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H. M. S. Richards; The following article will tell you much about the life and ministry of the founder of The Voice of Prophecy. https://www.andrews.edu/library/car/cardigital/Periodicals/Spectrum/1982-1983_Vol_13/22253178.READER_043.pdf

Well done!

War is complicated. We can look at how other people of faith deal with these questions, such as John Zizka of Trocnov and the Chalice, Ulrich Zwingli, World War I Alvin York, pilots, England's Albert Ball and Germany's Oswald Oswald Boelcke and Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron), World War II Hasel, and Desmond Doss. (I hope that on the way to heaven, or soon after getting there we get to listen to a group discussion among these and others who struggled with faith and war.) As for war in the Middle East, I am worried that we have some subgroups of Jews expecting to be delivered from war by the Messiah, that we have some subgroups of Arabs expecting deliverance from Jesus coming to prepare the world for Mohammad to come, and starting in 1833 John Darby's Dispensationalism has been replacing Jochian of Italy's revival of Historism within Christianity. Dispensationalism has been mixed with Fundamentalism. In the Bible God has offered his people to choose between two paths for spreading the gospel. One was based on the land in the middle of the ancient world, a very complexed piece of land, and the contrast between how the Canaanites tried to deal with living on this property making it very dangerous for the land, despite it being the most important intersection for the trade routes between Europe, Asia, Africa and Arabia, and how the Hebrews would make this safe and have a simple religion, and that the caravans would take stories about these people and their simple faith to the world. Or else they could serve in exile by going to the world and sharing their faith with their neighbors. Fundamentalism is too strict to allow for a choice and says that the texts on the land need to be met, that as Israel gets this land the church will be raptured away so that these texts can be fulfilled to the letter. They are expecting a great war solved by the second coming of Jesus. Eastern religions are too personal to worry about this, and Atheists may not study the Bible. It looks like Satan is getting the world ready for a war in the Middle East then he comes from the sky (Revelation 12, the three parts of the ancient cosmos of the sky/heavens, the waters under the earth, the realm of chaos, and the land) and saves the world from destruction. Many Jews will see him as the long awaited Messiah. Many Muslims will see him as Jesus coming to prepare the world for Mahammad, Many Christians will see him as the fulfillment of the Dispensationalist's prophecies of a great war in the Middle East. Many Eastern religions see him as obviously god, and many Atheists, finding him to be indubitably a supernatural and thus seeing is believing. Revelation 13 talks about the final deception as being able to call fire down from heaven, a symbol to Elijah where the proof for the true God is fire coming down from heaven, Mrs. White explains the symbol as the healing of the sick, appear to raise the dead, speak the same words that Jesus spoke when here, bring about a sweet spirit of a sticky sweet version of "love" and spiritual excitement, where churches put away their differences and only unite on points they have in common. While not as direct, she seems to point to the Fundamentalist view of inspiration failing, so they think that the Bible has failed and why depend on this failed book when we have "Jesus" and the prophets and apostles here ready to tell me what to do. But while maybe originally falling for the deception (Daniel 11:35) there will be wise from all these groups: Jews, Muslims, Atheists and all other religions will find that they need to give up something against their conscience to go along with this system. They will feel they are rejecting Jesus/the Messiah in rejecting this being. They will feel they are lost for rejecting him. They will find their strength in the Bible, despite it not fitting the Fundamentalist's picture of what a prophet should be, and a feeling that they are choosing to be lost for holding on to this book instead of accepting the obvious that this supernatural being is Jesus. Within Christianity, Judaism and Islam Satan is getting subgroups who are expecting and longing for this war. There are those trying to force this war to force Jesus to come. (We forget that Judas thought he could force Jesus to get the victory and set up the kingdom by bringing the enemy right into Jesus' hand with a pressure to take control or die. and that he saw placing Jesus in a situation to destroy his enemies as God's plan.)

That was a solidly good article Pastor Matthews! Thanks for posting it!

Even more so now. The division has never been greater in North America. We cannot forget the division of Vax vs Non-Vax Now we have a divide about illegal immigrants and ICE. In Lake Union this has become a problem. My friends tell me that church attendance is down in many white churches, and people are watching on the internet. I can see a correlation to the controversial issues. The next dividing topic will be the war in Iran. It seems like lots of shaking in North America. Let us not forget, the NAD makes up less than 10% of the Adventist Church.

The Apocrypha is little known among SDA members. I am working on an in-depth article in which I will introduce us to the individual writings. I have decided to post my article in parts, as I finish it. I will open this thread for comment when I have finished. The Apocrypha The Bible that Christians use today consists of a selection of writings that were commonly used in the congregations as Christianity spread in the years after the accession of Christ back to heaven. The Old Testament consists Jewish writings thought to be necessary for the Christian faith. The New Testament consists of Christian writings that were produced as Christianity developed in the early years. The Apocrypha is is a group of writings that were produced during the Intertestamental period between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Those writings have been accepted as having value by some Christian groups and therefore included in the Bibles that they use. Some of these are additions to standard Old Testament books. Other parts are complete books that are added to the Old Testament. Many Protestants, to include Seventh-day Adventists do not include them in their Bibles. In this document I will inform you as to the various material included in the Apocrypha. NOTE, Current SDA scholars are giving study to the comments that Ellen White make that are related to this issue. She was favorable. The Pseudepigrapha consists of similar writings that developed in the early years of Christianity. This is a very large collection of material, I will not further comment on those writings. How ever, it is interesting to note that the New Testament book of Jude, the 14tn verse clearly quotes from the Pseudepigraphal book of Enoch.

They are trying to pretend everything is fine. The Adventist church in Ukraine has been ripped apart. Many churches destroyed. Our schools and offices are destroyed. Many people have re-organized in non damaged buildings. Power is out most of the time in the capitol, where we have the headquarters. Life there is absolutely miserable. People there lead their life in fear. Every day brings more danger. Unspeakable things are happening there. Food is scarce. There is no end in sight. This is one of the worst places on earth right now. Instead of a feel good article, we should be praying for our brethren there.

I have not heard that before. I know many Adventist who believe it was in the first week. Very interesting. How do we know that? I believe they did have sex before sin, and that is partially why Adam sinned. He understood Eve had sinned and that the serpent was the one they were warned about, but he did not want to lose Eve, so he ate the fruit too. But I could be wrong. The bible is not specific about when.

As sold on Amazon: The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day Hardcover – November 30, 2009 by Sigve K. Tonstad (Author) Sigve K. Tonstad recovers the profound and foundational understanding of God that can be experienced in the seventh day. He shows that Scripture has consistently asserted that the Sabbath of Creation is the Sabbath of the whole story of how God makes right what has gone wrong in the world. Tonstad argues that the seventh day is the symbol of God's faithfulness precisely when God's presence seems to be in doubt. He demonstrates how God, through the seventh day, seeks the benefit of all creation. Inevitably, this leads to an investigation of how this universal symbol became obscured. This sweeping work of biblical theology and historical analysis traces the seventh day as it is woven throughout Scripture and the history of Christianity. Its twenty-seven chapters consider, among other things, the relationship of the seventh day to freedom, to social conscience, to the "greatest commandment," and to the enigmatic "rest that remains." Tonstad engages the move away from the seventh day in early Christian history, the mindset in medieval Christianity, and the sobering long-term implications leading all the way to the Holocaust and the ecological crises in our time. The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day will engage, illuminate, provoke, and ultimately inspire readers who enjoy a serious work presented in a style that is "luminous" and a "delight to read."

The following is a lilting of the materials that are commonly included in the Apocrypha. In some cases, I may have shortened the title from what is the title as included in Bibles. Also, I do not list in the order in which they are included in the Bibles. If you wish to read the following, they are probably all available on the Internet. 1st Maccabees: This book is considered to be the best history that we have of the specific period of time that it describes. 2nd Maccabees: This book is thought to have some historical value for the covered period of time, but not as much as the one directly above. NOTE: Two other similar (3rd & 4th) versions did not make it into the cannon of any present Christian group. The Three Holy Children: This section tells the story of the three who were thrown into the furnace of fire, their conversations while they were in the furnace, and their deliverance. Susanna: This is the story of a woman falsely accused of immoral conduct. Daniel steps in to defend her and proves her innocent. It is an addition to the book of Daniel. Bel and the Dragon: This is a fanciful story of Daniel who destroyed the Babylonian god Bel, and also a dragon god, who was then thrown into the den of lions for 6-days during which God fed Daniel., 1st Esdras: This is a long story of how Cyrus allowed the Jews to return from their captivity in Babylon to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. 2nd Esdras: This book begins with the story of God delivering the Jews from Egypt. It has a focus on End Time Events that differs from the other book. Prayer of Manasses: He is a captive in Babylon. This is his prayer asking for forgiveness. Tobit: This is the story of a righteous man on a journey, accompanied by an angel of God who encounters an evil spirit. He heals people with gall. One person dies at 185 years of age. Tobit dies at 127 years of age. Judith: In this story, God uses the woman, Judith to deliver Israel from the enemy. It differs some, but, is similar to the story of Jael killing Sisera in Judges 4:17-22. Additions to Esther: These additions to the book of Esther expand upon the story of the attempt to kill the Jews and how Esther approached the King to request that they be saved. Wisdom of Solomon: This is simply alleged to be the teachings of King Solomon. Christians would likely agree with much. Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus: This is a collection of the teachings of a man named Jesus who lived many years prior to Jesus the Christ. Baruch: this book was written to Jews in captivity in Babylon. It states that such happened due to their sins and assures them that if they repent, God will deliver them and return them to their previous land.

He talks more about that prayer in his autobiography. He said he was afraid to look up, that God Himself might be there.

Destruction of the Adventist Church in Tehran, destruction of Iran’s cultural heritage and Christianity; in conversation with Mansour Borji / Conversation with Mary Mohammadi. The systematic and systematic confiscation and destruction of churches throughout the country by the Islamic Republic government is a well-documented fact in the 43-year history of this government. The issue of confiscation, destruction, and sealing of churches (some of which are considered historical buildings) is not just a religious issue or related to the Christian minority in Iran, but it includes multiple dimensions. Violation of human rights and freedom of religion and belief, distortion and manipulation of Iranian history and Christianity in Iran, erasure of cultural heritage, and denial of religious diversity in Iran are among them. It seems that the government is making a desperate attempt to whitewash its image by creating a pretext and background for presenting a single and uniform image of the Iranian people, justifying the creation of a completely Islamic and uniform policy in Iran, absolving itself of religious extremism, and presenting a fabricated and artificial image of its seemingly dignified and effective performance to future generations. As a result, important parts of history that The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the churches that was completely destroyed in November 2020, and the news of its destruction was published in the media. Although the destruction had begun several years ago. This issue became an excuse to have a conversation in this issue with Mr. Mansour Borji, the director of the Article 18 organization (which works in the field of freedom of belief), a human rights activist and a religious researcher, about the issue of confiscation, destruction and sealing of churches and its effects. The details of this conversation are as follows: “Explain the features and history of the Adventist Church. When did the destruction of the Adventist Church begin?” The Seventh-day Adventist Church is considered one of the branches of Protestant Christianity. The presence of Adventist missionaries in Iran dates back to 1911 AD and the Adventist Church building was also built in 1328. The establishment of these churches during a period when major cities in Iran were witnessing the growth of modern architectural structures is a part of our national history and culture. The Adventist Church of Tehran, located on Jomhuri Street and near Nadery Cafe and Adyan Square, was one of the symbols of modern architecture during the Pahlavi era. The altar and plasterwork of this church were adorned with ten commandments of Moses and had beautiful interior decorations. The eight-meter cross of this church, known as the largest concrete cross in Iran, was one of the distinctive features of the city’s identity. Unfortunately, in the past four decades, many places and institutions belonging to Christians, including hospitals, schools, and churches, have been confiscated or changed in use. The activities of Protestant churches in Iran have faced numerous pressures and restrictions, and many have been forced to close. Some of these properties, such as the Bishop’s Church in Kerman, were eventually destroyed and taken over by organizations such as the Foundation for the Oppressed or the Executive Headquarters of the Imam’s Order. “این عکس یک مرد در حال رانندگی یک ماشین است.” This photo shows a man driving a car. Mansour Borji The destruction of the Adventist Church began in 1394. ISNA had reported that “the owner of the southwest building of the church, after buying several surrounding buildings, intended to build a tower on Republic Street.” For this reason, the demolition of this church was put on the agenda. The news of the demolition of one of the historic houses next to the church caused a long delay in this process. Although the interior of this church, including the altar, the plaster decorations adorned with the Ten Commandments, and the interior decorations were destroyed, only the walls and exterior remained intact. Until finally, on Saturday, the 10th of Aban month, the Adventist Church was demolished overnight. Some Adventist churches in Tehran not only consider it a church, but also a historical monument, and selling it is seen as a violation of Christian rights and a disregard for Iranian history and Christianity. In light of this, how do you evaluate the sale and destruction of this church and its private ownership? The construction of this church was 71 years old and its structure was a corner of the architectural identity in Iran. The fact that neither the Cultural Heritage Organization nor the Tehran Municipality took any action to preserve it, whether intentional or not, is an unforgivable mistake. After almost four months since the destruction of this building, no institution has explained how a dedicated property was sold to a private owner and why the Cultural Heritage issued a permit for its destruction in 1994. What is the reaction of Christians around the world to the news of confiscation and destruction of churches in Iran? What approach does the international community have towards these events? The destruction of the Bishop’s Church in Kerman, the confiscation of Sharon Garden Church in Karaj, and the attempt to take over the Evangelical Church in Tabriz are news that have been reported in the media in recent years. In addition, we are aware of the confiscation and closure of many other churches in Isfahan, Tehran, Hamadan, Mashhad, Arak, and Ahvaz. Some of these properties and churches are no longer accessible or used by Christians, while others continue to operate as tenants in church properties. The spread of such news definitely has a negative impact on Iran’s image in the global community. Although governments and politicians may not show a serious interest in getting involved in religious and church discussions, their voters in their respective constituencies may be Christians who, upon repeatedly hearing such news, may reconsider their choices and demands from their elected officials. In addition, concern for respecting the rights of religious minorities is not limited to the followers of a particular group. We receive many messages of empathy from fellow Iranian Muslims or followers of other religions from all over the world. What kind of impact does the long-term destruction of churches leave on the Christian community? Destroying the identity markers of a religious community has a negative impact on the entire society. The disastrous effects should not only be sought in a relatively small group of Christians. Eliminating diversity in beliefs, thoughts, and cultures, and striving for homogenization of citizens in a country, is the destruction of a civilization. A monolithic society will be deprived of dynamism, fertility, and creativity. Christianity did not begin with the buildings that we know today, nor will it end with their destruction. In the first 300 years of its history, Christians gathered mostly in private homes, on top of mountains, or in caves. During these years, despite the most difficult conditions and the most painful persecutions, even with the spread of two epidemics in 165 and 251 AD, Christians transformed from a marginalized movement to an influential force in society. Perhaps the Chinese communist government believed – and a significant portion of it still believes – that by violating the rights of Christians and the freedom of religious communities, they could remove them from the political, social, cultural, and economic scene. However, in the past century, the number of Christians in China has grown significantly despite severe restrictions against churches. Today, the largest network of house churches in the world can be found in China. The buildings of churches in Iran are first and foremost a part of Iran’s cultural heritage, and then a part of the cultural heritage of Iranian Christians. Of course, for the new generation of Iranian Christians, their historical connections with the past of the church and Christianity in Iran are of great importance, and I do not want to underestimate this fact. However, by destroying the signs of the presence of Christians in Iran, we cannot deny their history and positive impact throughout the history of this land. A significant part of the glorious history of the church in Iran is written and illustrated. The day will come when its roots will reach the water, its branches will reach the sun, and it will become green again!

On Saturday, February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. They launched these strikes despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. While questions remain regarding the validity of these attacks, there is a narrative being shaped within the military ranks that makes this even more troubling. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-should-christians-respond-when-military-leaders-claim-war-is-gods-plan.html?

There are so few Adventists in Iran, that the mission was dissolved. Probably too dangerous to be in record books.

Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide who disclosed Watergate tapes, dies at 99 https://apnews.com/article/alexander-butterfield-death-watergate-tapes-nixon-39a00552ae8a404da00a0d4bd5bc2d3d?

War is horrible and I wish it wouldn't happen. That said I think Israel and the US took Iran's leadership seriously when they repeatedly chanted (& funded) "death to America" & "death to Israel". It seems that the Iranians here in the United States are mostly ecstatic about the state of the Iranian Ummah. The Sunni's seem to be praising Allah that He used the arm of Israel and the US to punish Iran's leadership. Recently, we had a "No King's" march here in Seattle where masses of Trans and other Liberals rose their voices against Donnald Trump. Israel just took out a "king" and the Democrat base here in Seattle is red hot mad about it. The Iranian people have been suffering under a brutal dictatorship for nearly 50 years and thousands of LGBT people have been tortured and slaughtered in Iran, women who advocated for women's rights have been killed in Iran just for standing up and pleading for justice. War is horrible and I pray for a peaceful resolution however if Iranian leadership continues with the death to Israel and death to America stuff I fear that we will continue to see more of the same stuff we've been seeing this last week.

'Country' Joe McDonald, '60s rock star, proud protest counterculture icon, dies at 84 https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/mar/10/country-joe-mcdonald-60s-rock-star-proud-protest-counterculture-icon-dies-at-84/