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It depends on what the definition of "is" is. Catholics understand "This is my body" literally. Luther also understood it literally. Catholics emphasize transubstantiation because they are heavily invested in a professional clergy, only members of which may correctly administer the sacraments. No transubstantiation, then no sacrament. If there is no difference between consecrated wafers and non-consecrated wafers, then who needs the priest? We can break bread in our own homes with our friends and family. 1 Peter 2:5 "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." The NT does not teach a separate priesthood with special powers (such as the power to transubstantiate wafers and wine). We are all called to different roles, but there is no priest - apostles, pastors, teachers, yes - but no separate priests. The Catholic understanding of the sacraments, including the Eucharist, is tied up with their understanding of the priesthood and hierarchical clergy. SdAs (IMO) haven't really made up our minds on the Lord's supper. We teach that Christ is present at the communion table (Desire of Ages 653, 656 - cited in the Church Manual p 124), but we teach that the bread and wine are only symbols. However, we then teach that only an ordained pastor, or in his absence, an ordained elder, may consecrate the bread and wine and conduct the communion service (Church Manual p 127). And then the Church Manual further states that one must "respectfully dispose of any remaining emblems. In no case should these emblems be consumed or returned to common use." (Church Manual p 126). If the elements (emblems) are merely symbolic and do not include the body and blood of Christ, then why must one ceremoniously dispose of the elements? It's almost as if we're not really sure that nothing happens to the elements upon consecration and its almost as if it takes an ordained pastor or elder (priest??) to properly consecrate the elements. I never really understood the whole transubstantiation vs real presence vs symbolism (Catholics vs Lutherans vs Reformed) arguments that tore the church apart at the beginning of the 16th century, but although this would be heresy to a traditional SdA, it almost seems to me that SdAs and Catholics are not that far apart (Protestants used to accuse Catholics of crucifying Christ over and over through the mass and the Eucharist; I understand that this is a misrepresentation of Catholic teaching). You don't mention your mother's age or state of mind. In my opinion, if she is of sound mind, I would let her continue her spiritual discovery. As we know, there is much error in the Catholic teachings and traditions, but at the same time, the Catholic message is centered on Christ and Christ crucified. Keep your relationship with your mother. Approach discussions on spirituality and doctrine as an opportunity for mutual sharing and learning - let the Spirit lead. Encourage her to continue to study. You are correct (IMO) not to regurgitate standard SdA talking points - she knows them already.

I think the lamb story may come from the song, "Watch the Lamb." Lyrics: WATCH THE LAMB By Ray Boltz In Mark 15:21 it is recorded that a man from Cyrene, named Simon, who was passing by on his way from the country, was forced to carry the cross of Jesus. So this song is written as He might have viewed the crucifixion of Jesus. Walking on the road to Jerusalem. The time had come to sacrifice again. My two small sons they walked beside me on the road. The reason that they came was to watch the lamb Daddy, daddy, what will we see there There's so much we don't understand So I told them of Moses and Father Abraham And then I said dear children watch the lamb. When we reached the city I knew something must be wrong There were no joyful worshippers no joyful worship songs. I stood there with my children in the midst of angry men. And then I heard the crowd cry out crucify Him. I watched Him as He struggled I watched Him as He fell. The cross came down upon His back, the crowd began to yell. In that moment I felt such agony, in that moment I felt such loss. Until a Roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed "You carry His cross. At first I tried to resist him, then his hand reached his sword. And so I knelt and took the cross from the Lord. I placed it on my shoulder and started down the street. The blood that He'd been shedding was running down my cheek. They led us to Golgotha they drove nails deep in His feet and hands. And yet upon the cross I heard Him pray, "Father, forgive them." Oh never have I seen such love in any other eyes. "Into thy hands I commit My spirit." He prayed and then He died. I stood for what seemed like years I'd lost all sense of time. Until I felt two tiny hands holding tight to mine. My children stood there weeping I heard the oldest say. "Father, please forgive us the lamb ran away. Daddy, daddy what have we seen here. There is so much we don't understand. so I took them in my arms. We turned and faced the cross, and I said, "Dear children, Watch the Lamb."

Liz: There are slight differences in the various translations of this passage. Therefore, in part one's understanding of it may depend upon the traslaton that one is reading. I do not think that these verses tell us that there were two times when people rose form the dead--upon the death of Christ and upon his resurrection. But, I can understand how some might think that this was so. Rather I will suggest: 1) At the death of Christ, there was a great earthquake. At that time a number of graves were opened to view by the public at large. 2) At the resurrection of Christ, a number of dead people in those recently opened graves were also raised to life along with Christ. Again, I can understand how one might differ with me. I can not state that I can prove my thinking. I can not. But, I suggest it as a possible understanding of the passage. Certainly on that Friday, shortly before the Sabbath, the opening of those graves would attract attention. But people must wait until the Sabbath was over before doing the work to close them again. But, as of Sunday morning, the graves were empty and they had been resurrected. I can well imagine that this word got out and about.

I will be celebrating a full blown Pesach celebration with Messianic Jews tonight.

Hi Rebecca, What you have posted from John 6:47-59 was a parable of sorts - left as a mystery to all but Jesus' inner circle. Jesus clarified this mystery at the last supper: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt. 26:26-28) "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them." (Mark 14:22-24) "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:19-20) These 3 passages explain the symbols Jesus was talking about in John 6.

Texturing is to hide imperfections. A smooth surface is much more expensive than a textured surface. Depending on the placement of the windows and lighting in the room, it may be impossible to get a satisfactory finish without texture.

They devil is always concerned when we worship God in any manner. Why? Because the mere fact that we are worshiping God indicates the potential for us to grow in truth and that concerns the devil. Furthermore, as humans, none of us can believe that we worship God perfectly. It is only in the after-life that we will have a perfect worship. God considers our intent, accepts it for what is intended, and the Holy Spirit leads us in further truth.

There are really powerful moments in a lot of things, but what is the general effect if the movie mixes error and truth? That happens to be one of the devil's favorite ways to lead people astray. The truth part makes it sound good, but the error part is poison spiritually. He is an expert at doing this and can make it extremely emotionally appealing. It is what he did with Eve. He included just enough truth to make his lie palatable to her. If he had come right out and just attacked God directly she would have realized who he was and just walked away. He is extremely sly.