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I hesitate to do that. I would be hard pressed to think of a way some of the 28 set us free; I think some of them constrain us (or the way some of the saints interpret them constrain us). If all of us can behave ourselves and limit backing up the 28 with scripture only (i.e., not use EGW) to show us the way it might be interesting. At any rate, no denominational guidelines, arcane interpretations, or "prevailing" Christian opinion can turn me from depending totally on Christ for my salvation; and to prepare me for the Kingdom in any way He sees fit - whether inside or outside of the denomination.

Yes, but it should be believing in one's heart; not just mental assent. It's easy for me to believe that Jesus existed and did a lot of great things. It's another thing to believe ON Jesus - that He is able to save to the uttermost even the guttermost;, that He loves us and is for us, and to absolutely depend and trust Him to save us. We can do nothing to save ourselves or "help" Jesus to save us.

1. Who does Jesus say “sent” Him? Answer: His Father (17 verses) 2. Whose will is supreme - according to Jesus? Answer: Our Father in Heaven 3. To Whom does Jesus pray? Answer: To His Father (19 verses) How many verses mention prayer to the Holy Spirit? Answer: 0 verses 4. Who directed Jesus - concerning His teachings and His actions? Answer: His God and Father 5. Who gave Jesus power to heal, and to raise the dead? Answer: His God and Father 6. Who gave Jesus authority to judge and to execute judgment? Answer: His God and Father. 7. According to New Testament writers, who is “the God” of Jesus Christ? Answer: His Father (10 verses) 8. Who raised Jesus from death? Answer: His God and Father (14 verses) 9. Did Jesus claim to be equal with His Father? Answer: No! (3 verses) 10. How many verses speak of giving thanks to the Father? Answer: 5 verses How many verses speak of giving thanks to the Holy Spirit? Answer: 0 verses 11. How many verses speak of giving glory to the Father? Answer: 10 verses How many speak of giving glory to the Son? Answer: 12 verses How many speak of giving glory to the Holy Spirit? Answer: 0 verses 12. Whom did Jesus seek to honor and glorify? Answer: His Father Who glorified Christ? Answer: His Father 13. To whom will Jesus give the Kingdom He has won? Answer: To His God and Father. I believe it is plain - from the Scriptures - that the Holy Spirit is not a THIRD divine being/person. There are TWO divine persons/beings - God Our Father and Jesus Christ His Son. Exactly when the Son of God came to be, is not clearly elucidated, but the truth that He did come to be - is. He is "the Son". Without a father to beget him, a "son" cannot come to be.

The Definition of Separation??

I've got a rather large work product that's taking up much of the free time I normally enjoy so I'll jump back into this thread ( and the others )with a substantive response as soon as I can. ps. Gregory, Wanderer, Joemoe, 8thdaypriest, and everyone else I appreciate these discussions!

I have done some research as to J. H. Kellogg and the nature of God. The result is that I am conflicted. On the one hand, it looks to me like J. H. Kellogg could have believed that God had digestive organs. But, on the other hand, it looks to me like he would not have believed such. On another note about J. H. Kellogg, the classical SDA view of him is that he accepted the idea of pantheism. This view has been challenged in more modern times. Some SDA Scholars have suggested that J. H. Kellogg actually accepted the idea of panentheism (spelled correctly). I will leave it to the scholars to debate that. Pantheism: God and everything that exists are identical. The universe is the supreme God. Panentheism: God is in everything. IOW, God includes the world as part of God's being. The world is God.