If you post here please check in here.

[miz3]

I have been gone for several days.

I thought I would take a moment to pop in and see what was going on and I find this thread.

I read every single post so far from beginning to end.

I am checking in Stan.

What would you like to know?

[Overaged]

There is a core of really wonderful people here. They are warm, loving and genuine.

I agree 110% atleast! Thats what keeps me coming back!

[Overaged]

Well I am a "fellow believer", but am a discenting one.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

If you post here please check in here.

Stan

Very Adventist

Registered: 15/09/2006

Posts: 6325

Loc: Adventistan

Wondering how many of the regular posters in the Theology section are attending the Adventist Church and are supportive if the 28 as well of the GC and local conferences.

Please let us know your status.

All are welcome of course. This remains an adventist forum, and when people are looking, there should be a reasonable amount of members of the Church. If one is not supportive, then it would be reasonable to ask NOT to give responses to people who are asking about Adventist Teachings..

Is that reasonable?

Please check in all who post regularly here.

THANKS

_________________________

Stan

Can one who doesn't post regularly here, also add some fuel to the fire? I'm totally Adventist, but not because I joined the Adventist church (although that I did some 50 years ago). I'm Adventist and Seventh Day at that by God's grace, because that's what the Bible teaches the Father wants. No matter how many may deny it, it has to be denial of what God said in order to take any other position.

"“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."Exodus 20:8 NLT

"Jesus said to them, “ The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27 NASB

That doesn't seem too hard to understand, especially when both the Son and the Father agree on the matter.

And if it appears to be too much of a burden for us, Jesus gives a solution for that also.

"“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."John 15:5 NKJV

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."Matthew 11:28,29 NKJV

What more could one ask for in clarity of direction.

BTW, Stan, I find your request to be very reasonable.

God blesses!

[Overaged]

Are You Light-bearers?

The disciples of Christ are required to represent their Lord to the world. They have been set as torch-bearers on the road to heaven. The light is not given to any soul to be put under a bushel, or under the bed; but to be put on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. If we are neglecting any duty, or shrinking from any responsibility, or avoiding any position of trust for which the Lord has qualified and called us, we are not letting our light so shine that men, seeing our good works, may glorify the Father which is in heaven. We should every one be active and enterprising in trading with the talents which God has given to us. We must work in faith. We must not allow doubts to cloud the mind. We must not allow our attention to be drawn from Jesus to our surroundings.

The lower lights must be kept burning. Jesus is the great light which lights up every man that comes into the world. All heaven is interested in the conflict that is going on in this world between truth and error, light and darkness. The great Source of all light is constantly shining, and those who will catch His rays, and will reflect them upon others, will be light-bearers in this darkened world. We are not pleasing God when we permit our minds to dwell upon our imperfections, mourning constantly over our condition, with our eyes directed continually upon our mistakes and errors. Come to Jesus; He is the light of the world. Take hold of His strength by faith and make peace with Him. Shall you talk of your weakness?--No; no: for that pleases the enemy. Dwell upon the great help that has been provided for you in Jesus, your Redeemer.

Christ said to His disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." As the sun goes forth in the heavens to fill the world with brightness, so must the followers of Christ shed the light of truth upon those who are groping in the darkness of error and superstition. But Christ's followers have no light of themselves. It is the light of heaven that falls upon them, which is to be reflected by them to the world. Jesus speaks through clay. Let men beware how they slight or reject the words of His representatives, for in so doing they are rejecting Christ.

A great responsibility rests upon the professed followers of Jesus. If they present to the world self instead of Christ, they will have a fearful account to render at the day of final reckoning. But none need thus to fail. Our compassionate Redeemer has provided for us the help we need. He is waiting to kindle in every heart that will receive His words such love as He alone can inspire. He will impute His own righteousness to the sincere penitent, and will fit him to become a witness for Christ.

Those who have experienced the new birth have but entered upon the Christian life. To such are addressed the words of the apostle, "As ye have received the Lord Jesus Christ so walk ye in Him." In the storm of opposition, the whirlwind of strife that we are called to meet, it is sometimes hard to maintain the patience and gentleness of Christ, hard to meet the railing accusation with words of Scripture truth. But such must be the Christian's course. God has promised grace for every trial. By patient endurance we may become strong, by failure we may learn success, and through apparent defeat we may conquer.

Let not those be discouraged who are sorely tried and tempted, and who feel that they have not the strength to cope single-handed with the power of evil. God asks you to become co-laborers with Him. You need not wait for great opportunities nor ask for extraordinary talents. Use the ability that you now have. Do not weary yourself with anxiety about the success of your efforts, but quietly, faithfully, do what you can, leaving the result with God. Though surrounded by the darkness of unbelief, you may let your daily life be a light to the world, a living testimony to the power of divine grace. The influence of that testimony will widen and deepen, so long as you are connected with the God of wisdom and power. Be assured that your memorial is written above, and in the day of God some at least among the redeemed will call you blessed.

Mrs. E. G. White. -AU.1907-05-06.001 - AU.1907-05-06.006

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Gibs

Well I am a "fellow believer", but am a discenting one.

Quote:

Among the people of God there is to be no dissension, no controversy, no warfare against one another. The forces of righteousness are to be a unit in their conflict with evil. All the strength of God’s people is to be directed against the forces of the enemy. The will of every child of God is to be placed on the side of God’s will. Satan’s strong efforts against good, and the terrible hatred of his agencies against God’s agencies, show the need of union and harmony among the forces of righteousness. {CTr 369.2}

[Gibs]

Well fellows you got it right, the fact is there is no discension among the few Christians who got it right. The problem is who is right?

Answer, he who is with the Word of God. You know when we will all find out who got it right?

When we are raised in the resurrection of the saved or the lost. Now is the time to get it right. Better get into the Word and make sure of it.

If you got it right, I must say this, you will invite investigation by all, always, and not censer anyone discenting, or disagreeing.

What do you all want? A team player SDA forum only so you will not be questioned? Don't want to be made feel uncomfortable that someone is going to show you the inconsistancy or fallacy of your views?

Come on now, the truth loves investigation and only shines the brighter for it. So do you want your view to shine out brighter? Well then challange all and see if it stands. If it don't or did't, aren't you glad you found out before it is too late.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Guest]

I am checking in Stan.

What would you like to know?

Read the Opening Post.

[Overaged]

If you got it right, I must say this, you will invite investigation by all, always, and not censer anyone discenting, or disagreeing.

What do you all want? A team player SDA forum only so you will not be questioned? Don't want to be made feel uncomfortable that someone is going to show you the inconsistancy or fallacy of your views?

Come on now, the truth loves investigation and only shines the brighter for it. So do you want your view to shine out brighter? Well then challange all and see if it stands. If it don't or did't, aren't you glad you found out before it is too late.

[Overaged]

Come on now, the truth loves investigation and only shines the brighter for it. So do you want your view to shine out brighter? Well then challange all and see if it stands. If it don't or did't, aren't you glad you found out before it is too late.

Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Study His life--a life filled with goodness, grace, and truth. Follow His example. Ask yourself, Am I, in purpose and character, like Christ. The contemplation of the Saviour will attract you more and more strongly to Him. It is the beholding of the love of Jesus that gives light and life to the soul. Study the excellence of the character of Christ. Remember that to Him has been given all power. This power is for you, if you will have it. As you become a humble, faithful witness for Christ, you will be able to say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."--Letter 257, 1903, pp. 8, 9. (To J. H. Kellogg

[Woody]

Excellent comments OA.

The knowledge that we need to know - fits in one simple paragraph. Hint: It's ALL Jesus.

The rest and most all of the stuff we discuss here is simply GRAVY.

[jasd]

Okay, it seems that this thread has evolved from delimiting to organic development...

Quote:

Quote:Lysimachus

I have counted too many times when inquirers trying to learn of the Adventist faith get bamboozled, not by answers to their questions regarding the Adventist faith, but by critics and skeptics against Seventh-Day Adventism, Ellen White, Paul, the Investigative Judgment, etc. etc. This is very unfair to those who are already confused and looking for answers. And when off-shoot people come into these threads and butt in, they accomplish nothing but add a bitter flavor in the stomach to everyone involved.

Is that a grouse?

Quote:

Quote:Lysimachus

add a bitter flavor in the stomach to everyone involved.

No bitterness in my belly from those exploring solid Biblical issues; on the other hand – I do experience the gran agita from a drone tone underlying the melodic.

Quote:

Quote:Lysimachus

no relish for the cheap sentiments presented by those who have a burning desire to get out something new and strange to present to the flock of God. The rebuke of God is upon all such teachers. {1MR 61.2}

Is the above simple irony or is it self-indicting?-as it was the Middle 1800s that gave rise to a sort of Cambrian explosion of things strange and new re Writ... And, would I be correct to surmise that your overlong posts bear upon the idea of butt in vis-à-vis the OP? ;-)

Quote:

Quote:CoAspen

I still believe it is the Holy Spirit that guides a person along the path to truth.

Exactamente.

It may be a shame-to-say in some quarters, but I learn as much Bible from naysayers who post here stressing valid points as I do from those who simply repeat dogmas. So often ‘dogmas’ are more whey than curds – leaving little wonder that Miss Muffet considered their abandonment small loss.

Moreover, I question – why are the so many members of this forum, supposedly SDAs, silent when it comes to dialoging matters of Biblical importance? I suspect that they also have that to say which would prove enlightening.

The dialogic soapbox is often left to those who question points of doctrine, the HS, and the arm of Gd which is not too short that it cannot save. Speaking of which, note: it is the arm of Gd and not the zealous .Orger which tends the increase of the believer. The .Orger’s duty is to plant or to water – the increase is Gd’s. In other words,

it is not the .Orger’s duty to be excessively controlling.

[Overaged]

Excellent comments OA.

The knowledge that we need to know - fits in one simple paragraph. Hint: It's ALL Jesus.

The rest and most all of the stuff we discuss here is simply GRAVY.

There is hope for everyone; and His name is Jesus!!

[Gibs]

Originally Posted By: Gibs

It is not a virtue of any kind to make people "feel uncomfortable;" neither here on the forum, or in the alleged name of truth.

You post as tho you want totally free reign to say and do as you please. Not sure how that will work for you, and I am not so sure how that would ever make "truth shine brighter."

Quote:

"Present the truth as it is in Jesus. There must be no combative or controversial spirit in the advocacy of the truth. Those who study the manner of Christ's teaching and educate themselves to follow his way, will attract and hold large numbers, as Christ held the people in his day. The Saviour is our example in all things. His love abiding in the heart will be expressed in words that will benefit the hearers, and win souls to him. When the truth in its practical character is urged upon the people because you love them, souls will be convicted, for the Holy Spirit will convict of the truth. Satan will be on the ground to intercept every ray of light that would shine into the soul, but the great message is to be given as it is in Jesus. {GCB, February 25, 1895 par. 2}

I just would like you to know that if a message from me or anyone makes you uncomfortable, there is something not solid about the view you hold on the subject.

As for as posting the words of Jesus I prob do that more than most here as that is where my stance is on His word.

As for as me having free reign I have always stayed within the boundary and I do not flame or slure no one. Yes I sure do like the words of Jesus, example,

He that OVERCOMETH!

Re 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Re 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Re 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Re 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Re 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Re 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Re 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Overaged this used to be taught in the church, I would like to see it come back, it is needed and badly.

Sure all friends, the more any truth is investigated the brighter it shines.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[jasd]

>>that no one would be able to discern any truth out of half of you anyways.<<

Ahh, but there’s the other half – pretty good percentages, yes? Would that Las Vegas gave such good odds...

>>Its not a concerned, respectful debate either - so many of you just go for the throat!<<

I’ve been told (even by a moderator here) that brevity is wisdom. Brevity hardly provides for ersatz forms of niceties. However, that said, there are posts submitted that go on and on with scarce anyone who finish reading their contents – leaving one questioning whether a quasi- Marquess of Queensberry rules might actually be fitting here.

I suppose going for the throat or making one’s point vigorously and in a timely manner is the better practice given the constraints of the forum’s format.

>>I am right an you are wrong seems to be FB #29 for a great number of people that post in this forum.<<

It is assumed that one proffering his or her opinions will elicit an adversarial response. It does not behoove one to argue both sides of an issue.

>>It does not do much good for a non Adventist to come here with questions anyway. They will either be ignored, scoffed, or just plain dismissed.<<

I am a non-Adventist and I have many questions met and answered here. True, I am not always met with kindest regards, but I don’t expect to be treated with such anyway. This is not a place for a Koffee Klatch – though often I have Coffee and sweet biscuits at hand, and think well of y’all...

;-)

Though I visit this or that occasional church every month, I consider this forum my regular church – where Bible study is ceaselessly taking place – without the needless peripherals encountered in a more formal church venue.

>>There is a core of really wonderful people here. They are warm, loving and genuine. Sadly they are out numbered and out vocalized by the doom and gloom, bitter and angry, my way or the highway (to hell) crowd. Its a real shame.

The above bears the characteristics of the writings of the Testimonies; that is, it is uncharitably judgmental. Give me truths and keep the fuzzies... I am past my given threescore and ten – the narrow way proving as elusive now as ever - and my timeline stutters.

Social graces and other pro forma practices are not an immediate concern.

[Woody]

If you like scones with that coffee jasd - stop by the Shout Box occasionally. :)

[M. T. Cross]

>>that no one would be able to discern any truth out of half of you anyways.<<

Ahh, but there’s the other half – pretty good percentages, yes? Would that Las Vegas gave such good odds...

>>Its not a concerned, respectful debate either - so many of you just go for the throat!<<

I’ve been told (even by a moderator here) that brevity is wisdom. Brevity hardly provides for ersatz forms of niceties. However, that said, there are posts submitted that go on and on with scarce anyone who finish reading their contents – leaving one questioning whether a quasi- Marquess of Queensberry rules might actually be fitting here.

I suppose going for the throat or making one’s point vigorously and in a timely manner is the better practice given the constraints of the forum’s format.

>>I am right an you are wrong seems to be FB #29 for a great number of people that post in this forum.<<

It is assumed that one proffering his or her opinions will elicit an adversarial response. It does not behoove one to argue both sides of an issue.

>>It does not do much good for a non Adventist to come here with questions anyway. They will either be ignored, scoffed, or just plain dismissed.<<

I am a non-Adventist and I have many questions met and answered here. True, I am not always met with kindest regards, but I don’t expect to be treated with such anyway. This is not a place for a Koffee Klatch – though often I have Coffee and sweet biscuits at hand, and think well of y’all...

;-)

Though I visit this or that occasional church every month, I consider this forum my regular church – where Bible study is ceaselessly taking place – without the needless peripherals encountered in a more formal church venue.

>>There is a core of really wonderful people here. They are warm, loving and genuine. Sadly they are out numbered and out vocalized by the doom and gloom, bitter and angry, my way or the highway (to hell) crowd. Its a real shame.

The above bears the characteristics of the writings of the Testimonies; that is, it is uncharitably judgmental. Give me truths and keep the fuzzies... I am past my given threescore and ten – the narrow way proving as elusive now as ever - and my timeline stutters.

Social graces and other pro forma practices are not an immediate concern.

This whole post made me chuckle. I chuckle because your posts (that I have read ) always seem to have warmth and usually a bit of humour to them. You may not need it, but you have it.

You made a valid point in one area. Non SDA's can get answers here - its non Christians that have a harder time.

My point is this. We can all have our own opinions, our own interpretations etc. But debate is most constructive when it does not sink to its most base level and become a name calling, derivitive quagmire of anger. That is what I see far to much of. (Likely have been guilty of it once or twice myself)

[Overaged]

I just would like you to know that if a message from me or anyone makes you uncomfortable, there is something not solid about the view you hold on the subject.

As for as posting the words of Jesus I prob do that more than most here as that is where my stance is on His word.

[M. T. Cross]

Quote:

i thought how can anything be stronger than the power of these drugs I was shooting into my veins?

Totally off topic, but I know that feeling so well. Then one night in late November 1991 I held my new born daughter in my arms. As soon as they placed her in my arms she quit crying. About a month later I did hard drugs one last time. Nothing and I mean nothing will ever compare to the high I got when I held that new life and felt the love and trust that she unconditionally gave me.

[Naomi]

Quote:

i thought how can anything be stronger than the power of these drugs I was shooting into my veins?

Totally off topic, but I know that feeling so well. Then one night in late November 1991 I held my new born daughter in my arms. As soon as they placed her in my arms she quit crying. About a month later I did hard drugs one last time. Nothing and I mean nothing will ever compare to the high I got when I held that new life and felt the love and trust that she unconditionally gave me.

[Overaged]

Totally off topic, but I know that feeling so well. Then one night in late November 1991 I held my new born daughter in my arms. As soon as they placed her in my arms she quit crying. About a month later I did hard drugs one last time. Nothing and I mean nothing will ever compare to the high I got when I held that new life and felt the love and trust that she unconditionally gave me.

I'm not so sure it's too far off topic...it shows that "over-coming" is not limited to just certain ones who say they have the truth and no one else does. This is a theology forum; and this topic is broaching the idea of people who differ to be more civil. I can't think of a more civil way to be about one's theology than to share great testimonies, such as your "off topic" one.

[Dr. Rich]

I see one big problem here tho, and that is everyone here is in a different 'grade' as in school in regards to religious or spiritual understanding. One who is on booze or drugs just needs to be loved and fed milk until they recover. Many are still on junk food, not knowing what they are eating just might be deadly to the soul (food sacrificed to idols).

Yet attempting to feed meat to someone who is full of junk food seems a waste of time--to both. Teaching college level to grade school kids may also be fruitless.

Those who are truely hungry for that meat can find it here, but they must first make sure it is from God and not from man. Personally, I could care less if someone is an Adventist or not, as being an Adventist will not necessarly land one in heaven. Fact is, an Adventist who is one of the foolish virgins will be lost before everyone else because they are judged before those from the 'court yard' as found in Rev. 11:2.

[Overaged]

I see one big problem here tho, and that is everyone here is in a different 'grade' as in school in regards to religious or spiritual understanding.

With Jesus, this is actually NEVER a problem at all. "Unity In Diversity" has been taught by the church for years, and Jesus verifies this teaching in the Bible.

[Dr. Rich]

Are you saying that as long as Jesus understands we don't have to understand? If so, then just what is that 'insight' found in Dan. 12, and all of those "he who has an ear" in Revelation all about?

The time of trouble is not just because God is mean and wants to make things tough on everyone living in the last generation, it is to wake up everyone in the world as to events happening that have NEVER happened in the past so when the real truth is given as to why these events are happening by the 144k, those with ears will be able to repent and overcome this sinful world.

Therefore, the posts here on this forum should actually be a test for all of us to see if we can pass that test by testing all opinions with the words of the One who brought Truth to this world, Jesus Himself.

[Overaged]

Are you saying that as long as Jesus understands we don't have to understand? If so, then just what is that 'insight' found in Dan. 12, and all of those "he who has an ear" in Revelation all about?