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Yes and no. We already have unity. The problem is the fearful fallacy that it will bring disunity. In North America and the rest of the Western world and in China, we have had women as minsters for at least 40 years. In fact, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has had women ministers as long as the denomination has existed, indeed even during the Millerite movement there were women preaching and teaching the Advent message along side of the men. (Don't forget that you keep quoting one of them.) There were from the begining those opposed to women in that role and even to EGW preaching and teaching, precisely because she was a woman. But those questions and concerns (very much the same as today) were met and resolved in favor of the women continuing to preach and teach in the Church, including EGW, using pretty much the very same arguments and positions still taken today by those of us in favor of ordaining women by simply and officially as a Church recognizing that fact of their God given gifts of the Spirit. Despite that we have remained united as a Church, even though women are not and have not been from the begining, universally accepted by all of the Church. Where it works, let it be. Where it doesn't work, no need to force women on those who do not accept women in leadership and ministry. What has and is creating disunity and threatening to split the Church is precisely that last point in reverse. We do not wish to force the rest of the Church to have women in ministry and leadership where it is not accepted. But where it is, we are now being threatened with a possible ultimatum that that POV be forced upon us, here in North America, South Pacific, Europe and anywhere else it is acceptable. Unity has not been at risk over this issue in all the history of our Denomination. The fear of disunity has come to us only recently as the result of threats of force and false accusations of rebellion and fear of the future by those opposed to women in leadership and ministry. Ordination is not really the issue for those opposed to ordaining women. It is the fundamental opposition to women being in the role to which they would be ordained. Simply put, an unwillingness to see, to recognize the call God has placed upon these women. The ordination of women is simply the culmination, the top of the hill we have been slowly climbing all these years. Quite clearly, it is the opposition, not those in favor, that are threatening to force disunity on what has long been a united movement. Even with women in ministry. But more importantly, this is not the source or reason for our unity all along. Our unity is in Christ. He is the source of our unity. It is a false notion that this issue is one that will bring unity or destroy unity. The spirit of the accuser brings disunity. False accusations.

Many scientific studies confirm what we intuitively know. Some confirm what we intuitively know but they help answer the question "why?" For example, we know from experience that repeated behaviour becomes commonplace and one gets desensitized to repeated stimuli. Compare the first time you held hands on a date with holding one's spouse's hand after 25 years of marriage. The emotional response is not the same. A sky-diver's first jump is a bigger rush than his 50th jump. Regular drug users need to take stronger and stronger doses to achieve the same "high". A study like this may help answer questions about the brain's process. This phenomenon has positive and negative aspects. A pastor's first sermon, a pianist's first concert, an attorney's first trial, a physician's first surgery, a pilot's first flight, are nerve-wracking experiences for many. If the brain didn't get used to these things and if the brain didn't diminish the nervous response, few could pursue such careers without rapid emotional burnout. This is positive. On the negative side, familiarity can cause us to take for granted many blessings. For example familiar love doesn't generate the same emotional high as a new interest - and many have fallen into sin tempted by the excitement of that new "in love" feeling. Also on the negative side, inhibition to sin is reduced as one becomes accustomed to it. Whether it's lying, cheating, stealing, infidelity - once one's line between good and evil, sin and righteousness, is blurred, it becomes easier and easier to keep sinning, and it is then difficult to to right the ship. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Good answer. Have a careful look at that story - Daniel 2. It's a good read, that chapter! When is that "Kingdom of Rock" set up? (Daniel 2:44) That tells us a lot about what the Kingdom of God actually is. God's Kingdom isn't 'pie in the sky by and by" - it's present. It's been setting up shop and building since the days of the ten toes. We, if we are in the business of reconciliation - making all things right, are living in and participating as subjects in God's Kingdom - right now!

My partner and I voted early last week. I heard the system is rigged and to need close monitoring ... so barbies and rag dolls were propped up at the dining room table while the ballets were marked and then counted. Twice!

Raoul Dederen was a Biblically based theologian who will very much be missed. He made a large contribution to the development of many people, including me.

Jackson said below: 1) I would be very interested in knowing what doctrines you consider essential for the salvation of souls. Do you really think that the ordination of women is at the central core of what is essential for one's salvation? 2) You seem to believe that some doctrines are essential and others are not. If I am correct in understanding you, I agree with you. 3) In the history of the development of the SDA denomination, it is commonly agreed that there were five (5) central doctrines that defined the SDA denomination and distinguished it from other Christian denominations. Ordination in any form or manner did not constitute one of these five (5) doctrines. 4) You correctly point out that EGW often took people to task and made an issue when she observed people doing wrong. I also remind you that over a period of years EGW was issued the credentials of an ordained SDA minister. Surely EGW would have made this an issue if she had thought this to either be false (dishonest) or wrong. She never made it an issue. Rather she accepted those credentials. 5) If you study denominational history you will be aware that the role that EGW had in denominational life was a major issue. There were many who advocated that EGW had taken on a role, that as a woman, the Bible prohibited. There is no record that she agreed with this positon. 6) I remind you again of my position. The Biblical teaching is related to the role that women should have in spiritual life. It is not related to ordination. 7) In China today, as during WW II, God has demonstrated the role that women should have in spiritual life.

Jackson said below: 1) Let us be clear. The GC vote in 2015 was NOT a vote that women should not be ordained. Rather it was a vote that the decision to ordain should not be made by the Divisions. 2) Unity is obtained by the common agreement to goal/mission. It is not obtained from a lock-step comp0liance with the steps to take to accomplish that mission. 3) Rebellion a: Unions have been given the authority to decide who should be ordained. Absent that authority being removed from Unions, it is the General Conference that is in rebellion. 4) Rebellion b: EGW advocated the establishment of the Union because the General Conference had to much authority and she clearly stated that decisions should be made on a level much closer to where the work was being done. The current situation amounts to rebellion against her clear advice. 5) Rebellion c: EGW clearly spoke against what she called "Kingly power." Today "kingly power" is being exercised by the control over who becomes a member of a committee. If EGW were alive today, she would deliver a strong rebuke to those who exercise this power. 6) At the General Conference of 2010 study committees were established world wide. Those reports were placed on-line and are available. In general, they reported that both the Bible and EGW were not clear as to whether or not women should be ordained. The result of this is that the best that can be said is that the denominational position represents policy and not Biblical doctrine. On this basis individual areas of the world should make the decisions as to how ministry should best take place in their areas. 7) I have a strong military background. Coming from that background I have clearly seen demonstrated that success best comes when a commander is given a mission and then the authority to determine how that mission is accomplished. It is this that has distinguished the U.S. military from the military of other countries who dictate the manner in which a commander accomplishes a mission.

Pam, yes to both of your questions. The man was going blind. His changing eyesight affected his position which required excellent eyesight. Emotionally he was not prepared to accept the fact that he was going blind. I alerted management that he was going blind and therefore he was covered by the Americans With Disability Act. In addition, I had to work with him to accept that he was slowly going blind and therefore it was in his best interests to retire while he still retained some eyesight and could enjoy his retirement. This solution was a win for everyone. NOTE: Following my retirement the hospital Director met with a NAD official and discussed my involvement with her on behalf of employees. She stated that she had found me to be honest and willing to work for a resolution in which everyone came away a winner. She spoke with experience as I had often taken the termination cases, which she typically handled herself.

I agree. I hope to learn more of science and math in the new earth. While it is true that theories reflect human reasoning, discoveries just make God's creation way bigger and more awesome and wondrous.

I agree with what Tom said. When there is an apparent conflict with what I believe the Bible teaches and what science tells me, I accept the Biblical teaching as the standard of truth. I have a number of beliefs in which my understanding of the Bible conflicts with my understanding as to what science says. However, I remain open to the idea that my understanding as to what the Bible teaches may be subject to error and needing of revision. After all, my understanding of what God wants me to know in imperfect and growing. But, the Bible does not speak specifically to every issue that is of interest to me. E.G. String theory interests me. So, does quantum mechanics. In areas where the Bible does not have a clear statement, I typically look to science and reason. I will suggest that the Bible does NOT contain a clear statement as to dishonesty changing the internal wiring of the human brain. So, absent such, it is of value to know what science says about it. Gail has been helpful in posting the OP URL. Also, in working with the secular person of today, it is helpful to know what science says.

I think it is important for the simple reason that whenever science confirms or helps explain what we know to be the Truth, it helps reinforce and validate our beliefs and provides a resource to help persuade the skeptics and modern secular minds that may not have even a basic foundation of faith in Scripture that we have or even a rudimentary familiarity with the language, terminology or basic concepts of religion of those of us that are already in the Church. There is no need to denigrate and cast aspersions on science or to foster an anti-intellectual spirit, especially when it really can help to spread and reinforce the Good News. Yes, it only takes the simple faith of a child to be a part of the Kingdom. It is good if you have it. But that is not an attribute that many in the modern era have. We need tools and methods that appeal to and work with those who have confidence in science and learning, more now than ever. In fact, I believe that an anti-intellectual and and anti-science approach of some of the faithful will turn more away from even considering faith in God than will ever be drawn to Him by such an approach, or that will ever be lead away from faith in God by science and learning.

One The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her Her writings speak with prophetic authority are a continuing and authoritative source […] The post Fundamental Belief Number 18 (The Gift of Prophecy) appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article

I am involved in a discussion forum at ClubAdventist which I really enjoy. Every so often a question brings out something worth sharing widely. A poster called "The Wander" started a post with the question, "What reasons would you give me for becoming a christian?" I read through the answers given and was struck with how much my answer has changed in the past few years due to my experience of the Gospel in my life. So, I thought I would share it on my blog to hopefully reach more people. Here is what I wrote: My answer to this question is so very different now than it was for the first 40 years of my life. Being raised an Adventist, studying theology, becoming a pastor and leading from the pulpit for 15 years - I knew the answers and could sit and chew the fat with the best of them. My Bible and I were best of friends and we lead many people to a greater understanding during those years. Then I fell into sin. Not that I wasn't a sinner before, I had just lived with a hedge around me. That hedge had been built by loving parents in whose house I was raised. That hedge had been prayed into place by my mother and maintained by a love in my heart for Jesus and the stories of His Word. But, that hedge can be climbed over. And I did. When I fell it was because I had piled-up, in my mind, a litany of doubt that went unanswered for years. I knew the answers I would receive - because I had espoused them for years - So, I didn't ask. I didn't ask questions or ask for help. I was afraid. I didn't want to loose my job or my reputation by verbalising my doubts and admitting my struggles. I read a lot. Very few authors believe exactly what the reader believes. I love this! So, I was being stretched for years but not being able to test these thoughts - iron sharpens iron - with Adventist leadership because I was sure they would fire me. Which they did, but for sinning, not for asking questions. (Although, at my firing, I was told by the conference president that other pastors with similar doubts would be rooted out and dealt with. I've yet to see this inquisition enacted - thankfully!) Questioning God is not sin - as we learn from the oldest story in the Bible, Job. But letting those questions drive a wedge between you and God is a sure sign that the sin which is always knocking at our door is about to make its way inside. And it did. I committed adultery. For a short few weeks, at the pinnacle of my doubts, I threw caution to the wind and let Sin take over. It was discovered quickly and when I was confronted, I admitted it. And I was fired. On the way home, I prayed and confessed my sin to God. And yet, It wasn't until I got home that the full weight of my sin hit me. My wife and I went for a drive. I confessed to her, told her I had been fired, the adulterous relationship was over, I had confessed my sin to God and then sat silently. Her next line is what has lead me to my new answer to your question "What reasons would you give me to be a Christian?" There is only one reason. My wife said, "What are we going to do?" I was dumbfounded, humbled, desperately hopeful and in agony. That word. I said, "We?" She said, "You're not getting rid of me that easy! We are in this together. God put us together and we are going to face this together. I'm not about to do this alone unless you tell me you don't want me." "You forgive me?" I asked. "Absolutely!" she answered, "I love you and love is about forgiving." And, that is my answer now to your question. Love. God is Love. And God's kind of love is not the world's kind of love. God loves with an everlasting love that seeks to forgive. Reconciliation is God's goal for humanity. To make all things right is His game plan. He doesn't have a backup plan. He forgives. So, my answer to your question is: The good news of Jesus' act of forgiveness - while we were yet sinners - is why I am a Christian. I am a follower of Jesus because His followers practice His forgiveness and lead others toward Him. Anyone who is brought to Christ will see the Glory of God the Father. And in experiencing the embracing love of God, you will become a follower of Jesus, too. His Love is Compelling! I am in Christ, forgiven. I am loved. And there is no greater place to be. Blessings, Dave View the full article

G'day Gail, Great Question! I hope is starts a vibrant discussion. I'll throw some exploring/expanding questions in, to get the ball rolling. Q: What is a Kingdom? Q: Why does Jesus use the word "Kingdom" so frequently instead of "Family"? What's the difference? Q: The synoptic gospel writers choose a title "Kingdom of Heaven" or "Kingdom of God" and stick with it in their book. Why? What's the difference? Q: Where is the Kingdom of God? Q: Is the above question the same as "Where is God?" Why? Looking forward to this one! Keep changing the world, Dave

Have you voted yet? We received our ballots in the mail this past week. As always, I crossed party lines for some positions — based on who I thought would do the best job. Here in Oregon, it's almost a foregone conclusion who will win on the national levels, but on State issues, it's a bit more "iffy"....

There isn't any need for prejudice of any kind. I tested her statement against the Scriptures and found her statement correct. All because that pleases me doesn't mean I'm biased in any way. I truly love the truth in all its forms.

The entire trinity took our sins upon themselves. Jesus wanted to be with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Father and the Spirit wanted to be with Jesus. but they knew that if they did not allow my sins to separate them from each other that it would separate me from them. So while they wanted to come to each other they refused to out of love for us.

Here is how dishonesty changes your brain: What lying does in your brain

Yep, not delivered to box yet. I only vote on state or local elections if I know something about the person. Our county judges are all 'voted' into their position but come up for reelection to keep in office. I do not vote on them as it is really just a formality. We get a rather large 'booklet' that explains the pros and cons of other issues being voted on. So that makes it much easier.

Participating the in advancement of human science and math and the increase of knowledge and generating new technologies is very exciting.and the more you understand the more enthralling it is. i see this in my family and and community in limited ways. And wow, it is to me far more wonderful than advances in law and government and courts, advancement in human rights, and politics which is pretty amazing too. Then you have those who are by faith seeing the advancement of truth and light, new heights of integration of spiritual truths and broad principles with human experience and how the power of God transforms the mind and consciousness... God is the source of all the good in all these lines of understanding. God wants to and is blessing everyone as much as he possibly can. New levels of scientific understanding rewrite what has already been held as the hard and fast scientific reality. We have a lot of room to be humbled every day in almost every direction of thought and study. I think the the desire to know and understand more and more can be a lust, and only a walk with God will satisfy. However our brains have been wired by sin, God, every day works with us to rewire those lines of connection that will ultimately defeat us. I have read every time we resist impatience we are rewiring our brain, i so believe it. Every time we resist any form of sin our brains are being rewired. I believe when we enter the Sabbath and lay down every pursuit of the week for uninterrupted communion with God, our brains are being profoundly rewired and God is actually writing His ways and His name in our minds. Every thing that i would tend to place above God is exposed, and i can see and choose to set it aside and make God number 1 in every aspect of my being and my life.

Yesterday an official publication of the denomination published a statement that Doss was the only CO to be awarded the MOH. That was a myth that was often expressed in Adventism for several decades after Doss received the MOH. Of course, it was true at one time. But, the myth continued long after it was no longer true. I have personally fought this myth for many years. In recent times, it has died down. But with the advent of Hacksaw Ridge it has come to the surface again.

Adam and Eve were created "under law". Their dominion would be protected by the Creator IF they obeyed Him. But they disobeyed, and Satan (who is much stronger than humans) took over the dominion. The "grace" extended to Adam/Eve and to all of humankind, was BASED UPON the promised "Lamb of God". Every animal sacrifice presented by priests (Melchizedek order or Aaronic) symbolized that PROMISED lamb. So yes - they had "grace". But without the promise, there was no value whatsoever in the blood of bulls and goats. There was value, only insofar as the sacrifice symbolized their faith in the PROMISE. Concerning those who lived during the OT -- it is NOT "a contradiction" to say that some will be saved and some will be lost - based upon their FAITH (or lack of faith) in "the promise". The "blood sacrifice" - without the faith - was useless. [And yes, FAITH includes obedient behavior based upon belief.] Since Christ died, some will be saved and others lost BASED UPON their belief in the One True Sacrifice.