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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09LQlfMmW7s#t=11

President Obama called on people of faith to reject those who use religion to justify evil – and in doing so – reminded people about the terrible things done in the name of Jesus Christ. Obama told a gathering Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast that we have seen “professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good but twisted in the name of evil.” “From a school in Pakistan to the streets of Paris we have seen violence and terror perpetrated by those who profess to stand up for faith – their faith – profess to stand up for Islam but in fact are betraying it,” he said.The Crusades ended some 700 years ago. He did not mention radical Islam or jihadists or Islamic extremists. He did, however, call ISIS a “brutal, vicious death cult that in the name of religion carries out unspeakable acts of barbarism.” The president also issued a word of warning to Christians. “And lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place – remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ,” the president said. He also chided the United States, “our home country.” “Slavery and Jim Crow all too often was justified in the name of Christ,” he added. Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas and the author of the upcoming book, “Countdown to the Apocalypse: Why ISIS and Ebola Are Only the Beginning,” said there are two problems with Obama’s comparison. “When Christians act violently they are acting in opposition to the teachings of their founder, Jesus Christ,” Jeffress told me. “They cannot cite a single verse in the New Testament that calls for violence against unbelievers. On the other hand, radical Islamists can point to a number of verses in the Koran calling for Muslims to ‘crucify the infidels.’” On Wednesday a United Nations watchdog group reported that Islamic militants were crucifying Iraqi children and burying them alive. Others had been sold as sex slaves and boys as young as 18 had been used as suicide bombers, Reuters reported. “They are following the example of their founder Muhammad who slaughtered and beheaded those who opposed him,” Jeffress said. While the Crusades were terrible, Jeffress pointed out they were a response to hundreds of years of Muslim aggression – an issue he writes about in his book. As you might imagine – the president’s remarks did not go over well among conservatives. My friend Michelle Malkin put it nicely: "ISIS chops off heads, incinerates hostages, kills gays, enslaves girls. Obama: Blame the Crusades," she tweeted. I was puzzled by something else President Obama said: "We are summoned to push back against those who would distort our religion for their nihilistic ends." What did he mean by “our religion”? Whose religion? And why did he compare the Crusades to ISIS? The Crusades ended some 700 years ago. Perhaps the president should be a bit more concerned with the Islamic jihad being waged in this century. Todd Starnes is host of Fox News & Commentary, heard on hundreds of radio stations.

Seventh-day Adventist staffers distributed tens of thousands of copies of "Steps to Christ" and other Adventist books at the biggest book fair in the Arab world as they shared their love for Jesus and sought to dispel misinformation that the Adventist Church is not a Christian denomination. View the full article

Beauties of the New Earth. "For behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind... And the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying... And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them... And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. The glorious City of God has twelve gates, set with pearls most glorious. It also has twelve foundations of various colors. The streets of the City are of pure gold. In this city is the throne of God, and a pure, beautiful river proceeding out of it, as clear as crystal. Its sparkling purity and beauty makes glad the City of God. The saints will drink freely of the healing waters of the river of life. (YI, October 1, 1852) On either side of this beautiful river is the tree of life. And the redeemed saints, who have loved God and kept his commandments here, will enter in through the gates of the City, and have right to the tree of life. They will eat freely of it, as our first parents did before their fall. The leaves of that immortal wide-spread tree will be for the healing of the nations. All their woes will then be gone. Sickness, sorrow and death they will never again feel, for the leaves of the tree of life have healed them. Jesus will then see of the travail of his soul [isa. liii, 11] and be satisfied, when the redeemed, who have been subject to sorrow, toil and afflictions, who have groaned beneath the curse, are gathered up around that tree of life to eat of its immortal fruit, that our first parents forfeited all right to, by breaking God's commands. There will be no danger of their ever losing right to the tree of life again, for he that tempted our first parents to sin, will be destroyed by the second death. (YI, October 1, 1852) All faces will reflect the image of their Redeemer. There will then be no anxious, troubled countenances, but all will be bright, and smiling in spotless purity. The angels will be there, also the resurrected saints with the martyrs, and the best of all, and what will cause us the most joy, our lovely Saviour who suffered and died that we might enjoy that happiness and freedom, will be there.--His glorious face will shine brighter than the sun, and light up the beautiful City, and reflect glory all around. (YI, October 1, 1852) Children will be there. They will never be engaged in strife or discord. Their love will be fervent and holy. They will also have a crown of gold upon their heads, and a harp in their hands. And their little countenances, that we here see so often troubled and perplexed, will beam with holy joy, expressive of their perfect freedom and happiness. They will express in child-like purity their wonder and delight, as they behold every thing around them so new and lovely. They will look to the blessed Saviour who has given himself for them, and, with admiration and love for him who is smiling upon them, raise their voices and sing to his praise and glory, while they feel and realized the matchless depths of a Saviour's love. (YI, October 1, 1852) This earth, dear children, is to be purified with fire; then it will be much more beautiful. The grass will be living green, and will never wither. There will be roses and lilies, and all kinds of flowers there. They will never blight or fade, or lose their beauty and fragrance. (YI, October 1, 1852) The lion, we should much dread and fear here, will then lie down with the lamb, and everything in the New Earth will be peace and harmony.--The trees of the New Earth will be straight and lofty, without deformity. (YI, October 1, 1852) The saints will have crowns of glory upon their heads, and harps of gold in their hands. They will play upon the golden harp, and sing redeeming love, and make melody unto God. Their former trials and suffering in this world will be forgotten and lost amid the glories of the New Earth. And they will ever have the approving smiles of Jesus upon them, and their happiness will be complete. There will be glory, glory all around. (YI, October 1, 1852)

Thanks for thinking of me, Stan. Six months ago I was very late stage-4 lung cancer, with cancer in my lymph system, spine, jaw, ribs, liver, spleen, and many other places. Fortunately, Tarceva has removed all of that -- temporarily. Unfortunately, Tareceva is affective only for a certain type of lung cancer (and somewhat effective in combination with other drugs for some cases of pancreatic cancer) and only for about 25 percent of the people with that type of lung cancer. It works an average of 11 months before the cancer develops an immunity to it. Now there is at least one backup medicine that I may be able to switch to when Tarceva quites working. The new pill, if the next DNA profile suggests it will work for me, will cost $150,000 per year instead of the mere $72,000 the Tarceva costs. This is not chemo. It is just one small white pill each day. My co-pay is $13.35 per month. It is true that when a person is diagnosed with cancer there are a host of people urging you to try everything imaginable. Some come very close to being stalkers. I am fortunate to have one of the best lung cancer research doctors in the world (at Cedars-Sinai). One of the things I appreciate about him is that he tells me the truth. When there is no longer a treatment that will work, he will tell me, and he will tell me how long I probably have to live. I like that. Check with me when the medicine stops working to see if I still like it then. And he patiently explains the physiology involved in each non-traditional treatment I have asked him about and what evidence there is or isn't for its effectiveness. I might later try non-traditional treatments, but not if the expense is great and the evidence of success is minimal. Praise God, hate cancer and keep praying.

Hi TheCodeMonk, I've recently started reading the Andrews Study Bible. I have found in enlightening, well organized as far as how books are introduced etc. I'm not far enough in to add much more to my comments, but I would certainly recommend it.

Not only that, but the vitriol being poured out about the pres and muslims. It is not very hidden, but in everyones face, along with the cry of christians are being abused. Are we entering a time when certain factions of christianity starts demanding laws for their own 'protection' and a return to the days of open suspicion of other citizens of this country whose ethnicity deemed suspicious of not being true americans? Americans have been immune to the ravages of wars on its soil, constant terror attacks, threats against its citizens. etc. With 9/11 all of that changed and now with extreme radicals such as ISIS attacking and killing americans people are afraid and striking out at what they don't understand. Since we have so much conspiracy abounding in all of this, if the current pres was not black, outspoken, trying to change the stagnant status of social america, who we have this constant outcry against his presidency? I will go on record and say, NO!

Former NBA Player Jerome Kersey Dies at 52 Longtime Portland Trail Blazers small forward and 17-year NBA veteran Jerome Kersey died Wednesday at the age of 52. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2369727-former-nba-player-jerome-kersey-dies-at-age-52?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nba

This says that Jesus was the creator as does John I:1-3 , 10. Genesis I also uses the plural when God refers to himself at creation. They are consistent with one another. God has the power to make matter out of nothing. Angels do not. To attribute this power to an angel is to give them power God refused to give them. Lucifer wanted to be like the Most High, not in character, but in power. To say the angels created man and Jesus did not puts the angels on a higher plane than Jesus. The Sabbath is the symbol of God's creative power. Exodus 20 says we should remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy because in 6 days the Lord made Heaven and Earth and all that in them is. It says nothing about angels making heaven or earth nor does it say angels made man in Genesis. It says God made man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul. Angels cannot make life from nonlife and cannot make a sentient human being with the power to choose to live eternally. If they could they would be God. They are not. But Jesus is God. The We in Genesis 1 cannot refer to angels literally making man but can and does refer to Jesus.

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.

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.

Myths Debunked Some myths are easy to discredit. Others, not so much. Here are seven urban legends that just aren’t true. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Galleries/7-Urban-Legends-You-Thought-Were-True.aspx#kVcFAKLbUzKTfH2H.99

Adam had to offer a lamb. Did he build an altar? The picture we see of Cain's offering is on square grey dull stones. I've been thinking, those stones we are used to are from flood results, In Eden stones were gold, silver, emierald, opal, saphire etc. I think IF they did build an altar it would have been stunning, and I doubt if they were square.

Does anyone have or used an Andrews study Bible? If so, what are your thoughts on it and how does it compare to other study Bibles?

Gail asked: I did not see any of the above at San Diego. I will respond later to the George Fox University issue.

It is Kenya, Toronto-Turkey-Kenya long flights, wi-fi all the way

I am currently reading Dave Fiedler's book, Tremble. In it he alleges Emergent church influence, naming Leonard Sweet and his support for mystical breathing practises and lectio divina. The concern of the author of this book is that the belief of God being in the state of an essence which is present in everything, even you and me (in a different sense than Christ dwelling in the heart of a believer). Can you tell me if this element comes up in the One Project? Have you seen it- proponents of contemplative prayer and the accompanying meditation practices? I have heard much, read much but have not personally met or spoken with someone actually involved regarding the topic. Another interesting point the book brings out is that the main developers of the One Project are graduates from George Fox University, which is named after the Quaker founder. There are theological differences with Adventists there... Am interested in gaining info from people involved- much appreciated!

I have it. I have read it through from cover to cover. I do not have time to comment now, can later.

When I worked with the NY Van Ministry about 1996 we saw Muslims eager to know more about Christ. One gas station attendant nsmed Mohammed meaning he was the eldest son of a Muslim family asked my coworker for more Steps to Christ like the one he had been given previously to give to his friends. When my friend went into the gas station the man went around the side of our van and asked me to please not leave without giving him more books.

I sell them... They were actively promoted by Lonnie Melashenko one year at Campmeeting and if we'd known he was going to do that would have been a lot better stocked! They flew off the shelves But I have not had any negative feedback about the Andrews Study Bible ever.

GRIEF!! I did NOT SAY that angels created anything! I said that the Son of God (who is divine) acted as the agent of His own Father, when He created all things. So God the Father was the SOURCE. Christ came forth from the Father, and then acted as the Father's agent in creating everything else. Angels were created. Christ was begotten!

It is interesting the constant praise for Islam. Reading history I think you will find many races and religions are woven into the fabric of the founding of this country. Even here the disdain for christians is frequently shown. Instead of being thankful many Muslims are finding a love for Jesus "it is to bad we can't say same for christians". Never a "few christians" but christians in general. I am sure Islam being woven into the fabric of the founding of this country was "comfort" to those being beheaded and burned alive and their families. That has what to do with the barbaric behavior of this peaceful religion? Those same that Obama could not bring himself to call christians dying for their faith at the hands of followers of Islam.I wonder if we will ever hear with the same disdain "those Muslims cling to their Korans and swords"? If that had been a group of Muslims beheaded for their faith he would not have referred to them generically as citizens. Obama, as on this forum is very selective in his use of history and it always is in favor or sympathy with Islam. Seems a very crucial background to those nasty christians of the Crusades, an "unimportant" detail was left out. As he did blaming "christians" not a few but christians in general for the slavery issue. Of course again,leaving out critical details to that evil practice. Muslims bought and sold more slaves than anyone else. I, for one would not want to live in a country that used such peaceful,loving actions to "convert" others. How many have to be burned to death,beheaded or killed in other gruesome manner by a "few" around the globe? I think I learned a different meaning to the word "few"

Yes, the late night discussions... I remember those

And, just maybe, President Obama was correct. By the way just because certain pirates were Islamic does not make Islam responsible for their activities. In the history of the United States, there have been major criminals, who did awful deeds, who came from a SDA background. That did not make the SDA denomination responsible.

California Bill Would Eliminate Religious Belief Exemption to Vaccines Today, Cal­i­for­nia law­mak­ers intro­duced leg­is­la­tion (SB 277) that would elim­i­nate the “per­sonal belief” exemp­tion for par­ents who choose not to vac­ci­nate their children. http://religiousliberty.tv/unintended-consequences-california-bill-would-eliminate-religious-belief-exemption-to-vaccines.html

Sorry I wasn't more clear. I'm saying that ISIS may not be merely a bunch of crooks; but that they may be following what they think the Koran instructs them to do - to bring about the appearance of the Al Mahdi and Prophet Jesus. Furthermore, Islam is more than a religion - it is a way of life, a defined culture, and a form of government (Sharia law). Many Muslims are much more devoted (fanatical?) than most Christians. Like Christianity; I'm confident that the fervency of Muslims runs the spectrum of mental assent only to "living" every aspect of their faith 24/7. I barely know what a true Christian looks like much less what a true Muslim looks like. I have been all over the Christian spectrum; all the time thinking I am being true to the Word. Thing is, my understanding changes as time goes on. All I know is that, from what I have been learning about Islam lately, it is not unreasonable to think that ISIS is indeed following the precepts of some twisted interpretation of the Koran and hadiths. I also know God has as much of a heart for Muslims as He has for Christians - we are all His kids. Don't you think that there are misguided "Christans" out there who would love to nail a few Muslims in the name of Jesus?

There is a school in Protestant Christianity that is attempting to reach Islamics through the Quran. It believes that there is a very basic level of truth I the Quran that lays the foundation for conversion to Christianity. As such it attempts to teach those basic truths from the Quran. In doing so it attempts to lay a foundation that can be built upon which will lead to an acceptance of truth beyond what I in the Quran. One such is an independent effort by a SDA Arabic scholar who had a booth at the 2010 General Conference in Atlanta. purchased some of his writings and found them to be very interesting. Although, I have no knowledge of the Arabic.

I agree Pam. As long as there was no sin, there was no reason to sacrifice. Sacrificing came after sin.

I don't remember that Adam made any sacrifice in Eden... did I miss something?

SDAs are probably equipped better to approach Muslims because of our commonality with them in the matter of alcohol and unclean meat avoidance.

"Susan" was before my time here I think, but there are many more like her out there, searching for love, and meaning, like myself, sometimes lurking hopefully in the shadows. Only a connection with God can provide those things, but how much of the bad stuff must we endure until we find them. Unlike flawed, erring humans suffering with their own issues, only God can give us the love that we need so much and search for, sometimes all of our lives. It is good that we can see the love of God in a friend on occasion, so we should never do or say anything to drive a fragile soul farther away from him by trying to enforce our list of religious rules and regulations on others. I have a tendency to focus on the negative, so, just smack me on the side of the head to straighten me out. I sincerely don't want to be responsible for someone rejecting the Kingdom of God.

John Ortberg spent an hour in telling The One Project people that discipleship requires full obedience to Christ. I will comment more on his talk which extended well beyond one hour when I post in my church section.