Wednesday, January 30, 2008

BIGGS TIPS FOR RICH: EXPECT WAR, STUDY...

Biggs's Tips for Rich: Expect War, Study Blitz, Mind Markets

Review by James Pressley

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Barton Biggs has some offbeat advice for the rich: Insure yourself against war and disaster by buying a remote farm or ranch and stocking it with ``seed, fertilizer, canned food, wine, medicine, clothes, etc.''

The ``etc.'' must mean guns.

``A few rounds over the approaching brigands' heads would probably be a compelling persuader that there are easier farms to pillage,'' he writes in his new book, ``Wealth, War and Wisdom.''

Biggs is no paranoid survivalist. He was chief global strategist at Morgan Stanley before leaving in 2003 to form hedge fund Traxis Partners. He doesn't lock and load until the last page of this smart look at how World War II warped share prices, gutted wealth and remains a warning to investors. His message: Listen to markets, learn from history and prepare for the worst.

``Wealth, War and Wisdom'' fills a void. Library shelves are packed with volumes on World War II. The history of stock markets also has been ably recorded, notably in Robert Sobel's ``The Big Board.'' Yet how many books track the intersection of the two?

The ``wisdom'' in the alliterative title refers to the spooky way markets can foreshadow the future. Biggs became fascinated with this phenomenon after discovering by chance that equity markets sensed major turning points in the war.

The British stock market bottomed out in late June 1940 and started rising again before the truly grim days of the Battle of Britain in July to October, when the Germans were splintering London with bombs and preparing to invade the U.K.

`Epic Bottom'

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plumbed ``an epic bottom'' in late April and early May of 1942, then began climbing well before the U.S. victory in the Battle of Midway in June turned the tide against the Japanese.

Berlin shares ``peaked at the high-water mark of the German attack on Russia just before the advance German patrols actually saw the spires of Moscow in early December of 1941.''

``Those were the three great momentum changes of World War II -- although at the time, no one except the stock markets recognized them as such.''

Biggs isn't suggesting that Mr. Market is infallible: He can get ``panicky and crazy in the heat of the moment,'' he says. Over the long haul, though, markets display what James Surowiecki calls ``the wisdom of crowds.''

Like giant voting machines, they aggregate the judgments of individuals acting independently into a collective assessment. Biggs stress-tests this theory against events that shook nations from the Depression through the Korean War, which he calls ``the last battle of World War II.''

Refresher Course

Biggs has read widely and thought deeply. He has a pleasing conversational style, an eye for memorable anecdotes and a weakness for Winston Churchill's quips. His book works as a brisk refresher course.

What really packs a wallop, though, is his combination of military history, market action, maps and charts. It's one thing to say that the London market scraped bottom before the Battle of Britain. It's another to show it.

In May and June 1940, some 338,000 British and French troops had been evacuated from Dunkirk by a flotilla of fishing boats, tugs, barges, yachts and river steamers. The French and Belgian armies had collapsed; the Dutch had surrendered. Britain stood alone, as bombs shattered London and the Nazis prepared to invade. Yet stocks rallied.

Mankind endures ``an episode of great wealth destruction'' at least once every century, Biggs reminds us. So the wealthy should prepare to ride out a disaster, be it a tsunami, a market meltdown or Islamic terrorists with a dirty bomb.

The rich get complacent, assuming they will have time ``to extricate themselves and their wealth'' when trouble comes, Biggs says. The rich are mistaken, as the Holocaust proves.

``Events move much faster than anyone expects,'' he says, ``and the barbarians are on top of you before you can escape.''

``Wealth, War and Wisdom'' is from Wiley (358 pages, $29.95, 15.99 pounds).

(James Pressley writes for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

To contact the writer of this review: James Pressley in Brussels at jpressley@bloomberg.net .

Last Updated: January 29, 2008 19:36 EST

Source: http://bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aImBVle3OMyo&refer=home

SUPER TUESDAY: 'IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID'

Super Tuesday: 'It's the economy, stupid'
Primary states lost 1.5 million manufacturing jobs under Bush

Posted: January 30, 2008
1:00 a.m. Eastern

By Jerome R. Corsi
© 2008 WorldNetDaily.com


Group says more than 900,000 U.S. jobs have gone to China

The 24 states holding primaries in next week's Super Tuesday have lost 1,568,600 manufacturing jobs in the seven years since President Bush took office, according to statistics provided WND by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, or AAM.

"In the Super Tuesday states, "It's the economy, stupid,' is what voting is going to be all about," Kerri Houston, senior analyst at AAM, told WND.

"It's also about 'It's the defense, stupid," Houston said, "given how many U.S. defense suppliers have now been outsourced overseas."

"The Department of Defense now has graveyards full of broken-down equipment, including tanks, airplanes and missile launchers that are out of action for lack of a part," she continued.

"Republicans who have opposed unions for decades don't want to talk about outsourcing as a problem, because they are afraid the unions would come back if the jobs came back, and the Republicans are happy to see Democrats denied campaign contributions that would be coming out of union dues," Houston emphasized.

"But when the military can't find steel, tires or metal parts, and military procurement demands the Department of Defense look for a U.S. manufacturer, we're out of luck," she said. "The part the military needs may today only be made in China."

According to AAM data, the 24 Super Tuesday states have lost 914,400 jobs across all sectors to China alone while Bush has been in office.

"Jobs and the economy will be the top issues that drive voters to the polls on Super Tuesday," said AAM director Scott Paul. "The manufacturing jobs lost under the Bush administration were good-paying jobs that can't really be replaced by lower-paying service sector jobs.

"The presidential candidates would be wise to directly address these issues," Paul advised, "and let the voters know what they will do to strengthen American manufacturing, challenge China's unfair trade practices and reform our broken trade policy."

In the Super Tuesday states, Montana and West Virginia are involved in the Republican primaries only, and Idaho, New Mexico and Kansas are Democratic primary states only.

The 19 states with both Republican and Democratic primaries on Super Tuesday are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.

"The whole idea of the Bush tax refund being an economic stimulus is going to be received with skepticism in the Super Tuesday states," Houston cautioned.

"The U.S. Treasury has to borrow from China the money to use in paying out the tax refund," she noted.

"Then what are people going to do – use their refund check to buy goods that are made in China?" she asked. "Unfortunately, the Bush administration is not going to mail back the jobs lost to outsourcing along with the refund checks, whenever they finally arrive."

Source: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59947

EVANGELICAL PRESIDENT BECOMES RC

May 05, 2007

Evangelical Theological Society President Converts to Catholicism

Francis Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies at Baylor University and current president of the Evangelical Theological Society, has been received into the Roman Catholic Church, according to reports today.

The Evangelical Theological Society was founded as an academic professional organization for conservative Protestant scholars. The ETS doctrinal statement is, in its entirety: "The Bible alone, and the Bible in its entirety, is the Word of God written and is therefore inerrant in the autographs. God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each an uncreated person, one in essence, equal in power and glory."

This confessional minimalism has been a subject of much discussion over the years, occasioned by heterodox teachings within the Society on, among other things, claims to non-historical saga used in biblical texts and denials of the exhaustive foreknowledge of God. Some Society members have pointed to the fact that the ETS guidelines are so minimal they do not even stipulate the Society's Protestant identity, as seen by the fact that Catholic scholar Scott Hahn is, last time I checked, an ETS member, able and willing to sign the doctrinal basis.

This development will no doubt intensify the discussion over evangelical identity and the ETS.

UPDATE: Dr. Beckwith has resigned as president of the ETS, and discusses his path back to Rome at the Right Reasons weblog.

Posted by Russell D. Moore

Source: http://merecomments.typepad.com/merecomments/2007/05/evangelical_the.html

IN GAZA, A RUSH FOR FOOD,...

In Gaza, a rush for food, TVs and sheep

'Hamas has achieved a great victory to allow people to get out'

Image: Gaza border frenzy
Hatem Omar / AP
Palestinians return with sheep from Egypt to the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants blasted down most of the wall between Gaza and Egypt at the town of Rafah on Wednesday.



updated 9:04 p.m. ET, Wed., Jan. 23, 2008


RAFAH, Egypt - Gaza is a small place, and news spread quickly Wednesday that the border fence was knocked down before dawn. Pretty soon, I was caught up in a traffic jam as people raced to Rafah in buses, cars, motorcycles. Some even rode bicycles and donkey carts.

They were full of joy to get out of Gaza, after being cooped up for two years.

"Hamas has achieved a great victory to allow people to get out," declared one young man, pointing at armed members of the Islamic militant group who stood idly by as people poured over the border. The man, who is about to get married, was buying a bedroom set.

Gazans have grown accustomed to seeing borders closed off by walls and weapons, so I never thought I would see armed Egyptian security forces looking on without interfering as huge crowds ran through a breach in the wall from Gaza into Egypt.

As I walked at midmorning about 500 yards across the Israeli-built road that separates Gaza's Rafah from Egypt's Rafah, I saw people already returning, helping each other haul their purchases back into Gaza. They were carrying food, fuel, cigarettes, shoes, furniture, car parts, even generators. Several carried huge boxes of Toshiba-make TVs, ranging in price from $243 to $649.

Hamas rolls in
The big operators drove their 4-wheel-drive vehicles across the border and loaded up with building materials like cement, which are in short supply in Gaza. They drove the loads back to Gaza, then turned around and filled up again.

Hamas was in control. Even though there were several breaches in the border wall, the militants were allowing people to go through only two of them. Plainclothes security officers watched the crowd, stopping anyone they thought looked suspicious. They confiscated drugs and weapons that people tried to take back to Gaza.

Even men I recognized as former Fatah security officers before Fatah was defeated by the Hamas militants who overran Gaza in June praised Hamas for forcing open the border.

The merchants in Rafah couldn't believe their good luck. At one small grocery, where maybe 10 or 20 people shop on most days, there were long lines of hundreds of people fighting to get in, stripping everything off the shelves.

The shopkeepers were accepting all kinds of currency — Israeli shekels, U.S. dollars, euros, Egyptian pounds.

Price soar, fights break out
Prices started rising, and just went up and up until things were running out and the merchants in Egypt began charging prices higher than in Gaza.

Cigarettes, which ordinarily sell for about $1.90 a pack in Gaza City, soared from an initial 80 cents on the Egyptian side of Rafah to $2.70 at their peak. As demand spiked, cartons of milk were selling for $9.50 in Rafah compared to $8.10 in Gaza.

Then people got angry.

I saw a fight between a farmer who bought two sheep and the man who sold them for twice the normal price.

It didn't take long until all the stores were empty, but people kept coming from Gaza, even those who didn't need to buy anything. They just sat around drinking tea and smoking water pipes, saying they were enjoying the first feeling of freedom in memory.

They were there to prove to their relatives — and possibly even themselves — that it was possible to get out.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22810367/

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

JP2'S DIES DOMINI APOSTOLIC LETTER 1998

Dies Domini
"Practicing" the Day of the Lord
(from the Nov./Dec. 1998 issue)

IN HIS RECENT APOSTOLIC LETTER, Dies Domini, (released in July, 1998) the Holy Father calls us to spiritual growth. If we reclaim the practice of keeping the Sabbath, he instructs us, we will see a significant growth in the culture of life, a time of peace and spiritual maturing. Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is a great gift from the Almighty which we need to practice. Christianity is a "practical" religion: "Be ye doers of the Word."

Pope John Paul II writes: "’Remember the Sabbath day in order to keep it holy’ (Exodus 20:8)...Before decreeing that something be done, the commandment urges that something be remembered.....It is a call to awaken remembrance of the grand and fundamental work of God which is creation, a remembrance which must inspire the entire religious life of man and then fill the day on which man is called to rest. Rest therefore acquires a sacred value: the faithful are called to rest not only as God rested, but to rest in the Lord, bringing the entire creation to Him, in praise and thanksgiving, intimate as a child and friendly as a spouse...Therefore, the main point of the precept is not just any kind of interruption of work, but the celebration of the marvels which God has wrought" (Dies Domini, 16). Of course, the greatest marvel is the Redemption of man through Christ Jesus. Sunday is the day to celebrate this act of love.

Toward building a culture of life

A great factor in the decline of Catholicism’s effectiveness in building a culture of life—evangelizing—is the abandonment of the practice of the Lord’s Day. People are so busy they miss the natural and supernatural refreshment which comes from practicing the Lord’s Day. They are tired; hence, at times, violent, disrespectful, stressed, bored and confused. Families ought to make Sunday "the Lord of days" in the home.

People need rest—not just more time off, not mere interruption—rest; rest in the Lord. God commanded: "Remember the Sabbath day in order to keep it holy," knowing that left on our own we would wear ourselves out with the time He gave us. Time is precious.

When Sunday loses its importance and becomes merely part of a "weekend," people cannot see the heavens. We need to "see the heavens," the Pope reminds us, to contemplate the mysteries of God and to spend time with Church and family; and to do this we need to stop for Sunday.

Sunday is time for God and us: the Day of the Lord (a celebration of the Creator’s work) is the Day of Christ (a celebration of the Risen Lord) is the Day of the Church (a celebration of the Mystical Body: at Mass, in moments of family life, social relationships, listening to each other, relaxation, prayer, catechesis ) is the Day of Man (a celebration of the day of joy, rest and solidarity) is the Day of Days (a celebration of the meaning of time which is found in Christ, the Alpha and the Omega.) To reclaim Sunday is to reclaim evangelizing the world for Christ, who came in the "fullness of time."

—Fr. Roger K. Arnsparger

Father Arnsparger is pastoral administrator of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, North Carolina

Source: http://www.aquinas-multimedia.com/catherine/diesdomini.html

MORE:

Rome Urges Sunday Observance!

Pope John Paul II Vatican City (7 July 1998) At an historic news conference from the Vatican on July 7, 1998, Pope John Paul II addressed the world episcopate by presenting his latest Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini, On Keeping The Lord's Day Holy. This hundred page encyclical cites nearly all scriptural references to the Sabbath, from creation, the redemption of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, and the promise of "Sabbath Rest" from Hebrews 4, to the several inferences to the "first day of the week" in the New Testament, all as applying to "the Lord's Day", as is claimed to be the Sunday. It is admitted that Sunday observance had its origins in Pagan worship and feasts to the sun-god, but, as the Bishop of Rome concedes,

27. "Wise pastoral intuition suggested to the Church the christianization of the notion of Sunday as "the day of the sun", which was the (Pagan) Roman name for the day . . ."

And skillfully attempting to lay a groundwork for establishing historical precedent, or so-called Christian tradition as authority for the "Christian Sabbath", the Pontif asserts that,

64. "Only in the fourth century did the civil law of the Roman Empire recognize the weekly recurrence, determining that on 'the day of the sun' the judges, the people of the cities and the various trade corporations would not work."

However, observe what is further stated about "civil" responsibility regarding "the Lord's Day":

65. "By contrast, the link between the Lord's Day and the day of rest in civil society has a meaning and importance which go beyond the distinctly Christian point of view. . ."

66. "In this matter, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII in his Encyclical Rerum Novarum spoke of Sunday rest as a worker's right which the State must guarantee."

67. "Therefore, also in the particular circumstances of our own time, Christians will naturally strive to ensure that civil legislation respects their duty to keep Sunday holy."

Some might view this Apostolic Letter as only applying to Catholics. Dear Friends, that could never be further from the truth. It is generally appealing to "Christian duty" (all Christians), as noted in paragraph 67 above.

Friends, the gospel of salvation cannot and should not be legislated, but the Roman Church has throughout history sought to use the civil arm to enforce her will. The Apostle John vividly saw in vision a time just prior to the return of Christ in glory, when the apostate church would once again use civil law to persecute all who would not "worship the beast and his image." Society is being prepared for such a time, when under the guise of "family", "correcting society's ills", or "getting back to our nation's Christian roots", laws will soon be introduced which will honor the unscriptural "sabbath" of Roman tradition, the Sunday.

You can view the whole Apostolic Letter by Pope John Paul II at: The Official Vatican Web Site.

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WHAT IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST?





Revelation 14:10 reveals that those who receive the mark of the Beast will have the wrath of God poured upon them. Notice the Apostle Paul’s clear teaching about the recipients of God’s wrath. Colossians 3:6 tells us that “the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.” The mark of the Beast is therefore a brand of disobedience to God. It marks those who refuse to keep God’s commandments in spite of both the preaching of the two witnesses and even the final warning delivered by an angel of God (Revelation 14:9).

The mark of the Beast stands clearly as a brand of disobedience to God and His laws. Does the Bible reveal a contrasting sign of obedience that identifies God’s true people? Notice Exodus 31:13–17. Here God declared to ancient Israel that His Sabbaths were a sign between Him and His people forever! The Sabbath is the test commandment to identify the true God of creation and the people who are obedient to His commands and laws.

Revelation 13 explains that the mark of the Beast, a brand of disobedience to God, is taken upon the hand and the forehead. Just as disobedience is described as worn upon the hand and forehead, so also is obedience to God’s law. Notice Deuteronomy 6. “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and commandments… And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes” (vv. 1–2, 8, KJV). The hand is symbolic of actions, while the forehead is the seat of intellect. Obedience to God involves both actions (hand) and will (forehead).



www.tomorrowsworld.org...

This text clearly indicates the true mark of the beast is SUNDAY worship and denying the "old covenant". Keeping the Sabbath and the Holy days is a mark of GOD's people.

"And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes" Deut 6:8

So the mark of the beast would be an "anti-mark" of the sign of the worship on SUNDAY and refusing the law and commandments...........and worship on FRIDAY as in Islam............


Source: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread329579/pg1

ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED?

23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Luke 13:23-30.

NEW JESUIT GENERAL MEETS WITH PONTIFF

New Jesuit general meets with Pontiff

(CWNews.com) - Father Adolfo Nicolas, the newlRome, Jan. 28, 2008 y elected superior general of the Society of Jesus, met with Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) in a private audience on Saturday, January 26.

Jesuit officials released a statement after the meeting saying that the conversation between Father Nicolas and the Pope had been "warm and friendly." The Vatican issued no official statement about the meeting, other than a brief mention that it had taken place.

The Jesuits' statement indicated that Father Nicolas had used the meeting as an opportunity to "reaffirm his personal respect for the Vicar of Christ as well as the esteem of the whole Society of Jesus." The new superior general, following a Jesuit tradition, renewed his vows in the Pope's presence.

According to the statement from Jesuit superiors, Pope Benedict said that he was pleased to know that the general congregation of the order, which continues its meeting in Rome this week, will reflect on the message that the Pontiff sent to the participants as the general congregation began. In that message the Holy Father urged the general congregation to "reaffirm, in the spirit of St. Ignatius, its own total adhesion to Catholic doctrine, in particular on those neuralgic points which today are strongly attacked by secular culture."

Source: http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=56238

Monday, January 28, 2008

THE STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH 2008

THE STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH 2008
or Last Call for Alcohol
(1984+24)
Tonight it's showtime in Washington, District of Columba.
Our President Bush will address the nation with his usual candor and charisma.
However, like many others I will choose not to listen or watch.
You probably wonder why?
I will answer that I am tired of the rhetoric, and the lies and deception.
When you are the president, everything must look rosy, from the top.
But, in the front lines things are bleak.
Yet, those that week in and out, struggle to make an honest living can see that things aren't that nice. It is getting harder, and harder to put food on the table.
The prez might talk a good game: But where's the beef?
It's the War on Terror, and everything else has taken a lower priority on his administration's agenda.
You might call me bitter or cynical. Well, from where I sit, I have heard of thousands of human beings killed for the elusive WMD pretext, and the "If we fight them there, we won't have to worry about them coming here", rationale. So, I refuse to listen to more propaganda. No more speeches that take staffs of "Lawyers" weeks to compose. Yet, are delivered in seconds, mean nothing, and leave you just at broke as you were when the "Speech" began. Like a snake oil salesman pushing the miracle concoction, 'The Miracle Chat' will do nothing for you, except leaving your pockets and stomachs empty.
There will be cheers. There will be plenty of applause. It's the politically correct thing to do. Afterall, they're just boys and gals in the same country club called "The Political Charade". What's your handicap, Bob? When was the last time you got a whole in one?
I can see clearly now, and it all seems 'red' to me. The Red Mass; The Ambassador to the Vatican; The over-representation of Roman Catholics in all branches of Government; The constant trips and consultations with the Vatican; The upcoming whirlwind tour of the Bishop of Rome to the U.S.; etc.
The War on Islam, or the Shiia is sponsored by none other than the Vatican.
No, I will not listen or watch. The Hegelian Dialectics are clearly visible, and the rabbit hole is in the middle of Washington.
Thesis: Terror Strikes;
Antithesis: Perpetual War on Terror;
Synthesis: Benevolent Dictartorship.
That's what I see on the agenda, and looming on the horizon.
The Inquisition is back with a passion! Guantanamo, Outsourcing Shuttle-Torture, and loss of civil liberties, are just the beginning of this New World Order. Need we hear any more gibberish?
I CAN NOT GET OVER THIS PICTURE:
President Bush handing Ratzinger that Staff. This is a clear indication of Bush passing Ratzinger The Rod so he can lead or command. What it implies is: "You be Moses, lead us to the promised land". So, I need no more rhetoric coming from the first truly "Roman Catholic" (he survives) President.
Thanks for the check in the snail mail!
Everything's pink in America.
When you're drunk everything seems fine, so cheers! Pass the Pink Champagne, or Asti Spumanti.
Keep the booze coming!
Wait, for the hangover that's on its way. Capite?
Thank, The Lord for discernment.
Arsenio.

VENEZUELAN TROOPS SEIZE FOOD

Venezuelan Troops Seize Food




January 25, 2008
TVNZ, New Zealand

Venezuela's top food company has accused troops of illegally seizing more than 500 tonnes of food from its trucks as part of President Hugo Chavez's campaign to stem shortages.

The leftist Chavez this week created a state food distributor and loosened some price controls, seeking to end months of shortages for staples like milk and eggs that have caused long lines and upset his supporters in the OPEC nation.

The highly publicised campaign has also included government crackdowns on accused smuggling, with the military seizing 1,600 tonnes of food and sending 1,200 troops to the border with Colombia.

Jose Anzola, a director of food company Alimentos Polar, told reporters that troops stopped 27 of its trucks over the last three days and described the seizures as "illegal, arbitrary and irresponsible."

Troops said they halted the transport of 350 tonnes of food to states along the Colombian border on suspicion of smuggling, he said. Another 165 tonnes were impounded in an eastern state on accusations of hoarding, he added.

Venezuela's National Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Polar's statements.

Polar, one of the country's largest private employers and best-known brands, produces and distributes grocery products including corn flour, a central element of Venezuelan cooking, and the country's most popular beer.

Business leaders say shortages of these products are caused by strict price controls, which have lagged inflation that is Latin America's highest.

Chavez is focusing on practical issues like food supply and crime after losing a December referendum that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely and expand his self-styled revolution.

He announced an increase of more than 30% in the retail price of milk in an effort to ease shortages that have created headaches for consumers of all social classes.

He also threatened to expropriate companies selling food above regulated prices.

"Anyone who is distributing food ... and is speculating, we must intervene and we must expropriate (the business) and put it in the hands of the state and the communities," Chavez said during the inauguration of a new state-run market in Caracas.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1555965

Source: http://standeyo.com/NEWS/08_Food_Water/080126.VEN.troops.seize.food.html

THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH



The Foundation of Our Faith

[THIS
ARTICLE APPEARED IN
SPECIAL TESTIMONIES,
SERIES B, NO. 2, PAGES 51-59, PUBLISHED IN 1904.]
-

The Lord will put new, vital force into His work as human agencies obey the command to go forth and proclaim the truth. He who declared that His truth would shine forever will proclaim this truth through faithful messengers, who will give the trumpet a certain sound. The truth will be criticized, scorned, and derided; but the closer it is examined and tested, the brighter it will shine. {1SM 201.1}

As a people, we are to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth that has withstood test and trial. We are to hold to the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his deceptive designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will give these truths their proper place in the plan of God. {1SM 201.2}

I have been instructed by the heavenly messenger that some of the reasoning in the book Living Temple is
202
unsound, and that this reasoning would lead astray the minds of those who are not thoroughly established on the foundation principles of present truth. It introduces that which is nought but speculation in regard to the personality of God and where His presence is. No one on this earth has a right to speculate on this question. The more fanciful theories are discussed, the less men will know of God and of the truth that sanctifies the soul.
{1SM 201.3}

One and another come to me, asking me to explain the positions taken in Living Temple. I reply, "They are unexplainable." The sentiments expressed do not give a true knowledge of God. All through the book are passages of Scripture. These scriptures are brought in in such a way that error is made to appear as truth. Erroneous theories are presented in so pleasing a way that unless care is taken, many will be misled. {1SM 202.1}

We need not the mysticism that is in this book. Those who entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead them away from God. It is represented to me that the writer of this book is on a false track. He has lost sight of the distinguishing truths for this time. He knows not whither his steps are tending. The track of truth lies close beside the track of error, and both tracks may seem to be one to minds which are not worked by the Holy Spirit, and which, therefore, are not quick to discern the difference between truth and error. {1SM 202.2}

A View of Approaching Danger

About the time that Living Temple was published, there passed before me in the night season, representations indicating that some danger was approaching, and that I must prepare for it by writing out the things God had revealed to me regarding the foundation principles of our faith. A copy of Living Temple was sent me, but it remained in my library, unread. From the light given me by the Lord, I knew that some of the sentiments advocated in the book did not bear the endorsement of God, and that they were a snare that the enemy had prepared for the last
203
days. I thought that this would surely be discerned, and that it would not be necessary for me to say anything about it.
{1SM 202.3}

In the controversy that arose among our brethren regarding the teachings of this book, those in favor of giving it a wide circulation declared: "It contains the very sentiments that Sister White has been teaching." This assertion struck right to my heart. I felt heartbroken; for I knew that this representation of the matter was not true. {1SM 203.1}

Finally my son said to me, "Mother, you ought to read at least some parts of the book, that you may see whether they are in harmony with the light that God has given you." He sat down beside me, and together we read the preface, and most of the first chapter, and also paragraphs in other chapters. As we read, I recognized the very sentiments against which I had been bidden to speak in warning during the early days of my public labors. When I first left the State of Maine, it was to go through Vermont and Massachusetts, to bear a testimony against these sentiments. Living Temple contains the alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our brethren and sisters not to enter into controversy over the presence and personality of God. The statements made in Living Temple in regard to this point are incorrect. The scripture used to substantiate the doctrine there set forth, is scripture misapplied. {1SM 203.2}

I am compelled to speak in denial of the claim that the teachings of Living Temple can be sustained by statements from my writings. There may be in this book expressions and sentiments that are in harmony with my writings. And there may be in my writings many statements which, taken from their connection, and interpreted according to the mind of the writer of Living Temple, would seem to be in harmony with the teachings of this book. This may give apparent support to the assertion that the sentiments in Living Temple are in harmony with my writings. But God forbid that this sentiment should prevail. {1SM 203.3}

Few can discern the result of entertaining the sophistries
204
advocated by some at this time. But the Lord has lifted the curtain, and has shown me the result that would follow. The spiritualistic theories regarding the personality of God, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They estimate as nothing the light that Christ came from heaven to give John to give to His people. They teach that the scenes just before us are not of sufficient importance to be given special attention. They make of no effect the truth of heavenly origin, and rob the people of God of their past experience, giving them instead a false science.
{1SM 203.4}

In a vision of the night I was shown distinctly that these sentiments have been looked upon by some as the grand truths that are to be brought in and made prominent at the present time. I was shown a platform, braced by solid timbers--the truths of the Word of God. Some one high in responsibility in the medical work was directing this man and that man to loosen the timbers supporting this platform. Then I heard a voice saying, "Where are the watchmen that ought to be standing on the walls of Zion? Are they asleep? This foundation was built by the Master Worker, and will stand storm and tempest. Will they permit this man to present doctrines that deny the past experience of the people of God? The time has come to take decided action." {1SM 204.1}

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a
205
wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.
{1SM 204.2}

Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? {1SM 205.1}

I hesitated and delayed about the sending out of that which the Spirit of the Lord impelled me to write. I did not want to be compelled to present the misleading influence of these sophistries. But in the providence of God, the errors that have been coming in must be met. {1SM 205.2}

An Iceberg! "Meet It"

Shortly before I sent out the testimonies regarding the efforts of the enemy to undermine the foundation of our faith through the dissemination of seductive theories, I had read an incident about a ship in a fog meeting an iceberg. For several nights I slept but little. I seemed to be bowed down as a cart beneath sheaves. One night a scene was clearly presented before me. A vessel was upon the waters, in a heavy fog. Suddenly the lookout cried, "Iceberg just ahead!" There, towering high above the ship, was a gigantic iceberg. An authoritative voice cried out, "Meet it!" There was not a moment's hesitation. It was a time for instant action. The engineer put on full steam, and the man at the wheel steered the ship straight into the iceberg. With a crash she struck the ice. There was a fearful shock, and the iceberg broke into many pieces, falling with a noise like thunder to the deck. The passengers were violently shaken by the force of the collisions, but no lives were lost. The vessel was injured, but not beyond repair. She rebounded from the contact, trembling from
206
stem to stern, like a living creature. Then she moved forward on her way.
{1SM 205.3}

Well I knew the meaning of this representation. I had my orders. I had heard the words, like a voice from our Captain, "Meet it!" I knew what my duty was, and that there was not a moment to lose. The time for decided action had come. I must without delay obey the command, "Meet it!". {1SM 206.1}

That night I was up at one o'clock, writing as fast as my hand could pass over the paper. For the next few days I worked early and late, preparing for our people the instruction given me regarding the errors that were coming in among us. {1SM 206.2}

I have been hoping that there would be a thorough reformation, and that the principles for which we fought in the early days, and which were brought out in the power of the Holy Spirit, would be maintained. {1SM 206.3}

The Firm Foundation of Our Faith

Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, [OLDER BRETHREN AMONG THE PIONEERS ARE HERE THUS REMINISCENTLY REFERRED TO. "FATHER PIERCE" WAS STEPHEN PIERCE, WHO SERVED IN MINISTERIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK IN THE EARLY DAYS. "FATHER ANDREWS" WAS EDWARD ANDREWS, THE FATHER OF J. N. ANDREWS.--COMPILERS.] Elder {Hiram} Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, "We can do nothing more," the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages
207
we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me.
{1SM 206.4}

During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony with the Word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given. {1SM 207.1}

For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. In the course of our labors, my husband and I visited Father Andrews, [SEE NOTE ON PAGE 206.] who was suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism. We prayed for him. I laid my hands on his head, and said, "Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee whole." He was healed instantly. He got up, and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, "I never saw it on this wise before. Angels of God are in this room." The glory of the Lord was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel's hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this I have been able to understand the Word of God. {1SM 207.2}

What influence is it would lead men at this stage of our history to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the foundation of our faith--the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that
208
would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the command, "Meet it!" . . .
{1SM 207.3}

I must bear the messages of warning that God gives me to bear, and then leave with the Lord the results. I must now present the matter in all its bearings; for the people of God must not be despoiled. {1SM 208.1}

We are God's commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word--especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.
210
{1SM 208.2}

Selected Messages/ Book 1, Ellen G. White, pp.201-210.

Source: http://egwdatabase.whiteestate.org/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$vid=default

Note: Bolds and Highlights used for emphasis in texts. Blogman.

WHO SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH ADVENTISTS

WHO seeks Adventists among faith-based groups for renewed partnership


New director-general recognized for change in organization's direction











The World Health Organization has asked Seventh-day Adventist health leaders to join its initial consultations as it prepares to renew partnerships with faith-based organizations.

After 30 years of shying away from such affiliation, WHO, under its new director-general, is actively seeking to reach groups that can more effectively implement global health goals, health officials said.

Adventist leaders and WHO officials said the Adventist Church was selected for its health message and for urging its churches to double as community health support centers.

"Seventh-day Adventists are known worldwide for being leaders in health and developers of community health care," said Dr. Ted Karpf, a WHO technical officer.

"This is a huge privilege to be part of the pilot group investigating working relationships of faith-based organizations with the World Health Organization," said Dr. Peter Landless, associate Health Ministries director for the Adventist world church.

Both Landless and Dr. Alan Handysides, Adventist Church Health Ministries director, were among the 16 participants representing religious organizations at the initial WHO-sponsored planning conference in Geneva last month.

"They have initiated this, it's a huge step, and it's an absolute blessing that a church the size of the Adventist Church has been invited to be part of the initial strategy planning in this whole process," Landless said.

WHO officials said the emphasis on partnering with FBOs is a result of new Director General Dr. Margaret Chan's focus on Africa, women and primary care.

"We need to focus on where delivery of health services actually takes place," said Alex Ross, director for the Programme on Partnerships and UN Reform.

"Historically, FBO presence in the community is perhaps greater than a traditional medical model," Ross said, citing data that show at least 40 percent of healthcare in Africa is being delivered by the faith-based community. Partnering, he said, would recognize and coordinate work already being done by FBOs.

"I think Adventists, both the Seventh-day Adventist Church and by association [the Adventist Development and Relief Agency], were seen as being a very powerful force with a long history in this area and therefore have an enormous amount of experience to contribute," Ross said.

Adventist Health Ministries operates in more countries than any other religious denomination. Landless said the partnership will provide further opportunity to spread the Adventist health message among more communities.

Partnering with WHO will also likely allow the Adventist Church to collaborate with other world health conferences in Europe next year, Landless said.

"It has opened doors to further health work collaboration, which would include Adventist teaching institutions as well as our clinics and hospitals," Landless said.



"Source: Adventist News Network"


Source: http://news.adventist.org/data/2008/1199900681/index.html.en



P.S. A partnership with WHO? That old Serpent, WHO deceived Eve in Eden?

Sunday, January 27, 2008

PRESUMPTUOUS, CARELESS DELAY



Presumptuous, Careless Delay

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev. 16:15.


The evil servant says in his heart, "My lord delayeth his coming." He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord's coming is delayed. He banishes from the mind of others the conviction that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. . . . He mingles with the world....It is a fearful assimilation. With the world he is taken in the snare.... {Mar 34.1}

"If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:3. The advent of Christ will surprise the false teachers. They are saying, "Peace and safety." Like the priests and teachers before the fall of Jerusalem, they look for the church to enjoy earthly prosperity and glory. The signs of the times they interpret as foreshadowing this. But what saith the word of Inspiration? "Sudden destruction cometh upon them." 1 Thess. 5:3. Upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth, upon all who make this world their home, the day of God will come as a snare. . . . {Mar 34.2}

The world, full of rioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep, asleep in carnal security. Men are putting afar off the coming of the Lord. They laugh at warnings. The proud boast is made, "All things continue as they were from the beginning." "Tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." 2 Peter 3:4; Isa. 56:12. We will go deeper into pleasure loving. But Christ says, "Behold, I come as a thief." Rev. 16:15. At the very time when the world is asking in scorn, "Where is the promise of his coming?" the signs are fulfilling. While they cry, "Peace and safety," sudden destruction is coming. When the scorner, the rejecter of truth, has become presumptuous; when the routine of work in the various money-making lines is carried on without regard to principle; when the student is eagerly seeking knowledge of everything but his Bible, Christ comes as a thief. {Mar 34.3}

Maranatha, Ellen G. White, p.34.

NOTE: Bolds and Highlights used for emphasis on Peace and Safety. Blogman.

PEACE AND SAFETY IN THE CHRISTIAN HOME

P E A C E A N D S A F E T Y I N T H E C H R I S T I A N H O M E











Conferences & Events



October 10-13, 2008
PASCH Conference

Partnering for Change: the Church Responds to Domestic Violence
Washington, D.C.
Read More >>




October 10-13, 2008
PASCH Conference

Partnering for Change: the Church Responds to Domestic Violence
Washington, D.C.

Save the dates for our next conference: October 10-13, 2008, Columbus Day weekend, at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in suburban Takoma Park, Maryland. Speakers include Lundy Bancroft (author of Why Does He Do That?), Steve Tracy (author of Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse), Carolyn Rexius (director of Christians Addressing Family Abuse), Nancy Nason-Clark, Julie Owens, Barbara Fisher-Townsend and Catherine Kroeger.

Source: http://www.peaceandsafety.com/

"IT'S YOUR MONEY SEMINAR"

Mark the Calendar


The It’s Your Money seminar is a practical seminar on the Biblical principles of personal money management that will be hosted here at Sligo on February 22 and 23. This seminar will be given by Elder G. Edward Reid, Director of Stewardship for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is an ordained minister, author, licensed attorney and is certified as a teacher and counselor by Crown Financial Ministries. Family finances have been abandoned to the secular world for too long, and the results have been devastating to the family unit. Financial conflicts are the underlying cause of >80% of all family problems, and the Christian family is not immune. Not all family financial problems are due to a lack of funds. Often problems result from the mishandling of an adequate amount of money. This practical seminar focuses on helping families respond in a Godly manner to today’s financial crisis. It applies to families of all income and age levels. Take this opportunity to get a handle on your finances. This is designed to greatly reduce the stress in your life and give you peace through an understanding of God’s will in money management. Plan now to attend and bring a friend.

Source: http://www.sligochurch.org/news.htm

P.S. at Sligo on February 22 and 23: These dates are on Friday and Saturday !!! Blogman.

PASTORS OF SLIGO SDA CHURCH

(Pastors at Sligo Church)

Former Senior Pastor

Ron Halvorsen, Jr.

(301) 270 6777 ext. 121

Growing up as a “preacher’s kid”, Ron Halvorsen, Jr. has been involved with church activities all of his life.... more>

Associate Senior Pastor

Youth/Young Adults

Terry Johnsson
(301) 270 6777 ext. 119
tjohnsson@sligochurch.org

Terry Johnsson is an expert at team building and devotes his time to Sligo's ... more>

Pastor for Discipleship
Rebecca Brillhart

(301) 270 6777 ext. 123
rbrillhart@sligochurch.org

Rebecca Brillhart is passionate about helping others know the ultimate freedom of a life devoted to God.... more>

Pastor for Congregational Care

Debbie Eisele
(301) 270 6777 ext. 127
eiseled@sligochurch.org

Debbie Eisele enjoys seeing potential in others, especially... more>

Pastor for Administration

(Part Time)

John Wagner
(301) 270 6777 ext. 116

jwagner@sligochurch.org

John was born in Pennsylvania about the time his parents were baptized into the SDA church. ... more>

Pastor for Youth

(Student, Part Time)

Peter Garza
(301) 270 6777 ext. 133

Pastor for Youth

Pete was born and raised in the Takoma Park/Silver Spring neighborhood. A graduate of ... more>

Columbia Union College Chaplain

Otis Coutsoumpos, Jr.
(301) 891-4112

chaplain@cuc.edu

Growing up as a son of missionary parents, Otis and his family served in Costa Rica and Chili... more>

Pastor for Children

Mark Sigue
(301) 270 6777

marksigue@gmail.com

Mark Sigue was born in the Philippines into a pastor’s family, more>

Minister of Music & Worship

Lloyd Mallory
(301) 270 6777

lmallory@sligochurch.org

Lloyd Mallory Jr., a native of Washington, D.C. comes from a musical background ... more>

Pastor for Family Ministries

(Part Time)

Buffy Halvorsen

(202) 486-2605

buffyhalvorsen@msn.com

Buffy grew up in Wyoming as a preacher’s kid and has spent her life in ministry. more>

Sligo Pastoral Staff at their 2007 Retreat (Not pictured: Terry Johnsson)

Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church

7700 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
phone: 301-270-6777 fax: 301-270-3518 e-mail: sligo@sligochurch.org emergency line: 301-980-1009

Copyright © 2007 Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church

THE COUNTERFEIT REVIVAL

2

-- ------ --

The Counterfeit Revival

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, . . . having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 5.


Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world. {Mar 33.1}

In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed. And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God. {Mar 33.2}

Maranatha, Ellen G. White, p.33.