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This is an excerpt that I would like to challenge everyone with, taken from the Adventist Record, from Dr Barry Oliver, who has recently retired from his role as President of the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. - www.record.net.au Becoming a Christ Focused Church, - "It is my deepest desire that we become a far more Christ-focused and biblically anchored community. I hear you say that we are already Christ-centred and who is more biblically based than us? Yes, in theory that's true. But let me ask you a few simple questions, questions that I ask myself. How much time did you and I spend studying or even reading the Bible yesterday? On the other hand, how much time did we spend watching TV or doing something else just as insignificant? How much effort did we put into endeavouring to understand the life and character of Jesus and modelling our lives after Him? On the other hand, how much effort did we put into making money? It gives me considerable grief to say it, but the typical Seventh-day Adventist today is spending far more time absorbed in secular pursuits and entertainment than in the Word of God, and we are far more focused on earning a living than letting God live through us. I don't say this to be judgemental. I say this because I love our church. And when I see the way we invest our time and the priorities around which we organise our lives, I know that God has something better for us. Something higher, something deeper. God wants to do miracles in our lives - but we have to open that door so He can. We need to be Christ focused and Biblically Anchored.

Hello all it has been a long time since i have visited. Things have been a bit messy in my life with a divorce and just one bad choice after another in 2013 i found out why i was having problem with my back hurting and i am not dealing with chronic pain. i went from being able to walk and move just fine to last year not being able to stand sit or walk very far. I now am using a cane cause of increasing weakness to my left leg. some days are better them other and good days are far a few..

An Embarrassing Week for Christians Sharing Fake News Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. You embarrass us all when you do. | Ed Stetzer So, here is the deal. We are too gullible. I've done a bit of a series on the "Faux Christian Controversy of the Week" and it just keeps happening. This week, two “news” stories made the rounds. Pastor Arrested for Refusing a Same-Sex Marriage So, what should you do it you see a story like this? Well, first, if pastors are going to jail for a ruling from last month, you should be suspicious. OK, not really, you should be totally incredulous. But, let’s say it is a couple of years from now. If that were the case, it would be EVERYWHERE. It would be on the nightly news. Did you check ChristianityToday.com? How about WORLD, the Christian Century, or Charisma? They'd all have it on their front page. But, you say, “It was at NBC.” Well, if something sounds crazy, check the URL. This particular story was on NBC.com.co. Did you notice the extra .co on the end? That means it's not really NBC.com. Also, click around to the other stories, which literally have text that reads "adfasf weoogsdre gawerags." You just make us all look gullible when you don’t do simple steps like that. By the way, if you are a pastor you should already know that no one can make you officiate anything. In fact, you can refuse to officiate an interracial marriage. You'd be an idiot and a racist, but you wouldn't be arrested. Bible Lawsuit Then, as if we don’t look silly enough, there is the Zondervan lawsuit. Just Google to see how many websites ran recent stories about a guy suing Bible publishers because the verses on homosexuality are offensive. One “news” source includes a column from Rev. Austin Miles. Here is the opening of his “breaking news” story. I’m leaving everything exactly as it was published. This lawsuit could not be the result of the Supreme Court ruling (or President Obama’s polices) because it happened in 2008, while President Bush was still in office and seven years before the gay marriage ruling. The reason you did not hear much about it then is because the courts quickly dismissed it as a ridiculous lawsuit. At five different points in the ruling, the court asserts that Fowler’s claims fail and should be dismissed and rejected. That didn’t stop Christians from sharing this story as if it were new and potentially dangerous. Miles has since retracted his article. It is YOUR job—yes YOURS—to check the facts. Yes, these websites should do that as well, but most are more concerned with gaining your page view than growing your credibility. Remember, Snopes is your friend. Go and check out these stories before you share them on social media. There are real issues about religious liberty right now (and more coming). Posting links to fake ones just makes all of us look (rightly) gullible. How To Fix the False Rumor You Spread So, if you posted the fake story about the pastor, let me ask you to do three things: 1. Post a retraction. Really. Do it. It's not that hard. It will sting a little bit because you'll have to admit you were wrong, but it's good for you. I promise. Just something like this would suffice: "Hey friends, I posted a story about _______ this weekend, and it turns out it wasn't true! Be on guard and don't believe everything you read out there! I’ll be more careful next time." You can both admit you were wrong and look out for your friends, telling them to be alert for more fake stories, because these weren't the first and I’m sure they won’t be the last. Integrity is important for the Christian. The Scriptures are clear, especially in the Proverbs. Proverbs 2:20-21 says: Later, Proverbs 28:18 says: Do the right thing. Protect your friends from being tricked like you were. 2. Don’t excuse it by saying, “Well, it might be true.” Or, “Well, there is something like that." "Or, well, it will be true soon." No, you were wrong. You fell for a hoax. Say it and move on. You were deceived. It's ok to admit that. You don't have to try to cover your tracks and make some sort of lame excuse to make yourself look better. Have some humility, be willing to admit someone fooled you, and move on. Posting a link to a story about a for-profit wedding chapel on public land won't make it any better because even that was resolved—just say you were wrong and move on. Seriously... 3. Be less gullible next time. Wisdom is valuable: "But," you may think, "I'm not wise. I get fooled by this stuff all the time." That's okay, Scripture accounts for people like us. James 1:5 says: Finally, the Bible makes it clear: Lying is wrong. Don't lie, even if you don't mean to. And make it right if you do. Don't Post What You Can't Confirm You may say, "But what if I can’t tell if the story is fake or not?" I've given you several ways to check the veracity of a story, but if that does not work, there is just one solution: don't post it. If you have not, will not, or cannot confirm a story, do not share it. As Christians, we have a higher standard than even the journalist. We aren’t protecting the reputation of an organization or a website, we bear the name of our King. If our friends and families cannot trust us with this type of news, many will not listen when we seek to share the good news of the gospel.

Amen! This is something I have been thinking about on a personal level. It is scary, how ingrained worldliness is in me What gives me some relief is when I pray for contentment of heart. That is the only way I get a break from impulsiveness in serving my various whims. It's a battle... And as time passes new insights come to mind. Can't rest a day without vigilance on this point.

All humans are Children of God. Some of God's children have departed and have no communication with their Father, just as happens in human families. But, God the Father eagerly waits for them to respond to His welcome and return home, unlike happens is some human families.

So sorry you are in pain Barbara. I looked the condition up on Medline, a health database, and the place that seems to have the best published success with surgery on it in the US is the Cleveland Clinic. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24358999 They use minimally invasive surgery. If your Dr. is not sure how much the surgery he plans on doing will help, maybe it would be good to contact them for a second opinion. The Cleveland Clinic is one of the top facilities in the U.S for specialized treatment.

We need to understand that what Jesus is doing for us now is seeking to perfect OUR FAITH, so that we trust whole-heartedly in Him. We do not need to move out where no one else lives (that would waste our influence as witnesses for Him), not move to some other country (as if all we needed were a change of nationality). Here and now, where we are, we need to trust wholly in Jesus. That is how we prepare to live without a Mediator. That is the only way that we CAN live without a Mediator--having whole-hearted faith in Jesus, Who is our "Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). That said, of course it is to our advantage to move away from the corrupting, distracting influences of the big city and locate in the country, as we can.

I do agree with Aubrey, if it just fizzles out then there usually isn't much emotion attached. You may have some memories and/or regrets but they are fleeting. More to the point is what kind of relationship was it Personal, romantic, co-worker ??? They all carry a different level of commitment and emotional (at least for me) There is always an empty place in your heart when you loose a person who has been a part of your life ... on any level. I do believe that we hurt more if we were, in part, guilty of something that caused the relationship to end. It has been said that when one loses a spouse the surviving spouse from a good, solid marriage will move on more quickly, with less sadness than the surviving spouse in a difficult marriage.

Beautiful devotional words today by Timothy Keller, author of "Preaching" (taken from an awesome email by the pastor of the Boulder, CO Church and leader of "The One Project"). "Jesus is the true and better Adam, who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us (1 Corinthians 15). Jesus is the true and better Abel, who, though innocently slain, has blood that cries out for our acquittal, not our condemnation (Hebrews 12:24). Jesus is the true and better Abraham, who answered the call of God to leave the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void “not knowing whither he went” to create a new people of God. Jesus is the true and better Isaac, who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us all. God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me, because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love, from me.” Now we can say to God, “Now we know that you love us, because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love, from us.” Jesus is the true and better Jacob, who wrestled with God and took the blow of justice we deserved so that we, like Jacob, receive only the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.” Jesus is the true and better Joseph, who at the right hand of the King forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them. Jesus is the true and better Moses, who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant (Hebrews 3). Jesus is the true and better rock of Moses, who, struck with the rod of God’s justice, now gives us water in the desert. Jesus is the true and better Job—the truly innocent sufferer—who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends (Job 42). Jesus is the true and better David, whose victory becomes his people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves. Jesus is the true and better Esther, who didn’t just risk losing an earthly palace but lost the ultimate heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life but gave his life—to save his people. Jesus is the true and better Jonah, who was cast out into the storm so we could be brought in." If this is what The One Project is all about, count me in.

This is the focus of The One Project--to make Christ the central focus of both our life and our doctrine.

I like how the writer connects Christ-centeredness with the personal conviction of each member, not only in the church in theory.

I have often found that church going, Christian white people are often harder to talk to than nominal or non believing whites. There's an air of arrogance and self righteousness with an inability to receive, without negative judgement, the experience of another. On the other hand there are many who even if they do not agree will engage and seek to understand.

Baby Jace is slowly improving. Breathing issues seem to have been resolved. He is out of IC. He still has a ways to go with eating and awake times. He just doesn't seem to be able to wake up as much as they need him to. Thank you everyone

Someone has said, "Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." Back in my dating days I always used to look at a relationship's ending as having given me a part of that person, to hold in my heart forever. I have so many wonderful memories of times with good friends and lovers; those memories are there in my "data bank" for me to call upon and bring up again to enjoy in retrospect. And when a bad relationship ended [which also happened occasionally, of course], I just chalked it up to experience and knew that I would never fall for those personality flaws again in the future. It takes some of both types to make LIFE.

GBU! stinsonmarri Thank you for your kind words. I actually shared my wonderful understanding of GOD in the Story of Sodom. If you have the time and energy and the interest to look into it would be great.,, then 5 pages of replies which i share more as well as others thoughts http://clubadventist.com/forums/topic/59810-when-i-hear-the-story-of-sodom/ GBU Again and hope to be be friends for sure. #waiting for the day when u hear Christians speak of Homosexuals as Children of God and not as a sex act.

I think for the most part we are truly not dealing with the issue. GayatfootofCross stated: Well I think our convictions of sin does varies to each individual. Let me make it very clear it is not up to each individual. It is up to the requirement of ELOHIM. Even though we should be respectful to all, sin will have no place in Heaven. My position is clear that the government is not the church and it must not hold to any ones religious belief. But this government has failed as all governments do against the Law of ELOHIM. What I saying is homosexual is a sin and an abomination to ELOHIM listen to what happen to Sodom. As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, in like manner to these, committing fornication, and going away after strange flesh, laid down an example before-times, undergoing vengeance of everlasting fire. Jude 1:7 Keep in mind that this was everlasting fire and these people was completely judged. They will not be in any resurrection because they are completely gone!!!! We must treat others correctly but we must also call sin by it right name. People who do do oral sex this is just as wrong! Please do get ugly with me just read your Bible. Rom 1: 17-32 All sinners will not make it into the Kingdom! Gayafoot, it is nice to meet you and I hope we can be friends. Happy Sabbath and be bless!

Sometimes people go off on the same kind of tangents about nutrition things also, and I tell them if they read it on the Internet and it seems new different and unlike anything they have heard before, (when they already know what a basic healthy diet looks like) it is probably wrong.

Well if I wasn't behind on my dues, I'd ask for my money back. LoL Is that kosher for a Pharisee to do on the Sabbath. Shabbat Shalom. God is Love! Jesus saves!

Yes... You must come back often for hugs

Alexis is 16 now and Emily will be 14 I don't get to see them that much

Hi, Barbara!! It HAS been a long time but it is so nice to see you here again! Your girls must be big now

the contintion i have is called Bertolotti's syndrome.The neurosurgeon want to go in an fuse two parts of my lower spine and remove a disk to relieve pressure on a bundle of nerves that have no protection around it any more. . that is happen wen i walk is part of my spine is rubbing against my pelvis when i walk. and do other things.. I am praying that ther surgery helps but the Dr is not sure that this will fix things completely ..

Welcome back Barbara. I am glad that you are returning and hope that your experiences here add a positive aspect to your life. I can appreciate living with chronic pain and am sorry that you have to deal with that. Keep your faith and courage and know that you are loved, on earth and in Heaven.

For me, it depends on HOW the relationship ends. If it just fizzles out slowly over time, neither the good or bad hurts. But abrupt endings always hurt if the relationship lasted long enough for emotional attachment.

Welcome back, Barbara! Happy Sabbath!

My wife was suffering from lower back pain, shooting leg pain and limited right leg movement. She couldn't work or walk very far due to the extreme pain, and even used a cane, sometimes. The chiropractor's treatments only made her pain worse, while the cortico-steroid injections were useless. Last year she underwent back surgery to release the pressure on her spinal nerves, and now she has her life back, but no longer works for the post office. Your symptoms sound a lot like hers. If spinal stenosis surgery is delayed too long there could be permanent nerve damage, according to her doctor. Have you seen a neurosurgeon, yet?

I think that it's a money-making scheme, selling CD-ROM's and books to workshop attendees. Membership fee is $94.50 payable by EFT from your bank account to the presenter's bank account... It might be interesting to attend, but I would never lay my money down.

I was "conned" by the Bible lawsuit article. Will be more wary with the original poster now that I am aware of fake "news" reports.

Thanks and AMEN, Stan!!

I don't know what to make of this. Is it okay to spread false "news" stories that might confuse people, or is it not okay?

This is an except from a sermon/article by author John Metta, who is Black and has relatives who are multi-racial. I found his thoughts most interesting and thought-provoking.... https://www.popularresistance.org/i-dont-discuss-racism-with-white-people/

Well, it is true that we all have different experiences within the church...so what may be true for some may not be true for all. Same as it ever was; same as it ever was.

I liked the article. It opened up a thought that never entered my mind before - the difference between living in a "racist" society and personally being a racist. I have frequently defended my "non-racism" the way the guy in the article did. I may think twice about doing that in the future.

Not just the shaking of the SDA Church; the shaking of all humanity! Many will be shaken out; but many, MANY others will be shaken in. The end times are ultimately not about the destruction of the wicked; they are about the rescue and salvation and the power given to thesaints.

Jesus is the beginning: start with Him, stay close to Him, give Him your frustration. "Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children." {SC 100.1}

If you read the entire article, and then the comments below the article, you'll note that not all Black or White people agree with what John Metta wrote.

some interesting facts 1990 vote on womans ordination 1173 NO 76% 377 Yes 24% 1995 vote on womans ordination 1481 NO 69% 673 Yes 31% 2015 Vote 1381 NO 59% 977 Yes 41% 5 Abstains Do you see it. Slowly year by year Womans ordination is gaining acceptance. About 17 percent Gain in 20 years. Just less than 1% gain per year. At this rate in 15 years we will have a majority vote in the affirmity of womans ordination. It is only a matter of time. The young people in Africa coming out of our colleges there are in favor of womans ordination. They will be the upcoming leadership and voters in the GC elections in 15 to 20 years. Womans ordination will happen. We just have to be patient. This issue is NOT DEAD.

Is it your friend too? I just googled KY and found out it was the most racist state in the US. Anyone can google anything and find trash!

In my opinion its very sad what politics does to people.

One could support him as a person, as an Adventist, as a surgeon, as a public figure and so on without supporting him as a politician or presidential candidate. His policies, as far as I have seen and heard, are not anything I can support, but I can still support the man.