Leaderboard

We may soon see the day when brutality by law officers and military personnel will be the norm, whether against non-compliants or compliants. The more one resists and complains about their rights, or refuses any cooperation, the worse they are beaten. That's part of the training in order to neutralize opposition and enforce government controls.

Well those who deny the foundation principles of the Protestant Reformation are indeed easy enough to find in recent times but for over 350 years the historicist view was indeed "Protestant" by every measure. Just a fact of history Pre-mill and post-trib rapture - I 'meant' to say.

Ethel and Marvin Himmelfarb were on a car trip when they stopped at Moishe’s Delicatessen for lunch. Ethel left her glasses on the table, but didn't miss them until they were back on the highway. By then, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around. Marvin fussed and complained all the way back to the restaurant. “Oy, Ethel, always with the forgetting! Now we have to go all the way back, and for what?!” When they finally arrived, as Ethel got out of the car to retrieve her glasses, Marvin said, "While you're in there, you may as well get my hat, too."

LOL — I think that's probably more true than we'd care to admit!!!

1. Until the middle of the 1800s Protestants tended to take the historicist view of interpretation. And futurism is taking a part of what the great historicist, Joachim of Flore had to say and instead of maintain the whole principles of Joachim as we do, they take some parts and move off into a whole new direction but it was still based on historism. 2. I'll let Bob answer this but my guess is that was probably a miss print meaning to say "Post Tribulation" and seeing the "rapture" and not necessary meaning the secret rapture but the second coming. This has been a simple way to present us to our dispensationalist friends. But still has a lot of excess baggage.

With all the focus on Ben Carson's - denomination and "What is a Seventh-day Adventist" - type news articles -- SDAs are having a field day. In the past 10 days or so - there have been at times half a dozen articles on SDAs per day. So share your favorite link. Who has come the closest to "getting it right"?? (Obviously we cannot expect them to get every detail right - but who is the "closest"??) I vote for this one -- http://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2015/11/2/a-background-memo-for-godbeat-pros-what-is-seventh-day-adventism

I'm not aka, but it was 498 years ago on October 31, 1517, that the 95 Theses were nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church. Probably very few of us, other than theology students, have ever read them.

Yes I have been sayin this! Here! in bits and peices and to my Friends at Church It offends them. Here is an older post of mine There are others ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I wonder if that is a one of the facets of Modern Christianity turning from a Lamb to a Lion that many SDAs dont think about applying to bible prophesy. I know SDA Christians who are very pro gun and all about protecting family and property ( I live in the mountain woods ) . It used to be not like that. Or maybe I was ill informed when i was younger...or naive about Generations of SDA thinking.. I don't know. I do know Desmond Doss* was a hero for rescuing others without using a gun (conscientious objector). I thought that was our collective Belief System. The GOP Platform is all about that stuff.Flying in the Face Of JESUS CHRIST/Gospel example of non violence and self sacrificial LOVE and blessing and loving and serving our Enemies of our Church.Morals, and Nation.. . and Now we have a SDA on the national Scene promoting this ANTICHRISTian theology? I'm not sure! we will see.... It would be Horrific if Dr. Ben Carson (an SDA) promotes this religion and power thing for the Common Good and National Security. That is not what God is all about. I see what you are saying Tom Wetmore..I'm just taking it further into Prophesy. I think this generation will see Jesus Finally come! # i have a feeling my thoughts will go over many heads due to my outlandish questioning combined by poor wordsmithing. maybe i will try again another time another place * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss http://clubadventist.com/forums/topic/43564-conceal-carry-in-sda-meetings/?page=3#comment-699976 link ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ To think that .. ... could it be an SDA Remnant Church Leader of the Free World (if Carson becomes Prez) could start the final push of Mixing Politics and Religion (Church n State) ??????????????????? Caiaphas (Church) Pilate (State) King Herod (Greed) (all representing self protection) and the others killed GOD Could the same happen to God's Friends? Us! by Us? Like History repeating it self in some ironic outlandish chain of events? Protecting ... Home then Church then Nation? Too disturbing to think about I don't hear Dr. Ben Carson lifting up JESUS and How GOD was to the outcasts/marginalized/non normative as sinners. Calling Christians to be that way too in heart (most republicans call themselves Christians..its not like Carson is talkin with a Ton Atheists at his rally's ..Many SDAs and Evangelicals are there Excited ). Nothing about suggestions and ideas that Look like the JESUS I fell in love with. Very Troubling to constantly see on the National stage. and it goes over SDA's heads! Lamb like JESUS Lion like _________ in America before our very eyes There is one wonderful thing if it is true ( i hope its not on SDA Hands) JESUS could come in the next few years!!!!! and be done with it This world is not our Home.. even though we seem to make if very comfortable for ourselves Lazarus, may the Joy of the Lord be your Strength! P.S. what a crazy thought! An Adventist doing such a thing!

Alien and Gay you both are on to something. I strongly believe that for many SDA"s, conservative political culture Trumps (uppercase T intentional) truth. What do I mean? Among other things, systematic police brutality, police corruption and for example The Patriot Act give a clear indication that the USA maturing into its role as the lamb-like beast. Many Adventists seem to put aside our prophetic understandings to accept the conservative political cultural narratives about liberty, the military, black and latino people, Muslims, and even Israel. They applaud, for example, the denigration of minorities, and are unable to even "see" their mistreatment. It is fascinating to see and hear pretzel like explanations of what this cop did despite the clear evidence on the tape. On a local level I see SDA's quitting churches, academy's, and colleges because there are too many black and brown people coming. This is not of God and IMHO the spirit of persecution is a cousin of the spirit of racism. Some may see this as off topic but The Patriot ACT and what happened to this girl are on the same spectrum.

Yeah, if only they were instead of running around chanting, Pigs in a blanket, fry 'em like bacon. And, What we want? Dead cops. When do we want them? Now. How's a cop supposed to know if he's pulling over one of those people, or someone like the guy in this story???? I'm not saying all cops are angels, but if treated with respect most of them return the same attitude. Like others here I've had my experiences with cops, both good and bad. However, most of my bad ones were started by my own attitude. When respectul and honest I've been let go with verbal warnings for things like 40mph over the speed limit and a reckless driving charge. If I had mouthed off or been dishonest with the cops that let me off with verbal warnings I would have spent some time in jail and had some serious fines to pay. It's like the highway patrolman who was helping someone he pulled over who had no license and no insurance and got shot for his trouble. What was his crime? Helping someone get a motel room for the night and something to eat for kids in the car he pulled over? He wasn't even going to write the guy a ticket. He was all about helping and what happened? He got shot for his troubles. How many times does that have to happen before his fellow officers get rough? If they do I, for one, don't blame them.

November 2015 Signs of the Times Newsletter November 2015 Signs of the Times Email Newsletter The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues ofSigns and These Times. *************************** Lord Littleton and Gilbert West, two brilliant men of intellect, were once enemies of the Christian religion. They decided to disprove the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ, and explain away the teachings of Paul. So West said, “I will explode the resurrection of Christ.” And Lord Littleton said, “I will explain Paul.” Some weeks later they met again by appointment, to see what their research had produced. Littleton said, “West, what have you to say?” “Littleton, I have something wonderful to tell you! When I came to explode the doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead on the third day, I had to be candid, I had to be sincere, I had to be honest, I had to search for my evidence. You may laugh at me, Littleton, if you will, but when I looked into it honestly, my mind and my deepest soul were convinced that Jesus did rise from the dead; and I prayed to Him, and He saved me, and I am His friend!” Then Littleton exclaimed: “Thank God, West! I have something just as wonderful to tell you! When I came to explain that man Paul, and get rid of him, I, too had to be thorough and candid. I had to search. I had to be true, and you will rejoice with me, West, when I tell you that after I had searched and studied about Paul, by and by I found myself down on my knees, just as Paul got down on his knees on that Damascus road; and my cry was his: ‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ And I am a Christian also, West!” Here were two brilliant men, who were won for Christ. Later Gilbert West wrote: “When I looked into it honestly, my mind and my deepest soul were convinced;. . . and I prayed to Him, and He saved me, and I am His friend!” And as Lord Littleton expressed himself in a book in these words: “After I had searched and studied,. . . by and by I found myself down on my knees, just as Paul got down on his knees on that Damascus road, and my cry was his: ‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ And I am a Christian also.”—By John W. Halliday, Present Truth, Vol. 27, No. 18. Quote: “Some of us could tell of such sweet and singular lessons of trust in this matter of tithing that they are written in golden letters of love in our memory. Of course, there will be trials of our faith in this, as in all else.”—By Frances Ridley Havergal (songwriter), Present Truth, Vol. 27, No. 20. *************************** Don't miss the December 2015 issue of Signs of the Times: To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or CLICK to order online! *************************** One of the most important dog bites in history is described in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, a colorful sixteenth century history of Christian martyrs. The English Earl of Wiltshire took his spaniel with him when he led a delegation sent by King Henry VIII to try to patch up the serious political differences existing between the king and the Pope. The Earl and his group were received in an audience, and as was the custom, the Earl prostrated himself before the Pope to kiss his toe. When the Pope thrust forth his foot to receive this homage, the spaniel, which had been watching matters closely, misinterpreted this action—and rushing to the aid of his master, bit the Pope on the extended toe! The incensed Swiss guard closed in and quickly killed the dog. This so enraged the Earl of Wiltshire that he refused thereafter to negotiate, and set his mind against any kind of compromise. He returned home, and then King Henry VIII began officially to separate England forever from the jurisdiction of Rome.—By Eugene Kinkead, Our Times, July 1948. Quote: “Sarcasm I now see to be, in general, the language of the devil.”—By Thomas Carlyle, Our Times, May 1948. *************************** NEW from Pacific Press: Never Give Up by Pat “Doc” Nave. “One of the side benefits of having a drug dealer for a father was that word soon got out around the neighborhood, and no one messed with you!” Never Give Up is the true story of a young boy who grew up with a father who was a drug-dealing mobster and an active Seventh-day Adventist. It is a story of redemption and hope reminding us that no matter what our past, God can redeem us for His glory. Never Give Up is on sale during the month of November for 25% off. CLICK to read the first chapter of this book online. CLICK to order online or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955. *************************** An old woman was walking to church with her family. A minister rode past on his horse at a tremendous rate, and the old woman said to her children: “Not the way to be riding, and this the Sabbath day. And, a good man should be merciful to his beast!” Shortly afterward her own minister rode past just as furiously, and the worthy old woman cried: “Ah, there he goes! The Lord bless him, poor man! His heart’s in his work, and he’s eager to be at it!”—From Boston Journal, Signs of the Times, May 15, 1901. Quote: “Success in this world may mean failure in the next.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, July 2, 1896. *************************** Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Signs of the Times helps your friends and neighbors find hope and meaning in these momentous times. Each month it takes on a broken world and directs hearts to Jesus for relevant answers. The result is changed lives! Send a subscription today. Order from your Adventist Book Center. To order call: 1-800-765-6955 or online at: http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/signs-of-the-times-magazine-yearly-us-subscription.html *************************** A little boy was being pushed along a road filled with bicycles, oxcarts, and people on foot, all trying to escape from invading armies. Suddenly he looked up into the faces of those around him. His father and mother were not there! He was lost. Finding himself alone in a frightening world, the boy was filled with panic. For days he wandered, sleeping in holes in the ground, eating scraps of food, always crying for his parents. Then one day the little fellow felt his father’s big, warm hand grasp his cold, thin one. And in that grip he felt all the protection and love that he needed to face life without fear. In a world filled with hatred, suspicion, warfare, and fear, at times we all have the sickening feeling of being alone and bewildered. Destruction lurks overhead, but we find no place to hide. And in every one of life’s great problems, we stand alone. You do not need to walk alone. There is a big Hand reaching down to grasp yours—the hand of God. God will stay by your side through poverty and wealth, sickness and health, sorrow and joy, life and death.—Unknown, These Times, August 1973. Quote: “When you keep someone waiting, remember that you are giving him time to enumerate your faults and deficiencies, as compared with his own glowing virtues, among the first of which is promptness.”—By Sydney J. Harris, These Times, March 1964. *************************** Visit www.AdventistBookCenter.com to find great holiday gifts! *************************** Fred was taking off his shoe and stocking, getting ready to go to bed. His shoe was wet, and five little water-soaked toes, with seams and wrinkles all over their pink faces, looked at him accusingly. If they could have spoken they would have said: “You got us wet, you did. You told a lie; you said you did not step into the brook.” Oh! That beautiful brook, so near the schoolhouse, with such lovely stepping-stones, such pretty little lucky bugs skipping about over the water, such charming mud in which to paddle! Why could it not run in some other part of the town, so little schoolboys would not be tempted? Fred threw his shoes and stockings under the bed, said his prayers, without mentioning the lie, and went to bed. “I know I told a lie about the brook, but I don’t believe I will think of it,” he said to himself, and while he was trying to give his whole mind to some other subject he fell asleep. He dreamed that a beautiful angel stood by his bed, with a bright candle. He said: “This is the candle of the Lord. I have come to search out all the sins that little boys keep hidden away in their hearts, and do not confess. This candle shines right upon them.” Then Fred’s heart was all lighted up, and there was found the lie, unforgiven, unconfessed. “This is very sad,” said the angel. “The good Lord loves him, and is ready to forgive that sin if he will confess it. It grieves him so much to have little Fred cover it up”. And the candle shone very bright and the sin looked very dark. “I hope,” continued the angel, “that now this little boy knows that he cannot hide the lie any longer, he will ask the Lord to forgive him.” Fred woke up with a start, and knelt down and confessed his sin. He went in his nightgown to his mother’s room, and as he clasped his arms around her neck, and told her all about it, he promised with God’s help, never to tell another lie.—By Christie Pearl, Signs of the Times, March 17, 1890. Quote: “And now for the ‘conclusion of the whole matter.’ Here is a very ancient volume, produced by many hands working without concert. In structure it is a masterpiece; its parts, like some beautiful mosaic, are laid together as if according to a preconceived pattern. Its truths, varied and far-reaching, meet the needs of every soul in every land, under every circumstance of life. They are ‘seed to the sower and bread to the eater.’ He who feeds on this bread, exclaims with Israel’s songster, ‘I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey.’ The centuries come and go; times and seasons change; institutions rise and fall; civilizations grow old and perish—but this Book liveth and abideth forever. It leads humanity onward and upward, and at each stage of progress points to better things to come. It is, indeed, a lamp unto the feet and a light unto the path of the toiling millions who seek to know that which is highest and best. What shall we say concerning such a marvelous volume? Is it not the Book of God?”—By James E. Gilbert, Signs of the Times, April 14, 1898. *************************** NEW from Signs of the Times—The Baby Everybody Wanted—a special holiday issue for sharing with friends and neighbors. For a FREE copy, CLICK HERE. (Offer good in the US and Canada through November 30, 2015. *************************** The rough diamond cried out under the blow of the lapidary, “I am content; let me alone.” But the artisan said, as he struck another blow—“There is the making of a glorious thing in thee.” “But every blow pierces my heart!” “Ay; but after a little it shall work for thee a far more exceeding weight of glory.” “I cannot understand,” as blow fell upon blow, “why I should suffer in this way.” “Wait; what thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter.” And out of all this came the famous Koh-i-noor to sparkle in the monarch’s crown.—By David James Burrell, Signs of the Times, July 29, 1903. Quote: “Controversial proposals, once accepted, soon become hallowed.”—By Dean Acheson, Signs of the Times, March 1996. *************************** CLICK to download great Adventist eBooks. Visit: www.AdventisteBooks.com *************************** The Blessings of God MERCY abundantly given, HELP for the difficult place— COURAGE when it’s sorely needed, STRENGTH for the problems we face! COMFORT when grief assails us, LOVE when we need someone to care— These are the blessings of God That He gives in answer to prayer!—By Mary D. Hughes, These Times, September 1966. *************************** Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others. Copyright © 2015 Pacific Press, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you asked to receive it. Our mailing address is: Pacific Press P.O. Box 5353 Nampa, ID 83653 Add us to your address book

I haven't watched the video so perhaps I should just keep my mouth shut... But while it is to our advantage to know religious history I have a hunch that the end-time scenario will be larger than a repetition of religious coercion by the one with the most Christian power. At the least there is the 3-way alliance to see come to pass, although I believe that is well on its way. I am anticipating more to happen in the world of Islam, too, but in my mind more actions that will not only see more beheadings but also opportunity for God's people within the system to be able to flee. But maybe not. Then I foresee a development of Christ's children to become meek as He was when He lived here. Meek, loving, and persecuted. I think it will be BIG

October 31, 2015 NAD Year-end Meeting Day Three: "The Collaborators" Daniel Jackson, president of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church presents the Sabbath Sermon titled "The Collaborators", on October 31, 2015. ©2015 NAD Communication/Dan Weber NAD President Jackson says Church called to collaborate with God October 31, 2015 | Julio C. Muñoz | Silver Spring, Maryland Daniel R. Jackson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD), said we serve an amazing God, who invites us into partnership with Him to reveal His grace to a world in need. Jackson, preaching a sermon entitled “The Collaborators,” challenged the delegates, families, and guests attending the 2015 North American Division Year-End Meeting Sabbath program to rely upon God’s strength, not their own, as He calls us then assures us the He will lead. The sermon was preceded by a moving introduction by G. Alex Bryant, executive secretary of the NAD. Bryant reminded the audience that exactly one year ago, he introduced Jackson, his “friend, colleague, and brother,” by saying he believed that God still had more work for the Division under the leadership of Elder Jackson. Bryant said Jackson’s re-election validated this saying, “The Lord did have more work for Daniel Richard Jackson to do in the NAD.” Following the introduction, Elder Ten N.C. Wilson, President of the Adventist World Church, was invited onstage to offer a prayer of dedication for Elder Dan Jackson and his administrative team. His wife Donna, Bryant, Tom Evans, NAD Treasurer, joined Jackson on stage along with the NAD vice presidents. Ted. N.C. Wilson, president of the General Conference, prays for the leadership of the North American Division. ©2015 NAD Communication/Dan Weber The sermon expanded on the theme of this year’s NAD Year-End Meetings, “The Grand Collaboration” which Jackson explained was not a partnership with each other, although that is vital, but rather focused on a collaboration between God and His children. Acknowledging that often God hears His people reply to His call with excuses of inabilities and weakness, Jackson said that God stoops down and reminds us “[His] grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Jackson emphasized that God’s call for a “Grand Collaboration” is an invitation to rely upon His strength, not ours. “God calls us to serve Him by witnessing for Him in whatever state we find ourselves,” Jackson told the more than 400 guests in attendance, and a live television audience watching the live broadcast on the Hope Channel. “At our very weakest point, with all of our self-perceived deficiencies, when we are thriving or when we are diving, God says, ‘I want you!’ His message is that as we link our arms with His mighty arm, that we become the collaborators!” Jackson set the tone for his sermon by sharing one of his favorite paintings, Emile Renouf’s “A Helping Hand.” In this painting, Renouf depicts a young girl and her grandfather in a small rowboat. The little girl, hands on the oars, believes she is paddling the boat. It is evident looking at the strong face of her grandfather that he is in fact paddling. “You are not insignificant! Connected to the will, to the might of God even our infirmities can become strengths,” added Jackson. “The weakest individual in the hands of God can become a mighty agent of His grace and salvation.” Jackson, for the most part, illustrated his sermon with the story of Debra, the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. Debra also led the Israelites in a successful counterattack against the military forces of Canaanite King Jabin and his commander Sisera. Debra stood up and led the military attack against the Canaanites when the male military leaders of Israel would not. Jackson noted that Debra “saw what was happening to her people and was personally angered by it. She couldn’t just shrug it off.” “If the church is in trouble today, then you and I have a problem,” said Jackson. “True leadership mandates full engagement with the issues that we face. There is no such thing as ducking out of the way from an issue.” Jackson concluded his sermon by asking if the audience believed that God could use a 99-year-old person, a 29-year-old, or even a nine-year-old, to accomplish his work. He then welcomed Ariadna, a nine-year-old church member from Wheaton, Maryland. Her parents Juan and Lerina Reyes, as well as their pastor Willy Benzaquen, joined her onstage. Daniel Jackson, responds to a humorous comment by Ariadna Reyes. ©2015 NAD Communication/Dan Weber The Reyes family, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, visited many other denominations before attending the Wheaton Spanish Adventist Church. Adriadna was baptized last year at the age of 8. She then told her parents that she wanted to start a home church in their home. Her “small” group grew to 30 people, the majority her neighborhood friends aged 8-10. Soon several of those friends joined the Adventurer Club with full support from their parents. Adriadna told Jackson that this past August, her parents were baptized. Jackson turned to the audience and asked them: if God could use a child like Adriadna, couldn’t he certainly use us all? follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend read or subscribe to NewsPoints online © 2014 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists | 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director | Julio Muñoz, associate director Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: nadadventist.org/newspoints

Milpa is a crop-growing system used throughout Mesoamerica. It has been most extensively described in the Yucatán peninsula area of Mexico. The word milpa is a Mexican Spanish term meaning “field,” and is derived from the Nahuatl word phrase mil-pa “to the field” (Nahuatl mil-li “field” + -pa “towards”). Based on the ancient agricultural methods of Maya peoples and other Mesoamerican peoples, milpa agriculture produces maize, beans, lima beans and squash. The milpa cycle calls for 2 years of cultivation and eight years of letting the area lie fallow. Agronomists point out that the system is designed to create relatively large yields of food crops without the use of artificial pesticides or fertilizers, and they point out that while it is self-sustaining at current levels of consumption, there is a danger that at more intensive levels of cultivation the milpa system can become unsustainable. The word is also used for a small field, especially in Mexico or Central America, that is cleared from the jungle, cropped for a few seasons, and then abandoned for a fresh clearing. Article continues at site: https://polyculturedesign.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/milpa/

In my understanding, most students of Ellen White's writings would agree that her personal views of God, God's nature and the Trinity changed over a period of time. That should be expected. God uses humans. God's use of humans does not immediately give them a sense of total truth. In looking at the personal views of Ellen White we can see that her views of spiritual issues changed in a number of aspects over a period of time. While, in my understanding, most students of Ellen White would agree that her views on God, as I stated above, changed over a period of time, they would neither totally agree as to the extent to which they changed, nor to the manner in which they changed. John Skrzypaszek, writing in the book that I have cited (Biblical . . . Studies on the Trinity) on pages 201 and 214 - 217, suggests a progressive development of EGWs understanding from 1850 - 1906. [NOTE: Scattered through that book, other writers make some other comments on this.] I do not suggest that Skrzypaszek has the entire picture on this aspect. I think that there may be more to be said. However, his comments are of interest on this subject. One of the reasons for this is that his focus was on J. H. Kellogg, rather than EGW. I will suggest that the chapter (pages 165 - 179) in that book written by Kai Arasola, is of interest in this subject. I like what he said about the Connexionists. I will suggest that his footnote (# 3) as to the works of Jerry Moon and Allen Stump will be of value in understanding EGWs understanding of the Trinity.