Monday, December 17, 2007

BAPTIST LEADER, POPE, & DALAI LAMA ON FILM




Dec 16, 3:39 PM EST

Baptist leader joins pope, Dalai Lama in documentary on faith.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- Pastor Frank Page says he has learned to be wary of the media during his tenure as head of the Southern Baptist Convention.


But, he said, he is glad he opened the doors of his church to documentary filmmakers looking to show the personal faith of some of the world's spiritual leaders.


"Because of who I am, I talked about Jesus Christ every other word, every other phrase, because I knew if they cut out Christ, they're going to have to cut out everything I say," Page said. "If they really want to know, as evangelical believers, who we are, then we cannot speak of who we are without speaking about Christ."


Filmmaker Jules Naudet said he wanted to include Page, pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, because the Nashville, Tenn.,-based Southern Baptist Convention is the second-largest religious organization in the U.S., behind the Catholic Church.


"In God's Name" also will feature Pope Benedict XVI, the Dalai Lama, the archbishop of Canterbury and leaders of other faiths "to show individual examples of personal faith through these great spiritual beacons," Naudet said.


"It was to show all these great leaders, but to show them in a way that the audience can relate to them," he said. "Sometimes when you look at the Dalai Lama or the pope or the president of the Southern Baptism Convention, these are titles that inspire a lot of awe and a lot of seriousness and maybe a little bit of distance."


Naudet said Page's church was open and welcoming to his film crew.


"It's always a little bit taxing, I'm sure, on the people when we arrive. We're a team of eight people. And here he was opening literally the doors of his house to us," Naudet said.


The program is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Dec. 23 on CBS.


---


Information from: The Greenville News, http://www.greenvillenews.com


© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_DOCUMENTARY_PAGE_TNOL-?SITE=TNMAR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT



P.S. Brethren what this development brings to mind is: "By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near".


Testimonies for the Church Volume Five (1882-1889) Pg. 451, Ellen G. White.

THE LAODECIAN CHURCH TODAY


Sunday, December 16, 2007

REFORMING THE STATE-CHURCH: 501c3 PROBLEM


Reforming the State-Church:

Solutions For the Church Inc./501c3 Problem

by: Peter Kershaw, © 2000

More and more people are becoming acquainted with at least some of the perils associated with organizing a church or ministry as a "tax-exempt religious organization." Not the least of these perils is the obvious answer to the question asked by Attorney Charles Crismier, "Have we become so dependent on the government and its perks that we have been seduced from God and His power?" (Lifegate 4/2000, p. 5). Most typically, this is done by incorporating and receiving an IRS 501c3 tax-exempt recognition letter. In Virginia, incorporation for churches has never been permitted, as the state constitution expressly prohibits it. Nevertheless, most churches in Virginia are still subordinated to the State, rather than Jesus Christ, because of the manner in which they have elected to be "legally" organized and established.

Other writers have also exposed certain problems, both legally and theologically, associated with organizing a church as a corporation and/or a 501c3. Understanding that these are indeed perilous decisions for churches is important. But is it always helpful? Not unless one is able to act on the information provided. As the old adage goes, "Knowing the problem is half the solution." But as this author is only too keenly aware (having heard it from so many pastors and ministers), "It does no good to talk about problems, if you don't have a remedy for them." Agreed.

Is it viable and is it doable to organize a church as nothing more, and nothing less than, a church ? The answer is: Yes! Absolutely! History shows us. Most of America's churches were once called "free-churches," and they were established by common right of those Christian men who organized them, under the exclusive headship and sovereignty of Jesus Christ, autonomous from the State. The fact is that prior to the turn of the twentieth century, the vast majority of churches were not able to organize as corporations. Unlike today, where we can easily apply for "articles of incorporation" with our secretary of state's office, a hundred years ago, one had to petition their state legislature for a corporate charter.

Although most states never went as far as Virginia in amending their state constitutions to prohibit the incorporation of churches, nevertheless, all state legislatures recognized that the incorporation of any church was a violation of the First Amendment's prohibition of State establishment of religion. Therefore, the grant of corporate charters to churches was once quite rare. That all began to change in 1898 with the "liberalization of incorporation law" in New Jersey. Other northeastern states soon thereafter also "liberalized."

It's important to recognize that incorporation for churches in America is of relatively recent origin (although the corporation itself is quite ancient, originating in Rome by at least 250 B.C.). It's also important to recognize that an incorporated church is a State-Church. Our forefathers recognized it. The Virginia legislature recognized it in 1802 when they amended their Constitution. President James Madison recognized it in 1811 when he vetoed a bill to incorporate the Protestant Episcopal Church. Tragically, many Christians today are gravely ignorant of not only God's Word, they know little of law or history. As the philosopher, George Santayana put it, "He who learns nothing from the past is condemned to repeat it."

While many who will read this know that America's settlers came to her shores to establish religious liberty, what many today fail to recognize is that religious liberty necessitates establishing churches separate and apart from the license and sanction of civil government. More than any other element of society, it was America's colonial clergy who were responsible for leading the cause of independency, and this because of the king's attempted imposition of licenses to preach and publish the tenants of the Christian faith. Yet today, the State routinely licenses churches. It would be fallacious to blame the State, asserting fraud or State coercion. Rather, it is the clergy which has voluntarily sought State permission to be that which is already lawful. They unwittingly organize that which our forefathers abominated, government licensed State-Churches.

Of even more recent origin is 501c3 status for churches. Churches did not all of a sudden become tax-exempt and tax deductible in 1954 when they were at that time granted that "privilege" by Congress, and added to IRC section 501c3. The fact is that churches have always been treated as non-taxable (a vastly superior status to tax-exempt) and tax-deductible, by virtue of a centuries-old portion of English Common Law known as "the Law of Charities." The 501c3 is merely a reflection (or an admission) of the Law of Charities. The obvious question then is: Why do churches seek permission from the IRS for a status that even the IRS acknowledges they already have? It's certainly not due to malicious intent on the part of the clergy. Clearly, it is rooted in ignorance. Ignorance (particularly of law) makes them easy prey for Caesar's emissaries --the so-called "licensed professionals," who have created a multi-billion dollar government compliance industry, with the church as a lucrative clientele.

Tragically, some of the people who have thoroughly analyzed the church licensure issue, and who are the most disturbed by it, are often the very ones who have abandoned the organized church altogether. In all too many cases, rather than working to reform the church, they have deserted it and are no longer a part of any organized Christian fellowship, not even a well-organized home church. Our message must be reform, not escapism. This author regularly receives inquiries for information regarding unlicensed churches in various localities around the country. I have never held myself out as maintaining a contact database to network wayfaring Christians with unlicensed churches. To do so would be contrary to the very purpose of my calling. I want to encourage people to stay in their church and work to reform it, not to abandon their government-licensed church as soon as they become aware that there is an unlicensed church across town. If everyone who became troubled by this issue were to simply pack up and leave, who would remain to reform the church?

Leaving a church must be the last resort, and then reuniting in a new church fellowship should be of the highest priority. Seeking a church that is already unlicensed need not, and should not, be the highest priority. This author has seen some Christians forsake many weeks and months of regular assembling because of a stubborn refusal to darken the door of any licensed church. Is such conduct biblically (or even historically) supported? Hardly. Many of the Founding Fathers faithfully attended the Anglican Church, in spite of their personal disdain for any State sanction of religion. They would not have done so had their attendance violated the Law-Word or their own consciences.

These men understood the principles of the Reformed Faith: ecclesia reformata, semper reformatum: the church reformed, always reforming. It was because of their continued and committed reforming presence (and yes, they were communicant members ) that a majority of Anglican churches, particularly those in the southern colonies, had shifted their position from Loyalist to Patriot, and actively supported American independency. Patriotic Americans today cannot ever hope to reclaim their liberties apart from first reclaiming America's churches. Only the work of reform can accomplish that, and one can only reform that which he actively participates in.

While some may have a legitimate legal cause for not becoming a "member" of a 501c3 church, there is no biblical support for a believer to refuse church attendance on the basis that he is unable to identify a non-501c3 church in his community. Sadly, many have done precisely that, and are thereby "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Heb 10:25). It is a sin to terminate church membership over the 501c3 issue, in the same way that it is a sin to divorce one's wife over the State marriage license issue. God holds us accountable for the covenants we make, including the unrighteous ones made in ignorance (those in doubt, review Joshua 9, and Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites). Covenants may not be abrogated without incurring God's judgment (see 2 Samuel 21:1-3).

While pastors and ministers need to know that incorporation and 501c3 are a serious problem, and an affront to Christ's Sovereign rule over His church, they also need to know that there are workable solutions. The fact is that far too many people have done nothing more for the clergy than to point the accusatory finger, then leave them with nothing to remedy their problems. The reality is that there are numerous issues (property and assets, banking, polity, denominational affiliations, etc.) which could make unlicensing some churches a daunting process. For this, they will need competent assistance. That's what this ministry does--provide solutions to those pastors and ministers who sincerely desire Jesus Christ as Sovereign of their churches and ministries.



Editor's Note: Mr. Kershaw is a best-selling author, legal researcher, historian and founder of Heal Our Land Ministries. Send $20.00 to:

Heal Our Land Ministries
PO Box 220
Bristol, Virginia 24203

to receive a copy of In Caesar's Grip, a clear and intelligible book on the legal and theological ramifications of church incorporation and 501c3. Or send a self-addressed stamped envelope, for more information on his publications and videos. Or check out the web site: http://hushmoney.org/.

Mr. Kershaw's video tape series from his Unlicensed Church Conference is especially helpful to those pastors and ministers seeking to unlicense their incorporated 501c3 and establish free-churches and free-ministries.

Source: http://hushmoney.org/ReformingState-Church.htm

CHINA MAKES '3' FESTIVALS HOLIDAYS

China makes 3 traditional festivals holidays

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-16 21:45

The Chinese government on Sunday officially announced the scrapping of one of the country's three "golden week" holidays and introduced three new one-day public holidays.

The new national public holiday plan adds three traditional festivals -- Tomb-Sweeping Day, Dragon-boat Festival and Mid Autumn Festival -- to the list of public holidays.

The plan, which comes into effect on January 1, also increases the total number of national holidays from 10 to 11 days.

Each of the three traditional festivals will be a one-day holiday, according to the plan unveiled by the State Council, or China's cabinet.

The Spring Festival remains a three-day public holiday, but it will start one day earlier from the eve of the Lunar New Year, China's most important traditional festival.

The May Day holiday is shortened from three days to one day, while the three-day National Day holiday and one-day New Year holiday remain unchanged.

The government will continue to move the weekend days adjacent to a national holiday to form a longer holiday period so that people will have three days or seven days off in a row.

The New Year Day, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Dragon-Boat Festival, May Day, and Mid-Autumn Day then become holidays of three days each. The Spring Festival holiday and National Day holiday remain seven-day holidays.

The new plan contained no major revisions to the draft, which was published to solicit public opinions in early November.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the nation's top economic planning agency, said the new plan would uphold Chinese traditions and ease overcrowding on the three golden weeks.

The three week-long holidays -- Spring Festival, May Day holiday and National Day holiday -- were introduced in 1999 to boost domestic demand amid efforts to promote China's economic growth.

But hundreds of millions of Chinese traveling at the same time made transport and tourist destinations very crowded, making these holidays far from an enjoyable experience.

SDA RELIGION DOMINATES CUSTODY HEARING

Mom’s religion dominates custody hearing

Click here to zoom...
Mark A. Large/The Daily Times
Jo Anne White, who says she was quizzed about her religion by an attorney and judge in Blount County Circuit Court, reads her Bible Monday at Greenbelt Park in Maryville.

Read partial transcripts
Click here to read a partial transcript from the court hearing that picks up with attorney Craig Garrett's (identified as "Q") questioning of Jo Anne White (identified as "A") concerning her church's teaching on the "maark of the best."


By Rick Laney
of The Daily Times Staff


A Maryville woman who went to court on Aug. 14 for a child custody hearing says she was persecuted because of her religious beliefs at the hands of the Blount County judicial system.

According to Jo Anne White, what was supposed to be a standard child custody hearing turned into an almost hourlong “Bible study” in the courtroom in spite of the repeated protests of her attorney, Kevin W. Shepherd.

After a detailed discussion of her religious beliefs — documented in court reporter transcripts obtained by The Daily Times — and a brief recess to chambers, Blount County Circuit Court Judge W. Dale Young awarded temporary custody of White’s two children to her ex-husband. The custody will be reviewed again in Circuit Court on Dec. 11.

While Young questioned White about one specific aspect of her religion, attorney Craig Garrett, who represented White’s ex-husband, asked numerous probing questions about her faith. Of the 65 pages of court transcripts reviewed by The Daily Times, 41 pages deal directly with White’s religious beliefs.

“We were discussing specific Scriptures and the details of end-times prophesy,” White said. “My attorney kept protesting, but the judge kept it going for almost an hour.

“At one point, I told the judge, ‘I didn’t write the Bible — so why are we discussing this?’

“He just wouldn’t stop, and I thought I would go to jail if I didn’t respond to his questions — so I went along with it even though I knew they were inappropriate questions.

“We talked about my religion for so long that I wasn’t even allowed to bring my witnesses to the stand.”

White is a Seventh-day Adventist who married her now ex-husband 17 years ago in a Seventh-day Adventist Church. With the exception of its observance of Saturday, the “seventh day” of the week, as the Sabbath, Seventh-day Adventists also have beliefs that are similar to most mainstream Protestant churches.

The description “adventist” is based on the belief that a second coming of Christ is near. Seventh-day derives from the contention that the Bible requires observing the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, Saturday. The denomination is traceable to the preaching of William Miller, a Baptist layman who said the Book of Daniel revealed that the end of the world would occur in the mid-1840s.

According to the church’s Web site, there are currently 14.3 million Seventh-day Adventists who attend more than 60,200 Adventist churches worldwide. The denomination operates 22 churches within 50 miles of Maryville.

While judges in most states are allowed to investigate religion in custody cases, they are not allowed to base decisions on religious beliefs unless there is proof that the children are endangered by the religious practices.

Garrett said, “I did get on her about her religion because she’s so over the top.

“My purpose was to show her fanatical characteristics — but the judge’s decision about custody was not based on religion.”

When asked if White’s children were ever endangered because of her religious beliefs, Garrett said, “No, they were never endangered because of it — just aggravated and harassed.”

Calls from The Daily Times to Young’s office and home were not returned.
Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and expert on both child custody and religion in the courtroom, said, “A judge can’t say ‘this religion isn’t good for the children’ — you must have evidence.

“You have to be able to demonstrate that it isn’t in the best interest of the child.
“I think it’s inadvisable to investigate someone’s religion in depth in the courtroom.
“This is not the kind of behavior we want to see from judges, but it doesn’t necessarily constitute grounds for reversal.”

While transcripts of the court proceedings do not state why the judge awarded temporary custody to White’s ex-husband, they do show that religion was the primary topic of discussion in the courtroom that day.

Two letters written by Jo Anne White were submitted to the court as exhibits and were the subject of the initial discussion about religion. In one letter, submitted to The Daily Times as a letter to the editor in 2006, White offered $1,000 to anyone who “can prove that the Bible says God changed the Sabbath to Sunday.”

Mark of the beast
At one point during the hearing, after Garrett asked White what the Bible says about the “mark of the beast,” Shepherd voiced his objection to the questioning.

“If it’s something said to the child or involving the child, then I think it’s fair game,” Shepherd says in the transcripts. “But to just tell me what she believes the Bible teaches about salvation, the mark of the beast and hell — I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

Young told Shepherd that “she was volunteering” the information.

Then Shepherd said, “Well, I still don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss doctrine in churches in the courtroom unless we’re talking about things that she may have said or may have done that affected the children.”

Young replied, “Well, straighten me out. What is this mark of the beast stuff? I don’t understand it.”

At that point, the courtroom discussion turned to worship, the Ten Commandments, biblical history and an in-depth conversation about the mark of the beast and end-time prophesy (continuing for more than 20 pages in the transcripts, some of which are available by clicking the link in the box next to this story). Later, White was questioned by Garrett and the judge about the Roman Catholic Church.

Judge Young asked, “And so the pope then was the beast?”

White said, “No, the pope — the pope is ...”

Shepherd interrupted again and said, “Your honor, I’m going to object. I feel like the court is attacking my client’s religious beliefs.”
Young said, “I’m not attacking anybody. I just want to understand what she’s talking about.”

Shepherd said, “As far as what she believes, I mean, we can bring a witness today to talk about what the church teaches and believes.”

Young replied, “I don’t care what the church teaches and believes. I want to know what she is talking about when she says ‘the mark of the beast,’ and I have yet to have it explained to me. I don’t understand it.”

Shepherd then said, “But, I mean, I see that as appropriate to discuss among individuals, but to make it part of the court record for a custody hearing, I don’t see the relevance.”

“Well, I would like to understand it, I really would,” Young said, “and I’m not trying to harp on you or put you in a box. But you’ve got to tell me — you’ve got to explain that to me.”

After additional discussion about the mark of the beast, the Book of Daniel and Babylon, Young said, “Let’s stop right here. When somebody says ‘beast’ to me, I’m thinking lion, tiger, gorilla — some sort of monster. Is that what you’re talking about?”

Again Shepherd protested, saying, “But, Your Honor, church doctrine is not the place to be in a courtroom for the court to decide what does the Bible say about the mark of the beast or hell. This is not the place to be litigating whose faith is right or wrong.”

Eventually, the judge abandoned the line of questioning and said he didn’t want to know what the beast is.

“I have never in my life felt so humiliated, mocked and degraded,” White said. “They were enjoying themselves at my expense.

“Judge Young decided he wanted to have a biblical study in the courtroom, and I ended up having to pay for it.

“These people had nothing bad they could say about me — so they decided to make the whole hearing about my religion.

“Craig Garrett tried to make me look like a religious nut. Nobody should be discriminated against or religiously persecuted like that in a courtroom.
“I feel like the decision had been made before I ever set foot in that courtroom.”



Religion and custody
While discussions about religion are permitted in child custody cases, most states prohibit religion from being a deciding factor unless there is evidence of potential or present harm to the child, such as if the parent engages in unusual cult activities or has an unorthodox lifestyle that endangers children, according to Nihara K. Choudhri’s book “Complete Guide to Divorce Law — Divorce Law for All Fifty States.” Religions that prohibit medical treatment are also regularly examined in child custody cases.

The Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, outline specific rights including freedom of the press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The “Establishment Clause” refers to the first of several pronouncements in the First Amendment to the Constitution stating that the government cannot make laws respecting the establishment of a religion. Together with the “Free Exercise Clause,” which says the government can’t prohibit the free exercise of religion, the two clauses make up what are known as the “religion clauses” of the First Amendment.

Many state courts have gone so far as to prohibit judges from restricting a visiting parent from exposing children to his or her own religion, even when the custodial parent is teaching a different religion, unless the judge can prove “likely serious harm to the child” because it violates the Free Exercise Clause.

The International Religious Liberty Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and inside the United Nations Headquarters in New York, is the legal arm of the Seventh-day Adventist church charged with protecting religious rights. The association was contacted by Jo Ann White prior to her talking with The Daily Times.
Todd McFarland, associate general council for the International Religious Liberty Association said, “We’re certainly interested in what took place. Decisions cannot be made in the courtroom based on inquiry into someone’s belief system.”

A final ruling has not been made. The circuit court is expected to make a permanent custody ruling for the case in December.


Originally published: October 10. 2007 3:01AM

VATICAN DOCUMENT: RIGHT TO EVANGELIZE

William J. Levada, neuer Präfekt der Glaubenskongregation

DOCTRINE-EVANGELIZATION (UPDATED) Dec-14-2007
Document reminds Catholics of duty, right to share Gospel with others

By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Catholics fulfill their right and duty to share their faith with others, they are not engaging in proselytism or showing contempt for the beliefs of others, said a new document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Sharing the Christian faith with the hope that another may accept it is a command given by Christ to his followers and is a natural result of wanting others to share something special, said the "Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization."

Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the doctrinal congregation, presented the document at a Dec. 14 Vatican press conference.

In addition to reminding Catholics of their obligation to share the Gospel with others, the document harshly criticized Catholics who believe that every religion offers salvation, and it defended Catholics in some Orthodox countries from charges of proselytism when they welcome into the Catholic Church people who freely ask to join.

"For a long time, the reason for evangelization has not been clear to many among the Catholic faithful," the document said.

"It is even stated that the claim to have received the gift of the fullness of God's revelation masks an attitude of intolerance and (is) a danger to peace," it said.

In reality, the document said, when Christians share their faith with another they are responding to the right and the need the other has to hear the truth and to accept or reject it.

Cardinal Levada said the document, which already was being prepared when Pope Benedict XVI was still prefect of the congregation, was the result of a growing "confusion about whether Catholics should give testimony about their faith in Christ," particularly to people who already belong to another religion.

Respect for another, he said, absolutely forbids any use of "coercion or tactics unworthy of the Gospel," but it also means sharing one's blessings, the greatest of which is the good news of salvation in Christ.

Indian Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for Evangelization and a member of the doctrinal congregation, also participated in the document's presentation and spoke about the need to balance respect for other religions with the desire to lead others to faith in Christ.

When talking with members of other religious traditions, "Christians must try to discover the action of the Holy Spirit, that is, the 'seeds of truth,' as the Second Vatican Council called them," that are present in those religions, he said. At the same time, one must try "to lead them, without any superiority complex, to a full understanding of the truth in Jesus Christ."

"Even if the various non-Christian religions possess seeds of truth planted in them by the Holy Spirit and the people who follow them may be saved, that does not mean that the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ is irrelevant. It is our task to help the seeds of truth grow so that they find their fullness in Christ," Cardinal Dias said.

Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments and also a member of the doctrinal congregation, told reporters, "The sharing of our Catholic faith with others who do not yet know Christ should be regarded as a work of love, provided that it is done with full respect for their human dignity and freedom.

"Indeed, if a Christian did not try to spread the Gospel by sharing the excelling knowledge of Jesus Christ with others, we could suspect that Christian either of lack of total conviction of the faith or of selfishness and laziness in not wanting to share the full and abundant means of salvation with his fellow human beings," Cardinal Arinze said.

Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the doctrinal congregation, said the document is a practical follow-up to the 2000 document "Dominus Iesus," on the uniqueness of Christ and universal salvation in him.

Despite the 2000 document's insistence on the importance of proclaiming salvation in Jesus Christ alone, he said, "there still exists a coolness toward missionary activity" in many parts of the church.

In addition, he said, the document is an affirmation of the right and duty of Catholics to share their faith with others who ask to know more, whether those asking belong to other religions or to other Christian communities.

He said that when non-Catholics are free to minister to their members in predominantly Catholic countries, it only makes sense that the Catholic Church would have the same right to offer pastoral care to Catholics in predominantly non-Catholic countries.

Besides China, where all religion is restricted, and some Muslim countries where Christians cannot openly practice their faith, the issue also involved some parts of the former Soviet Union, where the Russian Orthodox Church has accused the Catholic Church of proselytism, or trying to convince members of the traditionally Orthodox population to become Catholic.

The document said: "The mission of the church is universal and is not restricted to specific regions of the earth. Evangelization, however, is undertaken differently according to the different situations in which it occurs."

Asked specifically about the Russian Orthodox claims, Cardinal Levada said, "Especially in a country like Russia where there were long years of atheistic communism, one must respect the sensitivity of the Orthodox, who are concerned about rekindling Christianity in the life of their people."

While some evangelical groups have launched proselytism campaigns in Russia, he said, the Catholic Church is there to offer pastoral care to Catholics.

"We do not proselytize, but it can happen that someone has an encounter with the Catholic faith and wants to join the Catholic Church," the cardinal said. In such situations, the Catholic Church must respect the individual's conscience and help him or her to follow it.

END

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250


Source: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0707136.htm


F.Y.I. When JP2 passed away, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) a.k.a. The Office of Inquisition, was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who was then made Pope, he vacated the post, and Archbishop William Levada of San Francisco, California, on May 13, 2005, was 'elevated' to the office (CDF). Blogman.

RUSSIA: NATIONAL SECURITY ISN'T 'COLD WAR'


Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko attend an official ceremony in Minsk December 14, 2007. [Agencies]


Russia: safeguarding national security irrelevant to 'cold war'

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-14 11:29



MOSCOW -- Allegations that Russia is reverting to the "cold war" times are baseless, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday in an interview with BBC.


"It is strange to hear claims that we are returning to the 'cold war' times. We are doing everything necessary to guarantee our national security, be it the patrol flights of our bombers or the cruise of our naval squadron in the Mediterranean," Lavrov said.










Related readings:
NATO urges Russia to rescind decision to suspend CFE treaty
US says to talk with Russia on missile defense plans
Russia retreats from arms treaty

At the same time, Moscow sees that "strategic nuclear forces and the US ABM system are being moved to Eastern Europe without any reasons whatsoever", he said.

The NATO infrastructure is also being gradually moved closer up to the Russian borders and these processes are not disturbing anybody in the West, the Itar-Tass news agency quoted him as saying.


"However, empty talks about a 'cold war' comeback begun right after we decided to resume something that was done in the past, something that is absolutely normal and within the framework of what was previously done," Lavrov said.


"We are not threatening anybody," he added.


"We have muscles, but we are not flexing them. We have closed down our military bases in Cuba and in Vietnam and, in reply, we got even more NATO military bases next to our borders ... In other words, we are relaxing our muscles while the other side is tensing theirs," he said.


Russia suspended fulfilling obligations in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty on midnight Wednesday according to a law signed by President Vladimir Putin.


Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-12/14/content_6322170.htm

Saturday, December 15, 2007

SHADOWS OF POWER: CFR & THE AMERICAN DECLINE

Shadows of Power:
The Council on Foreign Relations and the American Decline
by James Perloff


This new 2002 edition-includes an updated list of CFR members! James Perloff exposes the subversive roots and global designs of the CFR. Passed off as a think-tank, this group is a key "power behind the throne," with hundreds of top-appointed government officials drawn from its ranks. Perloff traces its activities from the Wilson to the Reagan administrations.

From the book's back cover:

"Does America have a hidden oligarchy? Is U.S. foreign policy run by a closed shop? What is the Council on Foreign Relations? It began in 1921 as a front organization for J.P. Morgan and Company. By World War II it had acquired unrivaled influence on American foreign policy. Hundreds of U.S. government administrators and diplomats have been drawn from its ranks - regardless of which party has occupied the White House. But what does the Council on Foreign Relations stand for? Why do the major media avoid discussing it? What has been its impact on America's past - and what is it planning for the future? These questions and more are answered by James Perloff in The Shadows of Power"

Read the following laudatory reviews:

"Wake up America! This book could be titled "Suppressed American History of the 20th Century." Perloff traces the history of the American Establishment, through its political arm, the Council on Foreign Relations. The aims of the CFR and the Establishment are clear - a World Government, removal of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. What is more frightening is the Establishment control of the media and education. Please read this book! You will never watch the news the same way again." [This reviewer gave the book a '5 star review']

"Excellent and timely. Mr. Perloff presents a well documented and thoughtful portrayal of American history through the lens one of who understands the insidiousness of the Establishment. This should be required reading in high schools throughout America. I make this last comment as the concerned parent of teenagers who are being taught history from a decidely globalist and socialist perspective in our schools, which are paid for with hard earned capitalist dollars. It is truly a shame.

Perloff describes beautifully and with a proper sense of wonder some of the history of John Birch. Yes, this is the same man for whom the society is named. If you don't know this story of courage and faith, it alone is well worth the price of the book. Read. Learn. And spread the word." [This reviewer also gave the book a '5 star review']

"You must read this! This isn't one of those "aliens are probing us!" conspiracy books. This is a very detailed and FACTUAL book. There are several references to back the facts printed in this book. I've read this book twice (probably read it again) now and can't get over the painstaking detail provided" [This reviewer also gave the book a '5 star review']

A fascinating introduction to, and historical overview of, the immensely-influential and powerful organisation which has rightfully been called "America's secret government"!

Source: http://69.28.73.17/shadows.html

THE OATH OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, ET AL.

The Oath of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Malta and Rhodes Scholars is based upon the Oath of the Jesuits

Knights of Columbus Knights of Malta Rhodes Trust

(This is an extract of the Congressional Record of the House of Representatives dated February 15, 1913, where the oath is entered as purported to be of the Knights of Columbus).

"I, ............, now in the presence of Almighty God, the blessed Virgin Mary, the blessed St. John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, and all the saints, sacred host of heaven, and to you, my Ghostly Father, the superior general of the Society of Jesus rounded by St. Ignatius Loyola, in the pontification of Paul the III and continued to the present, do by the womb at the Virgin, the matrix of God, and the rod of Jesus Christ, declare and swear that His Holiness the Pope, is Christ's vice regent and is the true and only head of the Catholic or Universal Church throughout the earth; and that by virtue of the keys of binding and loosing given His Holiness by my Savior, Jesus Christ, he hath power to depose heretical kings, princes, States, Commonwealths, and Governments and they may be safely destroyed. Therefore to the utmost of ray power I will defend this doctrine and His Holiness's right and custom against all usurpers of the heretical or Protestant authority whatever, especially the Lutheran Church of Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway and the now pretended authority and Churches of England and Scotland, and the branches of same now established in Ireland and on the Continent of America and elsewhere, and all adherents in regard that they may be usurped and heretical, opposing the sacred Mother Church of Rome."

"I do now denounce and disown any allegiance as due to any heretical king, prince, or State, named Protestant or Liberals, or obedience to any of their laws, magistrates, or officers."

"I do further declare that the doctrine of the Churches of England and Scotland, of the Calvinists, Huguenots, and others of the name of Protestants or Masons to be damnable, and they themselves to be damned who will not forsake the same."

"I do further declare that I will help assist, and advise all or any of His Holiness's agents, in any place where I should be, in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Ireland, or America, or in any other kingdom or territory I shall come to and do my utmost to extirpate the heretical Protestant or Masonic doctrines and to destroy all their pretended powers, legal or otherwise."

"I do further promise and declare that, notwithstanding I am dispensed with to assume any religion heretical for the propagation of the Mother Church's interest to keep secret and private all her agents' counsels from time to time, as they intrust me and not divulge, directly or indirectly, by word, writing, or circumstances whatever but to execute all that should be proposed, given in charge or discovered unto me by you my Ghostly Father, or any of this sacred order."

"I do further promise and declare that I will have no opinion or will of my own or any mental reservation whatsoever, even as a corpse or cadaver (perinde ac cadaver), but will unhesitatingly obey each and every command that I may receive from my superiors in the militia of the Pope and of Jesus Christ."

"That I will go to any part of the world whithersoever I may be sent, to the frozen regions north, jungles of India, to the centers of civilization of Europe, or to the wild haunts of the barbarous savages of America without murmuring or repining, and will be submissive in all things whatsoever is communicated to me."

"I do further promise and declare that I will, when opportunity presents, make and wage relentless war, secretly and openly against all heretics, Protestants and Masons, as I am directed to do to extirpate them from the face of the whole earth; and that I will spare neither age, sex, or condition, and that will hang, bum, waste, boil, flay, strangle, and bury alive these infamous heretics; rip up the stomachs and wombs of their women, and crush their infants' heads against the wails in order to annihilate their execrable race. That when the same can not be done openly, I will secretly use the poisonous cup, the strangulation cord, the steel of the poniard, or the leaden bullet, regardless of the honor, rank, dignity, or authority of the persons, whatever may be their condition in life, either public or private, as I at any time may be directed so to do by any agents of the Pope or superior of the Brotherhood of the Holy Father of the Society of Jesus."

"In confirmation of which I hereby dedicate my life, soul, and all corporal powers, and with the dagger which I now receive I will subscribe my name written in my blood in testimony thereof; and should I prove false or weaken in my determination, may my brethren and fellow soldiers of the militia of the Pope cut off my hands and feet and my throat from ear to ear, my belly opened and sulphur burned therein with all the punishment that can be inflicted upon me on earth and my soul shall be tortured by demons in eternal hell forever."

"That I will in voting always vote for K. of C, in preference to a Protestant, especially a Mason, and that I will leave my party so to do; that if two Catholics are on the ticket I will satisfy myself which is the better supporter of Mother Church and vote accordingly."

"That I will not deal with or employ a Protestant if in my power to deal with or employ a Catholic. That I will place Catholic girls in Protestant families that a weekly report may be made of the inner movements of the heretics."

"That I will provide myself with arms and ammunition that I may be in readiness when the word is passed, or I am commanded to defend the church either as an individual or with the militia of the Pope."

"All of which I, ............, do swear by the blessed Trinity and blessed sacrament which I am now to receive to perform and on part to keep this, my oath."

"In testimony hereof, I take this most holy and blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and witness the same further with my name written with the point of this dagger dipped in my own blood and seal in the face of this holy sacrament."

Source: http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/jesuits.htm

This page may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material available in my efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Source: http://www.illuminati-news.com/2007/0818a.htm

P.S. The last article I posted concerning the Knights of Columbus was removed by GOOGLE, on Nov. 25, 2007, reason given: Blogger DMCA Complaint received.

Fasciae as in Fascism

Let's see how many knights (nights) this post will last? Blogman.

JFK'S WARNING ABOUT SECRET SOCIETIES

JFK

John F. Kennedy's Warning About Secret Societies Taking Over the World
[Audio]
- Listen to this incredible audio recording of a speech made by JFK before the American Newspaper Publishers Association where he warns the press about the secret societies that are the real power in global affairs. -
- InfoWars.com -
(Posted here: Thursday, July 06, 2006)

Source: http://www.illuminati-news.com/secret-societies.htm

I WANT TO BE A WORKER

I WANT TO BE A WORKER

I want to be a worker for the Lord,
I want to love and trust His holy Word,
I want to sing and pray,
Be busy every day
In the vineyard of the Lord.

Refrain

I will work, I will pray,
In the vineyard, in the vineyard of the Lord.
I will work, I will pray.
I will labor every day, in the vineyard of the Lord.

I want to be a worker every day,
I want to lead the erring in the way
That leads to Heav’n above,
Where all is peace and love,
In the vineyard of the Lord.

Refrain

I want to be a worker strong and brave,
I want to trust in Jesus’ pow’r to save;
All who will truly come
Shall find a happy home
In the vineyard of the Lord.

Refrain

I want to be a worker; help me, Lord,
To lead the lost and erring to Thy Word,
That points to joys on high
Where pleasures never die,
In the vineyard of the Lord.

Refrain


Isaiah Baltzell (1832-1893)
---------------

Words & Music:
Isai­ah Balt­zell (1832-1893)
(MI­DI, score).

ANHELO TRABAJAR POR EL SEÑOR

(YO QUIERO TRABAJAR)

Anhelo trabajar por el Señor,
Confiando en su palabra y en su amor,
Quiero yo cantar y orar,
Y ocupado siempre estar
En la viña del Señor.

Coro

Trabajar y orar,
En la viña, en la viña del Señor;
Sí, mi anhelo es orar,
Y ocupado siempre estar,
En la viña del Señor.

Anhelo cada día trabajar,
Y esclavos del pecado libertar.
Conducirlos a Jesús,
Nuestro Guía, nuestra Luz,
En la viña del Señor.

Coro

Anhelo ser obrero de valor,
Confiando en el poder del Salvador;
El que quiera trabajar
Hallará también lugar
En la viña del Señor.

Coro

tra­du­ci­do de in­glès a es­pañ­ol por
Pedro Grado (1862-1923).

PAUL'S ADDRESS TO THE ATHENIANS

15And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

16Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

19And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

20For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

22Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

33So Paul departed from among them.

34Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. --- Acts 17:15-34.

INCREDIBLE APOSTASY; BUT, THERE IS HOPE

Incredible Apostasy

(But there is hope!)

#076 - February 2003
This sermon is part of a series (3 of 3)

By Elder Lawrence Nelson

Some years ago the General Conference sent me, as a world-youth leader, to visit the Cameroons in the heart of Africa. I was to spend thirty days visiting our schools and outposts in behalf of youth evangelism. Our first day of travel in a Volkswagen ended quickly, for we experienced six flat tires in the first ten miles. I insisted we return to the capital city and try to find some better used tires, and our driver agreed. After hunting through stacks of old tires we finally found four that we thought would do the job.

While these were being installed I decided to go for a short walk to see some of the shops which lined the streets. Little did I realize what I was about to encounter. Rounding the corner of the block I was suddenly confronted with a very tall man who was about to bump into me. I quickly jumped aside over the open sewer by the sidewalk to avoid hitting him.

Never shall I forget this man. He was stark naked and covered with the filth of the open sewer, for apparently he had tumbled in. His body odor made me sick to my stomach. Amid such filth I noticed that his chest and abdomen were covered with open sores from which the pus was oozing out. Several of his fingers and toes were missing, having been destroyed by leprosy. Through his matted hair, I could see the opening where his nose used to be for it too had been eaten away by leprosy. And behind that matted hair, I noticed that both his eyes were missing. Only the eye sockets remained. He was a walking skeleton. Actually, he was a living corpse and the sight of this nearly-dead person still troubles me. He was wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

Now, in the word of God there is a description of such people who are filled with the leprosy of sin. They, He says, are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." But praise the Lord, with such there is hope. Let me read this to you as found in Revelation 3:14 - 22. "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne: even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Now, before we study this chapter regarding the Laodiceans, let us approach God for guidance in prayer. Loving Father, how Thy heart must be filled with grief as Thou dost behold Thy professed children who are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, following the customs and teachings of Babylon and disregarding Thy offer to help them that they may be filled with hope. For Thou canst recreate them to be sons and daughters of the heavenly King. Please guide us in this study that Thy Holy Spirit may convict such to their deepest need to feel the touch of the great Physician's power to heal and restore. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Let me begin with a question: Who are those that God declares compose His true church? The answer is found in inspiration entitled The Upward Look p. 315. "God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. 'Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.' (Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church." Nothing could be stated more clearly.

Such precious souls are recognized by God as His remnant people. I read, "In holy vision, John saw the remnant church on the earth in an age of lawlessness, and he points them out in unmistakable language: 'Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'" Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888. So from this we understand that God's people are those who believe the Three Angels' Messages. This is the exact language that God uses in the Holy Scripture to describe His remnant as they battle the devil in this end time. Revelation 12:17 states, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

From these inspired statements God's remnant are found to have four characteristics.

• They love God
• They keep His commandments
• They have the faith of Jesus
• They believe and obey the Spirit of Prophecy

But sad to say, the vast majority of those found within the Laodicean church do not meet these requirements. Notice how the Bible describes them. It's not a pleasant picture. In fact, it reveals them to be in a most miserable state of affairs, yet thinking that they are ready to meet Jesus. Let me read this again so there will be no mistake, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Why? "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Again I want to reemphasize there is hope. For God says if such will repent and open the door that He will come in to them.

Now I hear a question: "Are you sure, Elder Nelson, that this chapter applies to our church today?" In Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, p. 186 I read, "I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time." Now that's a startling denunciation for it applies to the present time. I have been doing some research concerning God's remnant people, both in ancient Israel and those of today's modern Israel. As I give you these comparisons, keep in mind that in spite of ancient Israel's apostasy a remnant was saved. Likewise, in spite of today's apostasy within God's modern Israel there will be a remnant who will be saved. So praise God, there is hope!

The Bible clearly teaches such a doctrine. I am reading from Romans 9:27, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved." Praise God. As I read these words, my heart leaps for joy and is filled with hope, for amid the apostasy of Old Testament times a remnant was saved. And amid today's apostasy a remnant will be saved.

Inspiration describes what is now taking place. "I have been shown that the spirit of the world is fast leavening the church. You are following the same path as did ancient Israel. There is the same falling away from your holy calling as God's peculiar people. You are having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." Let me break in here. That's ecumenical in every sense. That's taking place today. "You are having fellowship with the unfruitful words of darkness. Your concord with unbelievers has provoked the Lord's displeasure. You know not the things that belong to your peace, and they are fast being hid from your eyes. Your neglect to follow the light will place you in a more unfavorable position than the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced a woe."

She continues, "I have been shown that unbelief in the testimonies has been steadily increasing as the people backslide from God. It is all through our ranks, all over the field. But few know what our churches are to experience. I saw that at present we are under divine forbearance, but no one can say how long this will continue. No one knows how great the mercy that has been exercised toward us. But few are heartily devoted to God. There are only a few who, like the stars in a tempestuous night, shine here and there among the clouds." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 75, 76. What a picture. Only a few? How shocking, but thank God for a remnant.

Ellen White writes what the Lord has revealed to her. "Since the time of the Minneapolis meeting, I have seen the state of the Laodicean church as never before. ... Like the Jews, many have closed their eyes lest they should see." Review and Herald, August 26, 1890. "The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, p. 167.

Let us keep in mind that if ancient Israel had been faithful to God's truth Jerusalem would have remained forever as you read in Jeremiah 17:25. The Old Testament church would have been the last church of God in this world; but the people failed. Only a remnant were saved. And so it is today. This church would have been the last church of God in the nineteen hundreds for I read, "Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, p. 450. That was published in the year 1900.

How amazing. Let's consider the problem. "There is an astonishing backsliding with God's people, to whom has been entrusted sacred, holy truth." Testimonies to Ministers p. 450. The cable between us and God has been severed. "The facts concerning the real condition of the professed people of God, speak more loudly than their profession, and make it evident that some power has cut the cable that anchors them to the Eternal Rock, and that they are drifting away to sea, without chart or compass." Christ Our Righteousness p. 35.

Now that's a most serious situation. In giving the following comparisons I hope and pray that those who are ignorantly following man's leadership instead of obeying God's instructions will awake before the door of hope is forever closed. So please, prayerfully consider the following as I compare between ancient Israel and modern Israel.

Let's look at ancient Israel: "The kingdom of God," I read, "shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." Matthew 21:43. Now compare that with modern Israel: "He will take His Holy Spirit from the church, and will give it to others who will appreciate it." Review and Herald, July 16, 1895.

Let's look again at ancient Israel: "The people gave credence to what the priests and Pharisees taught, in place of seeking to understand the word of God for themselves." Desire of Ages p. 489. And in modern Israel the same is taking place: "But God is greatly dishonored when men are placed in the position where God should be." Testimonies to Ministers p. 326.

Again, ancient Israel: "The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constituted righteousness. ... They thought themselves the greatest religionists in the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory." Desire of Ages p. 309. And the same is taking place in modern Israel for I read, "As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. ... The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched." Desire of Ages p. 280.

In ancient Israel divine power was lacking. I read in Matthew 23:38, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." And compare that with today's modern Israel: "But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 210.

Now you all know what a harlot is. Consider this of ancient Israel, "How is the faithful city become a harlot!" Isaiah 1:21. And now consider modern Israel, "'How is the faithful city become a harlot!' My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed! For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 8, p. 250.

And one more comparison, please. I almost hesitate to read it. First of ancient Israel: Matthew 11:23, "And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." And now of modern Israel: "And thou, Capernaum, [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." Review and Herald, August 1, 1893.

What a comparison. I can't speak for you but I'm astonished that inspiration declares that things will become so evil. No wonder God will spue the Laodiceans out of His mouth. But beloved, I have not presented these facts to encourage you to leave God's people. Never, never! Remember there is hope, even though our church boasts of growing millions of members. Amid its apostasy God says, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea a remnant will be saved." Romans 9:27. I can't help but say, Praise the Lord.

But then I hear someone say, "But Elder Nelson, how can you insist that we not separate when you have just read how Ellen White described the growing apostasy within our church?" I answer, "My dear brother, my dear sister, believe it or not, we haven't seen anything yet! The worst is yet to come, but this is not the time to separate as God wants you to become one of those whom He calls His remnant to be saved."

Permit me to present a bit more of the comparison between ancient and modern Israel. Old Israel became so wicked that God had to divide the kingdom. Yet the kings of Israel increased in evil year by year while the kings of Judah still retained a few good kings like Josiah. Of this time I read in Prophets and Kings p. 384, "At the time that Josiah began to rule, and for many years before, the truehearted in Judah were questioning whether God's promises to ancient Israel could ever be fulfilled. From a human point of view the divine purpose for the chosen nation seemed almost impossible of accomplishment."

Consider this - Under the reign of Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, apostasy really hit the bottom. This man undid all the good works of King Hezekiah. He brought Baal worship into the city of Jerusalem, placing altars to the pagan sun god at the very entrance to the sanctuary of God. And keep in mind that Baal worship included temple prostitutes for which the king built houses to conduct their evil ways around these altars to Baal. Now tell me, if you had lived at that time, what would you have done? If such evil existed on our church grounds today, where you worship each Sabbath, what would you do?

But that's not all. This wicked king, who was to represent God in leadership, made his sons to pass through the fire in pagan worship. Manasseh gave up every pretence to serve the Lord. The Bible states of him in 2 Kings 21:9, "Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the children of Israel." You know, that's an overwhelming thought. But in such apostasy there was still hope. This young king, Josiah, commanded to remove Baal worship from God's house. As the sanctuary was undergoing a housecleaning to remove the rubbish of idolatry, they discovered the book of God's law. As it was read to the king he discovered that God still extended hope to His people.

I'm reading, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." Deuteronomy 30:19. As the king heard these words of hope he asked to read further and found courage to continue his housecleaning, for he read in Deuteronomy 30:6, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." What a God!

It was thus that a great reformation took place and it all began with a study of God's law. Beloved, the law of God is the only basis for a genuine revival. It is not "love" and "unity" as we find promoted today in our church. For the law reveals what sin really is. After the law is established in the heart then love and unity are to follow based on truth. It was after this manner that Josiah became a great reformer for God

I continue to read, "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him." 2 Kings 23:25. What many have overlooked today is the teaching of Jesus, that in the end time there would be a division within the church as the wheat and tares mature. The wheat represent the people who have the faith of Jesus and keep His commandments and heed the Spirit of Prophecy. Inspiration calls them "a little company," a "very small remnant who sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the midst of the church." The tares are those who have accepted the pagan customs as presented by misguided leadership. Of these individuals God declares, "They are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." And they are convinced that they are "rich and in need of nothing." I read in Review and Herald, July 18, 1904, "Here is plainly represented two distinct parties, formed from a company once united. The members of one of these parties are in resistance to the will of God. ... The ruin of this class is certain."

Look with me for a moment through the eyes of God's prophet as we read the following in Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 394, "Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless soul upon Christ." Consider how the pen of inspiration pictures the present conditions. I'm reading from Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 389. "The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith and replacing them with pillars they have devised. (Shall I read the last sentence? ...) This will continue as long as time shall last."

Now who would dare to remove the foundation which God has laid? You can see it happening today. In the book Maranatha p. 192 we read, "Before the last developments of the work of apostasy there will be a confusion of faith. There will not be clear and definite ideas concerning the mystery of God. One truth after another will be corrupted." Every month I receive letters telling me of some truth that is now being corrupted.

Those who knew Ellen White tell us that she seldom wept, but in the year 1885 she wept so that her tears actually fell on the manuscript she was writing concerning our day. You can read this in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 77 - 84. Why did she weep? - Because she foresaw how our ministers, trained in the schools of Babylon, would teach false doctrines in God's church, a time "when holy hands bear the ark no longer." She tells us that God would use these false teachers to scourge idolatrous Israel in an effort to arouse His people by permitting heresy to continue in the church, thus separating the chaff from the wheat.

Later she wrote in Testimonies to Ministers p. 409, 410, "Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan." How utterly shocking. Did you note "many" would stand in our pulpits teaching Satan's doctrines, and believe me that time has arrived. But in spite of these sickening conditions within the Laodicean church these individual members are seen by God to be wretched, poor, blind and naked, yet, in His great love, He comes to each with hope, knocking at their heart's door, trusting they will open the door and let the Great Physician come in with His cleansing and healing power, for He is able to recreate a Laodicean into the image of God.

Beloved, this hope He extends to every member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Praise His name. "Behold," He says, "I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me." What a Savior. "To him that overcometh I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and sat down with my Father in his throne."

As a servant of God I join with Christ and plead with you to open your heart's door and surrender to Jesus now so that the Savior may dwell within you. "For until the heart is surrendered unconditionally to God, the human agent is not abiding in the true Vine, and cannot flourish in the Vine, and bear rich clusters of fruit. God will not make the slightest compromise with sin. If He could have done this, Christ need not have come to our world to suffer and die. No conversion is genuine which does not change both the character and the conduct of those who accept the truth. The truth works by love, and purifies the soul." Sons and Daughters of God p. 288.

This is why Christ pleads, "My son, [my daughter,] give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26. Jesus is asking for an entire, full surrender. But let us not forget that while God supplies the power that is needed in man's surrender it requires effort on the part of man to surrender to Christ. Note the following: "There must be heart-felt surrender of our will to God; we must renounce all our own supposed merits, and look to the cross of Calvary. This surrender to God involves effort on the part of the human agent to co-operate with the divine agencies; the branch must abide in the vine." 1888 Materials p. 1105.

Remember, divine power is essential. "To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. "When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural working, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. ... But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one." Manuscript Release, Volume 17, p. 314.

In writing to some of our prominent ministers who thought themselves in need of nothing, but who were in need to be restored to spiritual power by surrender, Ellen White used words which reveal that a divine hand was needed to achieve what God was able to do. She used the words "melted over," "resoldered," and "remodeled." Listen, "Give yourself over to God, and let Him resolder you, that you may not be defective vessels. ... It is only when self, falling on the Rock, is broken, that the Lord has opportunity to remodel." Manuscript Release, Volume 17, p. 263, 264. "Hand yourself over to Jesus, to be molded and fashioned by Him, that you may be made vessels unto honor." Manuscript Release, Volume 21, p. 302. "I tell you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, your wills must die; they must become as God's will. He wants to melt you over and to cleanse you from every defilement." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, p. 181. Isn't that a beautiful description of what God wants to do for you?

So, "If you pray in sincerity, surrendering yourself, soul, body and spirit unto God, you put on the whole armour of God, and open the soul to the righteousness of Christ; and this alone, -- Christ's imputed righteousness, -- makes you able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The work of every soul is to resist the enemy in the power and might of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the promise is that the devil shall flee from us. But let all realize that they are in peril, and there is no assurance of safety except as they comply with the conditions of the text. For the Lord says, 'Draw nigh to God.' How? - By secret, earnest examination of your own heart; by childlike, heart-felt, humble dependence upon God, making known your weakness to Jesus, and by confessing your sins. Thus you may draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." Sons and Daughters of God p. 346.

So beloved, there is hope for all who find themselves sick with the leprosy of sin. I could do nothing for that poor man in the Cameroons who was wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, but God, He not only offers you hope, He can heal you and fully restore you so that you may become a part of His remnant church. Praise the Lord. With His divine power, plus your full surrender, you can be separated by holy angels from the tares as probation closes, to be sealed, anointed with the Holy Spirit, to give the Loud Cry, and be ready to see Jesus when He comes. Remember, in spite of modern Israel's apostasy and its claiming growth in the millions, God says only a remnant will be saved. Praise His holy name, today this blessed hope can be a reality in your life and in mine.

Let us pray. Thank you dear God for making it possible that we can become a part of Thy remnant church so soon to dwell with Thee throughout eternity in praising the holy name of Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.

COUNSELS ON FAITHFUL STEWARTS


1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

15For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?




1 Corinthians 4.