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The caption erroneously calls it an "old" hymn. It is actually a contemporary song written in 2002, and was popularized by Josh Grobin a year or so later. It has been recorded and performed by numerous contemporary artists. I first became aware of it as recorded by the Christian group Selah. It is a favorite contemporary Christian song/hymn song in praise services with varying instrumental accompaniment. It is an example of contemporary Christian music that truly confounds the typical conservative/traditional condemnation of the whole category of music. And it further supports the futility of discussing any music without actually listening to/watching/ experiencing specific examples of what is under discussion. It is a most beautiful song of adoration and praise, which is the definition of hymn. So it is correctly identified as a hymn, albeit very much a contemporary song of praise and adoration. And those two little kids just nailed it!!!

Sojourner: Yes we need to fight pornography and not let it flood our streets like an open sewer However Seventh-day Adventists support birth-control. In a very hard to find book (because too many Adventists did not like it) titled something like "An Appeal to Mothers" by Mrs. White she encouraged birth-control. We can hate abortion but hate the underground abortion clinics and home made attempts that leave young girls dead even more. We can fight abortion on a grass roots level. Reaching out to people and helping them so that they know they have better choices than abortion. Keep abortion legal but obsolete.

A few years ago I went to one of our colleges. This one has a deal where you can graduate and get a photo copy of your degree, but they'll send you the original copy after you get your debt paid, and only then (at least, that's how I understand it). This has proven to be a difficulty recently, but God provided and that debt is paid. Now, I can get my degree (as soon as I figure out where to have them send it to). Please pray for me. I still have other debts to pay off, but the Lord provided for this, and I trust Him to provide somehow, or work something out for the others. Praise God for how He provides! And I'm sure the difficulty that had risen up is so that His will can be worked out, too.

A little while ago I read a news piece where an adventist professor was quoted regarding adventists and the religious right: source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/25/politics/ben-carson-2016-religion/ This made me stop and think for a while. Is this still true? I remember that in the nineties there used to be considerable interest concerning the rise of the religious right in the US. Back then we were largely sceptical, we suspected that this movement was the beginning of a process that eventually would culminate in Sunday laws. In the article above the professor went on to claim that adventists who support the religious right still is a minority. So basically I'm wondering if his claims about this is true, so I have a few of questions for you all: 1) Are you personally sceptical towards the religious right, in other words, the tendency to use the political process to advance a moral/religious agenda? Do you personally support the separation of church and state, or would you like to see more religion in government? 2) How do you perceive the opinion of your fellow adventists concerning the religious right? Are they supportive of their goals, or are they mostly suspicious? What is the “vibe” in your local church and among your friends? Are those who oppose the religious right still a majority? (optional) Do you personally think it's true that the protestant churches in the US will influence politicians to enact Sunday laws, and that the US will persecute Sabbath keepers?

Earlier this afternoon while listening to comments regarding Trump & Dr. Ben, I learned that many folks were killed when a large number of people stood to show intentions to harm people about them in various places around the city. Is this the result of Jihad John's death? I don't know. Even though we know these last day events will come in rapid succession, it's sad to know so many will no longer lay eyes on loved ones. I believe it is important to reach out to those who mourn, regardless. Amen?

She did in fact hold the office of a prophet and was actually paid as an officer in the SDA church after James White died - in that very capacity. She claimed to have the same "more than a prophet" -- messenger of God - role as John the baptizer whom Christ said was a first century fulfillment to send Elijah the prophet. And in 1Ccor 12 that places her role but one step under "Apostle". In 2 Peter 1:19-21 God tells us exactly how it is that the Bible "comes about" -- and that is exactly how Ellen White got her information as well. We do not serve "two gods...one of the Bible and another that inspired Ellen White". As we all know. There are not "two gifts of prophecy in 1Cor 12". Other individuals had moments where they were given a vision or an inspired dream - contemporaries - but only Ellen White, Hazen Foss, William Foy were actually asked to serve in the role of prophet. Foy agreed to serve for at least a year before he quit. Foss rejected after having been given one vision. Ellen White accepted that prophetic ministry until the day of her death. Praise God!

1) Are you personally sceptical towards the religious right, in other words, the tendency to use the political process to advance a moral/religious agenda? Do you personally support the separation of church and state, or would you like to see more religion in government? GM: I support the separation of church and State. As such, I believe that there are some issues that rightfully belong to the Church and it is the Church, not government, that should convince people. An example of this is the issue of same-sex marriage. From the Biblical standpoint, I believe that marriage should be between a male and a female. But, in our society, marriage has a number of rights. This places marriage in the area of a civil right. From that standpoint, I believe that same-sex couples should have the right to marry. I am personally skeptical of the religious right and a potential for them to attempt to force their religious views on others. 2) How do you perceive the opinion of your fellow adventists concerning the religious right? Are they supportive of their goals, or are they mostly suspicious? What is the “vibe” in your local church and among your friends? Are those who oppose the religious right still a majority? GM: Many SDAs are supportive of the religious right. Many are not.

"I felt it an honor to serve my country, God and country, same as the rest of them. The only thing, I just didn't want to take life. I wanted to save life instead of taking life…" Desmond Doss (March 20, 1987) http://religiousliberty.tv/mel-gibsons-new-film-to-shine-spotlight-on-adventist-history-of-conscientious-objection.html

Important point, Gregory. It is the words that should be considered to judge the message of the song. The tune just carries the words that carry the message. The tune conveys the words. The words convey the message. Both have to be in a familiar "language" to the listener for the message to get through to the listener. If either one is not, the message likely will not get through to the listener. Just as it is important to convey the spoken or written word in the language of those we seek to reach with our message, conveying our musical message in the musical language of the listener is important. Just as when those hymns were set to familiar tunes of that long bygone era, so songs of today are set to contemporary tunes and musical styles.

Koshar laws are very complicated, much more than Lev, chapter 11.

The far right does concern me. Although I have always considered myself conservative, the new right includes too much religious convictions into government politics. As a friend suggested, cant we be anti-abortion but pro- choice legally? Can I desire less government control and yet understand the value othes have for society care for the less fortunate? (Matthew 25 even speaks to this!). And how does right to have a gun and pro-Israel become the only Christian viewpoint? And is anti-Muslim a Christian virtue?. 2). I think many Adventists are caught up in the fundamentalist/rightwing movement politically. It seems right!.

It is of interest that a song generally has two (2) parts, a tune and words. If you delve into the history of common hymns that we sing in church, we will find that for some of them, the tunes came from songs that were either secular in the society in which they came from, or they were actually drinking songs sung in establishments that served alcohol for beverage purposes. When Christian words were added to those songs, they became hymns that were sung in Christian churches.

The source of the material has something to say as to the authority that it has. To be even more specific, the Talmud has more than one underlying source.

Rachel Ginsberg called up a pet store and said, "Could you please send me ten thousand cockroaches." "What in the world do you want with ten thousand cockroaches?" asked the clerk. "Well," replied Rachel, "I am moving out of my East Side apartment today and my lease says I have to leave the place in the same condition I found it."

Ellen, Jews don't have cockroaches! Didn't you know that?? hahahahohohohehehe

Don't really hear much talk about this, so really have no answer or opinion

Yes, Yes and No

I find it of interest that music acceptable in one part of the world may not be acceptable in other parts of the world. There are regional, ethnic and cultural differences. As the United States is becoming more multi-cultural SDA congregations are also becoming impacted by attendees who come form different backgrounds. This challenges and results in concern from our members who may be WASP and not accustomed to the worship style of the newcomers.

The bigger problem lies with those who see themselves as "pure" enough to enable them to accuse others of apostasy. Accusing others of wrongdoing is nothing new since it's everywhere in this life, a trait basic to human nature. Unfortunately, we cannot get into the minds of others and instead must rely on our own limited sensory input which often leads to accusations of evil motives and practices. This type of behavior is a reminder of the parable of the two sons, where one has left the farm and wasted his inheritance while the other stayed behind. The hardliners may reject the worship services and beliefs of the "apostate liberals", but in the End, all who choose to bear the Mark of God and join the Kingdom will be saved, regardless of the religion, if any, that they belonged to. The son who left and returned ended up with a much greater appreciation of his father and an awareness of his own value than the other "pure" son who resented his brother's reward despite his "apostasy". A person can examine others' behaviors and beliefs with a powerful magnifying glass, but they should be looking in a mirror, instead. What other's do and say and believe is nothing compared to what we, ourselves, think, say, do, and believe. We can raise our voices and accuse and condemn others for their "apostasy", but then, we are worse.

The idea that Doss is the only soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor (the correct name) who was a conscientious objector is simply false. An African American, conscientious objector medic, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in saving lives during Viet Nam. A Roman Catholic priest was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during WW II. Under international agreement military chaplains are considered non-combatant and required to refrain from the use of weapons. So, he was officially considered non-combatant. Whether or not this was his personal belief in not known. Doss was rightfully considered a hero. But, he should not be thought to be the only person who as a conscientious objector was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Inspired: One should note the purpose of the inspiration. The Biblical writers were inspired to produce a record that would record the life of Christ (NT), record the activity of God in human life (OT) and to teach doctrine. Ellen White clearly stated that she was not inspired to do what the Biblical writers were inspired to do. She was not to replace the Bible. She was not to add to the Bible. The purpose of the Bible was unique and functions in a role that no other written document functions. The role of Ellen White was to guide a developing denomination during its formative years. That role was unique and quite different from the Biblical writers.

I think it is how people view and use her writings. Sister White herself wanted the Scriptures to be the final arbiter for truth. But yes, you have a point. Many run to her writings for haven when they can't find shelter in Scriptures.

just to be clear, Dr Carson did not state unequivocally that the pyramids were made for grain storage. He said that it was his *personal* theory... and he said it 17 years ago in 1998. And in comparison, a year later, in 1999, the Chicago Tribune accused Obama of being a "gutless sheep" on his crime legislation record. Was it worse nearly 20 years ago for a political figure to have a "personal opinion" of an archeological structure's use, or to have a bum record on crime legislation? My point is that scavengers will dig up dirt on anyone, for no other reason than to make someone appear stupid or incompetent. And appearances can be deceiving. I detest mud-slinging, overt or covert, from any side of the political field.

I have a daughter unable to conceive, and it has caused her much pain to drive by Planned Parenthood facilities knowing that in there is where unwanted babies are killed. A couple of days ago a meth-head delivered the cutest little baby boy at our hospital. She refused to take him home, so he had to go to a foster home. It was her fifth child. My daughter and husband are adopting an as-yet unborn baby girl from a young woman who realizes she cannot raise a child on her own. The baby is due to be born on Dec 24. This should really brighten up their lives and create new responsibilities. I think that anyone who has an abortion should be subject to compulsory sterilization.