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Well, The One Project--San Diego has come and gone. I was there and I will report here on it and open this thread up for comments. However, I do not have time right now to do that. So, the thread will remain closed until I can take the time to write my initial report and then I will open it up for comments. As you comment, I will ask you to tell us whether or not you were there, or if you are making comments based upon 2nd hand information. I hope to open this thread up tomorrow, February 13, 2015. I will share one story that is tangentially related to my reason for wanting to know if you attended or if you rely on 2nd hand information. Chris Oberg was one of the speakers. People, to include those who attended the San Diego Gathering had questions about Chris Oberg: 1) How was/is Chris related to the Presbyterian church. 2) How was/is Chris related to the authorship of books such as "Faith and Doubt" The questions were such that Chris Oberg needed to begin the talk by addressing them. I would not be surprised to see questions about Chris Oberg raised in this thread and I will want to know if any person who raises such questions in CA actually attended and personally heard the response that Chris Oberg made. Over 1,000 people attended the two day Gathering of The One Project in San Diego. Once 1,000 people had registered, people were told that the maximum had been reached and that the hotel could not accommodate any more and they could not attend. But, some came anyway and they were allowed to attend. The central theme of the conference was focused on the words of Christ as found in Matthew, chapters 5, 6 & 7. Those who came divided themselves into about 100 groups of 10 people each. The two day Gathering was divided into eight (8) sessions. Each Session began with a short worship which, for the first seven (7) sessions was followed by either two or three speakers. Each speaker was preceded by a reading of a Biblical passage from the chapters listed above. Then the speakers spoke on the meaning and application of that passage to the lives of us today. These sessions then ended with a group discussion of how the members had been stimulated in the understanding and application of the Biblical passages to their lives. The 8th session was a bit different. It was a Communion service with individual prayers that God would bless in the lives of the members of the group. This is a brief statement as to what The One Project, San Diego was all about. I was there. The discussion is now open.

Detroit Muslim assailant will not be charged with a hate crime By Carol Brown This past week a Detroit man who is a Muslim stabbed two people at a bus stop after asking them if they were Muslim. The stabbing part came after they responded that they were not. After the attack, law enforcement was viewing it as a possible hate crime and the FBI was contacted to get involved. But it has just been reported that the man will not be charged with a hate crime. Now the story goes something like this, per a local news report at MLive: Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper didn't charge a Detroit man with a hate crime after it's suspected he stabbed two people at a Southfield bus stop, possibly motivated by religious hate. Nick Loussia, Deputy Chief of Police for the Southfield Police Department, said the suspect, 39-year-old Terrence Lavaron Thomas, "is Muslim, and asked the victims what religion they were" before allegedly attacking them. He's charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and possession of marijuana. Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Paul Walton said the evidence doesn't support a 2-year felony charge of ethnic intimidation, although investigators are still interviewing witnesses. Walton said an argument started over "bad breath and bad teeth" before it "deescalated to a physical altercation." "At this point ... I'm not hearing anything that is going to monumentally change any of the charges," Walton said. The FBI is looking at the case also to see if any federal hate crimes were committed. Say what? Law enforcement continues to stand by the original report that the Muslim attacked the non-Muslims after they responded to his question regarding religious affiliation. Then suddenly the issue of “bad breath and bad teeth” pops up. That certainly is a new defense argument for the record. Dental jihad? In any case, it sounds as if the FBI is still investigating, but one can already see the direction this is going. It is Detroit, after all. And this is Obama’s America. Thomas Lifson adds: Don't forget that following the challenge of Turkey's President Erdogan, President Obama rushed to condemn the killing of three Muslims in Chapel Hill, where there is no evidence of a hate crime, although the alleged assailant is a militant atheist. Hat tip: Weasel Zippers This past week a Detroit man who is a Muslim stabbed two people at a bus stop after asking them if they were Muslim. The stabbing part came after they responded that they were not. After the attack, law enforcement was viewing it as a possible hate crime and the FBI was contacted to get involved. But it has just been reported that the man will not be charged with a hate crime. Now the story goes something like this, per a local news report at MLive: Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper didn't charge a Detroit man with a hate crime after it's suspected he stabbed two people at a Southfield bus stop, possibly motivated by religious hate. Nick Loussia, Deputy Chief of Police for the Southfield Police Department, said the suspect, 39-year-old Terrence Lavaron Thomas, "is Muslim, and asked the victims what religion they were" before allegedly attacking them. He's charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and possession of marijuana. Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Paul Walton said the evidence doesn't support a 2-year felony charge of ethnic intimidation, although investigators are still interviewing witnesses. Walton said an argument started over "bad breath and bad teeth" before it "deescalated to a physical altercation." "At this point ... I'm not hearing anything that is going to monumentally change any of the charges," Walton said. The FBI is looking at the case also to see if any federal hate crimes were committed. Say what? Law enforcement continues to stand by the original report that the Muslim attacked the non-Muslims after they responded to his question regarding religious affiliation. Then suddenly the issue of “bad breath and bad teeth” pops up. That certainly is a new defense argument for the record. Dental jihad? In any case, it sounds as if the FBI is still investigating, but one can already see the direction this is going. It is Detroit, after all. And this is Obama’s America. Thomas Lifson adds: Don't forget that following the challenge of Turkey's President Erdogan, President Obama rushed to condemn the killing of three Muslims in Chapel Hill, where there is no evidence of a hate crime, although the alleged assailant is a militant atheist. : http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2015/02/detroit_muslim_assailant_will_not_be_charged_with_a_hate_crime.html#ixzz3STZlsCRM

http://www.adventistworld.org/2015/january/cover-story.html

Earlier, I established a thread on The One Project--San Diego. That thread has morphed into a general discussion. I was a big contributor to that. For future posts, please keep the San Diego thread to that and for general posts on TOP, please post them here. Thanks. As you will note, I have moved a number of posts from the San Diego thread to this one.

February 25, 2012 - New International Version Matthew 6:1-18 Giving to the Needy 1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Prayer 6:9-13pp -- Lk 11:2-4 5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ' 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Fasting 16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Exodus 33:1-23 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. 5 For the LORD had said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites, 'You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.' " 6 So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb. The Tent of Meeting 7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. Moses and the Glory of the LORD 12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." 19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." 21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." Exodus 34:1-35 The New Stone Tablets 1 The LORD said to Moses, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain." 4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." 8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 "O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance." 10 Then the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you. 11 Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 12 Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. 13 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. 14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 15 "Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. 16 And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same. 17 "Do not make cast idols. 18 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. 19 "The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock. 20 Redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem all your firstborn sons. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. 21 "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest. 22 "Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. 23 Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD, the God of Israel. 24 I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the LORD your God. 25 "Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning. 26 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk." 27 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." 28 Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant--the Ten Commandments. The Radiant Face of Moses 29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. Proverbs 15:1-33 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. 9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. 11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD-- how much more the hearts of men! 12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. 17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. 19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. 25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact. 26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. 27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Ellen White and Jeremiah have some things in common. By William Fagal One of the ways God bridges the gap sin introduced between Him and humanity is through prophets. In Jeremiah’s experiences we can see the work of a prophet more clearly. And we can draw some parallels with Ellen G. White, a prophet closer to our day. read here: http://www.adventistworld.org/2014/november/the-work-of-a-true-prophet.html

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?

A Movement Towards Compassion When Jesus looked upon the lost people in first-century Palestine, “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). And then He proclaimed something remarkable: these lost souls were a “plentiful harvest” that only lacked harvesters. Therefore, it is tragic when Christians look at Muslims, not with compassion, but with a default to fear, anger, and rejection. If Christians were to be highly intentional about approaching Islam in a way that is inviting and attractive, without compromise, staying as consistently biblical as possible, here are some of the characteristics that we should expect to see: Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/How-Thousands-of-Muslims-Are-Falling-in-Love-with-Jesus.aspx#SDRqVq7HgmQf9f3R.99

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)

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.'

God saw fit to build up the Adventist church through the study of Bible prophecy. One of the most prominent prophecies taught amongst our people is the “1260 days” of Revelation 11:3 & 12:6, etc. It was during the 1260 years that the great Catholic power was in the ascendancy, wearing out the saints of the Most High. With regards to the beginning and ending points of this period, a large body of historical material is available to the student of history. It has been my purpose to condense that material into note form, that the reader might see at a glance the fundamental historical contexts in which these two significant dates – 538AD and 1798AD – are set. It is my hope also, that this little work might dispel some of the misconceptions that have grown up beside these two prophetic “marker posts”. Those that look here for a display of eloquence, or pages of private judgment and interpretation, must, I fear, turn away with little satisfaction, but for those that enjoy working with plain facts, I hope to supply a few of these for their edification and profit. This paper is companion to “A Historical Context For 538AD”.

This is so true

Great article: http://www.adventistreview.org/141521-29

onebeecee, maybe you didn't see the C/A thread regarding that editorial... I do not believe that the Review's editorial reflects the majority opinion of C/A. It certainly does not reflect mine.

Yes. One definition of 'belief' is 'disposition to act'. What we *really* believe comes out in what we do. It's so very common that people espouse beliefs with their mouths that their actions don't support, though, that the image in the OP is a valuable reminder.

Pam: Question # 1: The funding comes from private individuals and from corporate sponsors. The corporate sponsors pay TOP to put up a booth at the Gatherings. E.G. The San Diego Gathering has several SDA colleges and other SDA institutions who paid a small fee to set up a booth. So, why would they do this? Well, there are a lot of young people who attend the Gatherings. The colleges want to recruit students. ADRA was one of the non-educational institutions that set up a booth. Why? Because ADRA has found that the people who attend the Gatherings have an interest in the work that ADRA does. As I recall, there were two mission organizations connected with the SDA Church that set up booths. There were corporate sponsors at the San Diego Gathering who provided more direct and substantial support to the Gathering. I assume that they were allowed to set their booths up an no additional charge. As to the part of your question that pertains to a CFO and Finance Committee: The money involved is large enough that such is required. As to your other two questions, I do not have a good answer, although I think that I know the answer to at least one. I will get back with you as to an answer.

Lots of notes on Revelation! And I am finding a renewed interest in Daniel and Revelation. May God bless your study!

I really don't know what to make of the last opinion article posted by Bonnie. Part of it scares me for the salvation of people being brought to Christ these ways, the other part of me is glad that at least a new way has been found to reach the worldly. I've always been of the opinion that we as Christians should be reaching everyone no matter how they live their lives and then let God work on them. If we have a worship service with music they can relate to, as long as the message is proper, what's the problem? As far as Sunday worship goes, does anyone really think there is going to be a law that requires worship on Sunday? With the current landscape of anti religion in general and all God related propaganda being thrown out of government institutions and now the invitation of Muslims to pray in front of Congress, can you really belive this is still going to happen? I just can't anymore. Unless there is some kind of global crusade and the whole world becomes converted to Christianity, I just don't see it. But that's just my opinion and I've been wrong before on so many levels.

I thought this thread was about whether the Son of God ever came into existence. Now we are debating whether the Spirit is a third divine being. 1. I have found no command in Scripture that we are to exalt, glorify, give thanks to, pray to, or in any other way “worship” the Holy Spirit. There is no account of any created being offering worship to the Holy Spirit by name. We are to worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). We also worship Christ, BECAUSE the Father commanded us to do so. 2. Christ prayed only to His Father, and never spoke to another divine being by name. He instructed His disciples to pray to the Father, in the name of the Son (Matthew 6:10, John 15:16, John 16:23). 3. We are to pray for the spirit, never to the spirit. The Holy Spirit is the gift. 4. Singular pronouns indicating possession, source, or relation, are used extensively with the word spirit throughout Scripture. The Holy Spirit is called “His spirit,” “My spirit,” “the spirit of the Lord,” “the spirit of God,” “the spirit of Him” or “Your spirit.” This suggests that the Holy Spirit is the omnipresence and power of the Father and/or of Christ. In Matthew 12:18, Luke 4:18, and Romans 8:11, the Spirit is “the Spirit of the Father.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 refers to the “Spirit of Christ” as the inspiration of Old Testament prophets. 5. Jesus called His Father “the only true God” (John 17:3). 6. We were created by the Father, through the Son (1Cor.8:6, Eph.3:9, Col.1:12-16, Heb.1:1-3). The family is named after the Father. Ephesians 3:14,15 [Paul writing] “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’ of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Those who enter the heavenly mansions will have the name of the Father AND of the Son written in their foreheads (Rev. 14:1, Rev.3:12). Why not also the name of the Holy Spirit? 7. The Father is the God of Christ (Jn. 20:17, Rom. 15:6, 1Cor. 11:3, 2Cor. 1:3, 2Cor. 11:31, Eph. 1:3, Eph. 1:17, Col. 1:3, Heb. 1:9, 1Pet 1:3, Rev. 1:6). The following statement was made by Christ to John, many years after Pentecost 31AD. Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” “The head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). Christ will be subordinate to the Father for all eternity (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). The kingdom of heaven, was called by Christ, “My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). There is no mention of “the Spirit’s kingdom.” “Our Father ... Thine is the kingdom” (Matthew 6:13). The last like the first sentence of the Lord’s prayer, points to our Father as above all power and authority and every name that is named. 8. We are reconciled to the Father through the Son (Col 1:19-20). There is no verse saying that we are reconciled to the Spirit. 9. Revelation 7:10 “‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” The Father "sits on the throne". There is no mention in Scripture of the Spirit ever sitting on a throne. 10. We “abide in the Son and in the Father” (1John 2:24). Two Beings. 11. “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son” (1John 1:3). Two Beings. People say that the Spirit is the "silent partner", and never gets any glory - but from my study a third Divine co-equal, co-eternal Being - is just NOT THERE. Rachel Cory Prophecy Viewpoint

No not only white people but it is rare to see a black on white crime get the racial hatred spewing that white on black crime. I don't recall any black on white crime that Eric Holder and Obama came out and strongly condemned. When has Eric Holder wanted the type of investigation and I am sure hopefully prosecution of a black on white crime?

When something is so great and complex it instills a sense of reverence in the finite. 1 Timothy 3:16 The mystery that gives us our reverence for God is acknowledged to be great: He appeared in his human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to heaven in glory. When trying to nail down the Eternal you will find endless debate, frustration and discouragement maybe because it's not meant to be nailed down. Isaiah 66:1 The Lord says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house, then, could you build for me, what kind of place for me to live in? I have studied the nature of God for years and have gotten no closer to nailing something down then when I first began. When you study and talk with Trinitarians you find they are right and wrong. When you study and talk with Oneness people you find that they are right and wrong. Why is this? I'll tell you why, because we are all right yet we are all wrong. When you study both Old and New Testament you will find Trinitarians are right and you will find Oneness people are right. The when you study even more you will find Trinitarians are wrong and Oneness people are right. Then when you study even more you will find both Trinitarians and Oneness are wrong yet they are right. Why is this? Because the fullness of the Godhead is manifested in Jesus. Listen to this prophetic verse. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When you focus on one aspect of the Godhead in Jesus you will be right in what you find. You will find that Jesus is the Father. You will find that Jesus is the Spirit. You will find that Jesus is the Son. You will find that they are all one in the same yet they are different and individual. All we can say is yes to all the fullness of the Godhead in Christ. Now go and love God and love others and let the mystery of God instill a sense of reverence in our hearts.

And a couple more thoughts here. With the River of Life coming from the throne, will light travel down it as well? And in Early Writings Ellen White says that the Tree of Life has a transparent trunk. Do you suppose that the light in the river might just travel up the roots and out the leaves? Probably not, but fun to think about. The Tree might just GLOW! We know that no matter how BIG we dream Heaven will be MUCH, MUCH better. So dream REALLY BIG, but remember that all of your dreams will be smashed (in an awesome way mind you).

Now turn to Acts 15:1,5 1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." .... 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up,saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses." So to these Judaizers salvation came by both circumcision and obedience to the law of Moses. Now go back to Phil 3:2 Beware of the dogs (wolves in sheep's clothing), beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, Notice that false circumcision puts "confidence" in one's performance where true circumcision (like Abraham's) places no confidence in one's performance, but rather glories in Christ Jesus. Now Paul speaks of his pre-conversion experience: 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eight hday, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. Now what did Paul do with these bragging points after conversion? 7 But what things were gain to me,those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things (see the list above verses 5-6) but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mind own righteousness (i.e., self-righteousness), which is of the law,, but that which his through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith....

Thank you for your comments. I do tend to prefer the nkjv translation, even though esv is similar, I still reference both when I study. I also reference the NIV and nasb occasionally as well. I think I'll pick up the Andrews bible. It's a little more expensive than any I've purchased in the past, so it's going to take a bit to save up. Thanks for the comments!

For some years, my favorite study Bible and my take to church Bible has been a NIV Bible. Now I use the Andrews study Bible about half the time. The basic Bible in the Andrews Study Bible is the New King James (NKJV). So, it follows in the King James (KJV) tradition. For those who want a Bible in the tradition of the KJV the NKJV is the version to go with. In fact, it is hard today to purchase an actual KJV Bible. The majority of stores no longer sell the KJV and now sell the NKJV. If you really want to purchase a KJV, you have to work very hard to find a store that sell it. My preference is for the NIV. However, the Andrews Study Bible has been packaged in a manner that I find good for taking to church. It is good quality and easy to use. A study Bible lies between a standard Bible with references in the margin and a Bible Commentary. So, on one hand, your expectations for a study bible will determine somewhat how you evaluate the Andrews Study Bible. I find it to be more helpful than a simple Bible with marginal references, but less comprehensive than a commentary--what else would one expect. Anyway, I believe that it has more value than a marginal reference Bible. But, sometimes I wish that it was more like a commentary--but then I would not be able to carry the multiple books to church. I like the fact that it is more up to date in comments some verses that some. I like the idea that it may give perspectives of Seminary professors. In summation: It has value. I am glad that I purchased and read it. But, it is not the be all and end all and the only Bible that I am going to use. I am still going to use my NIV. Here is the bottom line folks: God has preserved what He wants us to know in the translations of the Bible in our languages. No one translation is perfect. But, God has preserved his essential truth for us today. Recognize the differences between dynamic and formal translation and use them in an appropriate manner. E.G. Dynamic translations should not be used in the same manner as a formal translaon. Compare translations on the same level--for study purposes, formal with formal. For devotional use--dynamic. Trust God to lead you. Don't disparage one that you may not personally like. God just may be using it to bring others to a knowledge of Him. While I prefer more modern translations to the KJV, God used all to bring people to a knowledge of Him. Don't knock that which you may not appreciate. NOTE: Tonight for Sabbath worship I read from the Andrews Study Bible as I do about half the time.

At least at the theater there is entertainment.

I really want a softcover I can carry to church and study sessions. My current nkjv study Bible is OK, buts falling apart now. I really like history and context of the times and places, and my current one is light in that area. I purchased a hardcover esv study Bible and I really like it from a history and context standpoint, but a few of the notes and guides are definitely a little off from what my interpretation of those scriptures are, so I am a little hesitant to trust other areas that I have a hard time understanding. However, it's been a great help in my studies, so I'm not discounting it. When I decided to replace my current nkjv bible I carry around, I think I want something different than the softcover esv, but with similar types of info, such as history and context of places and people... I might be asking to much. Haha Edit: fixed spelling and incorrect word usage....

I like that you have been thinking :)

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.

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.

This place has truly become the theater of the absurd!

Romans 8:26-27 26 Likewise the Spirit (Jesus) also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit (Jesus) itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he (Jesus) maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God Jesus became the "life giving Spirit" when He was filled with the Spirit of His Father. Only Jesus knows the Father. Therefore only Jesus knows "the mind of the Spirit". The Father gives the Spirit. "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:13). The Father is the SOURCE of the spirit. The Father poured out His spirit - thru His Son. Acts 2:33 “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He [Christ] poured out this which you now see and hear” (NAS). John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” NOTE: The word translated "another" means one exactly like the first. For instance "another dime". A different word would be used to mean an addition one. John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I [Christ] shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who (or which) proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). Ephesians 3:14-18 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” It is the Father's Spirit. It proceeds or comes forth from, the Father. The Father gives this spirit. It comes to us THRU CHRIST. We experience this Spirit AS the presence of Christ with us. No third divine being is needed here. How could the Father give another co-equal divine being? How could Christ give another co-equal divine being? We would need to read very different wording.

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

Aubrey: No problem. I considered your question to be honest, sincere and deserving of an answer that went into a bit more detail. There is a lot posted on the Internet that is half-true, false and more. You asked a question without automatically accepting what you had been heard. I wish that more people would do that. After working for 20 years as a clinical provider in a Federal hospital, I knew that in the U.S. medical schools would not require such an oath. As SDA Clergy I knew that our medical schools would not allow such an oath. But, others who are outside that background could misunderstand. You and those others deserved a more comprehensive answer. Thank you for asking.

If we were Muslim, how appealing would the teachings of Christ be? He basically stopped the stoning of an adulteress by making the stoners see that they were big hypocrites who were just as guilty of transgressing the laws of Moses as the poor woman they were targeting. Never mind the men she allegedly slept with who were just as guilty as she was, but for some reason there was no one around trying to throw stones at them. They just kept their guilty sexual secrets to themselves and picked on the weaker women, maybe to ensure that their "honor" would remain intact and their sexual secrets remained secret. Although there will come a time when all of the followers of YHVH will be enabled to keep his laws, in this life, as Christ has taught us, compassion, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness are far more important than being murderous, hypocritical Enforcers of the Laws.

I was named Deputy Head of School (Learning and Teaching) in my current university, Griffith. I convened one large program for teaching high school teachers last year, and this is the next step up that ladder - I'm now responsible for managing all the learning and teaching in all of the 29 degree programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, offered in our School to more than 4000 students. It's daunting but exciting, and I'm already enjoying it a lot. I'm off to the University Senior Leadership Conference this coming week. Or, as my beloved puts it, "hobnobbing with the bigwigs". (of course, I'm now the newest and tiniest tadpole in that particular pond!)

There is an Ebola outbreak happening in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia right now. The latest I've heard is that a patient was located in Nigeria, so now that country is involved. Ebola is VERY deadly as far as viruses go. I thought that the mortality rate is 60% but if a person does not get treatment it could be higher. The problems the foreign medical people were having is that the population suffers from lack of information. They believed that if their loved one went to hospital s/he wouldn't come out, that it was a death sentence. Others didn't want to give up the dead bodies, preferring that families handle their own dead. And that has led to the spread of the plague. My daughter-in-law through her non-profit was able to distribute 3500 * information packets through her staff, who are locals and are trusted. She is still working on this. But she has asked for prayer for her and Kevin's friends who are still in the country. Some are with Samaritan's Purse, who Kev used to work for. They are very concerned at this point. I've read that the head doctor working with the Ebola patients has now come down with the disease. Thanks for all who feel impressed to lift up petitions to God for the people of West Africa in this situation. * Note- I need to fix that number. It should be 3,025 packets. Sorry for the error- Gail

Woody, "They can have a ministry and we can acknowledge it." Here's my vote.