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Does anyone else keep track of some threads here, not necessarily because you're particularly interested in the topic, but because the threads are so weird? I find myself going back to various active threads simply because [to me] the exchanges between people are so fascinatingly bizarre because of the fanaticism and sometimes rudeness shown by some. It's almost like watching a forum version of "The Twilight Zone." I've often thought it would make an interesting psychological study to dissect the online personalities of forum posters. There seems to be those who are omnipotent and all knowing — those whose opinions are unwavering and the final word. They make every attempt, even at the expense of being obnoxious, to convince you their ideas are the only ones to consider. Then there are those who offer opinions or comments on all types of topics. But then there are those who are argumentative, just for the sake of arguing. Then there are those who are very needy. And those who only post on "spiritual" topics. And the seldom-posting-lurkers. Quite a bunch, and most religious-oriented forums have them all.

Pam, thank you. I consider that to be a compliment.

I probably fit one or more of your catagories. I find it more interesting the tons of catagories that I do not read. What and why that occurs in me and others, just might make an interesting study.

I believe that many people have an "in-person" personality and in "internet" personality. I know that I tend to be more clear, logical, and bold here than I am in person (maybe because I have time to filter my comments as I type rather than engage in concurrent cases of verbal diarrhea and mental constipation when in person. For the most part I have no filters between my brain and my mouth). It would be interesting to contrast people's online personality vs. their in person personality.

Pam, I figured that. But the other definition presented with the opportunity to have some fun.

Amen. I don't know who you are, but this then is the message we have heard of Him and which we declare unto the brethren today. It is actually a testing message. The foolish virgins are those who have not studied His character (COL 411.1). "So in the night of spiritual darkness, God's word goes forth, "Let there be light." To His people He says, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. "'Behold,' says the Scripture, 'the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.' Isaiah 60:2. "It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth. "This is the work outlined by the prophet Isaiah in the words, 'O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength [a LOUD CRY!]; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.' Isaiah 40:9,10. "Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them" (COL 415).

In the following document you will find compiled all seven in the "Character of God, Series 'A'" series of tracts, formatted for normal viewing (non-tract) with the titles “Do As I Say Not As I Do”_Is God Above the Law? The Wrath of God_Is God Violent? How to Read the Bible and Not Become an Atheist Israel and the Sword_Was That God’s Idea? Do Angels of God Kill and Destroy? A Portrait of God_He Looks Just Like Jesus The Fourth Angel Reveals the Glory of God https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/107170239/CGA series standard layout/%231-7_CGA series_single doc.docx Series 'B' is at this time under construction, with titles (first two are completed): Our Unchanging God_Does God Have Two Kinds of Wrath? The Nature of Sin and the Issues at Stake in the Great Controversy The Flood Sodom and Gomorrah The Korah Rebellion and “Fire from the Lord” Did Jesus Use Force? The Destruction of the Wicked

That old saying, "God said it, I believe it, and that is good enough for me" is seriously in need of a reality check. First, God has not put Himself on trial in the Bible in either WORDS, or LOGIC, or RHETORIC. Inspiration tells us so! If we are going to revert to a blunt and brittle view of inspiration as that, we are going to find ourselves in a world of difficulties, as our dispensationalist friends with their notion of verbal inspiration. Here is an example: 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

But Jesus bade His disciples, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul." [Matthew 10:28] Those who are true to God need not fear the power of men nor the enmity of Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure. Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust with which God has honored them. {DA 356.1} It is Satan's work to fill men's hearts with doubt. He leads them to look upon God as a stern judge. He tempts them to sin, and then to regard themselves as too vile to approach their heavenly Father or to excite His pity. The Lord understands all this. Jesus assures His disciples of God's sympathy for them in their needs and weaknesses. Not a sigh is breathed, not a pain felt, not a grief pierces the soul, but the throb vibrates to the Father's heart. {DA 356.2}

True. The one we need to fear is ourselves. “The same power that upholds nature is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart's action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul. From Him all life proceeds. Only in harmony with Him can be found its true sphere of action. For all the objects of His creation the condition is the same--a life sustained by receiving the life of God, a life exercised in harmony with the Creator's will. To transgress His law--physical, mental, or moral--is to place one's self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin” (Ed 99.2) [see also Eze. 7:3, 4].

Satan plants in our minds that sin is not destructive agent, that God is. Satan takes a verse such as Matthew 10:28 and tells us that it is God that we need to fear. Satan tells us that God is a severe judge. Satan leads us to look at disease and death as punishment inflicted by God. Not only is He the originator of all, but He is the life of everything that lives. It is His life that we receive in the sunshine, in the pure, sweet air, in the food which builds up our bodies and sustains our strength. It is by His life that we exist, hour by hour, moment by moment. Except as perverted by sin, all His gifts tend to life, to health and joy. It is sin that destroys. As EGW says, Satan, the author of sin and all its results, had led men to look upon death as proceeding from God, as punishment inflicted because of sin. ALL power in the universe has one source, God. The Creator so respects man's free will, that he gives him power to do that which is contrary to the divine will. This power however is limited; but God gives man unlimited power to do that which is according to his will. There is one we need to fear. It is not Satan, other men, or God.

Yes we are quite a handful. I read tons more than I post. It is a glimpse to see what oils their and our gears. Oh to reflect A GOD that "keeps no record of wrongs"

God "prepared" it in the same way that God "sends" anything of destruction. It is a letting over; that is what "God sends" means. God ordains freedom of choice and the consequences that come with bad choices; it is in this sense that God sends the evil consequences of evil.

Pam has raised a valid point. However: [Pam, I'll bet you were expecting a 'However.'] No person should remain in a toxic organization. It simply is not healthy. There is a reality that sometimes an organization, or even a congregation, can be toxic toward a person. In such a case, people should not be blamed for the choice that they make. As SDA clergy I am well aware of situations where a local SDA congregation has become toxic to a specific individual. The reality is: There are some situations that develop where in order to experience the saving grace of Christ, an individual must separate from what is the only SDA Congregation that is functionally available to them.

Apparently Terry is not seeking ordination, but confirmation as an SDA clergy for the purpose of employment. It seems to me he may be overt about his orientation because there are others in this struggle and he may well be attempting to make a change in how this situation is addressed, for those others who are struggling with this issue. Setting precedents can be very effective. Being attracted is not committing adultery or fornication in your heart. It is not sexual sin to have an alternative orientation. People who have concerns about homosexuality take in steps the distinctions between orientation and gender identity, and perhaps the issues of cross dressing, and latency. Those who have fears and distrust and condemnation, and judgement of various degrees may find it very difficult to sort these issues out and see clear to a healthy conscientious position. Tests of character in the area of sensuality are serious, and sin in every area is blinding to us and numbing. We continually need the Holy Spirit to tune and re-tune us. Just personal trauma or loss and strong emotions may leave us Spiritually vulnerable and impact our discernment. There isn't anyone who does not need to be careful. No one is so above their their humanity that they can just live heedless and confident in themselves. Paul said, "i keep my body in subjection lest i myself be a castaway." And he was a Godly spiritual powerhouse.