talking is 'out there' let's talk about the good things, I will start with 3 Grocery stores have a better selection of food overall. Interstate highway system, and the numbering of it is great Lots of choice of over the air TV in many places.

when we have camp meetings we have very wonderful worshipful services day after day. it is wonderful. I see nothing wrong with creating wonderful worship services on any day of the week. This does not take away from the Holy Sabbath day at all. Our behavior cannot take away or add to the power and gift of God's blessing in the Sabbath hours each week.

"The Sunday service is going to be a first point of contact for the unchurched in the community and for people who, for whatever reason - beliefs, work - can't come on Saturday. We have communicated to the Conference office (the regional center) because they wanted clarity on this, but once we communicated the purpose to them, they saw that it is not a big deal." "We're not changing the concept of the Sabbath - this Sunday service is for new members and maybe for our members who want a spiritual kick-start to their week," Snell said. Most small town communities have several Sunday keeping churches that already provide an alternative to attending church on Sabbath. Some are very generic in their beliefs and are certainly open to the "unchurched". What is trying to be accomplished thru Sunday services besides to show the unchurched we aren't any different than everyone else? Come visit us instead of all the other Sunday keeping churches Why are we now providing Sunday services to "new members"?. Has something changed that new members have not already made their decision to observe Sabbath,sometimes losing their jobs as a result or are at odds with family over this decision?

We are not in the image of the angels so He would not have said let us make man in our image. We were created in the image of God.

lol... cockroaches have "personalities" ?? I can just see a whole new field opening up: "Entomological Psychology," with subsections of "Abnormal Behavior of Insects," "Psychological Attributes of Larval Growth," and the up and coming topic of "Do young male cockroaches refuse to inhabit churches when their fathers have been victims of insecticide abuse?"

One of the most widely read books in the Bible, Psalms is filled with verses that honor and exalt God’s presence. Sung as hymns in church or recited in daily life, here are a few psalms of praise. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Galleries/Psalms-of-Praise-Best-Psalms-to-Exalt-God.aspx#YahRfKKTUCSER1Qj.99

In the previous blogs Dave Thomas showed how religious entities shift from movements to institutions. One of the key elements of that shift is the move from persuasive power to coercive power. That shift is not planned, but tends to happen because coercive power is more efficient and gets things done. But when managerial power […] The post How the Organized Church Changes, Part 5 (Conclusion) appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article

February 1, 2015 Foolish Characteristics “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) The book of Proverbs has much to say about those whom the writer calls fools. Actually, about ten different Hebrew words are used in Proverbs that translate as “fools,” “foolishness,” etc., and such words occur almost 100 times in that one book. Assuming the human writer was Solomon (the ultimate writer was, of course, the Holy Spirit), it is noteworthy that the reputedly wisest man of all time had more to say about fools than did anyone else. At the same time, he used the words “wise,” “wisdom,” etc., at least 125 times! Our text uses both, contrasting the self-satisfied fool with the wise who listen to good advice. Such contrasts are abundant in Solomon’s proverbs, and we would do well to take them to heart. Note a few of these “pithy maxims,” as men have called them. “The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall” (Proverbs 10:8). “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom” (Proverbs 10:23). “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident” (Proverbs 14:16). “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise” (Proverbs 17:28). “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11). “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools” (Proverbs 3:35). There are many more, of course, but the wise reader will profit even from these. Indeed a wise person will “hearkeneth” unto good counsel and thus some day “inherit glory.” HMM

Out of people who were exposed to Ebola through Patrick Sawyer, the American who died in Nigeria, one is confirmed with the disease and 8 more are suspected as having come down with it. A man traveling from Sierra Leone to Saudi Arabia is being tested for Ebola as well. The Washington Post is reporting that Liberians have been spooked by information to disinfect their homes and are now dumping their dead INTO THE STREETS, if you can imagine! Heavenly Father, we know from Jesus' words that evil things will come on the earth before He returns, that the things we hear about are but the beginning of sorrows. I ask for mercy for the people in West Africa. Many of those people are destitute of your Word and Your love. It is still a dark continent, but I would like to pray for them as this scourge ravages its people. When/if the people look up I pray that angels will attend them. May the information get out to all who need it, as well as medical aid. In Jesus' precious name- amen