Too busy it was I have been
And thus somehow forgot
These days some things slip my mind
I'm finding that happens a lot
And with that taste of doggerel still besmearing our minds...
Here are the answers to questions posed on 29 Sept.:
1. The host refers to the altar bread used in church communions.
2. Catholics believe that for Christ to be sinless, so was Mary. By this only, the conception Christ could immaculate. Simply stated, Mary had to be born sinless so that she had no sinful nature to bring to the conception and birth of Christ.
3. Three religions arose in 19th century: SDA, LDS, Jehov. Witnss.
4. Mecca; Islam's most holy city.
5. Pope and Daili Lama are heads of state; Tibet & Vatican City.
6. Johann Tetzel selling indulgences helped ignite the flame in ML.
7. Luther nailed 95 theses to church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
8. Scientology is America's fastest growing "religion."
9. October 23, 1844; date of "Great Disapointment;" 166 yr Oct.23.
Everyone knew this stuff...of course. Blessings. e.c.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Alert!!
This post is short and to the point. Over half a billion users world wide rely on Facebook for staying in touch with friends and family. There is a evil out there with a different kind of "touch" in mind.
Take Note:
EXCLUSIVE: Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking -- on Facebook
By Jana Winter
Published September 28, 2010
FoxNews.com
The world’s largest pro-pedophilia advocacy group uses Facebook to connect with its members throughout the world; to find and exchange photos of children; to hone its members' predatory behavior; and to identify, target and reel in child victims, an investigation by FoxNews.com reveals.
Facebook says it has a strict policy against the posting of content that supports groups engaged in child exploitation, yet a simple, five-second search on Facebook, conducted on Sept. 23, yielded dozens of pages devoted to the infamous North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). Many of those pages featured numerous photos of unnamed boys, some of whom appeared to be too young for kindergarten.
Perhaps...actually there's no "perhaps" about it...it may be time to remove pictures and/or names of children and/or grandchildren whose location could be traced through biographical material we place on FB. There's no end of evil...yet. e.c. Unbeliever? Check this link for story.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/28/pedophiles-find-home-social-networking-facebook/
Take Note:
EXCLUSIVE: Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking -- on Facebook
By Jana Winter
Published September 28, 2010
FoxNews.com
The world’s largest pro-pedophilia advocacy group uses Facebook to connect with its members throughout the world; to find and exchange photos of children; to hone its members' predatory behavior; and to identify, target and reel in child victims, an investigation by FoxNews.com reveals.
Facebook says it has a strict policy against the posting of content that supports groups engaged in child exploitation, yet a simple, five-second search on Facebook, conducted on Sept. 23, yielded dozens of pages devoted to the infamous North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). Many of those pages featured numerous photos of unnamed boys, some of whom appeared to be too young for kindergarten.
Perhaps...actually there's no "perhaps" about it...it may be time to remove pictures and/or names of children and/or grandchildren whose location could be traced through biographical material we place on FB. There's no end of evil...yet. e.c. Unbeliever? Check this link for story.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/28/pedophiles-find-home-social-networking-facebook/
What Do I Know?
Earlier this year The PEW Forum surveyed about 3500 people here in the US to test knowledge of religion(s). The survey yielded very interesting results. From the most knowledge (correct answers) to the least, these were the rankings:
First: Atheists and Agnostics
Second: Jews and Mormons
Third: Protestants
Fourth: Roman Catholics
Here's how I read this; the enemies of religion in the US know more about religions than those who claim to be religious. Interesting!
There is one more thing you need to know; knowledge of things religious was significantly linked to the respondents level of education. That makes sense.
These were not simple questions. Many Jews did not know that Miamonides was an important figure in Jewish history. There was a significant number of Catholics who did not know that the bread and the wine were not just symbols of Christ but that their religion teaches that they become His very body and blood when the priest utters the words, Hoc est corpus meum and Christ Himself descends at the command of the priest.* About half the Protestants did not know that it was Martin Luther that first railed against Catholic teachings and rallied much of Europe (starting in Germany) to rebel against Rome.
So here's an Ed-designed self test for readers:
1. What religion speaks of the host?
2. Can you explain what is meant by immaculate conception?
3. What three religions arose almost simultaneously in the 1800's in the U.S?
4. What city does Islam hold to be most holy?
5. What two religious leaders in the world are also Heads of State?
6. Who was the man that vigorously opposed Luther regarding indulgences?
7. How many theses did Luther nail to the church door; and where?
8. What is the fastest growing religion in America?
9. What was the day, month, and year of Adventists great disappointment?
10.What is the reason for the war in Islam between Sunni and Shia?
Good Luck!
Answers tomorrow; but first I have to look them up...if I remember (smile).
"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth." [2Tim. 2:15]
What this means (to me) is that it is more important to know the Bible, and the God of the Bible, than it is to know mere facts about religion(s) and their teachings.
Blessings: e.c.
*For further reading: Dignities and Duties of the Priest. Saint Alphonsus Liguori
First: Atheists and Agnostics
Second: Jews and Mormons
Third: Protestants
Fourth: Roman Catholics
Here's how I read this; the enemies of religion in the US know more about religions than those who claim to be religious. Interesting!
There is one more thing you need to know; knowledge of things religious was significantly linked to the respondents level of education. That makes sense.
These were not simple questions. Many Jews did not know that Miamonides was an important figure in Jewish history. There was a significant number of Catholics who did not know that the bread and the wine were not just symbols of Christ but that their religion teaches that they become His very body and blood when the priest utters the words, Hoc est corpus meum and Christ Himself descends at the command of the priest.* About half the Protestants did not know that it was Martin Luther that first railed against Catholic teachings and rallied much of Europe (starting in Germany) to rebel against Rome.
So here's an Ed-designed self test for readers:
1. What religion speaks of the host?
2. Can you explain what is meant by immaculate conception?
3. What three religions arose almost simultaneously in the 1800's in the U.S?
4. What city does Islam hold to be most holy?
5. What two religious leaders in the world are also Heads of State?
6. Who was the man that vigorously opposed Luther regarding indulgences?
7. How many theses did Luther nail to the church door; and where?
8. What is the fastest growing religion in America?
9. What was the day, month, and year of Adventists great disappointment?
10.What is the reason for the war in Islam between Sunni and Shia?
Good Luck!
Answers tomorrow; but first I have to look them up...if I remember (smile).
"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth." [2Tim. 2:15]
What this means (to me) is that it is more important to know the Bible, and the God of the Bible, than it is to know mere facts about religion(s) and their teachings.
Blessings: e.c.
*For further reading: Dignities and Duties of the Priest. Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Hannah More
Bill Knott, editor of the Review (previously Advent Review and Sabbath Herald) did his doctoral dissertation on the life of this remarkable woman. I happened to be watching Christian television (3ABN)* and was captivated by the story.
Hannah More lived her early years with her family in Connecticut and attended the Congregationalist Church. All the More children were known for their ability to memorize and retain Scripture. In fact, Hanna memorized the entire New Testament and many parts of the Old Testament.
In those days women were not sent as missionaries unless married to a man in whose shadow she might stand. But Hannah wrote the Congregationalist Missionary Board so many times that they finally relented and sent her off to a post on an Indian reservation in the South. Of course, she learned the language.
But she kept pestering the mission board and was sent to Central Africa where she labored for years. If I remember the story correctly, it was there that she came in contact with Adventists and converted. In fact, she converted a fellow missionary who later left central Africa and returned to Australia as the first Adventist missionary to that country.
Exhausted, she returned to America for rest and recuperation. She longed to be with fellow Adventists and so, towards the end of her life, wearied, impoverished, she journeyed to Battle Creek, Michigan where this very experienced missionary expected to be accepted by fellow Christians. Sadly, she was not. Not a soul offered her employment nor a place to live. (This is not a happy ending nor a bright spot in the history of those that peopled that city.
From Battle Creek she went to live with Congregationalist friends of hers who were living in northern Michigan. They allowed her to live in their attic. She wrote that the chimney leaked smoke so badly into the attic that it was hard to breathe. She died that winter and was "temporarily buried" as the folks there thought that surely the Adventists would come to claim her and give her a decent burial site. It never happened.
James and Ellen White were away when Hannah tried to find a place to live. When they returned and discovered how she had been treated the usually-gentle diminutive Ellen White stood up full height and invited her to live with them. Hannah answered:
Note: Portions of the letter have been omitted (indicated by ...) for the sake of clarity and brevity. e.c.
"LELAND, LEELENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
FEBRUARY 20, 1868.
"MY DEAR BROTHER WHITE: YOURS OF FEBRUARY 3 IS RECEIVED. IT FOUND ME IN POOR HEALTH, NOT BEING ACCUSTOMED TO THESE COLD NORTHERN WINTERS, WITH THE SNOW THREE OR FOUR FEET DEEP ON A LEVEL. OUR MAILS ARE BROUGHT ON SNOWSHOES. {1T 671.2}
"IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO YOU TILL SPRING OPENS. THE ROADS ARE BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT SNOW. THEY TELL ME MY BEST WAY IS TO WAIT TILL NAVIGATION OPENS, THEN GO TO MILWAUKEE, AND THENCE TO GRAND HAVEN, TO TAKE THE RAILROAD TO THE POINT NEAREST YOUR PLACE. I HAD HOPED TO GET AMONG OUR DEAR PEOPLE LAST FALL, BUT WAS NOT PERMITTED THE PRIVILEGE. {1T 671.3}
"THE TRUTHS WHICH WE BELIEVE SEEM MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT, AND OUR WORK OF MAKING READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S COMING IS NOT TO BE DELAYED. WE MUST NOT ONLY HAVE ON THE WEDDING GARMENT OURSELVES, BUT BE FAITHFUL IN RECOMMENDING THE PREPARATION TO OTHERS. I WISH I COULD GET TO YOU, BUT IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, OR AT LEAST IMPRACTICABLE, IN MY DELICATE STATE OF HEALTH TO SET OUT ALONE ON SUCH A JOURNEY IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER...
"I HAVE HAD A DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING, SO THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP FOR MORE THAN A WEEK, OCCASIONED, I SUPPOSE, BY THE STOVEPIPE'S PARTING AND COMPLETELY FILLING MY ROOM WITH SMOKE AND GAS AT BEDTIME, AND MY SLEEPING THERE WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION. I DID NOT, AT THE TIME, SUPPOSE SMOKE WAS SO UNWHOLESOME, NOR CONSIDER THAT THE IMPURE GAS WHICH GENERATED FROM THE WOOD AND COAL WAS MINGLED WITH IT. I AWOKE WITH SUCH A SENSE OF SUFFOCATION THAT I COULD NOT BREATHE LYING DOWN, AND SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT SITTING UP...
"I HAD SAID TO SISTER THOMPSON THE DAY PREVIOUS, 'WERE I AT BROTHER WHITE'S, I MIGHT BE PRAYED FOR, AND HEALED.' SHE INQUIRED IF WE COULD SEND FOR YOU AND BROTHER ANDREWS; BUT THAT SEEMED IMPRACTICABLE, AS I COULD NOT, IN ALL PROBABILITY, LIVE TILL YOU ARRIVED. I KNEW THAT THE LORD BY HIS MIGHTY POWER AND WITH HIS POTENT ARM COULD HEAL ME HERE, WERE IT BEST...
NOW I CAN SAY WITH THE POET:
LORD, IT BELONGS NOT TO MY CARE,
WHETHER I DIE OR LIVE.
IF LIFE BE LONG, I WILL BE GLAD
CHRIST LEADS ME THROUGH NO DARKER ROOMS,
THAN HE WENT THROUGH BEFORE.
WHOE'ER INTO HIS KINGDOM COMES,
MUST ENTER BY HIS DOOR.
COME, LORD, WHEN GRACE HAS MADE ME MEET
THY BLESSED FACE TO SEE;
FOR, IF THY WORK ON EARTH BE SWEET,
WHAT MUST THY GLORY BE?
I'LL GLADLY END MY SAD COMPLAINTS,
AND WEARY, SINFUL DAYS,
TO JOIN WITH THE TRIUMPHANT SAINTS
THAT SING JEHOVAH'S PRAISE.
MY KNOWLEDGE OF THAT STATE IS SMALL,
MY EYE OF FAITH IS DIM;
BUT 'TIS ENOUGH THAT CHRIST KNOWS ALL,
AND I SHALL BE WITH HIM.
--BAXTER. {1T 673.3}
"I HAD ANOTHER WAKEFUL SEASON LAST NIGHT, AND FEEL POORLY TODAY. PRAY THAT WHATEVER IS GOD'S WILL MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AND THROUGH ME, WHETHER IT BE BY MY LIFE OR DEATH.
"YOURS IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE,
"HANNAH MORE.
"IF YOU KNOW OF ANY WAY BY WHICH I CAN REACH YOU SOONER, PLEASE INFORM ME.
H. M." {1T 674.2}
Following news of Hannah's death Ellen White wrote:
"Sister Hannah More is dead, and died a martyr to the selfishness of a people who profess to be seeking for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Exiled from believers during the past cold winter, this self-sacrificing missionary died because no heart was bountiful enough to receive her. I blame no one. I am not judge. But when the Judge of all the earth shall make investigation, somebody will be found to blame. We are all narrowed up and consumed in our own selfishness. May God tear away this cursed covering and give us bowels of mercy, hearts of flesh, tenderness and compassion, is my prayer, offered from an oppressed, anguished soul. I am sure that a work must be done for us or we shall be found wanting in the day of God."
But there is more; a deeper lesson from the story of Hannah More: There always has been, and always will be, failures on the part of the church...my church, and all who profess to love Jesus Christ. We humans, residents of whatever church, are very good at self absorption. But we need to be strong enough to ask ourselves the hard questions ... frequently ... "Who among us is in need?" "What do they need?" "What can I do to help?" "What do I have that I can give to the Lord in the person(s) of His children?"
"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me" [Matthew 25:40].(paraphrased).
"Not a pretty story" you say, and that is correct; but it is one that needs to be told for admonition, instruction, and in remembrance of the gift God gave the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the person of Hannah More; a gift gone unappreciated. Hopefully, never again!
*3ABN can be watched online at 3ABN.org and is also available via subscription TV on the DISH network, channel 9393.
Note: By invitation, Pastor Bill Knott spoke to the Congregationalist church in the town where Hannah was born and raised; telling them the story of their sister in Christ.
Blessings, remembering devotion to duty shown by Hannah More.e.c.
Hannah More lived her early years with her family in Connecticut and attended the Congregationalist Church. All the More children were known for their ability to memorize and retain Scripture. In fact, Hanna memorized the entire New Testament and many parts of the Old Testament.
In those days women were not sent as missionaries unless married to a man in whose shadow she might stand. But Hannah wrote the Congregationalist Missionary Board so many times that they finally relented and sent her off to a post on an Indian reservation in the South. Of course, she learned the language.
But she kept pestering the mission board and was sent to Central Africa where she labored for years. If I remember the story correctly, it was there that she came in contact with Adventists and converted. In fact, she converted a fellow missionary who later left central Africa and returned to Australia as the first Adventist missionary to that country.
Exhausted, she returned to America for rest and recuperation. She longed to be with fellow Adventists and so, towards the end of her life, wearied, impoverished, she journeyed to Battle Creek, Michigan where this very experienced missionary expected to be accepted by fellow Christians. Sadly, she was not. Not a soul offered her employment nor a place to live. (This is not a happy ending nor a bright spot in the history of those that peopled that city.
From Battle Creek she went to live with Congregationalist friends of hers who were living in northern Michigan. They allowed her to live in their attic. She wrote that the chimney leaked smoke so badly into the attic that it was hard to breathe. She died that winter and was "temporarily buried" as the folks there thought that surely the Adventists would come to claim her and give her a decent burial site. It never happened.
James and Ellen White were away when Hannah tried to find a place to live. When they returned and discovered how she had been treated the usually-gentle diminutive Ellen White stood up full height and invited her to live with them. Hannah answered:
Note: Portions of the letter have been omitted (indicated by ...) for the sake of clarity and brevity. e.c.
"LELAND, LEELENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
FEBRUARY 20, 1868.
"MY DEAR BROTHER WHITE: YOURS OF FEBRUARY 3 IS RECEIVED. IT FOUND ME IN POOR HEALTH, NOT BEING ACCUSTOMED TO THESE COLD NORTHERN WINTERS, WITH THE SNOW THREE OR FOUR FEET DEEP ON A LEVEL. OUR MAILS ARE BROUGHT ON SNOWSHOES. {1T 671.2}
"IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO YOU TILL SPRING OPENS. THE ROADS ARE BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT SNOW. THEY TELL ME MY BEST WAY IS TO WAIT TILL NAVIGATION OPENS, THEN GO TO MILWAUKEE, AND THENCE TO GRAND HAVEN, TO TAKE THE RAILROAD TO THE POINT NEAREST YOUR PLACE. I HAD HOPED TO GET AMONG OUR DEAR PEOPLE LAST FALL, BUT WAS NOT PERMITTED THE PRIVILEGE. {1T 671.3}
"THE TRUTHS WHICH WE BELIEVE SEEM MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT, AND OUR WORK OF MAKING READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S COMING IS NOT TO BE DELAYED. WE MUST NOT ONLY HAVE ON THE WEDDING GARMENT OURSELVES, BUT BE FAITHFUL IN RECOMMENDING THE PREPARATION TO OTHERS. I WISH I COULD GET TO YOU, BUT IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, OR AT LEAST IMPRACTICABLE, IN MY DELICATE STATE OF HEALTH TO SET OUT ALONE ON SUCH A JOURNEY IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER...
"I HAVE HAD A DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING, SO THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP FOR MORE THAN A WEEK, OCCASIONED, I SUPPOSE, BY THE STOVEPIPE'S PARTING AND COMPLETELY FILLING MY ROOM WITH SMOKE AND GAS AT BEDTIME, AND MY SLEEPING THERE WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION. I DID NOT, AT THE TIME, SUPPOSE SMOKE WAS SO UNWHOLESOME, NOR CONSIDER THAT THE IMPURE GAS WHICH GENERATED FROM THE WOOD AND COAL WAS MINGLED WITH IT. I AWOKE WITH SUCH A SENSE OF SUFFOCATION THAT I COULD NOT BREATHE LYING DOWN, AND SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT SITTING UP...
"I HAD SAID TO SISTER THOMPSON THE DAY PREVIOUS, 'WERE I AT BROTHER WHITE'S, I MIGHT BE PRAYED FOR, AND HEALED.' SHE INQUIRED IF WE COULD SEND FOR YOU AND BROTHER ANDREWS; BUT THAT SEEMED IMPRACTICABLE, AS I COULD NOT, IN ALL PROBABILITY, LIVE TILL YOU ARRIVED. I KNEW THAT THE LORD BY HIS MIGHTY POWER AND WITH HIS POTENT ARM COULD HEAL ME HERE, WERE IT BEST...
NOW I CAN SAY WITH THE POET:
LORD, IT BELONGS NOT TO MY CARE,
WHETHER I DIE OR LIVE.
IF LIFE BE LONG, I WILL BE GLAD
CHRIST LEADS ME THROUGH NO DARKER ROOMS,
THAN HE WENT THROUGH BEFORE.
WHOE'ER INTO HIS KINGDOM COMES,
MUST ENTER BY HIS DOOR.
COME, LORD, WHEN GRACE HAS MADE ME MEET
THY BLESSED FACE TO SEE;
FOR, IF THY WORK ON EARTH BE SWEET,
WHAT MUST THY GLORY BE?
I'LL GLADLY END MY SAD COMPLAINTS,
AND WEARY, SINFUL DAYS,
TO JOIN WITH THE TRIUMPHANT SAINTS
THAT SING JEHOVAH'S PRAISE.
MY KNOWLEDGE OF THAT STATE IS SMALL,
MY EYE OF FAITH IS DIM;
BUT 'TIS ENOUGH THAT CHRIST KNOWS ALL,
AND I SHALL BE WITH HIM.
--BAXTER. {1T 673.3}
"I HAD ANOTHER WAKEFUL SEASON LAST NIGHT, AND FEEL POORLY TODAY. PRAY THAT WHATEVER IS GOD'S WILL MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AND THROUGH ME, WHETHER IT BE BY MY LIFE OR DEATH.
"YOURS IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE,
"HANNAH MORE.
"IF YOU KNOW OF ANY WAY BY WHICH I CAN REACH YOU SOONER, PLEASE INFORM ME.
H. M." {1T 674.2}
Following news of Hannah's death Ellen White wrote:
"Sister Hannah More is dead, and died a martyr to the selfishness of a people who profess to be seeking for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Exiled from believers during the past cold winter, this self-sacrificing missionary died because no heart was bountiful enough to receive her. I blame no one. I am not judge. But when the Judge of all the earth shall make investigation, somebody will be found to blame. We are all narrowed up and consumed in our own selfishness. May God tear away this cursed covering and give us bowels of mercy, hearts of flesh, tenderness and compassion, is my prayer, offered from an oppressed, anguished soul. I am sure that a work must be done for us or we shall be found wanting in the day of God."
But there is more; a deeper lesson from the story of Hannah More: There always has been, and always will be, failures on the part of the church...my church, and all who profess to love Jesus Christ. We humans, residents of whatever church, are very good at self absorption. But we need to be strong enough to ask ourselves the hard questions ... frequently ... "Who among us is in need?" "What do they need?" "What can I do to help?" "What do I have that I can give to the Lord in the person(s) of His children?"
"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me" [Matthew 25:40].(paraphrased).
"Not a pretty story" you say, and that is correct; but it is one that needs to be told for admonition, instruction, and in remembrance of the gift God gave the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the person of Hannah More; a gift gone unappreciated. Hopefully, never again!
*3ABN can be watched online at 3ABN.org and is also available via subscription TV on the DISH network, channel 9393.
Note: By invitation, Pastor Bill Knott spoke to the Congregationalist church in the town where Hannah was born and raised; telling them the story of their sister in Christ.
Blessings, remembering devotion to duty shown by Hannah More.e.c.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
E=mc2...or something like that
Creationists...those who actually believe that there is a God and that this alleged God Created my merely speaking matter into existence. Preposterous! Except for the fact that I am a creationist. Let me explain.
Man has been able to figure out how to split the atom (fission) and thus devise atomic weapons; a dubious accomplishment making capable the destruction of the entire world and every living creature. That not being quite a big enough bang, the "all wise" mind of man developed the hydrogen bomb (fusion) which is many times more powerful than the atomic bomb. The sun is powered by fusion; I submit that as a visual aid to understanding.
I also submit that any God too small to be able to speak matter into existence is too small to be God (I have said that before). Think about this; if man can create energy from matter, then is it a too-hard thing for God to use His omnipotence (having all power) to create matter from energy? I say, "No!" in spite of protests to the otherwise from Peter Dawkins and Sam Harris. There is not superscript available here but the quasi equation would look something like this; M=e/c2.
You can't really tell, but the equation says this: Mass equals Energy (power of God) divided by the speed of light....squared (multiplied by its self).
Today is the Holy Sabbath Day. Jesus Christ is the Creator [Colossians 1:15-17] and thus He created all things including the Sabbath Day [Genesis 2:1-3]. These are the reasons He can legitimately lay claim to the title as Lord of the Sabbath [Matthew 12:8].
Therefore, summarizing all this complex and lofty scientific reasoning...Happy Sabbath! e.c.
Man has been able to figure out how to split the atom (fission) and thus devise atomic weapons; a dubious accomplishment making capable the destruction of the entire world and every living creature. That not being quite a big enough bang, the "all wise" mind of man developed the hydrogen bomb (fusion) which is many times more powerful than the atomic bomb. The sun is powered by fusion; I submit that as a visual aid to understanding.
I also submit that any God too small to be able to speak matter into existence is too small to be God (I have said that before). Think about this; if man can create energy from matter, then is it a too-hard thing for God to use His omnipotence (having all power) to create matter from energy? I say, "No!" in spite of protests to the otherwise from Peter Dawkins and Sam Harris. There is not superscript available here but the quasi equation would look something like this; M=e/c2.
You can't really tell, but the equation says this: Mass equals Energy (power of God) divided by the speed of light....squared (multiplied by its self).
Today is the Holy Sabbath Day. Jesus Christ is the Creator [Colossians 1:15-17] and thus He created all things including the Sabbath Day [Genesis 2:1-3]. These are the reasons He can legitimately lay claim to the title as Lord of the Sabbath [Matthew 12:8].
Therefore, summarizing all this complex and lofty scientific reasoning...Happy Sabbath! e.c.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of the Way
Last evening we listened to a sermon by Pastor Jose Rojas who, in addition, holds an office in church headquarters. Before the reader forms a too-hasty mental picture, let me add that Jose is nobodie's typical church officer; the far side of middle age, a little portly, and graying...assuming there is hair to gray.No, Rojas is more like a spiritual Pancho Villa.
Not that Rojas is a bandito, but he is a warrior for the Lord and fearless in preaching the message of our soon coming Savior. He was invited to attend a meeting in Philadelphia (Independence Hall) along with leaders of the nation that included past U.S. presidents, governors, and mayors, that he heard General Colin Powell sum up his determination as to how each person present should deal with the local/national issue of our troubled youth: "Lead, follow, or get out of the way!"
Rojas spoke of Gideon [Judges chapters 6 and 7] and how the Lord used this young man...probably in his late teens...and 300 men to defeat 250,000 Midianites.
Gideon's first army was a collection of 32,000 men. And God said, "Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead;'" and 22,000 went home. [Judges 7:3]. But God was not finished with these men, and He said to Gideon "The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there." [Judges 7:4]. How God tested them shows His method of testing their determination. (It really is worth it to read the whole story.)
What seems impossible to us is opportunity for God. The reason God trimmed the number of men from 32,000 to 300 was so that no man would be able to say that "we" defeated the 250,000 Midianites. God was getting ready to do a mighty and holy work in Israel.
Perhaps you know the rest of the story, but if not here is what happened: These 300 men took a jar, a candle, and a Shofar (ram's horn trumpet), divided into groups of 100, and at the signal, each man blew his Shofar, cried out "the sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and broke the jar with the lighted candle inside. The enemy was so surprised and frightened that in their terror they slew each other.
In God's church today, of the men and women in His army, who is afraid and wants to go home? Who would rather rest at the water's edge than keep watch while they drink? Who has a Shofar to proclaim the coming of the Lord? The challenge to you and me from Pastor Jose Rojas is to prepare our hearts and minds with the sword of His Word, the power of His Holy Spirit, and watch Him do a mighty work in the world so that we can go Home. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" [Revelation 22:20].e.c.
Note: This timely and inspiring message is available* from:
A & J Enterprises
Al/Glenys Ahlers
42717 188th Avenue SE
Enumclaw, WA 98022-8524
360-802-2033
re:Jose Rojas Washington Camp-Meeting\June 15, 2010 7:30 p.m.
What seems impossible to us is opportunity for God. The reason God trimmed the number of men from 32,000 to 300 was so that no man would be able to say that "we" defeated the 250,000 Midianites. God was getting ready to do a mighty and holy work in Israel.
Perhaps you know the rest of the story, but if not here is what happened: These 300 men took a jar, a candle, and a Shofar (ram's horn trumpet), divided into groups of 100, and at the signal, each man blew his Shofar, cried out "the sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and broke the jar with the lighted candle inside. The enemy was so surprised and frightened that in their terror they slew each other.
In God's church today, of the men and women in His army, who is afraid and wants to go home? Who would rather rest at the water's edge than keep watch while they drink? Who has a Shofar to proclaim the coming of the Lord? The challenge to you and me from Pastor Jose Rojas is to prepare our hearts and minds with the sword of His Word, the power of His Holy Spirit, and watch Him do a mighty work in the world so that we can go Home. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" [Revelation 22:20].e.c.
Note: This timely and inspiring message is available* from:
A & J Enterprises
Al/Glenys Ahlers
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360-802-2033
re:Jose Rojas Washington Camp-Meeting\June 15, 2010 7:30 p.m.
*$12.00 includes preparation and postage.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Old Testament vs. New Testament
I have heard people say that they don't enjoy reading the Old Testament (OT) as much as the New Testament (NT). The OT is so violent and bloody. Of course there are the Psalms and Proverbs, and every pocket-sized NT I ever owned (including the one in my purse) has appended these two books.
But there is a problem with this kind of thinking that divides Scripture into unequal halves and (often) separates them with a blank page. Actually, what we call "old" is new and what we call "new," is old. I suppose you're waiting for an explanation: I have one.
What Christians call the "new covenant" was first alluded to in Genesis with the promise of the Christ that would crush the head of the serpent (Satan) [Genesis 3:14, 15]. When Abraham "believed God" and left his homeland to follow God's instructions, the Bible says that "He (God) accounted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness" [Genesis 15:6, 7].
If one reads Exodus chapter 3 carefully (especially vss. 2 and 14) and compares this with John 8:56-58 a wonderful discovery is made, and this is it: Jesus Christ is the God of the Testaments both Old and New. OT references to God, the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, and the Angel of God are all references to the Christ. John makes that very clear in the verses cited above because...Christ clearly claims the title of, I AM.
Having this clearly in mind gives one an entirely new perspective when reading the OT and seamlessly melds the OT/NT together as a thoroughly Hebrew writing about the Son of David who liked to be called the Son of Man.
A careful reading of the NT, noting the hundreds of OT quotes underlines the fact that without the OT the NT not stand because everything about the Christ that we read in the NT is presented as foundation preparation for in life and death of Jesus as our Savior.
Think on these things. Better yet, read on these things.
Blessings. e.c.
But there is a problem with this kind of thinking that divides Scripture into unequal halves and (often) separates them with a blank page. Actually, what we call "old" is new and what we call "new," is old. I suppose you're waiting for an explanation: I have one.
What Christians call the "new covenant" was first alluded to in Genesis with the promise of the Christ that would crush the head of the serpent (Satan) [Genesis 3:14, 15]. When Abraham "believed God" and left his homeland to follow God's instructions, the Bible says that "He (God) accounted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness" [Genesis 15:6, 7].
If one reads Exodus chapter 3 carefully (especially vss. 2 and 14) and compares this with John 8:56-58 a wonderful discovery is made, and this is it: Jesus Christ is the God of the Testaments both Old and New. OT references to God, the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, and the Angel of God are all references to the Christ. John makes that very clear in the verses cited above because...Christ clearly claims the title of, I AM.
Having this clearly in mind gives one an entirely new perspective when reading the OT and seamlessly melds the OT/NT together as a thoroughly Hebrew writing about the Son of David who liked to be called the Son of Man.
A careful reading of the NT, noting the hundreds of OT quotes underlines the fact that without the OT the NT not stand because everything about the Christ that we read in the NT is presented as foundation preparation for in life and death of Jesus as our Savior.
Think on these things. Better yet, read on these things.
Blessings. e.c.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Vanessa...A Study in Courage
We are almost equidistant from last Spring and next Spring; a season that holds a lot of meaning for me because of a butterfly known as Painted Lady (Genus, Vanessa).
To the practiced eye they can be seen on their migration path that takes them from northern Mexico, Southern California, Arizona, etc. all the way to southern Canada. For days on end these beautiful nymphalids (four-footed butterflies) fly from south to north, driven and guided by a force only God understands.
They are not turned aside from their mission.
Some never see them and never understand nor appreciate the purposefulness of Vanessa. Others are annoyed by the delicate dust (colorful scales on the wings) that is left on their windshield by the thousands who die en route.
Vanessa; a lovely name for a lovely butterfly. This link will take you to a site that pictures several species and shows migration routes.
When life is hard and courage seems in short supply, ponder the courage of Painted Ladies. And next Spring; watch for them because they will flutter by seemingly numberless. Enjoy; now, and then. e.c.
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~mariposa/homepage.html
To the practiced eye they can be seen on their migration path that takes them from northern Mexico, Southern California, Arizona, etc. all the way to southern Canada. For days on end these beautiful nymphalids (four-footed butterflies) fly from south to north, driven and guided by a force only God understands.
They are not turned aside from their mission.
Some never see them and never understand nor appreciate the purposefulness of Vanessa. Others are annoyed by the delicate dust (colorful scales on the wings) that is left on their windshield by the thousands who die en route.
Vanessa; a lovely name for a lovely butterfly. This link will take you to a site that pictures several species and shows migration routes.
When life is hard and courage seems in short supply, ponder the courage of Painted Ladies. And next Spring; watch for them because they will flutter by seemingly numberless. Enjoy; now, and then. e.c.
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~mariposa/homepage.html
Saturday, September 18, 2010
All This For a Fish?
"For crying out loud"...I can hear them say..."it was only a fish!"
When I checked on Alfie this morning he/she was on the bottom of the tank, lying on its side, pale of color, dead.
Last week I bought a beautiful Betta and brought it home. We gathered together everything one needs to properly care for a fish; tank, fish food, net, temperature gauge, etc. I fed it on schedule and followed all the directions. Alfie Betta was a beautiful deep burgundy color with large fins.
This last Wednesday there were parts of fins on the bottom of the tank; what's happening? I checked the water, cleaned the tank, and worried a little. He seemed active enough, but stopped eating. No matter how or when food was presented it just soaked and sank untouched.
Angrily, I threw the water and dead Alfie over the railing into the brush between the deck and the lake. Death...the death of any of God's creatures always makes me angry...not at God...but at the reason(s) for death, and of course the reason is sin. Angry? Yes. A little sad? Yes. But mostly angry.
My mind is telling me it was only a fish... True; but such a beautiful creature that depended on me for life and health, and who, for reasons unknown to me met his Omega sometime during the night. The same thing happened to tens of thousands of God's creatures last night all over the world: The aged, little children, the newborn, the discarded (aborted)...by accident, by design (suicide), by war, by hatred, by revenge, by drugs and alcohol, by every imaginable means. It was only a stupid fish! True; but he's dead...and I am angry.
Today is Sabbath and so far it has not been a very happy day. I guess my personal take-home lessons I learned from Alfie are these;
1. to not buy another fish (an act of self protection against more sadness).
2. to enjoy ever-shortening span of days ahead.
3. to praise God that I still am swimming in the stream of life.
4. to ask God to let me be a blessing today to life forms both higher and lower.
5. to witness for Him at every opportunity, telling of His love.
6. to love my wife and children more...and the neighbor with his three free running dogs.
7. and to tell someone that there is a God who cares about dead sparrows and little fish.
Some days the Mind of The Essayist is too much even for him.
Be a blessing while it is called Today. e.c.
When I checked on Alfie this morning he/she was on the bottom of the tank, lying on its side, pale of color, dead.
Last week I bought a beautiful Betta and brought it home. We gathered together everything one needs to properly care for a fish; tank, fish food, net, temperature gauge, etc. I fed it on schedule and followed all the directions. Alfie Betta was a beautiful deep burgundy color with large fins.
This last Wednesday there were parts of fins on the bottom of the tank; what's happening? I checked the water, cleaned the tank, and worried a little. He seemed active enough, but stopped eating. No matter how or when food was presented it just soaked and sank untouched.
Angrily, I threw the water and dead Alfie over the railing into the brush between the deck and the lake. Death...the death of any of God's creatures always makes me angry...not at God...but at the reason(s) for death, and of course the reason is sin. Angry? Yes. A little sad? Yes. But mostly angry.
My mind is telling me it was only a fish... True; but such a beautiful creature that depended on me for life and health, and who, for reasons unknown to me met his Omega sometime during the night. The same thing happened to tens of thousands of God's creatures last night all over the world: The aged, little children, the newborn, the discarded (aborted)...by accident, by design (suicide), by war, by hatred, by revenge, by drugs and alcohol, by every imaginable means. It was only a stupid fish! True; but he's dead...and I am angry.
Today is Sabbath and so far it has not been a very happy day. I guess my personal take-home lessons I learned from Alfie are these;
1. to not buy another fish (an act of self protection against more sadness).
2. to enjoy ever-shortening span of days ahead.
3. to praise God that I still am swimming in the stream of life.
4. to ask God to let me be a blessing today to life forms both higher and lower.
5. to witness for Him at every opportunity, telling of His love.
6. to love my wife and children more...and the neighbor with his three free running dogs.
7. and to tell someone that there is a God who cares about dead sparrows and little fish.
Some days the Mind of The Essayist is too much even for him.
Be a blessing while it is called Today. e.c.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Anger..."Yes" and "No"
Being a volunteer Prayer Warrior for 3ABN brings me face to face with the trials, tribulations, and evils in this world. There are heart wrenching stories of sickness, accident, family members turning their backs on God: There are too many to count or recount. Reading the pleas for help is not an easy thing to do.
A young person is ill; very ill. Soon the family will gather to witness removal of life support. This does not have to happen. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" [Genesis 18:14].
On our walk this morning I spent most of the time talking to the Lord about this. I understand that on this earth we will have tribulation. I understand that disease and death are a non-negotiable part of the equation of sin. I understand that the rains fall on the good and the bad. All these things I understand. But there is a problem.
God is more willing to give good things to His children than a father (or mother) give to their children. He asks us to "ask", to "seek" with the promise that we shall find and that it will be given to us.
But this too I know; sometimes God is quiet. The only way I can understand and deal with this is that I know His ways derive from perfect knowledge, perfect judgment, perfect wisdom, perfect decisions, and perfect Love. So what can I say? This is what I say: "Lord, you see and hear everything. Look on this family with tender mercy. Stand up, Lord, and rebuke this illness. Bring healing to your servants that they may know how great is their God. Thy perfect will be done. Magnify our faith. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen." it's just me Lord. e.c.
A young person is ill; very ill. Soon the family will gather to witness removal of life support. This does not have to happen. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" [Genesis 18:14].
On our walk this morning I spent most of the time talking to the Lord about this. I understand that on this earth we will have tribulation. I understand that disease and death are a non-negotiable part of the equation of sin. I understand that the rains fall on the good and the bad. All these things I understand. But there is a problem.
God is more willing to give good things to His children than a father (or mother) give to their children. He asks us to "ask", to "seek" with the promise that we shall find and that it will be given to us.
But this too I know; sometimes God is quiet. The only way I can understand and deal with this is that I know His ways derive from perfect knowledge, perfect judgment, perfect wisdom, perfect decisions, and perfect Love. So what can I say? This is what I say: "Lord, you see and hear everything. Look on this family with tender mercy. Stand up, Lord, and rebuke this illness. Bring healing to your servants that they may know how great is their God. Thy perfect will be done. Magnify our faith. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen." it's just me Lord. e.c.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Prayer For Shelton
Lord, where are the weary?
Where are the heavy hearted?
Who is there in search of truth?
Are there those who do not know You?
Of course!
Send me to them.
Send them to our church.
Bring them to people who love them.
Give us a deeper drink from Your well of Love.
Today!
Send the Holy Spirit.
Like the flames of Pentecost.
Like when You "Breathed" on Your disciples
Mercifully send HaRuach Ha Kodesh to each child of Adam
Please!
Light a wind-fed fire.
Strike a flint on our dry bones.
Hear the prayers of hearts born selfish.
And may we say, "Here am I. Send me." [Isaiah 6:8]
We wait! e.c.
Where are the heavy hearted?
Who is there in search of truth?
Are there those who do not know You?
Of course!
Send me to them.
Send them to our church.
Bring them to people who love them.
Give us a deeper drink from Your well of Love.
Today!
Send the Holy Spirit.
Like the flames of Pentecost.
Like when You "Breathed" on Your disciples
Mercifully send HaRuach Ha Kodesh to each child of Adam
Please!
Light a wind-fed fire.
Strike a flint on our dry bones.
Hear the prayers of hearts born selfish.
And may we say, "Here am I. Send me." [Isaiah 6:8]
We wait! e.c.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Walking Through Romans
Every Adventist knows...probably...that the Book of Romans has been the topic of study this quarter. It's odd that I write about this with just Sabbaths of September 18 and 25 remaining in the month.
I have an explanation...maybe an excuse.
The regular teacher was away yesterday and had asked me to take the class. Naturally, I went to the quarterly and began reading but found myself frustrated as I read from a "teaching" point of view. What to do? I began thinking, "If the lesson is based on chapters 10 and 11 of Romans, why not just put the quarterly aside and study the chapters? What a novel idea!
Over the past 60 years I have poured through Romans more than once, but I do not remember ever receiving such a blessing as I did from this study. One thing I must have seen but did not appreciate is the number of times Paul quotes the Tanakh (we know it as the Old Testament, which is misleading and a misnomer; but that's another discussion).
Twenty-one times, in the two chapters, there are quotes from Deuteronomy, Psalms, Nahum, Isaiah, Joel, 1st Kings, and Job. What he often does is pose a question and answers with Scripture.
In 10:18 he asks, "But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: and answers, "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." [Psalm 19:3 and 4].
Probably the verses that touched me most deeply were 10:13-15. Here Paul outlines what I chose to call the links in the chain of evangelism. Listen to Paul: "For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." [Joel 2:32[ and answers with "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent.?" He adds with these words: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of Peace." "Who bring glad tidings of good things." [Isaiah 52:7 and [Nahum 1:15]
The links [words] in the chain of evangelism are in bold font [above]. But there is one more step; perhaps the most important one; think of it as a circle rather than a chain. Circles are continuous; chains have weak links and can be broken.
So I ask, How shall they be sent unless you and I provision them with our tithes and offerings? (In Sabbath School there is a tiny envelope that is passed hand to hand and labeled, Missions; very often it leaves in the same shape it entered...flat)
Our duty...I see it more clearly as My Duty, is to support the work of the church as never before. How it is used, or, how efficiently it is used, is none of my business. My obligation is to give to the Lord. He will guide. In addition to tithes and offerings to the church per se, we have chosen several ministries (you see them on 3ABN) to support with a modest gift each month. We try to be wise by helping those whom we deem to be reaching the most people the world over. Some are independent, some are official extensions of the world church.
Now is not the time to hoard our means or our money. Time is short and each of us needs to be a faithful steward.
If you are searching for a special blessing this week, I have a suggestion; read Romans prayerfully and carefully. e.c.
I have an explanation...maybe an excuse.
The regular teacher was away yesterday and had asked me to take the class. Naturally, I went to the quarterly and began reading but found myself frustrated as I read from a "teaching" point of view. What to do? I began thinking, "If the lesson is based on chapters 10 and 11 of Romans, why not just put the quarterly aside and study the chapters? What a novel idea!
Over the past 60 years I have poured through Romans more than once, but I do not remember ever receiving such a blessing as I did from this study. One thing I must have seen but did not appreciate is the number of times Paul quotes the Tanakh (we know it as the Old Testament, which is misleading and a misnomer; but that's another discussion).
Twenty-one times, in the two chapters, there are quotes from Deuteronomy, Psalms, Nahum, Isaiah, Joel, 1st Kings, and Job. What he often does is pose a question and answers with Scripture.
In 10:18 he asks, "But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: and answers, "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." [Psalm 19:3 and 4].
Probably the verses that touched me most deeply were 10:13-15. Here Paul outlines what I chose to call the links in the chain of evangelism. Listen to Paul: "For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." [Joel 2:32[ and answers with "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent.?" He adds with these words: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of Peace." "Who bring glad tidings of good things." [Isaiah 52:7 and [Nahum 1:15]
The links [words] in the chain of evangelism are in bold font [above]. But there is one more step; perhaps the most important one; think of it as a circle rather than a chain. Circles are continuous; chains have weak links and can be broken.
So I ask, How shall they be sent unless you and I provision them with our tithes and offerings? (In Sabbath School there is a tiny envelope that is passed hand to hand and labeled, Missions; very often it leaves in the same shape it entered...flat)
Our duty...I see it more clearly as My Duty, is to support the work of the church as never before. How it is used, or, how efficiently it is used, is none of my business. My obligation is to give to the Lord. He will guide. In addition to tithes and offerings to the church per se, we have chosen several ministries (you see them on 3ABN) to support with a modest gift each month. We try to be wise by helping those whom we deem to be reaching the most people the world over. Some are independent, some are official extensions of the world church.
Now is not the time to hoard our means or our money. Time is short and each of us needs to be a faithful steward.
If you are searching for a special blessing this week, I have a suggestion; read Romans prayerfully and carefully. e.c.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Who In the World...
A hypothetical: Assume that (some) Americans were to plan a Bible burning. Who in the world would protest; perhaps even by rioting? Perhaps a better question would be, Who would not protest?
Religion and rioting are bedfellows in many parts of the world these days as are religion and murder...which, after de minimus reflection, makes no sense. But since when has religion, as perceived and practiced by most of the world...over most of its unfortunate history... ever made sense. (It's like trying to make sense of sin: It doesn't; and it never will. If it did; if a defensible reason could be given for its existence, sin would cease to be sin.
Actually, drugs and murder are understood by simple association whereas religion and murder have no association in a rational, spiritual mind. The killing of one's perceived religious enemies is neither rational nor spiritual but since when has religion...as it is demonstrated in The Christ...been normative.
Maybe you recall Demetrius the silversmith in Ephesus [Acts 19:23-27] who was upset because of what Paul was preaching. He rallied his friends and fellow silversmiths and "So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord...[vs. 29]. Sounds like a riot. But motives were mixed, as they always are when religion is not pure and undefiled. Demetrius tipped his hand when he called together other silversmiths (who made shrines to the goddess Diana) and said, "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade." [vs. 25.] (As an aside, you may be interested to know that worship of the pagan goddess Diana is alive and well in America. I got this quote from a contemporary, online pagan, goddess worship site: no link included.) e.c.
"One of the earliest feminists, the Greek goddess Artemis was fiercely independent, choosing the wild beauty of the forest and mountains over marriage and the city life. Religion (Christianity) mixed with whatever, particularly politics and political power (exempla gratia, Iran) is corrosive and internally toxic to the religion and the politik. The results are exampled in suicide bombers of one Islamic sect blowing up those of a rival sect...in a mosque, during prayers. Please, if you can, explain that to me so I might understand and be more sympathetic to such (senseless) violence. There is no coherent explanation!
As goddess of the moon and the hunt, she was an accomplished archer with a steady aim . . . always able the reach the goals upon which she set her sights. A courageous and skillful goddess, Artemis was the protector of all those who were vulnerable, especially women and children. Known as the Roman goddess Diana."
So, what is the prosperity of religion and murder, or religion and rioting, or religion and any species of violence...including of course the Office of the Inquisition when millions were sacrificed for worship deemed unacceptable. I suggest a three word answer: It is Power!
Those in control prosper. Those not in control...well...
Most know the Commandment as "Thou shall not kill" [Exodus 20:13]. A better translation would read "Do not murder," and in its simplest form would be "No murder." [Ibidem]. Religion, more accurately, a spiritual relationship with The Christ, gives no way nor pardon to violence done in the name of God or for that matter in the name of any god. To attempt such an equation is to attempt the impossible and to align oneself with the first murderer; Satan.
As Christ put it, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." [John 8:44].
Question: what is the difference between burning and not reading one's Bible? e.c.
Religion and rioting are bedfellows in many parts of the world these days as are religion and murder...which, after de minimus reflection, makes no sense. But since when has religion, as perceived and practiced by most of the world...over most of its unfortunate history... ever made sense. (It's like trying to make sense of sin: It doesn't; and it never will. If it did; if a defensible reason could be given for its existence, sin would cease to be sin.
Actually, drugs and murder are understood by simple association whereas religion and murder have no association in a rational, spiritual mind. The killing of one's perceived religious enemies is neither rational nor spiritual but since when has religion...as it is demonstrated in The Christ...been normative.
Maybe you recall Demetrius the silversmith in Ephesus [Acts 19:23-27] who was upset because of what Paul was preaching. He rallied his friends and fellow silversmiths and "So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord...[vs. 29]. Sounds like a riot. But motives were mixed, as they always are when religion is not pure and undefiled. Demetrius tipped his hand when he called together other silversmiths (who made shrines to the goddess Diana) and said, "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade." [vs. 25.] (As an aside, you may be interested to know that worship of the pagan goddess Diana is alive and well in America. I got this quote from a contemporary, online pagan, goddess worship site: no link included.) e.c.
"One of the earliest feminists, the Greek goddess Artemis was fiercely independent, choosing the wild beauty of the forest and mountains over marriage and the city life. Religion (Christianity) mixed with whatever, particularly politics and political power (exempla gratia, Iran) is corrosive and internally toxic to the religion and the politik. The results are exampled in suicide bombers of one Islamic sect blowing up those of a rival sect...in a mosque, during prayers. Please, if you can, explain that to me so I might understand and be more sympathetic to such (senseless) violence. There is no coherent explanation!
As goddess of the moon and the hunt, she was an accomplished archer with a steady aim . . . always able the reach the goals upon which she set her sights. A courageous and skillful goddess, Artemis was the protector of all those who were vulnerable, especially women and children. Known as the Roman goddess Diana."
So, what is the prosperity of religion and murder, or religion and rioting, or religion and any species of violence...including of course the Office of the Inquisition when millions were sacrificed for worship deemed unacceptable. I suggest a three word answer: It is Power!
Those in control prosper. Those not in control...well...
Most know the Commandment as "Thou shall not kill" [Exodus 20:13]. A better translation would read "Do not murder," and in its simplest form would be "No murder." [Ibidem]. Religion, more accurately, a spiritual relationship with The Christ, gives no way nor pardon to violence done in the name of God or for that matter in the name of any god. To attempt such an equation is to attempt the impossible and to align oneself with the first murderer; Satan.
As Christ put it, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." [John 8:44].
Question: what is the difference between burning and not reading one's Bible? e.c.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Once Or Twice Around The World
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| Jeane and Jeanne | <><>
Probably you know about our visit earlier this week with Jeanne Socrates. She is the British woman who is circumnavigating the globe...alone. Her vessel is 38ft and was build in Sweden. It is documented "Nereida," pronounced Nuhr-eye-da; (beautiful sea-nymph mystical companions of Poseidon.)
What we learned about Jeanne "Djawne" (phonetically French) over lunch seemed almost mythical in proportion to my sense of reality. First of all, if she is as much as 5'3" tall, it's a stretch. Yet residing in and empowering this slight frame is a universty professor trained in mathematics and physics.
Several years ago she lost her husband and cruising companion to cancer. As devastating as the loss of the first mate to one's soul may be, it's my opinion that this woman possesses remarkable and enviable inner courage.
At one time I thought myself a "captain" on our 30' Willard Trawler, but my mere ventures cast no shadow in her presence. It is one thing to venture out of San Diego Bay on a course 270 (due west) and pretend to go to sea, it is quite another to set a course from the same port knowing that there will be no sighting of land until the islands of Hawaii slowly emerge above the horizon.
It's days alone, nights alone, companioned only by a beautiful and complicated vessel. I was amazed when we went below decks and the system control center caught my eye. There were a few switches and gauges on Third Angel but the navigation center on Nereida is surrounded by switches and gauges I know nothing about. My eyes took in the satellite phone, the GPS (global positioning system), computer, monitor, charts, and things I cannot name but only describe.
Jeanne does (actually, has to do alone at sea) all maintenance and goes to port when she is forced to; like when the engine failed after sea water somehow entered the cylinders.
I have thought a lot about Jeanne Socrates and have concluded that she is more sturdy and seaworthy than am I. Unashamedly, admittedly, I could not do what she has done and is doing. As I write from the edge of Phillips Lake there is a gentle breeze out of the South that leaves timid little ripples on the surface. There are no 30' swells that lift my vessel and let it surf down the face only to do it again, and again, and again... There is no wind strong enough to blow the tops off the wind waves. Swells and wind waves are different animals and they don't always come from the same direction (called confused seas).
But Jeanne handles them, alone, for months on end...and this is not her first solo circumnavigation.
Interestingly, she has a son who is a dentist in England, so I asked her to give him my greetings; dentist-to-dentist. She is there this week to attend a boatshow.
Here are some photos we took in the Port Townsend drizzle of Jeanne, Nereida, and her visitors.
Enjoy! We certainly did. Pray for her safety. e.c.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Holiday In The Rain
Hi Hi: We've been following the adventures of Jeanne and her sailing vessel SVNereida. She is doing a single-handed circumnavigation and has the vessel hauled out in Port Townsend, WA. We're driving up for a visit today; a "spot of tea," chatting about boats, the challenges she faces and will continue to encounter. Here is the link to her website if you would like to see some history of her adventures. It takes a strong (not just physical strength) to do something like this... http://www.svnereida.com/
Tomorrow will find us in Seaside, Oregon for a one day visit and perhaps we shall stop by Vernonia for a birthday party on our way into Portland. I need to pick up some ham radio supplies...but you aren't interested in that. The computer goes with me, but who knows if I'll find WiFi.
(I'd better call Vernonia...where is that number?)
Pax. e.c.
Tomorrow will find us in Seaside, Oregon for a one day visit and perhaps we shall stop by Vernonia for a birthday party on our way into Portland. I need to pick up some ham radio supplies...but you aren't interested in that. The computer goes with me, but who knows if I'll find WiFi.
(I'd better call Vernonia...where is that number?)
Pax. e.c.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Pillars Of The Church
Where in the Bible (in one chapter) do we find pillars of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? If you answered Revelation 14:6-13, you are correct. Let's take a look and see if I am correct.
"Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue and people..." [vs. 6].
In obedience to the command of Christ to "..go unto all the world.." the Adventist church is widely represented over the face of the earth. Spreading the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession for us in the heavenly sanctuary [See Hebrews chapters 5 and 8] is attested to by the Adventist missionaries and missions (hospitals, schools, etc.) are found in over 200 nations.
"...saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'" [vs.7]
This verse speaks of "fear" (Greek, phobeo--from which is derived, phobia) certainly means--to be afraid of--but also (according to Strong's Concordance, c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience [Source: Blue Letter Bible].
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5399&t=KJV
Two other important teachings are found in verse 7: the Pre-Advent Judgment and Creationism...id est...intelligent design, regardless of the opinions of man as mere as he is (see yesterday's post).
"And another angel followed, saying, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.'" [vs. 8].
This angel does not speak with a loud voice, but as more matter of fact, because symbolic Babylon (read The Only Holy Apostolic Roman Catholic Church ) has been judged by prophecy, by her history, and her works of mixing things that ought not to be mixed (fornicating), forcing them on those under her power, and enforcing that power with prosecution, persecution, and death. (Babylon, though she lives is as good as dead.)
"Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.'" [vss. 9 and 10].
God is giving the world a very serious warning in these verses. Words I considered key to understanding this message are emphasized. Adventists have always been in agreement with the principals of the Protestant Reformation as to who and what constitutes the beast and the marks in either one's forehead or hand. This portion of the three angel's messages stands as a pillar marking our duty as Seventh-day Adventists to warn against being deceived [See Matthew 24: vss. 4, 11, 23, 24, 25.] either by Rome and her mixture of Christianity and Paganism, or by any alliance between Rome, and what she calls her errant children...Protestants. Sir Isaac Newton was a student of prophecy and wrote identifying these symbols presented in Revelation. Evangelicals err in teaching that the mark in the forehead or hand represents some sort of computer chip. The message is spiritual; the forehead represents that part of the brain that reasons, concludes, and gives consent. The hand represents compliance, but not reasoned consent. That which dooms those who worship wrongly (the beast and his image) is rejection of the Word of God and acceptance of the Rome-inspired and Rome-edited version of the Ten Commandments which, though actually only nine they present to the world as ten. (Did you know these things?)
"And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." [vs.11] [See Rev. 15:2].
The centerpiece of this verse is punishment. Adventists teach that it is the results of the punishment that are eternal and not the punishing. Interestingly, the book of Hebrews sheds light on the issue of no rest.
[See Hebrews 4, with emphasis on vss. 3-11]. To me, vss. 9 and 10 speak of entering His rest through the Sabbath spoken of in vs. 4.
Revelation is resonant with Hebrews in that those who neither believe nor obey have no rest from their works (symbolic of our vain works of self righteousness), because their righteousness is not of faith!
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." [vs. 12]. Righteousness by faith is in the heart of this verse. John is telling us that these people are patient, they keep the commandments of God, and they keep (or have) the faith of Jesus. And if these are not elements of righteousness, and righteousness by the faith they have, and keep in Jesus while living in obedience to His commandments, pray tell, what are they?
"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them'"
Summary
Pillars and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church According to Revelation Chapter 14.
1. Preaching gospel to all the world
2. Fear and respect for God
3. Pre-advent judgment
4. God as Creator
5. Warning the world of spiritual Babylon's motives and mission
6. Warning the world of God's punishment for receiving the mark
7. Lifting up symbolic meaning of Sabbath as rest from works
8. Righteousness by faith in Jesus
9. State of dead; neither heaven nor hell; rest from labor in death
Anyone brave enough to read this entire opus deserves an award. Anyone finding faith and comfort in these words... be blessed in His Name. e.c.
"Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue and people..." [vs. 6].
In obedience to the command of Christ to "..go unto all the world.." the Adventist church is widely represented over the face of the earth. Spreading the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession for us in the heavenly sanctuary [See Hebrews chapters 5 and 8] is attested to by the Adventist missionaries and missions (hospitals, schools, etc.) are found in over 200 nations.
"...saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'" [vs.7]
This verse speaks of "fear" (Greek, phobeo--from which is derived, phobia) certainly means--to be afraid of--but also (according to Strong's Concordance, c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience [Source: Blue Letter Bible].
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5399&t=KJV
Two other important teachings are found in verse 7: the Pre-Advent Judgment and Creationism...id est...intelligent design, regardless of the opinions of man as mere as he is (see yesterday's post).
"And another angel followed, saying, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.'" [vs. 8].
This angel does not speak with a loud voice, but as more matter of fact, because symbolic Babylon (read The Only Holy Apostolic Roman Catholic Church ) has been judged by prophecy, by her history, and her works of mixing things that ought not to be mixed (fornicating), forcing them on those under her power, and enforcing that power with prosecution, persecution, and death. (Babylon, though she lives is as good as dead.)
"Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.'" [vss. 9 and 10].
God is giving the world a very serious warning in these verses. Words I considered key to understanding this message are emphasized. Adventists have always been in agreement with the principals of the Protestant Reformation as to who and what constitutes the beast and the marks in either one's forehead or hand. This portion of the three angel's messages stands as a pillar marking our duty as Seventh-day Adventists to warn against being deceived [See Matthew 24: vss. 4, 11, 23, 24, 25.] either by Rome and her mixture of Christianity and Paganism, or by any alliance between Rome, and what she calls her errant children...Protestants. Sir Isaac Newton was a student of prophecy and wrote identifying these symbols presented in Revelation. Evangelicals err in teaching that the mark in the forehead or hand represents some sort of computer chip. The message is spiritual; the forehead represents that part of the brain that reasons, concludes, and gives consent. The hand represents compliance, but not reasoned consent. That which dooms those who worship wrongly (the beast and his image) is rejection of the Word of God and acceptance of the Rome-inspired and Rome-edited version of the Ten Commandments which, though actually only nine they present to the world as ten. (Did you know these things?)
"And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." [vs.11] [See Rev. 15:2].
The centerpiece of this verse is punishment. Adventists teach that it is the results of the punishment that are eternal and not the punishing. Interestingly, the book of Hebrews sheds light on the issue of no rest.
[See Hebrews 4, with emphasis on vss. 3-11]. To me, vss. 9 and 10 speak of entering His rest through the Sabbath spoken of in vs. 4.
Revelation is resonant with Hebrews in that those who neither believe nor obey have no rest from their works (symbolic of our vain works of self righteousness), because their righteousness is not of faith!
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." [vs. 12]. Righteousness by faith is in the heart of this verse. John is telling us that these people are patient, they keep the commandments of God, and they keep (or have) the faith of Jesus. And if these are not elements of righteousness, and righteousness by the faith they have, and keep in Jesus while living in obedience to His commandments, pray tell, what are they?
"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them'"
Summary
Pillars and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church According to Revelation Chapter 14.
1. Preaching gospel to all the world
2. Fear and respect for God
3. Pre-advent judgment
4. God as Creator
5. Warning the world of spiritual Babylon's motives and mission
6. Warning the world of God's punishment for receiving the mark
7. Lifting up symbolic meaning of Sabbath as rest from works
8. Righteousness by faith in Jesus
9. State of dead; neither heaven nor hell; rest from labor in death
Anyone brave enough to read this entire opus deserves an award. Anyone finding faith and comfort in these words... be blessed in His Name. e.c.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
You Will Be Like God
Did you see what Stephen Hawking (world famous physicist) said about God? "God did not create the universe" Link follows.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/7976594/Stephen-Hawking-God-was-not-needed-to-create-the-Universe.html
And NPR (someone has said that NPR is so far to the left it is off the dial) presents a piece [read the comments that follow; they are revealing] on news in science. It begins with this way:
Is Believing In God Evolutionarily Advantageous?
"In the history of the world, every culture in every location at every point in time has developed some supernatural belief system. And believing in God may have been evolutionarily advantageous to humans as it provided a framework for promoting social good."
Here is the link to the article:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129528196&sc=nl&cc=sh-20100904
Maybe you don't want to read this stuff. Here's a sort-a-summary:
Mankind has a mind, housed in a brain, and his brain is capable of great things...things like science, which (of course) is the answer to all the problems in the world. Same ole, same ole; which goes to show that man believes that he is "...like God..." [Genesis 3:5]
Today is the Holy Sabbath. Worship the Creator God.
Blessings. e.c.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/7976594/Stephen-Hawking-God-was-not-needed-to-create-the-Universe.html
And NPR (someone has said that NPR is so far to the left it is off the dial) presents a piece [read the comments that follow; they are revealing] on news in science. It begins with this way:
Is Believing In God Evolutionarily Advantageous?
"In the history of the world, every culture in every location at every point in time has developed some supernatural belief system. And believing in God may have been evolutionarily advantageous to humans as it provided a framework for promoting social good."
Here is the link to the article:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129528196&sc=nl&cc=sh-20100904
Maybe you don't want to read this stuff. Here's a sort-a-summary:
Mankind has a mind, housed in a brain, and his brain is capable of great things...things like science, which (of course) is the answer to all the problems in the world. Same ole, same ole; which goes to show that man believes that he is "...like God..." [Genesis 3:5]
Today is the Holy Sabbath. Worship the Creator God.
Blessings. e.c.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Prophet and Priests...
Labor Union's High Priests are flexing their dollar-steroid hypertrophied muscles in the faces of teachers, nurses, local police and firefighters, and anyone else who may choose to close their purses to these greedy wolves in wolves clothing.
The late Al Shanker, onetime leader of the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) said this; "When school children start paying union dues, that's when I'll start representing the interests of school children." [Source: Mark Mix, President, National Right To Work; Legal Defense Foundation, Inc.]. Here is a link to an August 23 op-ed opinion (education) by Mix: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/OpEd-Contributor/Mark-Mix-101331649.html
Labor unions and labor relations are (if possible) becoming more heavy handed and dictatorial than one might imagine. Mix cites another exchange between a labor union boss and a teacher; "Of course, even though union bosses seize dues from independent teachers, that doesn't mean the union bosses are representing their interests either. Many of the National Right to Work Foundation's precedent-winning cases were launched when teachers turned to Foundation attorneys for free legal aid.
"In one case, a teacher union official told an Ohio teacher that she must "change religions" if she wanted to exercise her right to have her forced union dues be diverted to a charity due to her religious objections to the union's agenda." [Source: http://sn135w.snt135.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
No Seventh-day Adventist should be surprised at theses developments, but they should be alarmed and appalled, as should every Christian regardless of which church door they enter, or on which day.
Unions (and I have been a member of the Laborer's Union [ca.1955]) are, and always have been, able to buy the votes of legislators...and they have the money to do it! There is a move on now to roll local police, firefighters, and other emergency agencies into unions. The motive? Monthly dues to keep their jobs.
Under the cover of "arbitration" porcine union bosses fatten their coffers and their powers.
During a recent union-ordered strike at a local hospital some nurses defied the order and returned to work because of concern about their patients. [Source: http://www.nrtw.org/en/press/2010/08/free-assistance-offer-DC-nurses-08062010
As I said, SDA's are not surprised. And here are the reasons: "How long will the Lord suffer oppression of the poor that rich men may hoard wealth? These men are heaping together treasures for the last days. Their money is placed where it does no one any good. To add to their millions, they rob the poor, and the cries of the starving are no more to them than the barking of a dog." {4MR 78.2}
And... "Satan is busily at work in our crowded cities. His work is to be seen in the confusion, the strife and discord between labor and capital, and the hypocrisy that has come into the churches. . . . The lust of the flesh, the pride of the eyes, the display of selfishness, the misuse of power, the cruelty and the force used to cause men to unite with confederacies and unions--binding themselves up in bundles for the burning of the great fires of the last days--all these are the working of satanic agencies."--Ev 26 (1903). {LDE 116.1}
"The wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing" [2 Corinthians 6:17]. If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the world and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our transactions we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth.--4BC 1142 (1903). {LDE 116.2}
And finally; "The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began. . . . {LDE 116.3}
"A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men. . . . {LDE 117.1}
"Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities.--2SM 142 (1903). {LDE 117.2}
"The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive.--2SM 141 (1904). {LDE 117.3}
The prophet spoke (over 100 years ago) and we are witnesses to the unfortunate fulfillment of her words. Is anyone listening...watching?
For those interested in recent business/labor disputes there is a Face Book site with links to recent labor trends and troubles. It is here...
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30355405068
Well, boys and girls, there has gone the morning. I hope this proves to be instructive and eye-opening.
Blessings: we need them. e.c.
The late Al Shanker, onetime leader of the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) said this; "When school children start paying union dues, that's when I'll start representing the interests of school children." [Source: Mark Mix, President, National Right To Work; Legal Defense Foundation, Inc.]. Here is a link to an August 23 op-ed opinion (education) by Mix: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/OpEd-Contributor/Mark-Mix-101331649.html
Labor unions and labor relations are (if possible) becoming more heavy handed and dictatorial than one might imagine. Mix cites another exchange between a labor union boss and a teacher; "Of course, even though union bosses seize dues from independent teachers, that doesn't mean the union bosses are representing their interests either. Many of the National Right to Work Foundation's precedent-winning cases were launched when teachers turned to Foundation attorneys for free legal aid.
"In one case, a teacher union official told an Ohio teacher that she must "change religions" if she wanted to exercise her right to have her forced union dues be diverted to a charity due to her religious objections to the union's agenda." [Source: http://sn135w.snt135.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
No Seventh-day Adventist should be surprised at theses developments, but they should be alarmed and appalled, as should every Christian regardless of which church door they enter, or on which day.
Unions (and I have been a member of the Laborer's Union [ca.1955]) are, and always have been, able to buy the votes of legislators...and they have the money to do it! There is a move on now to roll local police, firefighters, and other emergency agencies into unions. The motive? Monthly dues to keep their jobs.
Under the cover of "arbitration" porcine union bosses fatten their coffers and their powers.
During a recent union-ordered strike at a local hospital some nurses defied the order and returned to work because of concern about their patients. [Source: http://www.nrtw.org/en/press/2010/08/free-assistance-offer-DC-nurses-08062010
As I said, SDA's are not surprised. And here are the reasons: "How long will the Lord suffer oppression of the poor that rich men may hoard wealth? These men are heaping together treasures for the last days. Their money is placed where it does no one any good. To add to their millions, they rob the poor, and the cries of the starving are no more to them than the barking of a dog." {4MR 78.2}
And... "Satan is busily at work in our crowded cities. His work is to be seen in the confusion, the strife and discord between labor and capital, and the hypocrisy that has come into the churches. . . . The lust of the flesh, the pride of the eyes, the display of selfishness, the misuse of power, the cruelty and the force used to cause men to unite with confederacies and unions--binding themselves up in bundles for the burning of the great fires of the last days--all these are the working of satanic agencies."--Ev 26 (1903). {LDE 116.1}
"The wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing" [2 Corinthians 6:17]. If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the world and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our transactions we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth.--4BC 1142 (1903). {LDE 116.2}
And finally; "The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began. . . . {LDE 116.3}
"A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men. . . . {LDE 117.1}
"Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities.--2SM 142 (1903). {LDE 117.2}
"The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive.--2SM 141 (1904). {LDE 117.3}
The prophet spoke (over 100 years ago) and we are witnesses to the unfortunate fulfillment of her words. Is anyone listening...watching?
For those interested in recent business/labor disputes there is a Face Book site with links to recent labor trends and troubles. It is here...
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30355405068
Well, boys and girls, there has gone the morning. I hope this proves to be instructive and eye-opening.
Blessings: we need them. e.c.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Always an Inspiration...Always
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
[Isaiah 40:28-31]
Let these words be a blessing. e.c.
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
[Isaiah 40:28-31]
Let these words be a blessing. e.c.
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