Sunday, March 16, 2008

PHYSICAL HEALTH AND NOBLE THINKING


Physical Health and Noble Thinking

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11.


Many regard this text as a warning against licentiousness only; but it has a broader meaning. It forbids every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust. Appetite was given us for a good purpose, not to become the minister of death by being perverted, and thus degenerating into "lusts, which war against the soul." Peter's admonition is a most direct and forcible warning against the use of all stimulants and narcotics. These indulgences may well be classed among the lusts that exert a pernicious influence upon moral character. {Mar 81.1}

Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference the health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is no sin and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits. Excessive eating of the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. And if the food is not the most healthful, the effects will be still more injurious. Any habit which does not promote healthful action in the human system degrades the higher and nobler faculties....Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers. {Mar 81.2}

The strength of the temptation to indulge appetite can be measured only by the inexpressible anguish of our Redeemer in that long fast in the wilderness. He knew that the indulgence of perverted appetite would so deaden man's perceptions that sacred things could not be discerned. . . . If the power of indulged appetite was so strong upon the race, that, in order to break its hold, the divine Son of God, in man's behalf, had to endure a fast of nearly six weeks, what a work is before the Christian! Yet, however great the struggle, he may overcome. By the help of that divine power which withstood the fiercest temptations that Satan could invent, he, too, may be entirely successful in his warfare with evil, and at last may wear the victor's crown in the kingdom of God. {Mar 81.3}

Maranatha, Ellen G. White, p.81.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

THE GOOD NEWS

Isaiah 61

1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

7For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

8For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.

10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

CHRIST'S TEMPTATION & ENTRY TO GALILLEE



1And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

3And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

4And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

5And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

7If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

8And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

9And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

10For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

11And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

12And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

13And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

20And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

23And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

25But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

26But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

28And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

29And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

30But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

33And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

36And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

37And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

39And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

40Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

42And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

43And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

44And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Luke 4 (King James Version)

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Words:
Fan­ny Cros­by, in Bright­est and Best, by W. H. Doane and
Ro­bert Low­ry (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Big­low & Main, 1875), num­ber 118.

Music:
W. How­ard Doane (MI­DI, score).

Friday, March 14, 2008

SOARING PRICES CAUSE HUNGER WORLDWIDE


Food Crisis
Soaring prices are causing hunger around the world.

Friday, March 14, 2008; Page A16

THE SKYROCKETING commodity prices that have made the Farm Belt one of the most prosperous regions of the United States have had a rather different impact on large areas of the developing world. Foodstuffs have gone up 41 percent in price since October 2007, pushing many people over the line from poverty into privation or even hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization, a branch of the United Nations, has identified 36 "crisis" countries, 21 of which are in Africa. The World Food Program, another U.N. agency, estimates that it will need $500 million on top of what donor nations have already pledged to fill what the WFP calls a global "food gap."

The United States must do its part. Even before the spike in commodity prices, the fiscal 2008 food aid budget of $1.2 billion was proving inadequate. President Bush asked for a $350 million supplemental appropriation in October, to cover help for Darfur and other critically needy areas. But Congress has not yet approved that request. Meanwhile, the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administers U.S. food aid, has accumulated a $120 million food budget deficit, which could grow to $200 million by the end of the fiscal year. Congress should swiftly approve the president's supplemental request, adding as much money as possible to offset recent price increases -- as Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. (Pa.) and six other Democratic senators, including Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.), have proposed. The alternative is selective cutbacks in aid to hungry regions, a kind of nutritional triage unworthy of the richest agricultural nation in human history.

But increasing current spending is only a short-term solution. Higher food prices appear to be here to stay, and U.S. policy must adjust accordingly. Congress must dramatically improve the efficiency of existing programs. An April 2007 report by the Government Accountability Office showed that transportation and other overhead costs now consume 65 percent of U.S. food aid dollars. This is partly attributable to higher fuel prices and U.S. laws requiring that most grain shipments go out on relatively expensive U.S.-flagged cargo vessels. And why does so much food have to travel the high seas in the first place? Because U.S. law requires that the government buy all food donations from U.S. producers.

One cost-cutting measure, supported by many economists and by relief organizations such as CARE, would be to permit the U.S. government to buy at least some of the grain it donates from farmers nearer to famine zones -- to buy, say, South African or Ethiopian wheat and ship it to the hungry elsewhere in Africa. Both the European Union and Canada have recently authorized such "local and regional purchases," with broadly successful results. President Bush has called for allowing as much as 25 percent of the U.S. food aid budget to be used this way.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate rejected his proposal, refusing to include it in their respective versions of the farm bill, which are pending before a House-Senate conference committee. The Senate Agriculture Committee did substitute a $25 million pilot program; even that tepid measure didn't make it into the final Senate bill. With food prices and food needs on the rise, Congress cannot afford business as usual. House and Senate conferees should adopt the president's proposal in the farm bill.


Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/13/AR2008031303347.html

NEW PASSPORT TO SURVIVAL

Taco
New Passport to Survival
by Rita Bingham and Esther Dickey
Pasta Maker


Book Cover Over 30 years ago Esther Dickey wrote the original 'Passport to Survival' which was the standard for many years. Esther's daughter, Rita Bingham, an already accomplished author with many books in print has now re-written her mother's book, making it bigger and better than ever. James Talmage Stevens, the widely known author of Making the Best of Basics says about this new work, "The New Passport To Survival is your Passport To Peace, your ticket to a self-sufficient lifestyle - whether you choose to live in a city, a suburb, or in a rural area. This book will show you how to prepare, without panicking, for all kinds of disasters - loss of a job, natural and man-made disasters, or global calamities."

Not only does Rita have a great amount of preparedness savy, but she's also extremely generous as many of the best parts of her New Passport to Survival can be found in this section. From my association with her I've found she cares a great deal more about people than about turning a profit. As she has cast her bread upon the waters here, may it return to her ten fold.

(See bottom of page for copyright information.)
Al

Table of Contents:

Part One
Chapter 1 - Why Store? - page 9
Chapter 2 - What If? - page 13

Part Two
Chapter 3 - Twelve-Step Program - page 22

Part Three
Chapter 4 - Helping Others - page 207
Chapter 5 - Completing the Preparedness Picture - page 213

Appendix 1 - Cooking Measurements - page 221
Appendix 2 - Words of the Prophets - page 222
Appendix 3 - Food Storage Questions - page 225
Appendix 4 - Glossary - page 231
Appendix 5 - Grocery Shopping List - page 233

Index To Recipes - page 235

Source: http://waltonfeed.com/grain/passport/index.html

CITY EVANGELISM PROJECT (MMM)

City Evangelism Project

URBAN DANGER - The Film
City Evangelism Project We are beginning to work on a new project that we are very excited about. Project Urban Danger. This is something we need your help with!

The Project
Many, even non-religious people, realize that something is going terribly wrong in this world. And they are taking action. They are doing what seems to them to be common sense preparations. They are flocking out of the cities to country and mountainous locations.

Many more are going on in the busy routine of life, unaware that we are in the last days and of what is coming upon this earth and particularly the cities. They have not discerned the multitude of dangers from city life and feel unprepared for living in a rural environment (where they can be still and and have clear minds to find the Lord).

It is exactly these two classes that we believe can be powerfully reached with the country living message the Lord has entrusted to us as a people.
***(MMM) Mountain Media Ministries

US TROOPS ASKED IF THEY'D SHOOT CITIZENS

Published by Void on 08-02-07 (348 reads)
Amerikanska soldater tränar för undantagstillstånd.
Amerikanska soldater i Irak frågas om huruvida de är beredda att skjuta mot sina egna vänner och familjemedlemmar utifall "martial law" (undantagstillstånd) skulle inträffa i USA. Även övningar görs där träningsscenariot är att samla ihop amerikanska medborgare som bryter mot undantagstillstånd. Klicka på läs mer.

U.S. Troops Asked If They Would Shoot American Citizens
Iraq vet exposes how he was trained to round up Americans in martial law exercise, asked if he would kill his own friends and family


U.S. troops are being trained to conduct round-ups, confiscate guns and shoot American citizens, including their own friends and family members, as part of a long-standing program to prepare for the declaration of martial law, according to a soldier who recently returned from Iraq.



We received an e mail from "Scott", a member of a pipefitters union that runs an apprenticeship program called Helmets To Hard Hats, which according to its website, "Is a national program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the construction industry."

Scott writes that his company hired a soldier who had recently returned from Iraq, who told him that U.S. troops were being quizzed on whether or not they would be prepared to shoot their own friends and family members during a national state of emergency in America.

"I have become very close to this young man and have gained his respect and trust," writes Scott. "I want you to know that he informed me about one particular training exercise his superiors made them perform. It was concerning the rounding up of American citizens that disobey any type of martial law or in other words any type of infringement on our freedoms."

"He was asked if he could shoot his friends or family members if ordered to do so. At the time he said he could," writes Scott.

Scott says that the soldier later "had time to clear his head" and realize the truth, recanting his vow to kill his own countrymen if ordered to do so.

The issue of whether U.S. troops would be prepared to round-up, disarm and if necessary shoot Americans who disobeyed orders during a state of martial law is a question that military chiefs have been attempting to answer for at least 15 years.

Its known origins can be traced back to an October 1994 Marine questionnaire out of the Twentynine Palms Marine Base in California. Recruits were asked 46 questions, including whether they would kill U.S. citizens who refused to surrender their firearms.

Documentary film maker Alex Jones brought to light similar training programs that were taking place across the country in the late 90's which revolved around U.S. Marines being trained to arrest American citizens and take them to internment camps.

During one such program in Oakland California, dubbed "Operation Urban Warrior," Marines refused to answer if they would target American citizens for gun confiscation if ordered to do so.

During hurricane Katrina, National Guard units were ordered to confiscate guns belonging to New Orleans residents.

As we first exposed in May 2006, Clergy Response Teams are being trained by the federal government and FEMA to "quell dissent" and pacify citizens to obey the government in the event of a declaration of martial law.

Pastors and other religious representatives are being taught to become secret police enforcers who teach their congregations to "obey the government" in preparation for the implementation of martial law, property and firearm seizures, mass vaccination programs and forced relocation.

Many scoffed at our original story, which was based on the testimony of a whistleblower who was asked to participate in the program. Claims that the story was a conspiracy theory soon evaporated when a mainstream KSLA news report confirmed the existence of the program.

The experiences of U.S. troops in the worst areas of Iraq, where soldiers are ordered to go door to door and arrest all men of military age as well as confiscate their weapons, is a mere portend of what is being planned for America if these training programs ever come to fruition

Video - Operation Urban Warrior

Video - Pastors Prep for Martial Law

Källa: prisonplanet.com

RULE BY FEAR OR RULE BY LAW


Rule by fear or rule by law?
Lewis Seiler,Dan Hamburg

Monday, February 4, 2008


"The power of the Executive to cast a man into prison without formulating any charge known to the law, and particularly to deny him the judgment of his peers, is in the highest degree odious and is the foundation of all totalitarian government whether Nazi or Communist."

- Winston Churchill, Nov. 21, 1943




Since 9/11, and seemingly without the notice of most Americans, the federal government has assumed the authority to institute martial law, arrest a wide swath of dissidents (citizen and noncitizen alike), and detain people without legal or constitutional recourse in the event of "an emergency influx of immigrants in the U.S., or to support the rapid development of new programs."

Beginning in 1999, the government has entered into a series of single-bid contracts with Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) to build detention camps at undisclosed locations within the United States. The government has also contracted with several companies to build thousands of railcars, some reportedly equipped with shackles, ostensibly to transport detainees.

According to diplomat and author Peter Dale Scott, the KBR contract is part of a Homeland Security plan titled ENDGAME, which sets as its goal the removal of "all removable aliens" and "potential terrorists."

Fraud-busters such as Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, have complained about these contracts, saying that more taxpayer dollars should not go to taxpayer-gouging Halliburton. But the real question is: What kind of "new programs" require the construction and refurbishment of detention facilities in nearly every state of the union with the capacity to house perhaps millions of people?

Sect. 1042 of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), "Use of the Armed Forces in Major Public Emergencies," gives the executive the power to invoke martial law. For the first time in more than a century, the president is now authorized to use the military in response to "a natural disaster, a disease outbreak, a terrorist attack or any other condition in which the President determines that domestic violence has occurred to the extent that state officials cannot maintain public order."

The Military Commissions Act of 2006, rammed through Congress just before the 2006 midterm elections, allows for the indefinite imprisonment of anyone who donates money to a charity that turns up on a list of "terrorist" organizations, or who speaks out against the government's policies. The law calls for secret trials for citizens and noncitizens alike.

Also in 2007, the White House quietly issued National Security Presidential Directive 51 (NSPD-51), to ensure "continuity of government" in the event of what the document vaguely calls a "catastrophic emergency." Should the president determine that such an emergency has occurred, he and he alone is empowered to do whatever he deems necessary to ensure "continuity of government." This could include everything from canceling elections to suspending the Constitution to launching a nuclear attack. Congress has yet to hold a single hearing on NSPD-51.

U.S. Rep. Jane Harman, D-Venice (Los Angeles County) has come up with a new way to expand the domestic "war on terror." Her Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 (HR1955), which passed the House by the lopsided vote of 404-6, would set up a commission to "examine and report upon the facts and causes" of so-called violent radicalism and extremist ideology, then make legislative recommendations on combatting it.

According to commentary in the Baltimore Sun, Rep. Harman and her colleagues from both sides of the aisle believe the country faces a native brand of terrorism, and needs a commission with sweeping investigative power to combat it.

A clue as to where Harman's commission might be aiming is the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, a law that labels those who "engage in sit-ins, civil disobedience, trespass, or any other crime in the name of animal rights" as terrorists. Other groups in the crosshairs could be anti-abortion protesters, anti-tax agitators, immigration activists, environmentalists, peace demonstrators, Second Amendment rights supporters ... the list goes on and on. According to author Naomi Wolf, the National Counterterrorism Center holds the names of roughly 775,000 "terror suspects" with the number increasing by 20,000 per month.

What could the government be contemplating that leads it to make contingency plans to detain without recourse millions of its own citizens?

The Constitution does not allow the executive to have unchecked power under any circumstances. The people must not allow the president to use the war on terrorism to rule by fear instead of by law.

Lewis Seiler is the president of Voice of the Environment, Inc. Dan Hamburg, a former congressman, is executive director.

This article appeared on page B - 7 of the San Francisco Chronicle




CASHLESS SOCIETY FULFILL BIBLE PROPHECY

Pastor says cashless society would fulfill Biblical prophecy

Madison County pastor Glenn Guest, right, has written a book titled "Steps Toward the Mark of the Beast."
Trevor Frey / Staff
"Steps Toward the Mark of the Beast," by Madison County pastor Glenn Guest
Click thumbnails to view
Story updated at 7:34 PM on Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The concept of a cashless society where all financial transactions and purchases are strictly controlled and every nuance of a person's life is noted and recorded, in many cases by implanted chips, sounds like the perfect ingredients for a science-fiction thriller.

Yet the Rev. Glenn Guest envisions this apocalyptic scenario following the Bible's Book of Revelation that begins with the gradual disappearance of cash and checks and the increased reliance on debit and credit cards. And he sees it coming closer every day.

"Technology has progressed to the point where (becoming paperless) it can be implemented," said Guest, who has been pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Danielsville for 25 years. "And I believe it is being implemented."

The South Carolina native, who has been preaching for more than a decade on the theological implications of a culture under such control, has written a book, titled "Steps Toward the Mark of the Beast," that gives voice to his research and outlook.

"The conclusions I reach in the book are based on God's word and human nature," said Guest, a Comer resident. "I could well be wrong on certain points, but God's will will be fulfilled as written.

"In a system like this, it's possible to control everyone by controlling their finances. If all our money is just zeroes and ones in a computer, we'll have to get permission to use our own money. If those who control the money don't like someone, they can deny their purchases, making them an economic non-entity."

"Beast" also touches upon Radio Frequency Identification, which he said is becoming more prominent in the retail world through processes such as item-level tagging.

"There will be an inventory of everything that everybody owns," said Guest. "That virtually eliminates a black market."

Taking a biblical perspective convinces Guest that the advent of a cashless society is a "when" and not an "if" prospect.

"I'm not trying to slow this down because I can't slow it down," he said. "All I can do is let people know it's coming. And it will happen gradually, so that people won't really be seeing it happen. Within the next five to 10 years, we won't use cash or checks, and it may come sooner. There seems to be a big push to implement (a cashless society) and to implement RFID technology."

The 160-page book also details Guest's suggestions for preparing for the changes that will unfold.

"The last chapter of the book is about preparation," said Guest, who served seven years in the U.S. Navy and had a long career in military and industrial electronics before going full time as a minister about a dozen years ago. "Almost all the preparation people need to make is spiritual - they need to believe in God, to study the word and to build up their faith. I really can't tell people much more than to draw nearer to the Lord.

"My only financial advice would be what I'd give anyway - it's a good idea to get out of debt."

Guest said he wrote "Beast," which was published last October by Canada-based Essence Publishing, for no other reason than to "get the word out."

"The Lord would have me do all I could to get the information out," said Guest, who added it took him "one month spread over a two-year period" to write the book. "I'll be doing well if I can let people know what's coming. It seems so close, and we need to prepare spiritually."

Although he said "the really hard work" didn't begin until after he wrote "Beast," Guest is contemplating another book.

"There might be more," he said. "I'm praying about another book, and I'm thinking about commenting on the Book of Revelation. I just felt really compelled to write ('Beast'). I haven't felt that way yet about another book."

"Steps Toward the Mark of the Beast" is available at area Christian book stores and online through services like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit www.stepstowardthemark.com.

Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 020608

Source: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/020608/madison_20080206016.shtml

THOUGHTS ON DEMOCRACY

"Democracy is talking itself to death. The people do not know what they want; they do not know what is the best for them. There is too much foolishness, too much lost motion. I have stopped the talk and the nonsense. I am a man of action. Democracy is beautiful in theory; in practice it is a fallacy. You in America will see that some day."
-- Benito Mussolini
(1883-1945), Italian dictator during WW2
1928
http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Benito.Mussolini.Quote.5035

"Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor."
-- James Russell Lowell
(1819-1891) American author and diplomatist
Source: The Biglow Papers, II, 1862
http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/James.Lowell.Quote.52BB

"Democracy is morose, and runs to anarchy."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803-1882)
Source: Nominalist and Realist, 1841
http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Ralph.Waldo.Emerson.Quote.1A4B

AN OBSESSION WITH ACCEPTANCE

MAKING A POINT: Salvation Army Colonel Earl Robinson addresses a dialogue session between the Army and Seventh-day Adventist Church representatives in Jackson's Point, Ontario, Canada. Adventist statesman Dr. Bert B. Beach listens, along with (at far right) Lars Lydholm of The Salvation Army's Danish territory. [Photo: John Graz/ANN] *



9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Galatians 1:9-11 (King James Version)

Growing Up (Stretching out)

There has always been an overwhelming desire for acceptance from others. In children it probably begins with their everyday interactions with their siblings. It will then accelerate as the child enters school and comes in contact with other children, and the outside world. As a child's life progresses he is constantly challenged to compete and excel in many endeavors. Then, when the stage of adolescence is reached, the peer pressure factor comes into play; The young adult attempts to conform to his peers, and measures his self-worth through his peers acceptance or rejection of him or her. Here lies the symptoms that I have observed that plague the Seventh Day Adventist Church and its General Conference. Growing up is the condition that comes to mind when I think of the Corporate SDA's desire to be accepted by "the world".

Be like them (Losing focus)

Ever since the 1950's the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, has wanted to conform to their 'Evangelical Mainstream Modern Christians': The Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopal, and Lutherans, etc. Have we forgotten our SDA 'raison d'etre'??? Which is to preach the Everlasting Gospel or Three Angels' Message to a perishing and sinful world; And to prepare a people to stand on the day of the Lord's return.

Running an errand (Forgetting the important things)

As a child my Mom would send me to the store to get several items so Mom could prepare Dinner or Supper. These were ingredients that were needed for the meal; So, instead of running to the Super Market, I'd run down the street to the Bodega (Neighborhood Grocery Store). Mom always asked me to write down all the stuff she needed, but, I'd always say: "It's alright, Ma, I'll remember". Well, I would get to the Bodega and buy the stuff, and there was always something I just couldn't remember. I would rack my brain, and finally leave for home with most of the goods in the bag, except the stuff I'd forgot. When I got home, Mom would look through the goods I brought home, and say: "You forgot the garlic, or the lettuce". And I'd would feel so bad, and Mom would either make me run back to the store, or just finish the meal without it. Either way, Mom would be mad, and I'd be scolded. I never wrote it down. I always swore, I could remember.

One of the Guys (Look I'm with the fellows)

The General Conference of SDA, has been disproportionally preoccupied with being accepted by the so-called Christian Churches in the United States, and consequently worldwide. In 1956, when the GC attempted to impede the publication of an Evangelical book that was about to be release that would categorized the SDA religion as a sec; They (GCSDA) began a dialogue with the authors of this book; They compromised many of their fundamental beliefs in order that the book would portray the religion as mainstream Christian religion, not a sect or a cult. They won themselves a reprieve of the hated moniker; But, in the process compromised with the world. If they had read their "Great Controversy", they'd know that the "protestants" are part of the end time persecutors of God's remnant people; So why cater to them? Would you negotiate with a terrorist? Would you offer your executioner a piece of chewing gum before he slays you? Or, ask him: How's the wife and kids?

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.--5T 451 (1885).

Conclusion (Hip, or iHp?)

Do we want to be acceptable to our fellow man, or is our standard a heavenly one? Do we answer to a higher authority? Or, do our neighbors dictate our hopes and aspirations? Are we to keep up with the Joneses, or keep up with the word of God?

I'm OK, your're OK

My concern for God's remnant people is that they will follow this popular wave; I choose to called it a 'Tsunami' of worldly acceptance, and compromise. This obsession to feel that we are OK, is not OK with me. OK with the world, maybe; But, we are to be OK with the Father, not His children. Unless His children are acceptable to Him. We are not to follow them or have fellowship with them. Do we want to be Hip; Or do we want to be iHp: In His presence? Please choose to follow Him, and not the compromising tide that accompanies the ECUMENICAL mind set. Seek His approval; Never mind what the world thinks. The time is not too distant when you will have to stand before magistrates and courts to uphold your belief in an Almighty God. So, how can you prepare by taking short cuts, or making friends with the enemies of God?

How will we ever say "here I stand", when we're constantly sliding, succumbing to the enemy?

Have we forgotten our errand? How can you prepare the world while conforming to it?

We should not encourage persecution, but we must stand faithful when challenged by our opponents. Our foundation is a firm one, Jesus Christ the rock of ages. We are not here to prepare the world for Jesus' return to Earth; WE are to prepare His people to stand on His triumphant return!

*(Photo) March 16, 2005 Jackson's Point, Ontario, Canada

Arsenio.


Thursday, March 13, 2008

BLUE-LAW HAS SOME SEEING RED


Blue-law bill has some seeing red


Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Last Updated Wednesday March 12, 2008, EDT 6:07 AM

BY MICHAEL GARTLAND

STAFF WRITER

A recently introduced state Senate bill that would allow retailers to remain open on certain Sundays has sparked a debate over whether such a step could signal the end of Bergen County's blue laws.


The bill -- number S-1333 in the state Legislature -- would give municipalities the power to permit stores to operate on Sundays during street fairs. If enacted, it could allow that dispensation on one or two Sundays out of the year.


Proponents describe the bill, which was introduced by state Sen. Paul Sarlo on Feb. 26, as a way to stimulate small businesses in downtown neighborhoods.


Critics say it's a Trojan horse that would eventually lead to a repeal of laws that restrict businesses from selling certain goods on Sundays.


Rutherford Mayor John Hipp described it as a step toward letting retailers operate on Sundays at the Xanadu Meadowlands project upon its completion.


"It's a direct assault on the blue laws," Hipp said. "This is a huge, huge deal."


Xanadu spokesman Lloyd Kaplan said Sarlo's bill has nothing to do with the project.


"Meadowlands Xanadu is not involved," Kaplan said.


If blue laws were repealed in one town, proponents of the laws predict that other municipalities would be forced to follow suit to compete. They also worry about additional traffic on Sunday -- the one day Bergen County residents get a reprieve from clogged roadways.


Bergen County's blue laws prohibit the sale of clothing, appliances, furniture and other items on Sunday. The laws have their origin in Colonial times, when some state governments legislated requirements for observing the Sabbath.


Bergen is the only county in the state that still has blue laws on the books. South Carolina and Connecticut also observe blue laws.


East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella said he doesn't have a problem with vendors selling from booths on Sunday, but that allowing store sales could lead to what he views as a negative legal precedent.


"I probably wouldn't want to see the stores open," he said. "It may lead to some [legal] challenges."


Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, said he isn't interested in doing away with the county's blue laws. He asserts that his bill is intended only to help struggling smaller businesses. It would apply only to businesses in the immediate vicinity of a street fair or festival, he said.


"I totally support the blue laws and support them forever," Sarlo said. "I'll never, ever vote to overturn them."


The initial idea for the bill came out of conversations Sarlo had with Hackensack officials interested in giving a boost to Main Street businesses. City Manager Stephen Lo Iacono said that allowing stores to stay open some Sundays would help business and could give out-of-towners a better sense of what the city has to offer. Still, he acknowledged people's concerns about weakening the laws.


"Everyone is extremely protective of the blue laws," he said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. The street fair will go on."


Hackensack is represented by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, who said she had not seen the bill and was not contacted by city officials about it.


In southern Bergen County, merchants are split 50-50 over the possibility of no more blue laws, according to Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce.


Kirkos said that in some instances stores are forced to sell merchandise on outdoor tables during festivals just to remain in compliance with the law.


"For somebody to be able to put out an eight-foot table in front of my store, and they can operate and I can't -- that just doesn't make sense," he said. "I would be supportive of businesses being open on Sunday so it's not illegal."


In Bergen County, the laws affect different groups in a variety of ways. For observant Jews and Muslims -- whose Sabbaths fall on Saturdays and Fridays, respectively -- closed stores on Sunday mean one less day free to shop. But for Paramus residents who have to struggle through mall traffic six days a week, the laws allow them to breathe easier for a day.


Paramus has municipal blue laws more stringent than the county's. Paramus Councilman Richard LaBarbiera said any "crack" in the laws would unite borough Democrats and Republicans.


"I read the bill. It raises many questions and concerns," he said. "Obviously, the protection of the blue laws is an issue of utmost concern and priority number one."



AE-mail: gartland@northjersey.com


Source: http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergenpolitics/16587941.html

RECYCLE OR GO TO HELL, WARNS VATICAN

Recycle or go to Hell, warns Vatican

Failing to recycle plastic bags could find you spending eternity in Hell, the Vatican said after drawing up a list of seven deadly sins for our times. The seven, which include polluting the environment, were announced by Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti, a close ally of the Pope and the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, one of the Roman Curia's main court. The "sins of yesteryear" - sloth, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, wrath and pride - have a "rather individualistic dimension", he told the Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper. The new seven deadly, or mortal, sins are designed to make worshippers realise that their vices have an effect on others as well. "The sins of today have a social resonance as well as an individual one," said Mgr Girotti. "In effect, it is more important than ever to pay attention to your sins." According to Roman Catholic doctrine, mortal sins are a "grave violation of God's law" and bring about "eternal death" if unrepented by the act of confession. They are far more serious than venial sins, which impede a soul's progress in the exercise of virtue and moral good. Mgr Girotti said genetic modification, carrying out experiments on humans, polluting the environment, causing social injustice, causing poverty, becoming obscenely wealthy and taking drugs were all mortal sins....... read more

Source: http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/March13/1382.html

METHODISTS TO TACKLE TRANSGENDER ISSUE

UMC officials expected to address issue of 'transgendered' clergy at upcoming meeting
Allie Martin - OneNewsNow - 3/10/2008 6:00:00 AM

homosexual questionAn official with the Institute on Religion and Democracy says it's time for the United Methodist Church to tackle the issue of whether having a sex-change operation is appropriate for a minister.

Last year, United Methodist Church (UMC) officials announced that Drew Phoenix would be able to continue in his position at a Baltimore area church. For years, Phoenix was known as Minister Ann Gordon, until she had a sex-change operation and became Drew Phoenix. Church officials are aware of at least two other former pastors who had sex-change operations.

Mark Tooley with the Institute on Religion and Democracy says the issue will have to be addressed. "The church does not have any official stance on sex-change operations or transsexuality," states Tooley. "And so ... the church needs to adopt an official stance -- because we have had a couple of instances of Methodist clergy who have had sex-change operations that have become public knowledge."

Tooley says the question that will be debated in an upcoming meeting of the UMC is whether gender is determined by God as a "fixed state," or whether gender -- "as many of those on the liberal side assert," he says -- is self-determined. The General Council of the UMC meets next month in Texas, and delegates will draft church policy for the next four years.

Source: http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=69017

BIAS TAKES A BLOW IN 2008 RACE


Thursday, March 13, 2008 Salt Lake City
Bias takes a blow in 2008 race


By Lee Benson
Deseret Morning News
Published: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:26 a.m. MDT


I don't know who is going to be our next president, but it appears safe to say, barring any unforeseen scandals — and maybe even that won't matter — that it is going to be John McCain, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
An old guy, a black man and a woman.

Discrimination sure isn't what it used to be.

As the Aussies would say, "Good on ya, America."

For all the ongoing complaints about persistent racism, for all our history of keeping down the downtrodden and being insensitive to the disenfranchised, just look at the finalists for commander in chief.

So far, only the middle-aged white guys have been eliminated.

And even though I was personally a Romney backer — after what he did for our Olympics, just think what he could have done for Social Security — and even though I have threatened to move to Edmonton if Hillary wins and Bill becomes First Man, I nonetheless happen to think it's very cool what is happening in presidential politics.

It really is true. Anyone can grow up to become president.

Let the worldwide press focus on that.

Somewhere, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. and every person in Florida who forgot to turn off their turn signal have got to be feeling great.


It wasn't always like this. The United States of America went 144 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence before women could even vote, 189 years before blacks could vote without severe restrictions and 219 years before mandatory retirement laws were declared illegal.
Women didn't get the right to vote until the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920.

Blacks ostensibly won the right to vote with the passing of the 15th Amendment in 1870, but such discriminatory practices as poll taxes and literacy tests that kept a majority of blacks from the ballot box weren't outlawed until the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965.

And as for old folks' rights to work as long as they are able, they weren't even recognized by law until the passage of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in 1967. And it took until 1986 for an amendment to be added that abolished mandatory retirement laws entirely.

The outgrowth of all this is the first woman in history, the first black man in history and the second person over 70 — McCain will be 72 in August; Bob Dole was 73 when he ran against Bill Clinton in 1996 — to make a first serious run for the presidency.

What a country.

I was thinking about all this last Saturday night when my son Tanner and I went to the Jazz-Denver game. Sitting next to us was a Hispanic couple wearing jerseys that said "Williams," an African-American, and "Harpring," a Caucasian-American. In front of us was a middle-aged white woman in a "Boozer" jersey. And just down the row were three college-aged kids wearing "Kirilenko" on their back.

There was a lot of yelling and screaming going on up in section XX, but nobody was about to mistake it for a race riot.

Same with presidential politics.

As it turns out, the only serious intolerance in the 2008 presidential race has had to do with religion (see Romney), which is ironic since it was religious discrimination the Pilgrims were running from when they arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and started the beginnings of modern America.

But then again, the Pilgrim Puritans weren't exactly ecumenical about anybody else's religion once they got here.

Even after nearly 400 years, the crusade to end religious discrimination in American politics, and a lot of other places, clearly has a ways to go.

But sex, race and age discrimination isn't even close to what it used to be.

In less than a year from now, one of them is going to be president.



Le Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.


P.S. If I were asked: I'd respond, the Manchurian Candidate will be the next president. The real McCain. The Big Mac.
Arsenio.

MARCH MADNESS? HAHH?


Recently, Senator (Dem) Bill Nelson, and Governor (Rep) Charlie Crist, both called for the Florida Presidential Primary, to be rescheduled so that the votes and their delegates would count. Well, Florida this year decided to up the ante by moving its Primary Elections to January; Much to the chagrin of the Democrat Party, and other States in the union. Now, after the matter was consummated and nearly two months have lapsed; Florida wants a 'do over'. You can't have it both ways. Either you play by the rules, or you play be your own, and loose the game. It's that simple. But, in Florida, a.k.a. (South of the Border) Beef Republic (note the similarity with Banana Republic), anything having to do with elections is fair game for controversy. In Florida, L.D.U., the land down under, where the constant alibi when a driver rams his car into a building, is: "I meant to step on the gas, but, I stepped on the gas, instead".
Here it's not one man, one vote. Not here! Here it's one man, several votes. After all, this is Florida;
Where waterfront property still means a 'lot' (at a trailer park) in front of a swamp or a ditch.


This reminds one of the years 2000, and 2004, when Florida was in the epicentre of both Presidential Elections. The latest, two anachronisms of what our nation's political process has degraded to. Two races down the ditch.
If you can call them that?

It also brings to mind the Hanging Chad, and the Pregnant Chad. Also Katherine Harris, the Florida Secretary of State, and her boss, Governor 'Jeb' (nee: John Ellis) Bush; Who both decided an election, per se.


Now Bill Nelson, and Charlie Christ continue to amaze the rest of the country with their sunbelt antics. They probably wonder; It's probably something in the water? Something which the media confirmed this week: That scientific research has acknowledged that up to 36 harmful-foreign elements are contained in 44 (tested) communities' drinking water systems. Therefore, the drinking water is laced with harmful phamaceuticals, and other chemicals.


What about Florida's water? Is it something in their water, or what?


Could it be March Madness? Or are they this crazy all the time?
Arsenio.

PSALM 89

Psalm 89

1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

3I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

4Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

5And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

6For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

9Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

10Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

11The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.

12The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

13Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.

14Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

15Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

16In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

17For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

18For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

19Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

21With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

22The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

23And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

24But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

25I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

26He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

27Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

28My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.

29His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

30If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

31If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;

32Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

33Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

34My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

35Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

36His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

37It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

38But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

39Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.

40Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.

41All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.

42Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.

43Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.

44Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.

45The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.

46How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?

47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?

48What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

49Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?

50Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;

51Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

52Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

HE THAT IS NOT AGAINST US IS ON OUR PART


And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:38-40. (King James Version)

SHAPING UP IN GOD'S WORKSHOP



Shaping Up in God's Workshop

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20, R.S.V.


We are not our own. We have been purchased with a dear price, even the sufferings and death of the Son of God. If we could understand this, and fully realize it, we would feel a great responsibility resting upon us to keep ourselves in the very best condition of health, that we might render to God perfect service....

We believe without a doubt that Christ is soon coming.... We have no doubt, neither have we had a doubt for years, that the doctrines we hold today are present truth, and that we are nearing the judgment. We are preparing to meet Him who, escorted by a retinue of holy angels, is to appear in the clouds of heaven to give the faithful and the just the finishing touch of immortality. When He comes He is not to cleanse us of our sins, to remove from us the defects in our characters, or to cure us of the infirmities of our tempers and dispositions. If wrought for us at all, this work will all be accomplished before that time.

When the Lord comes, those who are holy will be holy still. Those who have preserved their bodies and spirits in holiness, in sanctification and honor, will then receive the finishing touch of immortality. But those who are unjust, unsanctified, and filthy will remain so forever. No work will then be done for them to remove their defects and give them holy characters.... This is all to be done in these hours of probation. It is now that this work is to be accomplished for us....

We are now in God's workshop. Many of us are rough stones from the quarry. But as we lay hold upon the truth of God, its influence affects us. It elevates us and removes from us every imperfection and sin, of whatever nature. Thus we are prepared to see the King in His beauty and finally to unite with the pure and heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory. It is here that this work is to be accomplished for us, here that our bodies and spirits are to be fitted for immortality.

Maranatha, Ellen G. White, p. 80.

'MARK OF THE BEAST', A LEGAL MESSAGE

'Mark of beast'
a legal message

Billboard draws complaints, but paid in advance; company can't remove it

By Melanie B. Smith
DAILY Religion Writer

msmith@decaturdaily.com
340-2468

A Florida church's controversial billboard towering along Danville Road Southwest isn't coming down any time soon despite complaints from local residents.

The ad paid for in advance for a year by Eternal Gospel Church in West Palm Beach, Fla., appears to criticize Sunday worship and link it to "the antichrist" of the New Testament.

A billboard on Danville Road Southwest, the work of a Florida church, has upset some local people who worship on Sunday. It is not connected to a local Seventh-day Adventist Church.
DAILY Photo by Corey Wilson
A billboard on Danville Road Southwest, the work of a Florida church, has upset some local people who worship on Sunday. It is not connected to a local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"Saturday the 7th Day is God's Sabbath. Sunday law is mark of the beast. Daniel 7:25 Revelations 13:5-8," reads the billboard.

The Rev. Raphael Perez, senior pastor of the Florida church, said the message isn't meant to denounce people who worship on Sunday instead of Saturday, the day his church teaches is the Lord's day.

He said the billboard condemns laws to enforce Sunday worship, laws he believes are coming.

"In no way are we saying that Sunday worship is the mark of the beast at this time. Only when it becomes law will it be the mark," he said.

The words on the sign upset some readers, however.

Kathryn Barriault of Decatur said she is offended and thinks other Christians should be, too. She wrote an e-mail that circulated locally, calling for the sign's removal.

"If I put on a billboard something about Islam, there would be such an outcry it would be down in a minute," she said.

Barriault said she and others she's talked to view the message as a slam against Jesus Christ and against all who worship on Sunday, the day Christ arose. She said she first saw the ad when going home from a service at her church, Decatur Presbyterian. Barriault is encouraging people to call the billboard owners, as she has, to ask them to remove the message.

Dealing with controversy

H.M. Nowlin, one of the owners of Interstate Outdoor Advertising LLC, said he received three complaints, including one from Barriault. He said the church paid for a yearlong contract, and the company can't legally remove the ad.

"Our company never thought we'd need to censure anything a church would put on a billboard," he said.

Nowlin said he and the company do not support the church's teaching, but First Amendment rights are involved. He said he and others did not see the ad's words beforehand.

Glenn McGann, another Interstate owner who also said he doesn't back the message, said a company sales person took the ad from a woman in the Shoals. The woman paid the $6,000 fee with a personal check. He said she represented herself as linked with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The billboard on Danville Road was vacant at the time, and the buyer picked it although she first wanted a Beltline location, he said.

"We've rented stuff to churches in the past and they advertised their churches. We had no idea it was going to be like this," said McGann. "We learned a valuable lesson on this deal. "

He said the company will approve the ad copy in advance next time. Because it was sold as a rotating ad, the church message could be relocated if someone else wants the Danville Road billboard, said McGann.

More billboards

Elder Andy Roman of the Florida church said three more billboard ads are up in Alabama, including one near Birmingham, plus others in Southeastern states.

"Basically, as the billboard said, we want to call attention to an issue that we believe will have an important role according to Bible prophecy," said Roman.

The elder said that about two-thirds of callers to the church phone number on the sign are unhappy with the message. He said those who complain may exercise free speech as the church has and put up their own billboards.

Not SDA

The Eternal Gospel Church isn't officially connected with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The SDA Church sued the congregation over its use of the denomination's name without permission. A settlement allows the Eternal Gospel Church to use the phrase, "founded by Seventh-day Adventist believers," according to news accounts.

The church has about 350 members in four Florida congregations, said Perez.

Members of a Decatur congregation of Seventh-day Adventists, part of the national denomination, said they wondered who put up the signs, according to the pastor.

The Rev. Richard Palmer said he has been out of town and did not see the Danville Road sign until Thursday. He said members haven't told him of any backlash.

Palmer stressed that the sign has nothing to do with his church, Alpha Seventh-day Adventist.

"As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe the Sabbath is on Saturday but not to that extreme," he said of the sign's message.

Ad meaning

Perez said the link between Sunday worship and "the mark of the beast" is based on verses in Ezekiel and Daniel, as well as Revelation. He said Ezekiel 20:12 describes the Sabbath as a sign or a mark between God and his people. A verse in Daniel describing a beast changing laws and times refers to the switch from Sabbath or Saturday worship to Sunday worship, he said.

Perez and Roman blame the Roman Catholic Church for the change.

The Eternal Gospel Church drew the ire of Roman Catholic leaders in several cities after the congregation placed full-page ads criticizing Catholicism and the pope in newspapers, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Roman said some accuse members of being bigoted, but he said the church bases its beliefs "on the word of God."

The elder said that as funds come in for the project, more billboards will go up.

The church has placed at least one other billboard in Decatur. An ad appears on another company's sign on Alabama 24 east of Beltline Road Southwest.

Source: http://www.remnantofgod.org/bn030504.htm

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

A 'RELEVANT' SIGN FOR THE TIMES


HISTORIC ADVENTISM

Wikipedia:

Historic Adventism



"Historic Adventist" is a self-designation used by some within the Seventh-day Adventist Church who regard themselves as upholding the traditional theological positions of the church. They are also known as "traditional Adventists".

As a general rule, historic Adventists feel that the church leadership has departed from key doctrinal "pillars" ever since the second half of the 20th century. Specifically, they point to the publication in 1957 of a book entitled Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine; this book is considered to undermine historic Adventist theology in favour of theology more compatible with evangelicalism.[1]

Prominent figures in historic Adventism include M. L. Andreasen, Herbert Douglass, Dennis Priebe, Russell and Colin Standish, and (formerly) Robert Brinsmead. Hope International[1] and the Hartland Institute are expressions of historic Adventism. "Last Generation Theology" shares some elements with Historic Adventism, yet considers itself to have "expanded" the beliefs of Historic Adventism to their logical conclusion.[2]

While historic Adventists have generally not broken away from the Adventist denomination to form their own church, believing that the Adventist church is still God’s chosen instrument, many historic Adventists feel that the wider church has apostatized and some even argue that the denominational leadership is presently in apostasy. There is thus a tendency for historic Adventists to promote their message through independent ministries, which may have a strained relationship with the official church.

Historic Adventists lie at the opposite end of the Adventist theological spectrum from progressive Adventists.

History

See also: History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Last Generation Theology

Questions on Doctrine

Main article: Questions on Doctrine

Herbert Douglass has stated,

"most, if not all, of the so-called 'dissident' or 'independent' groups of the last 45 years are direct results of the explicit and implicit positions espoused by [Questions on Doctrine] on the atonement and the Incarnation."[3]
"Official Adventism may have gained recognition as being Christian from the evangelical world, but in the process a breach had been opened which has not healed in the last 50 years and may never heal."[4]

Theology

'Tract
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Tract distributed by a Historic Adventist group. The Sabbath commandment is highlighted and marked "The seal of the living God". Elsewhere it says that Christians who worship on Sunday are part of "Babylon".[citation needed]

Historic Adventist theology differs from mainstream Adventist theology in the areas of Christology, hamartiology (sin), soteriology (salvation) and eschatology (end times). They often use the term "new theology" as a critical term for perceived recent doctrinal changes in the church.

With regards to Christology, Historic Adventists believe that Jesus Christ possessed a fallen nature in common with all the children of Adam. This view of Jesus' nature was prevalent in Adventism prior to the 1950s, but is now a minority position among theologians.[5]

Sin is typically defined as acts which break the commandments, rather than an inherent corruption of the human nature. The traditional Protestant concept of original sin is thus rejected. Woodrow Whidden, a former historic Adventist, has commented that this traditional understanding is based on a "woefully superficial" interpretation of 1 John 3:4.[6]

Historic Adventists tend to place more emphasis on sanctification than justification, believing that both are necessary for salvation. They define the atonement in terms of God’s work to cleanse our character from sin as well as payment of the penalty for sin. The work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary is regarded as a continuation of the work of atonement begun on the cross, rather than the application of the benefits of an already completed atonement.

"Eschatological perfectionism" is the teaching that a final generation of believers must achieve a state of complete sinlessness (or Christlikeness) in the final period just before the second coming of Jesus (see Last Generation Theology). Historic Adventists appeal to all believers to consider the life and character of Christ as a perfect example that all must imitate. Accordingly, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, or investigative judgment, is thought to also involve the cleansing of the lives of believers on earth.

Historic Adventists generally place more emphasis on the writings of Ellen G. White as a doctrinal authority compared to other Adventists, often considering her writings as infallible and having near-equivalent status to the Bible.[1]

A unique perspective on the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference is usually promoted. Historic Adventists argue that Ellen White supported the perfectionistic theology of Jones and Waggoner.[7]

Many historic Adventists are advocates of the "King James Only" movement.

Publications

The Sunday Law Times is published by an Australasian historic Adventist movement
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The Sunday Law Times is published by an Australasian historic Adventist movement

Historic Adventists have a strong commitment to publishing (usually without official denominational sanction), and often disseminate free literature to promote their views to the wider public. Historic Adventist publishers have been criticized for using misleading titles and concealing their links with Seventh-day Adventism.[8]

Prominent Historic Adventist periodicals include:

Land Marks[2] is a monthly magazine produced by Steps to Life, an independent organisation committed to historic Adventism.

Our Firm Foundation[3] is a monthly magazine produced by Hope International, another independent organisation committed to historic Adventism.

Ervin Taylor described the book A Remnant in Crisis by Jack Provonsha as "an apologetic for historic Adventism."[9]

Criticism

Mainstream and progressive Adventists have criticised the use of the term "historic". It is observed that numerous doctrinal positions that were common among the Adventist pioneers are generally not held by those who profess to be "historic Adventists", such as semi-Arianism, which time of day the Sabbath should begin, certain understandings of Systematic Benevolence, the "shut door", and the personhood of the Holy Spirit.[7] It is argued that the over-valuing of "historic" beliefs leads to an unhelpful neglect of "new light" and "present truth", which Adventists have always held as defining beliefs.

Walter Martin labeled most of the historic Adventists he encountered as "legalists," "worshippers of Ellen White" and the "lunatic fringe."[10]

Historic Adventist roadside billboard. Text reads, "SATURDAY the True Lord's Day Changed by Antichrist Dan. 7:25
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Historic Adventist roadside billboard. Text reads, "SATURDAY the True Lord's Day Changed by Antichrist Dan. 7:25

Anti-Catholicism

Historic Adventists have spent large amounts of money for special literature and billboard and newspaper advertising around the country, with a message declaring that the pope is the antichrist.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] This has caused embarrassment for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.[18][19]

Responses to criticism

In response, some historic Adventists have claimed that they are loving in their evangelism and deny that the charge of fanaticism applies to them. They quote statements by Ellen White to support their view. For instance:

"Men will misrepresent the doctrines we believe and teach as Bible truth, and it is necessary that wise plans should be laid to secure the privilege of inserting articles into the secular papers; for this will be a means of awakening souls to see the truth. God will raise up men who will be qualified to sow beside all waters. God has given great light upon important truths, and it must come to the world."[20]
"We must take every justifiable means of bringing the light before the people. Let the press be utilized, and let every advertising agency be employed that will call attention to the work. This should not be regarded as nonessential. On every street corner you may see placards and notices calling attention to various things that are going on, some of them of the most objectionable character; and shall those who have the light of life be satisfied with feeble efforts to call the attention of the masses to the truth?"[21]

Official church reaction

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has officially reacted to certain organisations which espouse "historic Adventist" theology. In 1998, the General Conference established a committee to evaluate the beliefs and activities of Hope International, the Hartland Institute (USA) and Remnant Ministries (Australia). The committee produced a report expressing "serious concerns with respect to the nature and purpose of Hope International and associates."[22]

The conclusion of the report stated that "by rejecting the authority of the world church in session when their interpretation of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy differs from that of the church, [Hope International and associates] have set their authority above that of the world church and operate in a manner that is consistent with offshoot movements." The report also contained a significant threat: "If Hope International and associates cannot bring themselves into harmony with the body of the world church, clearly evidenced within 12 months, the Seventh-day Adventist Church may need to consider whether there exists a “persistent refusal to recognize properly constituted church authority or to submit to the order and discipline of the church” (Church Manual, p. 169)."[22]

The church has officially reacted to certain organisations which espouse "historic Adventist" theology by filing law suits against them for their use of the church name.[citation needed]

In 2003, the Adventist church republished an annotated version of Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine, the book which originally drew heavy criticism from historic Adventist groups and was taken out of print as a result.

Organizations and people

Organizations and publishers

A historic Adventist publication, forecasting a New World Order under the Papacy and United States, which will enforce a universal sunday law.
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A historic Adventist publication, forecasting a New World Order under the Papacy and United States, which will enforce a universal sunday law.
  • Hope International[4]
  • Hartland Institute
  • Amazing Truth Publications
  • Remnant Ministries
  • Remnant Publications[5]
  • Leaves of Autumn (publisher) [6]
  • Maranatha ministries
  • Patriotic Christian Distributors
  • Steps to Life[7]

Notable historic Adventist people

Former historic Adventists

Transition to non-Adventist

  • Australian Robert Brinsmead promoted the perfectionistic "Awakening Movement" in the 1960s before transitioning to a strong evangelical Adventist focus, and then later rejecting many Adventist and orthodox Christian beliefs.
  • Dirk Anderson, founder of the website The Ellen White Research Project, ellenwhite.org, which is critical of Ellen White's prophetic gift. Initially a mainstream Adventist, he became a historic Adventist and is now a member of the Church of God (Seventh-Day).

Transition to mainstream Adventist

  • Woodrow W. Whidden II, who has described himself as "a self-confessed former post-Fall perfectionist".[23] See his interview by Julius Nam, in which he describes historic Adventists and his relationship with them.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Ron Corson. Progressive and Traditional Adventists Examined. Adventist Today.
  2. ^ Interview with Larry Kirkpatrick by Julius Nam
  3. ^ as quoted on http://qod.andrews.edu/index.html
  4. ^ George Knight, 2003 annotated edition of Questions on Doctrine
  5. ^ Questions on Doctrine, annotated edition (2003). Andrews University Press, 516-526.
  6. ^ Interview with Woodrow Whidden, Julius Nam, progressiveadventism.com 2007-02-16
  7. ^ a b Whidden, Woodrow (1997). Ellen White on the Humanity of Christ (chapter 10). Review and Herald Publishing Association.
  8. ^ Busy Extremists. Concerned Christians Growth Ministries Inc..
  9. ^ Remnant an Apologetic for Historic Adventism by Ervin Taylor
  10. ^ Walter Martin Interview, Adventist Currents, Vol. 1, No. 1, July, 1983, conducted by Douglas Hackleman.
  11. ^ Media Campaign Heats Up Orlando
  12. ^ Denver and the Pope: Adventists on Alert
  13. ^ Report from Denver, LandMarks Magazine
  14. ^ The Eternal Gospel Church
  15. ^ Report on the Lawsuit Against, LandMarks Magazine
  16. ^ Antichrist Billboard Sparks Catholic Church Uproar
  17. ^ Antichrist billboard to get competition?
  18. ^ Oregon Group Sponsors Anti-Catholic Billboard
  19. ^ GC Settles Florida Suit, Adventist Review Online Edition
  20. ^ Ellen G. White, Letter 1, 1875.
  21. ^ Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 130.
  22. ^ a b Report on Hope International and Associated Groups, Adventist Review, 2000.
  23. ^ http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/wwhc/hoc10.htm (p. 79)

External links

Supportive:

Neutral or critical:


Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/historic-adventism