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I grew up in church. Since birth I was immersed in the church culture. Let’s count the times we connected with religion/church/biblical instruction. We went to church: Sabbath School Sermon Afternoon witnessing Vespers Sunday night Monday night Wednesday night Friday night youth service We had sundown and morning worship I also attended an Adventist school Since my dad was also an evangelist, we had months were I spent most nights setting up the three carrousels of projector slides, along with a “dissolver” (Google it!). I also set up the movie projector with two reels, to watch a movie about the dangers of smoking called “I’m Sorry Baby” and another one about the life of Jesus that was pretty cool. I got a lot of church, but not enough Christ. Yet for 22 years I missed the gospel. How does that happen? Am I the only one this happened to? I liked going to church. The only thing that I struggled with was some the rules and regulations that did not make sense to a teenage boy. They say that rules without relationship leads to rebellion, and that is exactly what happened to me. I was shown the what without the why. I received knowledge without power. That has three negative consequences: Knowledge without power is frustrating. You never feel secure, because you never know when you have done enough. Should you pray one or two hours? Maybe an all-nighter would be even better. You work towards victory instead of from victory. There is never a finish line. It’s the race where the dog can never reach the rabbit right in front of him. It’s like the song says “Forever running, but losing the race…” One of the most vivid memories of growing up is having a constant feeling of guilt. I knew what was right, yet I couldn’t do it. That was very frustrating. It happens to plenty of Christians every day. Think about it for a moment. Millions know about the dangers of smoking, yet plenty choose to do it. Millions know about the benefits of going to school, yet many drop out. Millions know about the consequences of premarital sex. Yet teenage pregnancy is rampant. We know what to do. But we don’t. Why? Because information is good, but not good enough. Knowledge without power is dangerous. It can make you feel superior, and act superior. It can make you think that all you need to convert someone is to share information with them. I had no problem reciting the eschatological timeline. I could produce all the texts that proved why we were the correct church and Catholics were not. This is dangerous, not because prophetic information is not good, it is, but because when conversion has not happened, knowledge can be used as a billy club, even if in your own private life you are struggling with secret sin. This Ellen White quote summarizes what happens in an unconverted heart: “There need to be far more lessons in the ministry of the Word of true conversion than of the arguments of the doctrines. For it is far easier and more natural for the heart that is not under the control of the Spirit of Christ to choose doctrinal subjects rather than the practical. There are many Christ-less discourses given no more acceptable to God than was the offering of Cain. They are not in harmony with God.”{VSS – The Voice in Speech and Song pg 342.3} Knowledge without power makes secondary issues, primary. The greatest battles in the church I went to growing up were secondary issues. Hair length for guys. Movie theater attendance. Whether jeans were appropriate for church. Long battles. Lively discussions. Always followed by more rules and less freedom. When we make everything a sin, eventually nothing becomes a sin. It seemed to me that the greatest questions of life, were left unattended, especially the most important one, how to develop a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. It wasn’t until I was a junior in college that I understood that concept, and the knowledge of a loving Savior traveled the hardest 18 inches in the world, from my head to my heart. One day, when I was still a kid, a well-intentioned parishioner gave me a bag of green army soldiers. It probably had a hundred of them. As a young boy, that was heaven. I started playing war immediately! When my parents came home, and saw what was happening, it was disappointing to them. They asked me to get some scissors, and proceeded to lecture me on the evils of war, and cut off all the guns from the soldiers. They encouraged me to become a medical missionary as they handed over all the green soldiers, which had less arms than before. I tell this story to give you a glimpse of the type of atmosphere I grew up with. I’m convinced my parents did the best they could. They loved us and wanted to see us in heaven, and went about it the best they knew how. Yet, the reality of the Christian experience teaches us that the key to conversion, is to bring Jesus into our heart. Our efforts should be dedicated to that end, because when that happens, real transformation takes place. In summary, it seemed that people in my church (and sometimes in my house), were more interested in compliance, even if conversion didn’t happen. As long as you looked the part, it was OK. Fear was used as motivator to change. The problem with that strategy is that it never lasts. Jesus changes from the inside out and that takes time. What He is after is character transformation, not just compliance to the rules. He wants to make you free, forever. I’ve tried to correct that in my kids. I will tell you what I did in an upcoming blog. Don’t miss the gospel. Legalist say Jesus is not enough. Liberal say Jesus isn’t necessary. The gospel says Jesus is all. It drives, permeates and infuses doctrinal understanding, praxis and lifestyle. Jesus is enough. View the full article

Knowing God by name allows us to enter into a relationship with him in a very intimate, personal way. While many of us know him as “God” or “Father,” there are a vast array of names to which he will answer—and each signifies yet another of his unique aspects. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Galleries/The-Names-of-God.aspx

Joe Garagiola, Baseball Player Who Became a Broadcasting Star, Dies at 90 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/24/sports/baseball/joe-garagiola-broadcasting-catcher-dies-at-90.html

That Obama has continued a number of Bush policies and perhaps has not gone as far as many on the far left had hoped he would go demonstrates that he is more open minded and moderate than practically all of his critics on the right. They demonstrate their lack of credibility and their utter partisan zeal to undermine him and make him fail when they continue to characterize him as an extremist, a socialist, etc.

I wouldn't want to narrow God by our narrower human views.

Show me the scripture where it says the papacy is Babylon. An EGW quote won't cut it. If "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT" is written on the woman's forehead, wouldn't that be her name rather than the name of the beast?

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Psalm 146:3-4 Starting Question: Have you ever spent time with someone as they neared the end of their life? What emotions did you go through during that time? What impact did their view of the afterlife have on them and on you? Seer's Mountain “Well,” Moses said, “This is it. God has told me to look at the Promised Land from atop this mountain peak. I have seen it.” Joshua’s eyebrows furrowed. “What you are hinting at?” “Hinting?” Moses said. “It’s not a hint. I will obey God. He said to come to this place and look across to the Promised Land. He said this is as close to it as I will get.” “But, you can barely see anything from here,” Joshua argued. “All I can make out is the outline of walls of a city in the distance.” “Jericho,” Moses said. “And beyond the Jordan Valley with Jericho, I can see as far as Zoar. I can see from Gilead as far as Dan, and all the land of Naphtali.” Joshua interrupted, “You can see all that?” Moses nodded in silence. “How?” Moses laughed. “Wait, I’m not done. My old eyes can see the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah, extending to the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev, and more!” “How?” Joshua asked again. “I mean, I know you’ve got great eyes for someone 120 years old, but what you are describing is impossible for human eyes!” “I am a seer, Joshua. God shows me what he wants me to see,” Moses said. “Up until now, God has shown me things I will experience with His people. But this time...” Moses’ voice faded away. Joshua had been suspicious of this journey to the mountain top. Over the past few days Moses had been blessing people left, right and center. He had blessed the people of Israel finishing with: “How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will stomp on their backs!” The people had cheered at the finish. How could you do anything else? God was truly going to bless His people. Then, in front of all Israel, Moses laid his hands on Joshua and ordained him as the new leader of God’s People. He blessed Joshua and handed leadership into his hands. Again the people cheered. It seems they had been expecting it as much as Joshua had been fearing it. “This time,” Moses continued, “I have seen a vision of the future of God’s people without me. They are your people now, Joshua.” “What are you saying?” Joshua asked, confused. “You are going back down the mountain to the people, as their leader,” Moses explained. “I will head down the other side of the mountain into the valley of Beth-peor where I will die.” Joshua stared at his mentor and friend. The words would not come. Finally he managed a squeak, “Die?” ** Continued in Two Sides of the Same Mountain tomorrow ** Reflection Question: Imagine being Moses and seeing the Promised Land but knowing that you would not be allowed to enter it. How would you feel? Could you be as humble as Moses? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? -x-x-x-x-X-x-x-x-x GET ONE OF DAVE'S BOOKS, FREE! Support this project by clicking here and pledging a small monthly amount. View the full article

Yes. And that somebody seems to be the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church! I don't know what names of the week Samoa uses, but, I would think it was the same as the United States. In any case, every time zone has a legitimate seven day weekly cycle with a legitimate seventh day. There isn't ever a problem with recognizing what day the seventh day is. And that seventh day matches with what the US Naval Observatory and Jewish history tell us about the weekly cycle since before the time of Christ! This is the power and beauty of the time zones and IDL! God's Sabbath is never lost! I read once that the Royal Observatory in England claimed that the weekly cycle goes all the way back to creation. Now, I believe that because of Scripture, I don't remember that article explaining why the Royal Observatory believed that.

Salvation, free for accepting. God is Love!~Jesus saves!

Anyone who claims to never sin - which is what you seem to be claiming - is, I would argue, failing to identify some of his/her own sins, of omission as well as commission. I don't treat EGW as gospel but she did say that as we come closer to Jesus we become more aware of our own sinfulness and imperfection. The logical inverse for someone who claims to be perfect is...

whatever POTUS happens to be in the driver's seat will take credit for all the good that happens on his watch... but seldom does one take responsibility when things go wrong...

Forget the topic.......i just want to enjoy that line for a bit........

Lazarus, you've been my friend for lo these many years, here on C/A. But just how do you [or anyone else] think the president alone has the power to control mortgage backed securities, drone strikes, the TPP, etc., etc. In our democratic system the president only has power to present ideas; the congress is the body which makes the laws. We can't blame Obama for all the bad things which are present in our society.

Who was it in the Bible who was praying, and while he was in the midst of his prayer, the angel from heaven appeared beside him? Was that Nehemiah? I'm sorry I don't have a very good memory these days. But anyway, the speed by which angels come and go from heaven to earth must be lightning-speed. And so later, we, too will be able to fly that fast!

I'm not sure if I want a permanent dwelling place in heaven - at least for the first few trillion years. I dream of being a heavenly vagabond. No sea or sea creatures here on earth? No problem - I'm confident that somewhere in the universe there will probably be a planet that's all ocean and no land. Can you imagine looking up at a particular star in the sky and travelling at the speed of thought (I don't think the speed of light will be a barrier to us)? We wouldn't need to hypothesize what happens in the center of a star or a black hole; we could just go check it out. I wonder if we will be able to travel through time. It would be cool not only to explore different places, but exploring different eras would be just as cool.

Great post Yentyl. Those were our ancestors, for those of us that were born Jews and also those that consider themselves Spiritual Jews

O.K. I will abide by your desire. I agree that Venden did much good. I can believe that God used him in a needed way. He has had a very positive effect on my and my understanding of God. In recognizing his humanness I Do not believe that his good work is made of none effect. Rather I believe that I is in accord with the Biblical picture of people--God uses imperfect people. Their imperfections are not excused. They are not made to be of minor matter. They often face grave consequences. but, God works in and through them. In doing so we obtain a better picture of God and how God works in human life. The idea that some people have that God cannot use someone who has sinned is simply rooted in the Doctrine of the Devil that attempts to convince us that our sins are too great for God to forgive. Venden did a great work and it appears that his time on earth came to an end. Such will happen to all of us.

I agree that it shouldn't be discussed in this particular thread, but would be better in a separate thread.

wow. just...wow. I think this "obituary" thread is shameful. Woody is right.

Whatever the case, Morris Vendon does now rest in peace.

Quote: Yes. But why bring up slander that is untrue and has been proven to be untrue? It was not proven to be untrue. You really do not understand and lack knowledge of what happened. The charge was not sustained.

I don't associate the name of "Claudia Burrows" with Morris Venden. Heck, I don't even feel inclined to google it... I guess I have a distinct lack of morbid curiosity...

Claudia Burrows: YEs, her name will be ever associated with that of Venden. In fairness to the truth that must be recognized. Frankly, I believed Claudia; to me, her story fit a pattern that I had seen before. However, I will say that Venden was a great man in leading the denomination to a greater understanding of grace and Righteousness by faith. How to I draw these conflicting aspects together: Simply that God uses imperfect people.

The Lord forgives even if we cannot. Let us remember this. Suzanne