I don't think I will be an SDA member

[OzarkWoman]

PS OW, the enclosed flower above is from my front yard flower bed!

Thank you sweetie. It is very pretty!!!

[OzarkWoman]

My posts are posting double for some reason.

[Woody]

No worry. IT's worth seeing twice OW

[JoeMo]

Amen, OzarkWoman. EGW may have had some prophetic insight; and may have even had a New Testament gift in the prophetic. But she was not infallible, like Catholics like to believe about the Pope. In some cases she was outright wrong. Take for example, her statements about Jesus entering the Most Holy Place in heaven in 1844. Then read the book of Hebrews, which states repeatedly that Jesus was in the Most Holy Place when Hebrews was written. What am I going to believe - the Book of Hebrews or Ellen White? I'll pick the Bible.

[JoeMo]

Hey Nic Samojluk,

This morning you asked me to explain why Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my Commandments" (John 14:15, KJV). I don't pretend to be a master theologian or a linguistic expert; I speak what I believe God has put into my heart (of course it could just be an overactive imagination!). But here goes:

1. Taking the entire discourse of of John 13 - 15 in context, I only see one commandment given directly by Jesus - "Love one another" (John 13:34; 13:35; 15:12 and 15:17). Therefore, I believe this is the commandment Jesus refers to in John 14:15.

2. The KJV is the only common translation that uses the phrase "If you love me, keep my Commandments". Many other common translations (e.g., American Standard Version, Amplified Version, Common English Bible, Complete Jewish Bible, English Standard Version, etc.)translate this verse as "If you love me, you will keep my Commandments". I see that as a conditional "if-then" statement; the "if" part being "If you love me"; and the "then" part being "you will keep my Commandments". In other words, (my understanding) if we love Jesus, we will be empowered to keep His commandments. Our love (i.e., our relationship with Jesus) empowers us to obey; our obedience (legalism) does not compel us to love. Of course, I could be wrong ...

[Gordon1]

"If you've seen me you've seen the Father".

Yes indeed, Christ was "the express image"5481 of God's person, (Hebrews 1:3).

..."express image" is the Greek word 'charakter', appearing once in the New Testament.

But the Father was in Heaven during Christ's earthly ministry, answering his prayers.

They have always been, and will always be, two distinct persons.

"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God.." (Revelation 3:12)

[phkrause]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am going to be baptized on the 7th of July and I am going to be part of the church and help out with whatever I can for them.

every time I see or hear of a baptism I get tearing eyed Its like seeing a family getting reunited with a missing member that's coming home. So praise the Lord OW, welcome home.

[Overaged]

No worry. IT's worth seeing twice OW

[Overaged]

Originally Posted By: Overaged

PS OW, the enclosed flower above is from my front yard flower bed!

Thank you sweetie. It is very pretty!!!

You are most welcome OW. You know, when I read of your decision to get baptized; I was really excited and happy. I really liked your reasons for wanting to do this. You are a person who loves to help others; you have a gift for it, and I believe you have lots to give. The church that you attend will be so blessed by having you there to shine a little light through the dark.

Right now, we are having a glorious thunderstorm! As I was on my way home in the middle of this storm a little earlier tonight I kept thinking of how I also wanted to send you some of our lilacs. I noticed this morning that they just came out today. I really like these flowers because of their color and their beautiful purfume. Lilacs are one of my favorite little summer experiences.

When I got home about an hour ago though, it was dark, so I wasn't sure about taking a picture of them in the dark; but I thought; "well lets try anyway!" So now I am enclosing some of our lilacs for you, and what makes them special is how much of them we can still see in the dark. As I got closer to the Lilac bushes to get these pictures for you, I got such an amazing delight. The rain was magnifying the perfume, and adding such a wonderful dimension to the amazing amount of light they gave, even in the dark.

I have a feeling you are going to be like these flowers...there will be darkness, but your Light for Jesus is going to shine through!!! Don't you let anyone steal your Light!! It shines over the internet!!

Thanks for the great testimonies of how God is leading you!

[Nic Samojluk]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am going to be baptized on the 7th of July and I am going to be part of the church and help out with whatever I can for them.

Welcome to Noah's Ark!

[Nic Samojluk]

[Nic Samojluk]

Gordon1 wrote:

“Women did not form the priesthood, nor were they among those chosen by Christ as his twelve disciples.”

Here is my personal view of women’s ordination: Ordination is a recognitionthe gift of spiritual leadership. The role of ministers is to serve, and there is no greater service and honor than to be a prophet. If God chose a woman—Ellen White—to play such a role in the church, who is to say that women cannot serve as a preacher?

There are countries in the world where women have been the spiritual leaders of the church. Do we have the right to deny them what they have been doing for decades?

For many years a woman was the recognized leader of the Loma Linda University, and she performed such role with great dignity and success. Are we saying that a woman can lead a great university, but she should be denied the right to lead even a small congregation? Some women are leaders by nature.

[Nic Samojluk]

JoeMo wrote:

“1. Taking the entire discourse of of John 13 - 15 in context, I only see one commandment given directly by Jesus - "Love one another" (John 13:34; 13:35; 15:12 and 15:17). Therefore, I believe this is the commandment Jesus refers to in John 14:15.”

OK, but Jesus used the plural: “Commandments.”

[Nic Samojluk]

You are most welcome OW. You know, when I read of your decision to get baptized; I was really excited and happy. I really liked your reasons for wanting to do this. You are a person who loves to help others; you have a gift for it, and I believe you have lots to give. The church that you attend will be so blessed by having you there to shine a little light through the dark.

Right now, we are having a glorious thunderstorm! As I was on my way home in the middle of this storm a little earlier tonight I kept thinking of how I also wanted to send you some of our lilacs. I noticed this morning that they just came out today. I really like these flowers because of their color and their beautiful purfume. Lilacs are one of my favorite little summer experiences.

When I got home about an hour ago though, it was dark, so I wasn't sure about taking a picture of them in the dark; but I thought; "well lets try anyway!" So now I am enclosing some of our lilacs for you, and what makes them special is how much of them we can still see in the dark. As I got closer to the Lilac bushes to get these pictures for you, I got such an amazing delight. The rain was magnifying the perfume, and adding such a wonderful dimension to the amazing amount of light they gave, even in the dark.

I have a feeling you are going to be like these flowers...there will be darkness, but your Light for Jesus is going to shine through!!! Don't you let anyone steal your Light!! It shines over the internet!!

Thanks for the great testimonies of how God is leading you!

That was a great idea of sharing such beautiful flowers with everybody.

[Gordon1]

Nic, Ozark Woman has stated her desire that all things be proved by the Bible - a valid Protestant position, the best. Yesterday Bible passages were supplied in response to her questions, and maybe she'll consider them just as beautiful as God's flowers. But even if she rejects my interpretation, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine,...for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) His Word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11) Her safety is sticking with her principle - Bible only.

If abortion does not lend itself to situational ethics, then God's Biblical record of roles in the church should not be influenced by the apparent success of an LLU president, Hillary Clinton, Queen Elizabeth etc. Personal views won't displace God's Word for long.

Prophets are seldom Church leaders, but rather sent to correct the leadership. EGW spent much of her life rejected by the leadership. She spoke to them more truthfully than they could bear; banished her to Australia, etc. Jesus told the church leadership that their fathers first slew the prophets, then offered them reverence - same story.

Let's remember, EGW's qualification was not her gender, but her submission to God. She was called after two men refused to submit to God's voice. That's all God asks of anyone - submit. To obey is better than sacrifice.

But Ozark Woman is joining the church by baptism. Once there was a clause in the 27 Fundamental Beliefs about Ellen White's writings, part of the baptismal vow. Maybe it's been changed.

[OzarkWoman]

You are most welcome OW. You know, when I read of your decision to get baptized; I was really excited and happy. I really liked your reasons for wanting to do this. You are a person who loves to help others; you have a gift for it, and I believe you have lots to give. The church that you attend will be so blessed by having you there to shine a little light through the dark.

Right now, we are having a glorious thunderstorm! As I was on my way home in the middle of this storm a little earlier tonight I kept thinking of how I also wanted to send you some of our lilacs. I noticed this morning that they just came out today. I really like these flowers because of their color and their beautiful purfume. Lilacs are one of my favorite little summer experiences.

When I got home about an hour ago though, it was dark, so I wasn't sure about taking a picture of them in the dark; but I thought; "well lets try anyway!" So now I am enclosing some of our lilacs for you, and what makes them special is how much of them we can still see in the dark. As I got closer to the Lilac bushes to get these pictures for you, I got such an amazing delight. The rain was magnifying the perfume, and adding such a wonderful dimension to the amazing amount of light they gave, even in the dark.

I have a feeling you are going to be like these flowers...there will be darkness, but your Light for Jesus is going to shine through!!! Don't you let anyone steal your Light!! It shines over the internet!!

Thanks for the great testimonies of how God is leading you!

Ohhhhh, I just love Lilacs, one of my favorite flowers and I so agree with you about their perfume. It is wonderful to be sure.

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I hope that I can help plenty out there. Right now, I am preparing for the fast I am going to do because I am seeking some guidance from God about how to discuss with a dear friend of mine about his being gay and what the Bible says about that kind of lifestyle and all. I worry about his salvation.

[OzarkWoman]

But Ozark Woman is joining the church by baptism. Once there was a clause in the 27 Fundamental Beliefs about Ellen White's writings, part of the baptismal vow. Maybe it's been changed.

The only thing I have to agree with, and I do, is the fact that I believe in prophecy being part of the remnant church. I do not have to agree or disagree with Eleen White, per se, at all.

[JoeMo]

Hey Nic,

I understand your feedback about Jesus using the the plural "Commandments" in John 14:15; but I'm not going to try to split frog hairs four ways with you. I am still of the opinion that in the NT, Jesus prefers intmate relationship to blind obedience. I personally prefer having an intimate relationship with Jesus empower my obedience rather than relying on blind obedience as a condition for a relationship with Jesus. That's how it works with my wife and 7 kids; and I can't help but think that's how it works between God and His bride and 7 billion kids. But hey - that's just me. You are free to pursue eternal life whatever way it works for you.

I also try to have an open mind, so I reserve the right to admit that I am wrong; and to change my mind (based on sound scriptural evidence) at any time.

Blessings to you,

JoeMo

[Gordon1]

Joe, a fuller context of commandment(s) is a study of the word itself throughout the NT.

Strong's #1785 - the Greek word 'entole' - appearing first in Matt. 5:19.

It occurs about 71x; 3x in Revelation; 14x in 1st John.

[Woody]

Quote:

But Ozark Woman is joining the church by baptism.

I hate to get technical but actually that's not true. You join the church by getting over 50% of the popular vote of those present on a particular Sabbath.

[Gordon1]

I hate to get technical but actually that's not true. You join the church by getting over 50% of the popular vote of those present on a particular Sabbath.

Thanks Woody, it's good to know the rules. I remember verbal assent to the baptismal vows was also a prerequisite.

The pastor or elder reads each vow before the robed baptismal class on Sabbath morning.

Each candidate gives their public assent or refusal before the assembled congregation.

Vows may no longer be required everywhere.

They might hamper church growth.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Woody

I hate to get technical but actually that's not true. You join the church by getting over 50% of the popular vote of those present on a particular Sabbath.

Thanks Woody, it's good to know the rules. I remember verbal assent to the baptismal vows was also a prerequisite.

The pastor or elder reads each vow before the robed baptismal class on Sabbath morning.

Each candidate gives their public assent or refusal before the assembled congregation.

Vows may no longer be required everywhere.

They might hamper church growth.

Yeah. The vows have fallen on disfavor. And I wish the voting would also.

[Gordon1]

Yeah. The vows have fallen on disfavor. And I wish the voting would also.

But what are the rules (technical) Woody?

[Woody]

huh ? What rules are you talking about?

[Overaged]

Quote:

But Ozark Woman is joining the church by baptism.

I hate to get technical but actually that's not true. You join the church by getting over 50% of the popular vote of those present on a particular Sabbath.

LOL, nice party-crashin, conversation stopper Woody! Only trouble is, many people become a part of the church way before any baptism or vote. Just sayin...