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August 2019 Signs of the Times Email Newsletter The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times. *************************** Some years ago a boy quarreled with his father and left home. He said, “You’ll never see me again!” Three tough years passed. He wanted to go home, but he was afraid. Would his father let him come back? He wrote his mother, told her that he would be on a certain train as it passed the house. He asked her to hang something white in the yard if it was all right with his dad to come home. He was nervous on the train. A minister noticed, and asked what was wrong. He told him. They rode along together as the boy looked out the window. Suddenly he started up excitedly. “Look, sir, my house is just around the bend, beyond the hill. Will you please look for me to see if there is something white? I can’t stand to look!” The train lurched a bit as it made a slow curve, and the minister kept his eyes on the round of the hill. Then he forgot his dignity as he fairly shouted, “Look, son, look!” There was the little farmhouse under the trees. But you could hardly see the house for white. It seemed that those lonely parents had taken every white sheet in the house, even every handkerchief—everything they could find that was white—and hung it out on the clothesline and on the trees! That’s what God has done. He’s hung out all the stars He had—in dazzling white—all over the sky! Don’t lose a moment in telling Him you want to come home!—By George E. Vandeman, These Times, November 1981. Quote: “The Christian church is the world’s only organization which people join by admitting that they are not worthy to become members of the group.”—By Howard Butt,These Times, February 1961. *************************** Don't miss the September issue of Signs of the Times: To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or online. *************************** The coronation of King George VI of Britain was the first to be broadcast to the world by radio. In it was a magnificent testimony to the Bible. Those of us who were listening in were thrilled as the crystal-clear voice of the archbishop of Canterbury rang out through Westminster Abbey, and over the world, in these words: “Our gracious king, we present you with this Book, the most valuable thing this world affords. Here is wisdom; this is the royal law; these are the living oracles of God.” So were the Holy Scriptures presented to the king of a mighty empire.—By H. M. S. Richards, Signs of the Times, November 11, 1952. Quote: “After all, the lives that do the most for the world are the steady, quiet lives. They are like stars; they just stay in their appointed place and shine with the light God has given them. Meteors shoot brilliantly across the sky, and we exclaim and wonder, but long after they have vanished the stars shine on to guide us.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, January 27, 1942. *************************** NEW from Pacific Press—A Living Sacrifice: Unsung Heroes of Adventist Missions, by Dr. David Trim. Many of our early missionaries made the ultimate sacrifice. They were committed to sharing the love of Christ. Dr. Trim tells stories of individuals you may have never known, but their service continues to inspire! CLICK HERE to read the first chapter of this book online. Order online or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955. *************************** Many years ago, a poor, dirty, ragged, dissipated tramp found his way into the Bowery Mission in New York. On that particular morning, the pianist was absent and the singing done by that motley crowd was anything but good. After several failures, Mrs. Bird, the leader, asked for a volunteer to play the piano. The young “hobo” in the back seat heard the request and volunteered. Amid the jeers of those assembled, he rose, slouched along the aisle, ascended the platform with bleary eyes and tousled hair, and seated himself at the piano. Every breath was held, every eye strained. Then a new light suddenly came into his eyes, the hopeless look passed away. As the dirty fingers fell upon the keys his entire being was changed, his whole frame quivered with emotion. The piano itself seemed to undergo a subtle transformation. When it was all over, Mother Bird spoke such kind words to the poor tramp, that they broke his heart. He became a Christian and was presently appointed organist of the mission. His fame spread far and wide. Many churches offered him splendid positions, but he remained true to his Bowery friends. Some of the most beautiful gospel songs of recent years are from his pen. He was one of the mission’s most successful speakers. He died a martyr to his incessant toil for his suffering fellow men. A beautiful tablet erected in the mission to his memory reads, “Victor H. Benke, died July 15, 1904. The men of the Bowery loved him.” “A word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Out of Mrs. Bird’s heart, which was warmed by the love of God, came the words that rescued this poor, hopeless man, and gave the world one of the most beautiful characters of these last days. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, June 13, 1906. Quote: “Nothing can fool people like money.”—By Charles G. Bellah, Signs of the Times, October 8, 1929. *************************** Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Why not share Signs of the Times® with a neighbor or relative? Sending a subscription is simple, inexpensive, and effective. Make a difference TODAY! Call: 1-800-765-6955 or go online at: http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/signs-of-the-times-magazine-yearly-us-subscription.html *************************** She was a little, old woman, very plainly dressed in black bombazine that had seen much wear. Her bonnet was very old-fashioned, and people stared at her tottering up the aisle of the church, evidently bent on securing one of the best seats, for a great man preached that day. The house was filled with splendidly dressed people who had heard of the fame of the preacher, of his learning, his intellect, and his goodness; and they wondered at the presumption of the poor old woman. She must have been in her dotage, for she picked out the pew of the richest and proudest member of the church and took a seat. The three ladies seated there beckoned to the sexton, who bent over the intruder and whispered something; but she was hard of hearing, and smiled as she said gently, “Oh, I’m quite comfortable here, quite comfortable.” “But you are not wanted here,” said the sexton pompously; “there is not room. Come with me, my good woman; I will see that you have a seat.” “Not room?” said the old woman. “Why, I’m not crowded a bit. I rode ten miles to hear the sermon today, because. . . “ But here the sexton seized her arm, shook it in an underhanded way, and then she took the hint. Turning quietly to the ladies, who were spreading their rich dresses over the space she left vacant, she said gently, “I hope, my dears, there’ll be room in heaven for us all.” Then she followed the pompous sexton to the rear of the church, where in the last pew she was seated between a girl in threadbare garments and a shabby old man. “She must be crazy,” said one of the ladies. “What can an ignorant old woman like her want to hear Dr. ____ preach for? Those people are so persistent! The idea of forcing herself into our pew! There’s Dr. ____. Is he not grand? What a stately man! You know he has promised to dine with us while he is here.” He was a commanding looking man; and as he looked over the vast crowd of worshipers gathered in the vast church, he seemed to scan every face. His hand was on the Bible when he beckoned to the sexton, who mounted the steps, to receive a mysterious message. And then the three ladies in the pew were electrified to see him take his way the whole length of the church, to return with the old woman, whom he placed in the front pew. The great preacher looked at her with a smile of recognition, and then the services proceeded. “Who was she?” asked the ladies as they passed the sexton at the door. “The preacher’s mother,” was the reply.—By James Clarence Harvey, Signs of the Times, August 8, 1911. Quote: “I would not give much for your religion unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. A lighthouse sounds no drum, it beats no gong, and yet, far over the waters, its friendly spark is seen by the mariner. So let your actions shine out your religion. Let the main sermon of your life be illustrated by your conduct, and it shall not fail to be illustrious.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, November 25, 1913 *************************** Everything you need to give a Bible study—visit www.ToolsForEvangelism.com *************************** Standing on top of the Cheviot Hills, a little son’s hand clasped in his, a father taught the message of the measureless love of God. Pointing northward over Scotland, southward over England, eastward over the German Ocean, westward over hill and dale, and then, sweeping his hand and eye around the whole circling horizon, he said: “Johnny, my boy, God’s love is as big as all that.” “Why, father,” the boy cheerily replied, with sparkling eyes, “then we must be in the middle of it!”—By George W. Wells, Signs of the Times, October 18, 1921. Quote: “Fear is a faith killer, but faith is a fear killer.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, September 2, 1919. *************************** Looking for great Adventist eBooks? Visit www.AdventisteBooks.com *************************** It came to pass that a man went to market, having on his shoulder a string of seven large copper coins. Seeing a beggar crying for alms, he gave the poor man six of his seven coins. Then the beggar, instead of being grateful, crept up behind the kind man and stole the seventh coin also. What an abominable wretch! Yes; but in saying this, you may condemn yourselves. We receive from the hand of the gracious God six days, yet many are not content. The seventh they also steal.—By T. E. Bowen, Signs of the Times, November 25, 1908. Quote: “The great question of a man’s life is just his attitude toward God, whether he has his face or his back toward God.”—By William Watson, Signs of the Times, November 14, 1911. *************************** NEW from Signs of the Times—Too Loud to Ignore—a perfect sharing piece about the Three Angels’ Messages! CLICK HERE to order! *************************** It is often given as a wonderful proof of confidence in a friend, that once when the great Grecian emperor, Alexander, was ill, it was told to him in a letter that his physician intended to give him poison under the form of medicine. The emperor put the note under his pillow. The physician came, poured out the potion, and gave it to him. The emperor looked his friend full in the face, drank the contents of the goblet, then handed him the letter. It was a beautiful trust. Like confidence, we are to have in the will of Christ for us. We are never to doubt His love nor His wisdom.—By J. R. Miller, Signs of the Times, September 30, 1913. Quote: “He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything.”—By Samuel Johnson, Signs of the Times, January 3, 1911. *************************** Tracts are one of the easiest and most effective ways to share your faith. Keep a supply with you to share. Signs of the Times has a large selection. CLICK HERE to see them! *************************** Button Up Your Lip If you heard a bit of gossip Whether false or whether true, Be it of a friend or stranger, Let me tell you what to do: Button up your lip securely Lest the tale you should repeat Bring sorrow unto someone Whose life is not so sweet. If you know of one who yielded To temptation long ago; But whose life has since been blameless, Let me tell you what to do: Button up your lip securely, His the secret, God alone Has the right to sit in judgment, Treat it as to you unknown. Sometimes life is filled with troubles. Oft its burdens are severe. Do not make it any harder By a careless word of sneer. Button up your lip securely ‘Gainst the words that bring a tear, But be swift of words of comfort, Words of praise and words of cheer.—Unknown, These Times, August 1962. *************************** Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.

Trevor and GM, I appreciate your responses above; but to me, you are attempting to spiritualize away what the Bible literally says. The first several verses of Genesis 6 were not put there as a "rabbit trail". IMHO, they explain the reason for the flood - this hybrid race of giants had to be destroyed before they destroyed purebred humanity. God had to destroy the giants/Nephillim in Canaan because otherwise, they would have destroyed Israel. The "strange flesh" referred to in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah was fallen angels and Nephillim. Matthew 22:30 says angels IN HEAVEN do not procreate. It says nothing of those angels who left their original habitation (See Jude 6). When Matthew talks about the end being as in the days of Noah; and as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, He's talking about the return of these beings to the earth. Check out the 5th trumpet is Revelation. Who are these demons from the abyss? Why were they locked in the abyss to begin with? If it is because they are "bad", why isn't their chief - satan - locked up? It could be because satan never crossed the boundary of human - spiritual relations - yet. This is not a salvational issue; although it helped me to understand God's apparently "unmerciful" judgement of the antediluvians, Sodom/Gomorrah, and various Canaanite tribes. This was done out of love to save "purebred" humanity.

Here are a few more things from the HAIS: 1-When the World Food Program made significant cuts in food aid for Darfuri refugees living in two refugee camps in Eastern Chad, many of the people who lived there suddenly found themselves with barely enough food to survive. At HIAS, our goal is to help refugees realize their potential and contribute to society. Without food, refugees can’t even begin the process of realizing their rights to live and work in safety and peace. So when HIAS staff in Chad introduced a program that helps refugees grow their own nutritious food, Amkala Safi Djouma, an 83-year-old woman from Sudan, who has lived in the Djabal camp since she fled almost 20 years ago, was eager to learn new farming methods and have the chance to provide for her family. We provided Amkala and hundreds of others with a seed startup kit and taught innovative farming methods designed to grow fruits and vegetables year-round in the desert. Amkala has already had three successful planting cycles and proudly shares her harvest with her family and community “just like the old times in Sudan.” 2-When asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?,” Luis’s answer since he was 11 years old was always, “an attorney.” Now, Luis Gonzalez is one of three HIAS Border Fellows, attorneys assisting asylum seekers near the U.S.-Mexico border. He has been working at Jewish Family Service of San Diego since the fall of 2018. HIAS recently followed Luis as he went about his daily tasks: meeting with clients in the office; visiting a detention center; and going to a temporary migrant shelter. He is an immigrant himself and appreciates the opportunity to work with newcomers to America: “I know that the work that I do makes a big impact on their lives.” Watch “A Day in the Life of HIAS Border Fellow Luis Gonzalez” to see what making a difference looks like firsthand. With more people in need of safety and freedom than ever, and asylum under attack right here in the U.S., this work has never been more urgent. We hope you’ll watch and share our new video. 3-This week the American Jewish community affirmed its commitment to standing up for the rights and dignity of those seeking safety in our country. More than 1,400 Jewish clergy from across the country signed a letter expressing their concern over our country’s horrific treatment of asylum seekers, and calling for urgent moral leadership from our government. Click here to learn about the National Jewish Clergy Letter in Support of Asylum Seekers. Last week, a delegation of rabbis and HIAS asylum experts from Southern border states traveled to Washington D.C. to deliver the letter on Capitol Hill. In August, HIAS volunteers representing 65-plus congressional districts will deliver the letter to their Congressional members’ local offices. These 1,400-plus signatures represent far more than the rabbis and cantors who signed. They represent thousands of Jewish community members across the country, and are a powerful expression of our values. They represent the communities running migrant shelters near the border, rallying outside of detention facilities, and volunteering time and resources. They represent the widespread support for HIAS’ expanding work to provide legal assistance to asylum seekers across the United States, at the border, and around the world. These signatures represent the full force of the Jewish community in standing up for asylum seekers.

Greetings again JoeMo, The title “sons of God” does not necessarily indicate direct individual creation. We encounter the terms “sons of Belial” and this could translated “sons of wickedness”: 1 Samuel 2:12 (KJV): Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. 1 Samuel 2:12 (ESV): Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:12 (NIV84): Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord. We also encounter the term “sons of thunder” and again this is speaking of their character, not how they were born or who were their parents: Mark 3:17 (KJV): And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: Also the giants were in the earth before “the sons of God” reproduced with “the daughters of men”. Genesis 6:4 (KJV): There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. This could be referring to the height of their stature, or their moral character. The theme of the two seeds, Cain and Abel, then the descendants of Cain compared with the descendants of Seth and this is highlighted in the following prominent example: Genesis 4:23–26 (KJV): 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. 25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. 26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. Kind regards Trevor

Pastor Matthew: Thank you and I try to find out who wrote this true history. I will contact them tomorrow to find out! My research on the web was in vain! However there are more cites that will give a historical account as well. Blessings!

If we neglect ? Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

This would be the basis of our disagreement. To me, Genesis 6 explicitly says that fallen angels (sons of God) had children with human women (daughters of man); and those children were giants and men of renown (renown doesn't necessarily mean "nice guys". Remember - Hitler and Stalin were men of renown as well). While we may all be adopted sons and daughters of God in the NT, we are not creations of God; we are creations of our family (Except for Adam - He was a direct creation of God). In the OT, "sons of God" refers specifically to angels - who were all direct creations of God. To me, this is just as clear as any other historical fact in scripture. Just cuz it's weird doesn't mean it's not true. That being said, I understand from feedback I've gotten previously on this subject that it is not a very popular viewpoint here. It is accepted as cold hard fact on other Christian forums that I visit.

Go back over what I wrote. I stated that one of the generals of Alexander the Great took over the rule of Persia. Persia remain even today as Iran, but because of the Greeks it was called the Syrian Seleucids period and they were very cruel to Jerusalem. https://www.mesacc.edu/~thoqh49081/summer2014/270/context4.html There are others historical accounts that you should read. Blessings!

Rachel: You know what I am unhappy about is when we do not know the actual history or truth. The Republican Party of Lincoln was the north abolitionist. They were the one that help with the underground railroad and the one who really push Lincoln into making the decision for the war. The Democratic Party fought to keep slavery. The Parties begin to switch slowly, first with T Roosevelt and the change ended with Lyndon Johnson. I suggest you read your history before making all the unfounded statements you are claiming! https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/article/How-Democrats-and-Republicans-switched-beliefs-9226115.php https://www.livescience.com/34241-democratic-republican-parties-switch-platforms.html https://www.history.com/news/how-the-party-of-lincoln-won-over-the-once-democratic-south The Twentieth-Century Reversal: How Did the Republican States Switch to the Democrats and Vice Versa? by Andrew GELMAN The above are just the few! The Republican Party of today was never the Lincoln Republican Party. Knowing history is important and to try to downgrade each other is not worth it. It is time to stop using either party for the wrongs we have done. There is not justification for it at all! All of us will be judge on our own merits and not by a party that we are affiliated with. The Pharisees started this same problem in IsraEL and YAHSHUA said not to hold on to the doctrines and traditions of flesh beings. Whatever you choose to do don't blame it on a party, blame it on yourself! The Bible said the blind leading the blind. Stand up for truth and justice that's it! I don't agree with both parties in a lot of situations. But, I believe in justice, helping the poor, allowing people to make their own choice with their bodies. We all need to stop trying to judge one another and work on ourselves. I will call sin by its right name and I am not looking for what people think! I am doing it because I love everyone even my enemies. But we cannot allow people to hurt children that is going to far. The Bible said the love of many will wax cold and I see it now. My heart and mind is to get ready for YAHSHUA to come and to spread the Gospel. I must let people be aware of the incorrection in the Bible and to provide the true history of the Bible and the world we live in. That's my profession as a Historian that serve THE MOST HIGH! Then it is up to each individual to make their own choice! Blessings!

Conversation means at least two people speaking. But how do we converse with God when we can’t see Him because of the present emergency? In this emergency situation, He does not reveal Himself visibly to us, for our sakes. This is why the Bible is called the Word of God—it is God speaking to us. […] The post How to Converse with God (15:3) appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article

Greetings again JoeMo, I will mention two aspects only, and these are what you have raised in your Posts. Both of these have the same answer. You may be disappointed as I will not prove this from Scripture, but state my understanding of these. The following is not proof, but part of the basis of my belief that Angels do not reproduce with humans: Luke 20:34–36 (KJV): 34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Another aspect is that I believe that the Serpent in the Garden was a Serpent, part of the Edenic Creation. This is speaking about the breakdown of separation between the seed of the woman, “the Sons of God” and the seed of the serpent represented by “the daughters of men”. Angels do not reproduce with humans. There is nothing spectacular about the present Pope or any future Pope for that matter. Angels do not reproduce with humans. Kind regards Trevor

? Stablish your hearts ? James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

So, based upon what has been posted here, it may be critical to treat the root cause that is behind their journey to the U.S. IOW, treat it in their home countries.