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Jesus spoke to the people in the words they would get the message in. This movie does that, the point that is dealt with is the big questions, why is there pain and suffering A key point one of the children was going to hell one to heaven the father could choose. He said take me instead. God said, that is what I did for my children... really powerful moment..

I was invited to a private screening of the movie "The Shack" last night.. The shack reminded me a bit about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Hell, except there is no hot spot in the shack, the point of the whole story is trying to see pain awn suffering from God's view point.. It actually does that well, I was shocked and please to see Sam Worthington as the featured actor. His work was stellar. Those who would refuse to read the Story of the Rich and and Lazareth because of it's 'theological errors' about what happens when you die, will not like this story at all.

I sometimes view other people's satire directed at me as a good-humored way of reproof; and I usually take no offense. When their satire is a true representation on how ridiculous I am being, I usually accept it graciously (but not always). When I am satirical or sarcastic to others (i.e., "teasing" them), I usually try to do so in a good-humored way with a smile on my face so they know I'm just teasing them rather than ridiculing them. Hopefully, everyone knows this comment was purely satirical and know one was offended. If you were offended, please advise me and I'll call you a WAAAmbulance - maybe send you some cheese to go with your whine.

In recent times, a discussion has been going on as to the future of The One Project (TOP). One issue that has been discussed has been whether or not TOP should become an independent ministry, such as is 3-angels broadcasting. Recently I was one of about 70 people who came together to discuss the future of TOP. This group included SDA denominational leaders from several levels of organizational structure, from across the NAD and other people. There was general agreement that TOP should not go independent. I expect that this is the direction that TOP will continue to maintain. In addition, there was a strong belief that denominational leaders in NAD should to develop an organizational relationship with TOP that strengthened its relationship to the denomination to include funding and accountability of each to the other. The leadership of TOP welcomed this expression of support. It should be noted that my announcement of this is a personal announcement and is not a public announcement by TOP. My purpose is to is to assure you that the future of TOP looks good. E. G. I am not speaking for TOP I have not said anything about the possible structure of the future organizational relationship between the denomination and TOP as such would be speculative. I ask that people not speculate as to that structure. In addition I have not identified those denominational leaders who were present as I consider this meeting to have been strictly informal and it did not bind any part of the organizational structure to anything. The bottom line is that I am very pleased with the expression of good will and support for TOP that I experienced at that meeting.

Wow! That must have been a bad experience! However......that speaks only for yourself, others may and do have a different experience. Ain't it great, we are not all alike!!

Loved the book; can't wait to see the movie. I agree that it was not consistent with codified SDA doctrine; but it was very inspiring nonetheless.

I read the book several years ago. I found it to be spiritually benefiting and of value. As Stan indicated, the book does present some aspects of spiritual life and doctrine that are NOT consistent with SDA doctrine. So, if you want to criticize, you will find grounds to do so. But, I believe that on some levels, with some people, it can be helpful.

This post is not directed to the posts made by Green. Rather I will respond to some common criticisms that have been made about The One Project (TOP). 1) Criticism of the music: Yes, TOP dos have drums. IF that is one's criticism, so be it. As an actual fact, the music generally played at TOP Gatherings is composed by a dedicated SDA musician. It reflects SDA doctrine and belief. If you want to know more about it, see: http://chapelsandcathedrals.info/ That website will reflect music played at the February Gathering in San Diego. 2) Criticism that the several TOP founders obtained their degrees at a Quaker University: This allegation is simply false and reflects poor scholarship on the part of those who allege it. 3) Criticism that TOP Does not teach fundamentals of the SDA Faith: TOP Gatherings generally are held over one and two day periods of time. TOP teaches that the basic core of SDA life and belief is centered on Christ. It can not be expected to teach in that short period of time every nuance of SDA belief. It is not designed to do so. Each Gathering has a Biblically based focus. However, the recent Gathering in San Diego (February 24 -28, 2017) was totally focused on finding Christ as a center for the message of the Biblical book of Revelation. This theme began with Revelation 1:1 (Revelation of Jesus Christ) and included finding Christ in the 3-angels messages (Revelation 14: 6-11). NOTE: I am bothered by the fact that much of the criticism of TOP comes from people who have never had any contact with the founders of TOP. Yes, some have, but many have not. For many the criticism is based upon 2nd and 3rd hand mere gossip. I had a recent conversation with one of the founders, Sam Leonor. He told me that he will be willing to discuss TOP criticism with any one--by telephone, by e-mail, in person, as is mutually agreed. So, I asked him if I could post his telephone number on this website. He agreed. So, here it is: 951-538-4016 If you have some concerns or other observations that you would like to make directly to a founder of TOP, give him a telephone call and you and he can address the method by which you can best talk.

Great news, Gregory! I welcome an inclusive ministry that puts Jesus first. I will continue to pray for the movement. Why sigh and cry about a ministry who wants to make their relationship with Jesus the highest priority in their lives; and wants to bring that mind set to those inside and outside the denomination? What's more important - your relationship with God or your relationship with the man-made construct of a denomination? What will save more people - bringing them into a personal relationship with Jesus or servitude to a denomination. If you believe in the influence of God's Spirit, don't you believe that the Spirit can lead people to the church once they have established a sound relationship with Jesus? Be careful what you condemn. When the Pharisees accused Juesus of casting out demons in the name of the devil, Jesus responded: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matt. 12:30-32) Gamaliel, the teacher of Paul the Apostle said: "Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39). Although I am no Jewish or Christian scholar, I think this sound biblical advice applies to all of us who think we are right and others are wrong. Let God sort it out. Take care of the details of your own salvation; the rest of us will take care of ours. Who are you to judge what is or isn't an "abomination?

I do not have much more to say. However, this new organization is founded by certain of the founders of The One Project (TOP). It is focused on meeting spiritual needs of SDA youth. TOP also has a focus on SDA youth. But, this new organization will exclusively focus on SDA youth.

The Bagpiper ~ author unknown As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost, and being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived over an hour late and saw that the funeral director had evidently left, and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left, and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down. The vault lid was already in place and earth covered most of it. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I never played before for this poor, homeless man. As I played "Amazing Grace," the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car to leave, I heard one of the workers say, "I ain't never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years." Apparently, I was still lost....

I hope this was humour and not satire........

In truth, it may not be A, B or C. Rather, it may be BA.

when i first read this i thought you wrote human sector... and i thought... ok some sectors are human others are alien, and i guess i better read that thread on the alien conspiracy... maybe it is too late.

Why would those that believe satire is used frequently to demean others an indication those same would write something derisive? I don't make a practise of reading Barely Adventist after the first couple of times but it was enough to recognize the same "derisive" intent used against others on the forum. Others have their own personal reasons for disliking it,I don't like it primarily because it does not stay there. State an opinion on certain topics or a belief that others don't share and the usual posters are quick to use the same brand of satire to make Adventists humorless, totally fixated on *their* views of right and wrong to the point of judging others, and self-righteous bigots who had no clue about the real world and how to relate to people.

Sorry about your dad, Pam. I've been an earthly orphan for several years now; But I hope to be reunited with my parents (and heavenly Father and His Son) soon enough. Blessings to you, darlin'!

Thank you, aka, for a wise and understanding post.

Look at the world around you. What are the big political movements of today? Homosexuality is great. Cross gender is wonderful. If you believe in God's word you're an extremist and a hater. That's what the world says about those who believe what God has to say. Those political views are now being expressed daily, and with the same rhetoric, inside the church. And you cannot see this? Maybe not. You pretty much express the same beliefs the world does. However, the world and God will always be at odds. They stand for diametrically opposed principles.

Is it perhaps the fact that the first statement is skipping all mention of confession, repentance, or freedom from sin? 1 John 1:9 says "If we CONFESS our sins" before any mention of forgiveness of them is made.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! -- Isaiah 5:20

Some of us here will not be stepping off the platform to examine it. I hope you will step back up upon it too.

It is certainly proper AND necessary to reexamine our believes now and then. However, if we keep reexamining the 4th commandment, will there ever come a time when Sunday becomes a/the sanctified day? If we reexamine and reexamine the 2nd commandment, will idols eventually become acceptable? Shall we reexamine and parse, reexamine and parse Lev 18:22 & 22:13 until such unions become biblically acceptable?