AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN HIS HAND. *** REVELATION 14:9
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Gomez to Begin Ministry in LA
Catholics will welcome the Coadjutor Archbishop today with Mass at 2 p.m.
By JONATHAN LLOYD and ROBERT KOVACIK
Updated 6:58 AM PDT, Wed, May 26, 2010

The man chosen by the pope to succeed Cardinal Roger Mahony as head of the most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese in the United States will officially begin his ministry in the Southland Wednesday.
Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, head of the church in San Antonio since 2004, will be at a gala Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Gomez was chosen in April by Pope Benedict XVI to replace Mahony, who will retire on his 75th birthday on Feb. 27.
At 2 p.m., Mass will mark the beginning of Gomez's work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which claims more than 5 million Catholics in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. About 4,000 invited guests are expected to attend the Mass.
"As an Hispanic bishop, we've worked together on committees and know each other well," said Bishop Gabino Savala. "He comes to a complicated, large, diverse archdiocese, so it's going to be challenging.
"If you can imagine the excitement among the Latino community, it's tremendous."
Gomez will serve as an assistant bishop until Mahony's retirement.
Wednesday's Mass will will include the rite of reception. After Mahony gives his sermon, Sister Mary Elizabeth Galt, chancellor of the archdiocese, will read a letter from Rome announcing Gomez's appointment as coadjutor archbishop. Mahony will accept the letter and ask the audience -- expected to include about 4,000 people -- if they will support Gomez, and they will reply "We are.''
While Mahony will be the principal celebrant, the Mass will include six other cardinals, 59 bishops and 411 priests.
Los Angeles native Cardinal William Levada, the highest-ranking American in the Vatican, will attend, as will Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Rigali, also a Los Angeles native.
Gomez, 58, will address the congregation after Communion, and he will greet and bless people on the Cathedral Plaza following the Mass.
Church rules require archbishops to tender their resignation at age 75. The pope can allow them to stay on, but he otherwise appoints a successor.
From Monterrey to LA
Gomez is a Monterrey, Mexico-born priest of the conservative Prelature of Opus Dei. He earned undergraduate degrees in accounting, philosophy and theology and was ordained in the Prelature of Opus Dei in 1978.
In 1980, he earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Navarre's campus in Pamplona, Spain.
Gomez was the priest in residence at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in San Antonio from 1987 to 1999. During that period, he became a regional representative to the National Association of Hispanic Priests and, in 1995, was named president. In 1999, he became executive director.
As the archbishop in San Antonio, Gomez helped establish the Hispanic Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which opened in 2000.
In 2001, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Denver, where he served in several areas, including outreach to Hispanics. He also organized Denver's Centro San Juan Diego for Family and Pastoral Care, a place for formation of lay leaders and a base to provide welcoming services to immigrants.
A replacement for Gomez in San Antonio has not yet been named, and that diocese is being overseen by an interim administrator, according to Los Angeles Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg.
By JONATHAN LLOYD and ROBERT KOVACIK
Updated 6:58 AM PDT, Wed, May 26, 2010

The man chosen by the pope to succeed Cardinal Roger Mahony as head of the most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese in the United States will officially begin his ministry in the Southland Wednesday.
Coadjutor Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, head of the church in San Antonio since 2004, will be at a gala Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Gomez was chosen in April by Pope Benedict XVI to replace Mahony, who will retire on his 75th birthday on Feb. 27.
At 2 p.m., Mass will mark the beginning of Gomez's work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which claims more than 5 million Catholics in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. About 4,000 invited guests are expected to attend the Mass.
"As an Hispanic bishop, we've worked together on committees and know each other well," said Bishop Gabino Savala. "He comes to a complicated, large, diverse archdiocese, so it's going to be challenging.
"If you can imagine the excitement among the Latino community, it's tremendous."
Gomez will serve as an assistant bishop until Mahony's retirement.
Wednesday's Mass will will include the rite of reception. After Mahony gives his sermon, Sister Mary Elizabeth Galt, chancellor of the archdiocese, will read a letter from Rome announcing Gomez's appointment as coadjutor archbishop. Mahony will accept the letter and ask the audience -- expected to include about 4,000 people -- if they will support Gomez, and they will reply "We are.''
While Mahony will be the principal celebrant, the Mass will include six other cardinals, 59 bishops and 411 priests.
Los Angeles native Cardinal William Levada, the highest-ranking American in the Vatican, will attend, as will Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Rigali, also a Los Angeles native.
Gomez, 58, will address the congregation after Communion, and he will greet and bless people on the Cathedral Plaza following the Mass.
Church rules require archbishops to tender their resignation at age 75. The pope can allow them to stay on, but he otherwise appoints a successor.
From Monterrey to LA
Gomez is a Monterrey, Mexico-born priest of the conservative Prelature of Opus Dei. He earned undergraduate degrees in accounting, philosophy and theology and was ordained in the Prelature of Opus Dei in 1978.
In 1980, he earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Navarre's campus in Pamplona, Spain.
Gomez was the priest in residence at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in San Antonio from 1987 to 1999. During that period, he became a regional representative to the National Association of Hispanic Priests and, in 1995, was named president. In 1999, he became executive director.
As the archbishop in San Antonio, Gomez helped establish the Hispanic Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which opened in 2000.
In 2001, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Denver, where he served in several areas, including outreach to Hispanics. He also organized Denver's Centro San Juan Diego for Family and Pastoral Care, a place for formation of lay leaders and a base to provide welcoming services to immigrants.
A replacement for Gomez in San Antonio has not yet been named, and that diocese is being overseen by an interim administrator, according to Los Angeles Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg.
First Published: May 26, 2010 6:21 AM PDT
Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Gomez-to-Begins-Ministry-in-LA-94916839.html
"Bobby" Jindal: The Story They Don't Want You to Read
When the Louisiana Democratic Party announced their intentions to air a series of television commercials about gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal, the Jindal campaign immediately went into damage control mode. Tim Teepell, Jindal’s campaign manager, rushed out an e-mail claiming that Democrats would be launching an ad that “attacks Bobby for his Christian Faith (sp).” WAFB initially reported that one of the ads concerned Jindal’s published account of an exorcism he witnessed (and arguably, participated in) while an undergraduate at Brown University. The Louisiana Democratic Party later clarified that the commercial did not concern Jindal’s “exorcism” story.
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Read more @ http://www.dailykingfish.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=224
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Read more @ http://www.dailykingfish.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=224
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Dudus still at large
Published: Wednesday May 26, 2010

Policemen take the fight to armed thugs on South Camp Road as gunfire rained down on Woodford Park in Kingston yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
Word he escaped as Tivoli pounded by military might
Daraine Luton & Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporters
Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the No. 1 target which sparked an unprecedented assault by the Jamaican army on Tivoli Gardens and other crime havens, is still missing, even as dozens of fatalities were reported from gunfights across Kingston in three days of intense urban warfare.
The operation, which was bolstered by police firepower, started at 10 o'clock Monday morning and splintered into major battles being waged in Woodford Park and Fletcher's Land as the Jamaican capital remained under siege.
"To our best information, he (Christopher 'Dudus' Coke) is still at large," acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds told journalists at a media briefing yesterday afternoon.
Hinds did not say if the police knew the whereabouts of Coke, who is wanted in the United States to answer gun and drugs charges.
"The security forces had previously encouraged the individual (Coke) to surrender himself and, in fact, made known the opportunity to surrender," National Security Minister Dwight Nelson told the media briefing.
He said the security forces were still determined to execute the arrest warrant on Coke who is facing possible extradition.
But unconfirmed reports yesterday were that Coke had slipped out of the west Kingston enclave of Tivoli Gardens on Monday while Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers were engaged in a massive firefight with thugs manning barricades at entrances to the community.
Nelson said the JDF was greeted with gunfire when soldiers attempting to enter Tivoli were forced to defend themselves on a scale and magnitude which included heavy artillery.
Soldiers later told The Gleaner that they were engaged in a more than five-hour gun battle with the criminals.
One soldier was fatally shot during that battle while five others suffered gunshot wounds. Another soldier was injured in an undisclosed accident.
Several civilians were shot in that battle, with the official numbers being 26 killed and 25 injured. However, late yesterday, medical sources told The Gleaner that the civilian death toll had climbed to 44, with the number of injured moving to 37.
The deaths included two men reportedly found in a neighbouring community with tags on their bodies, indicating they had been shot for refusing to participate in the fight to defend Coke.
The police also reported that 211 civilians - including six women - had been detained, and a large number of firearms, ammunition, binoculars, army fatigues and ballistic vests seized.
However, the cops were unable to provide specific data on those seizures up to press time. They were also unable to say if the powerful Grizzly Big Boar rifle, which was reportedly in the hands of criminals in Tivoli, was among the weapons seized.
"We are still doing some searches and I do not want to go into the numbers," Hinds told journalists.
"There is a rifle that was seized and the persons on the ground said they could not describe it, but I would not want to say if this was the one," Hinds said.
daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com
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Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100526/lead/lead1.html
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Policemen take the fight to armed thugs on South Camp Road as gunfire rained down on Woodford Park in Kingston yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
Word he escaped as Tivoli pounded by military might
Daraine Luton & Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporters
Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the No. 1 target which sparked an unprecedented assault by the Jamaican army on Tivoli Gardens and other crime havens, is still missing, even as dozens of fatalities were reported from gunfights across Kingston in three days of intense urban warfare.
The operation, which was bolstered by police firepower, started at 10 o'clock Monday morning and splintered into major battles being waged in Woodford Park and Fletcher's Land as the Jamaican capital remained under siege.
"To our best information, he (Christopher 'Dudus' Coke) is still at large," acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds told journalists at a media briefing yesterday afternoon.
Hinds did not say if the police knew the whereabouts of Coke, who is wanted in the United States to answer gun and drugs charges.
"The security forces had previously encouraged the individual (Coke) to surrender himself and, in fact, made known the opportunity to surrender," National Security Minister Dwight Nelson told the media briefing.
He said the security forces were still determined to execute the arrest warrant on Coke who is facing possible extradition.
But unconfirmed reports yesterday were that Coke had slipped out of the west Kingston enclave of Tivoli Gardens on Monday while Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers were engaged in a massive firefight with thugs manning barricades at entrances to the community.
Nelson said the JDF was greeted with gunfire when soldiers attempting to enter Tivoli were forced to defend themselves on a scale and magnitude which included heavy artillery.
Soldiers later told The Gleaner that they were engaged in a more than five-hour gun battle with the criminals.
One soldier was fatally shot during that battle while five others suffered gunshot wounds. Another soldier was injured in an undisclosed accident.
Several civilians were shot in that battle, with the official numbers being 26 killed and 25 injured. However, late yesterday, medical sources told The Gleaner that the civilian death toll had climbed to 44, with the number of injured moving to 37.
The deaths included two men reportedly found in a neighbouring community with tags on their bodies, indicating they had been shot for refusing to participate in the fight to defend Coke.
The police also reported that 211 civilians - including six women - had been detained, and a large number of firearms, ammunition, binoculars, army fatigues and ballistic vests seized.
However, the cops were unable to provide specific data on those seizures up to press time. They were also unable to say if the powerful Grizzly Big Boar rifle, which was reportedly in the hands of criminals in Tivoli, was among the weapons seized.
"We are still doing some searches and I do not want to go into the numbers," Hinds told journalists.
"There is a rifle that was seized and the persons on the ground said they could not describe it, but I would not want to say if this was the one," Hinds said.
daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com
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Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100526/lead/lead1.html
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
"Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it".
"This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city,.."
Jeremiah 26
1In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,
2Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
3If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.
4And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,
5To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;
6Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.
7So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.
8Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.
9Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.
10When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD's house.
11Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.
12Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
13Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
14As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.
15But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.
16Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.
17Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,
18Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
19Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.
20And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah.
21And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt;
22And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him into Egypt.
23And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.
24Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.
King James Version (KJV)
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Because Large Cities Will Be Swept Away - Destruction of Thousands of Cities
Because Large Cities Will Be Swept Away.--Everywhere there are men who should be out in active ministry, giving the last message of warning to a fallen world. The work that should long ago have been in active operation to win souls to Christ has not been done. The inhabitants of the ungodly cities so soon to be visited by calamities have been cruelly neglected. The time is near when large cities will be swept away, and all should be warned of these coming judgments. But who is giving to the accomplishment of this work the wholehearted service that God requires? . . .
At the present time there is not a thousandth part being done in working the cities, that should be done, and that would be done if men and women would do their whole duty.--Manuscript 53, 1910.
Destruction of Thousands of Cities.--O that God's people had a sense of the impending destruction of thousands of cities, now almost given to idolatry.-- Review and Herald, Sept. 10, 1903.
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
Judge Napolitano: Obama's Private Army
http://
Here we have Judge Napolitano, a devout Roman Catholic and papal servant in our "legal system" leading a discussion about the Universal (Catholic) Health Care Bill on High Knight of St. Gregory, Rupert Murdoch's FOX NEWS, ("The Other Catholic Channel"), seeming to support the Constitution and condemning the Pope's Health Care legislation. And he is purposely juxtaposed against Knight of Malta Zbigniew Brzezinski's masterful "Muslim" creation, Papal King Barack Obama, a 32 degree Jesuitized/Illuminized Prince Hall Freemason who openly professes Islam, and Papal Court Jew, ("We have no king but Caesar/Pope") Rom Immanuel. In this video, the openly professing Catholic on the openly professing Catholic FOX NEWS seems to be the "Good Guy", while the blame is placed on the Vatican controlled "Muslim" and the Vatican controlled "Jew", all of which work loyally for the Antichrist Pope in Rome!
You talk about MIND CONTROL! This video is the epitome of mind control and I want my friends to be able to see through it all. Not one word is ever said about who these people, every stinking one of them, really work for, and that is the Pope of Rome! And the Pope doesn't care who you blame, Muslim, Jew, or Jesus, as long as you don't blame the Papacy for what is about to happen in this country.
If anybody has any questions, NOW is the time to ask!
Tom Friess KCØEBM
Inquisition Update
Here we have Judge Napolitano, a devout Roman Catholic and papal servant in our "legal system" leading a discussion about the Universal (Catholic) Health Care Bill on High Knight of St. Gregory, Rupert Murdoch's FOX NEWS, ("The Other Catholic Channel"), seeming to support the Constitution and condemning the Pope's Health Care legislation. And he is purposely juxtaposed against Knight of Malta Zbigniew Brzezinski's masterful "Muslim" creation, Papal King Barack Obama, a 32 degree Jesuitized/Illuminized Prince Hall Freemason who openly professes Islam, and Papal Court Jew, ("We have no king but Caesar/Pope") Rom Immanuel. In this video, the openly professing Catholic on the openly professing Catholic FOX NEWS seems to be the "Good Guy", while the blame is placed on the Vatican controlled "Muslim" and the Vatican controlled "Jew", all of which work loyally for the Antichrist Pope in Rome!
You talk about MIND CONTROL! This video is the epitome of mind control and I want my friends to be able to see through it all. Not one word is ever said about who these people, every stinking one of them, really work for, and that is the Pope of Rome! And the Pope doesn't care who you blame, Muslim, Jew, or Jesus, as long as you don't blame the Papacy for what is about to happen in this country.
If anybody has any questions, NOW is the time to ask!
Tom Friess KCØEBM
Inquisition Update
Friday, May 21, 2010
Student Protests Tie Up Campuses in Puerto Rico
Students protesting budget cuts at the University of Puerto Rico sat in the road in front of the San Juan campus last week as riot police officers stood guard.
By OMAYA SOSA-PASCUAL and EMMA GRAVES FITZSIMMONS
Published: May 20, 2010
SAN JUAN, P.R. — The seven entry gates on the largest campus of the University of Puerto Rico system remained chained shut on Thursday. Beyond improvised barricades were hundreds of students in makeshift camps, some with portable showers and stoves, hardly engaged in the typical college springtime routine of studying for final exams and preparing for graduation.

By OMAYA SOSA-PASCUAL and EMMA GRAVES FITZSIMMONS
Published: May 20, 2010
SAN JUAN, P.R. — The seven entry gates on the largest campus of the University of Puerto Rico system remained chained shut on Thursday. Beyond improvised barricades were hundreds of students in makeshift camps, some with portable showers and stoves, hardly engaged in the typical college springtime routine of studying for final exams and preparing for graduation.
Ricardo Arduengo/Associated Press
Students have been on strike for over a month, living in makeshift camps behind university gates.
Students have been on strike for over a month, living in makeshift camps behind university gates.
The students here have hunkered down, bringing the academic calendar to a halt. They are a month into a strike that has crippled an 11-campus system with more than 62,000 students, intent on persuading the administration to revoke austerity measures that they believe will unfairly hamper low-income students. Only one campus, for medical sciences, is operational.

Ricardo Arduengo/Associated Press
Supporters of the students held a rally Tuesday.
Supporters of the students held a rally Tuesday.
The Río Piedras campus here in the capital has been closed since the strike began on April 21. When the students locked the gates, a confrontation with the police ensued, and university officials later decided to shut down the school. The territory is grappling with a huge budget deficit and an unemployment rate of 16 percent. The strike is the latest, most contentious protest against Gov. Luis G. Fortuño, a Republican elected in 2008. Thousands of union members rallied against planned layoffs by the government in a national protest last October.
As the university system announced budget cuts, students demanded an alternative and a greater transparency for university finances. One point of tension is funding for music, athletics and honors scholarships for students who also have federal grants.
“We understand this is social marginalization and discrimination against the people with less resources,” said Fernando Espinal, a law school graduate and former president of the student council.
University officials did not respond to requests for interviews.
Many public universities in the United States have faced tuition increases and cuts in funding because of states’ financial problems. In March, thousands of students and faculty members protested at the University of California.
But the strike in Puerto Rico has continued for weeks and grown increasingly tense, with reports of the police preventing the students from receiving supplies, food and water last weekend.
The fiscal crisis set up the conditions for the student strike, said Miguel Soto-Class, executive director of the Center for a New Economy, an independent research organization here.
“The University of Puerto Rico is receiving a significant amount less than it has received in the past,” he said. “It has forced the administration to undertake some cost-cutting measures that have not been popular with the students and some of the staff.”
Mr. Fortuño has encouraged both sides to work together to reach a solution, a spokesman said.
The governor said in an e-mail interview: “It is unfortunate that a minuscule group of students, that do not represent the vast majority of university students, have decided to take matters in their own hands and closed the university gates, thus precluding the vast majority of students to continue their studies, the teachers to impart their classes and the researchers to continue their research projects.”
The protesters spend their time reading and using computers with wireless Internet access to spread the word about the strike. They have received support from union leaders, writers and performers, including the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano and the Puerto Rican musician Ricky Martin, who posted a supportive message on Twitter.
After negotiations between the administration and students fell apart on Thursday, Aura Colón Solá, a member of the university’s law school action committee, said she was prepared to continue the strike for several more months. She said she was upset that university officials had sued some student leaders to try to end the strike.
“You do not sue students if you really intend to negotiate,” she said. “It is ridiculous. They would have to sue the 200 students in here and the thousands that voted in favor of this.”
Maritza Stanchich, an English professor at the Río Piedras campus who supports the strike, said many professors viewed the strike as a “teachable moment” to show the students how to stand up for themselves.
“It has been an enormous disruption,” she said, “but it’s meant to be that way to force the administration to negotiate.”
Students said the administration tried to end the strike through a court injunction, but public backlash intensified and Mr. Fortuño revoked the court order after three days. This week, the police chief ordered a reduction of the police presence.
On Thursday, the mood was calm at the main gate, where about 20 police officers stood guard. A large sign on the fence read “You may cut all the flowers, but will never eradicate spring.”
A version of this article appeared in print on May 21, 2010, on page A14 of the New York edition.
As the university system announced budget cuts, students demanded an alternative and a greater transparency for university finances. One point of tension is funding for music, athletics and honors scholarships for students who also have federal grants.
“We understand this is social marginalization and discrimination against the people with less resources,” said Fernando Espinal, a law school graduate and former president of the student council.
University officials did not respond to requests for interviews.
Many public universities in the United States have faced tuition increases and cuts in funding because of states’ financial problems. In March, thousands of students and faculty members protested at the University of California.
But the strike in Puerto Rico has continued for weeks and grown increasingly tense, with reports of the police preventing the students from receiving supplies, food and water last weekend.
The fiscal crisis set up the conditions for the student strike, said Miguel Soto-Class, executive director of the Center for a New Economy, an independent research organization here.
“The University of Puerto Rico is receiving a significant amount less than it has received in the past,” he said. “It has forced the administration to undertake some cost-cutting measures that have not been popular with the students and some of the staff.”
Mr. Fortuño has encouraged both sides to work together to reach a solution, a spokesman said.
The governor said in an e-mail interview: “It is unfortunate that a minuscule group of students, that do not represent the vast majority of university students, have decided to take matters in their own hands and closed the university gates, thus precluding the vast majority of students to continue their studies, the teachers to impart their classes and the researchers to continue their research projects.”
The protesters spend their time reading and using computers with wireless Internet access to spread the word about the strike. They have received support from union leaders, writers and performers, including the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano and the Puerto Rican musician Ricky Martin, who posted a supportive message on Twitter.
After negotiations between the administration and students fell apart on Thursday, Aura Colón Solá, a member of the university’s law school action committee, said she was prepared to continue the strike for several more months. She said she was upset that university officials had sued some student leaders to try to end the strike.
“You do not sue students if you really intend to negotiate,” she said. “It is ridiculous. They would have to sue the 200 students in here and the thousands that voted in favor of this.”
Maritza Stanchich, an English professor at the Río Piedras campus who supports the strike, said many professors viewed the strike as a “teachable moment” to show the students how to stand up for themselves.
“It has been an enormous disruption,” she said, “but it’s meant to be that way to force the administration to negotiate.”
Students said the administration tried to end the strike through a court injunction, but public backlash intensified and Mr. Fortuño revoked the court order after three days. This week, the police chief ordered a reduction of the police presence.
On Thursday, the mood was calm at the main gate, where about 20 police officers stood guard. A large sign on the fence read “You may cut all the flowers, but will never eradicate spring.”
A version of this article appeared in print on May 21, 2010, on page A14 of the New York edition.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/us/21students.html?ref=us
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Thursday, May 20, 2010
"going forward"

The lastest cliche is "going forward". If you listen long enough you'll hear this catchy phrase in the soundbytes that are supposed to be news. Well, it sure sounds progressive; Yet, what I see is a whole lot of back peddling like Tom "wrong way" Wooten would do back in the 1980's.
They talk a great game, but, in reality they're going no where but backwards.
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Arsenio..
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The Seal of God
The Seal of God
"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand." {5T 207.2}
And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 207.3}
Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly
208
sanctuary to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth strengthen their hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His own honor. {5T 207.4}
Of the Amorites the Lord said: "In the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no change was seen for the better, His judgments were to fall upon them. {5T 208.1}
With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While His mercy is tendered with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf. {5T 208.2}
The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of heaven's blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry, contempt of God, and base ingratitude are written
209
against them. They are fast closing up their account with God. {5T 208.3}
But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God's law becomes more manifest, the line of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according as contempt for them increases with another class. {5T 209.1}
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." {5T 209.2}
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf
210
of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3}
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them. {5T 210.1}
The command is: "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2}
In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit
211
of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect. {5T 210.3}
The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 211.1}
Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}
The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord
212
seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide. {5T 211.3}
No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. {5T 212.1}
It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure. {5T 212.2}
The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." {5T 212.3}
Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin. {5T 212.4}
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
213
which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book." When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance! {5T 212.5}
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God's power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was. {5T 213.1}
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.
214
There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart. {5T 213.2}
By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God's word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path. {5T 214.1}
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T 214.2}
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods and know not that we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
215
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." {5T 214.3}
In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness. {5T 215.1}
No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon Him in faith, and He has promised to hear and answer your petitions. {5T 215.2}
Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a controversy with His people this experience will be a source of comfort and hope. {5T 215.3}
It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes
216
of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord's appearing. The world is in darkness. "But ye, brethren," says Paul, "are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." It is ever God's purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul. {5T 215.4}
What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {5T 216.1}
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour. {5T 216.2}
"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand." {5T 207.2}
And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 207.3}
Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly
208
sanctuary to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth strengthen their hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His own honor. {5T 207.4}
Of the Amorites the Lord said: "In the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no change was seen for the better, His judgments were to fall upon them. {5T 208.1}
With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While His mercy is tendered with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf. {5T 208.2}
The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of heaven's blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry, contempt of God, and base ingratitude are written
209
against them. They are fast closing up their account with God. {5T 208.3}
But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God's law becomes more manifest, the line of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according as contempt for them increases with another class. {5T 209.1}
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." {5T 209.2}
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf
210
of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3}
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them. {5T 210.1}
The command is: "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2}
In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit
211
of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect. {5T 210.3}
The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 211.1}
Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}
The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord
212
seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide. {5T 211.3}
No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. {5T 212.1}
It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure. {5T 212.2}
The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." {5T 212.3}
Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin. {5T 212.4}
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
213
which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book." When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance! {5T 212.5}
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God's power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was. {5T 213.1}
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.
214
There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart. {5T 213.2}
By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God's word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path. {5T 214.1}
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T 214.2}
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods and know not that we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
215
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." {5T 214.3}
In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness. {5T 215.1}
No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon Him in faith, and He has promised to hear and answer your petitions. {5T 215.2}
Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a controversy with His people this experience will be a source of comfort and hope. {5T 215.3}
It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes
216
of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord's appearing. The world is in darkness. "But ye, brethren," says Paul, "are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." It is ever God's purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul. {5T 215.4}
What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {5T 216.1}
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour. {5T 216.2}
Testimonies for the Church Volume Five (1882-1889)/Chap. 24 - The Seal of God (pp. 207-216)
P.S. Thanks Brother John T. for pointing out 5T 211.2.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Franklin tennis player disqualified for refusing match on Sabbath

Franklin’s Stefan Mangroo, doubles partner may be out of tournament.
By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer
Updated 2:54 AM Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer
Updated 2:54 AM Tuesday, May 18, 2010
FRANKLIN — Stefan Mangroo’s religion comes first.
“You have to stand up for what you believe,” the Franklin High School junior said Monday, May 17.
So when Mangroo, 17, and his tennis partner, senior Cody Buffenbarger, were scheduled to play Saturday, May 15, in the semifinals of the Division II sectional tournament, Mangroo refused to play on the Sabbath for Seventh-Day Adventists.
“It’s the Lord’s day,” said Mangroo, a member of the Centerville Seventh-Day Adventist Church who’s permitted to do only “biblical things” on Saturdays.
When he didn’t show up at the tennis court, Mangroo and Buffenbarger were disqualified from the tournament, even though there were four teams and all four teams were set to advance to this week’s districts.
Buffenbarger’s mother, Lisa Hart, called the semifinals only a “seeding” tournament since all four teams had advanced to the next round.
New Richmond, which Franklin beat 6-1, 6-1, will advance in its place if the ruling made by the Ohio High School Athletic Association stands.
A final decision may be made today, but as of now, the Franklin team has been disqualified, said Roxanne Price, assistant commissioner of the OHSAA.
Price said the rule, No. 13, assures that teams “participate” and don’t forfeit their matches.
Price said the state can’t adjust its tournament schedule based on students’ obligations, such as proms, graduation, school field trips and Advanced Placement tests.
If the doubles team had showed up, and lied about an injury, they would have lost the match, but advanced to the next level, everyone agreed.
Franklin tennis coach Jeff York said he “admired” Mangroo for sticking to his religious beliefs.
Mangroo said the state “can’t discriminate against religion.”
Rodney Roberts, Franklin athletic director, called the dispute “a situation, not a controversy.” He said the district was “exploring our options” as far as challenging the state’s decision.
He said Franklin has an “obligation” to represent its student-athletes.
“This is not a battle,” he said. “We just want to exhaust all our options.”
He said the school “fully understands” the rules and regulations, but he believes since Mangroo’s decision was based entirely on his religion, “it’s a little different.”
Then he added: “It’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.
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Religious conference brings many faiths together
Tyler Olsen, The Times
Published: Friday, May 14, 2010
Published: Friday, May 14, 2010
Forget what you see on the news or read about in the (other) papers. According to Rizwan Peerzada, faith is a unifying force, even among different religions.
Peerzada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will host its first World Religions Conference on Saturday at the University of the Fraser Valley's Chilliwack Campus.
Representatives of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam will discuss the weighty question of whether there is life after death. (Organizers sought, but did not find, Jewish and atheist representatives to take part).
Peerzada hopes that the free conference will show that different religions have much in common.
"We want to bring that unity in the religion that yes, OK, we have the differences but we can co-exist together in spite of the differences," he told the Times.
Peerzada pointed to Jewish, Christian and Islamic roots ties to Abraham, as well as similarities between the deities of the different religions.
And he said those who attend the conference will learn that religion teaches peace not hatred.
Such conferences have been organized around the world for more than 100 years, and Peerzada himself has helped plan events in more than a dozen British Columbia cities.
As Muslims, Peerzada said "we want to share that . . . Islam teaches only peace. It has been hijacked by some clergy and fanatic people."
By spreading that message, and allowing representatives of other religions a venue to express themselves, organizers hope to build bridges between religious communities.
"We must know about each other," said Peerzada. "Our neighbours could be a Jew, could be a Hindu, could be a Muslim, could be anyone, and not knowing each others' faiths, sometimes you can come to the conclusion of something very different, not a peaceful society."
Seventh Day Adventist pastor Michael Hope, who will represent Christianity at the conference, agreed.
"Whenever we discuss things and learn about what other people agree, it takes away prejudice and helps us understand people of other religions," he told the Times.
- The World Religions Conference takes place Saturday, between 3 and 7 p.m. in the Building D theatre at the University of the Fraser Valley's Chilliwack Campus. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted.
tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com
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Source: http://www2.canada.com/chilliwacktimes/news/story.html?id=daabecff-2928-4215-88ad-a48b9843fbd6
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Don't beat up on GG for casino approval, says pastor
Monday May 17, 2010
Don't beat up on GG for casino approval, says pastor
Published: Monday May 17, 2010
IN A bid to defuse simmering tension within the Seventh-day Adventist movement over King's House's approval of the Casino Gaming Act, a St Andrew pastor has warned members of the denomination not to expect the establishment of "an Adventist papacy" in Jamaica.
Pastor Lorenzo King, rector of Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church on the outskirts of New Kingston, cautioned congregants on Saturday that it would be improper for Sir Patrick Allen, immediate former head of the West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, to seek to impose his religious beliefs in the secular role as Jamaica's head of state. Theocracy, King said, would be contrary to the will of the people.
The issue of casino gaming has been a minefield in Jamaican society, with the majority of churches - including Adventists - denouncing it as immoral and evidence of deterioration of the island's work ethic. A few denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, do not outrightly condemn gambling, but draw the line if it promotes obsessive behaviour which jeopardises personal and family financial commitments.
The approval of the bill has paved the way for multimillion-dollar investments in the roll-out of casino-gaming lounges, particularly in the hotel sector.
Control emotions
King also urged Adventists to temper rage within the church's ranks that Sir Patrick had compromised his conscience and undermined Adventists' image by acceding to political expediency.
He said he knew of "Sunday Christians who are kinder and more understanding of the issues than we are. That is my belief, I have heard them, and they are not expressing themselves in the way that we express ourselves.
"I'm calling upon my brothers and sisters not to abandon what we believe, but to be moderate, be moderate in your expression. ... Remember that prayer changes things," he said in defence of his former boss.
"... I'm calling upon Seventh-day Adventists to show love, and even if a member has done wrong, we do not kill that member. ... It is uncharitable, it is unkind."
Sir Patrick was appointed governor general in 2009. It is largely viewed as a ceremonial post as governors general are expected to rubber-stamp government policy and endorse, as a matter of course, bills passed by legislators.
Adventists claim the largest share of denominational Christians in Jamaica, but are dwarfed in number when compared with doctrinally diverse adherents whose main day of worship is Sunday, as opposed to Saturday, the Adventist Sabbath.
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Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100517/business/business3.html
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And on the seventh day, he may run
Canton senior’s religious faith keeps him out of Saturday track meets, but his performances have been stellar

About the only thing that can beat Jimmie Smith is a Saturday track meet.
The Canton senior’s family is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, which prohibits secular activities on Saturdays. That includes competing in or watching sporting events.
Most of the track and field season, that isn’t a problem. But it is when the state meet comes around, because the finals are on a Saturday.
In the Class 1A state finals last year, Smith was the No. 2 seed in the 200-meter dash and No. 4 seed in the 100. Canton’s 4x200 relay, which Smith anchored, was seeded second. But Smith wasn’t allowed to compete.
This year, however, should be different. Smith said his parents have told him he will be allowed to run at state.
“As long as I don’t get in trouble,” Smith said.
Certainly, Smith hasn’t had much trouble on the track this season. He has run a 10.8-second 100, a school-record :23.1 200 and a :49.3 400. He just started back on relays two weeks ago, although all three teammates from that standout 4x2 team of 2009 graduated.
“I just want to go undefeated this year. I’ll do whatever it takes,” Smith said.
He’s already faced down a big challenge to that when he raced against Morton junior D.J. Zahn at the Galesburg A-B-C Invitational on April 16. He bested Zahn — who has put up some stellar times this season — in the 100, 200 and 400 that day, although the two probably will meet at least two more times this season.
“Every challenge that comes his way, he just keeps stepping up to meet the challenge,” Canton coach Mike Vollmar said. “There are meets where he knows there’s going to be nobody there to challenge him and he runs races like that. But then when he knows there’s somebody there to challenge him, like at Galesburg, he steps up every time.”
Smith was a running back on Canton’s football team but hopes to run track in college.
“I’d love to go to Illinois,” he said. “If not there, a good school somewhere close.”
He didn’t start running competitively until seventh grade — in fact, he didn’t participate in sports at all until then.
“Saturdays,” he said.
But even though he used to beat older children while running on the playground at recess, he struggled in the early days of his track career.
“I didn’t do too good,” he said. “I had to learn starts and form.”
But by the time he got to high school, he was ready to shine.
“He was pretty developed as a freshman,” Vollmar said, “but he really got in the weight room between his sophomore and junior year and he really got strong around then. He made huge jumps from his sophomore to junior year.”
Vollmar said not having his top sprinter on Saturdays hasn’t been that much of a hardship.
“He can do everything on Fridays, it’s just Saturday,” Vollmar said. “I understand. I just know Saturdays are off-limits.”
And with Smith’s ability and quiet leadership, he’ll take him whenever he can get him.
“He’s a great leader in that he’ll do everything I ask and not complain about it,” Vollmar said. “And the kids look up to him. They get very excited about watching him run.”
Smith has some goals for the season — breaking the school record in the 100 (:10.6) and repeating as Mid-Illini Conference champion in the 100, 200 and 400. But the big thing is going to state — and maybe bringing home some hardware.
“I’d like to place, if not get first,” he said.
Jane Miller can be reached at 686-3207 or jmiller@pjstar.com
Jimmie Smith, a senior track athlete at Canton High School and member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, will now be allowed to compete on Saturdays which in the past kept him from sectional and state championship competition.
By JANE MILLER
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
Posted May 03, 2010 @ 08:29 PM
Last update May 04, 2010 @ 06:09 AM
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
Posted May 03, 2010 @ 08:29 PM
Last update May 04, 2010 @ 06:09 AM
About the only thing that can beat Jimmie Smith is a Saturday track meet.
The Canton senior’s family is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, which prohibits secular activities on Saturdays. That includes competing in or watching sporting events.
Most of the track and field season, that isn’t a problem. But it is when the state meet comes around, because the finals are on a Saturday.
In the Class 1A state finals last year, Smith was the No. 2 seed in the 200-meter dash and No. 4 seed in the 100. Canton’s 4x200 relay, which Smith anchored, was seeded second. But Smith wasn’t allowed to compete.
This year, however, should be different. Smith said his parents have told him he will be allowed to run at state.
“As long as I don’t get in trouble,” Smith said.
Certainly, Smith hasn’t had much trouble on the track this season. He has run a 10.8-second 100, a school-record :23.1 200 and a :49.3 400. He just started back on relays two weeks ago, although all three teammates from that standout 4x2 team of 2009 graduated.
“I just want to go undefeated this year. I’ll do whatever it takes,” Smith said.
He’s already faced down a big challenge to that when he raced against Morton junior D.J. Zahn at the Galesburg A-B-C Invitational on April 16. He bested Zahn — who has put up some stellar times this season — in the 100, 200 and 400 that day, although the two probably will meet at least two more times this season.
“Every challenge that comes his way, he just keeps stepping up to meet the challenge,” Canton coach Mike Vollmar said. “There are meets where he knows there’s going to be nobody there to challenge him and he runs races like that. But then when he knows there’s somebody there to challenge him, like at Galesburg, he steps up every time.”
Smith was a running back on Canton’s football team but hopes to run track in college.
“I’d love to go to Illinois,” he said. “If not there, a good school somewhere close.”
He didn’t start running competitively until seventh grade — in fact, he didn’t participate in sports at all until then.
“Saturdays,” he said.
But even though he used to beat older children while running on the playground at recess, he struggled in the early days of his track career.
“I didn’t do too good,” he said. “I had to learn starts and form.”
But by the time he got to high school, he was ready to shine.
“He was pretty developed as a freshman,” Vollmar said, “but he really got in the weight room between his sophomore and junior year and he really got strong around then. He made huge jumps from his sophomore to junior year.”
Vollmar said not having his top sprinter on Saturdays hasn’t been that much of a hardship.
“He can do everything on Fridays, it’s just Saturday,” Vollmar said. “I understand. I just know Saturdays are off-limits.”
And with Smith’s ability and quiet leadership, he’ll take him whenever he can get him.
“He’s a great leader in that he’ll do everything I ask and not complain about it,” Vollmar said. “And the kids look up to him. They get very excited about watching him run.”
Smith has some goals for the season — breaking the school record in the 100 (:10.6) and repeating as Mid-Illini Conference champion in the 100, 200 and 400. But the big thing is going to state — and maybe bringing home some hardware.
“I’d like to place, if not get first,” he said.
Jane Miller can be reached at 686-3207 or jmiller@pjstar.com
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Ottawa Celebrates Falun Dafa Day
Created: May 12, 2010
Last Updated: May 12, 2010
OTTAWA—Falun Gong practitioners and friends celebrated Falun Dafa Day on Wednesday in Ottawa. Festivities included a parade through downtown followed by speeches, dance and music performances, and Falun Dafa exercise demonstrations on Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital.
The events marked the 18th anniversary of the self-improvement discipline’s introduction to the public on May 13, 1992. The traditional Chinese practice includes a set of meditation exercises and is centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
Among the speakers were Senator Consiglio Di Nino; MPs Stephen Woodworth, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Bill Siksay, and Rob Anders; former Secretary of State David Kilgour; Lyle Notice, pastor of the Ottawa Seventh-day Adventist Church; and former diplomat Brian McAdam.
The events marked the 18th anniversary of the self-improvement discipline’s introduction to the public on May 13, 1992. The traditional Chinese practice includes a set of meditation exercises and is centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
Among the speakers were Senator Consiglio Di Nino; MPs Stephen Woodworth, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Bill Siksay, and Rob Anders; former Secretary of State David Kilgour; Lyle Notice, pastor of the Ottawa Seventh-day Adventist Church; and former diplomat Brian McAdam.
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Spiritism and Revolution
He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbour as thyself..... Luke 10:27.
As the youth go out into the world to encounter its allurements to sin--the passion for money getting, for amusement and indulgence, for display, luxury, and extravagance, the overreaching, fraud, robbery, and ruin--what are the teachings there to be met?
Spiritualism asserts that men are unfallen demigods; that "each mind will judge itself"; that "true knowledge places men above all law"; that "all sins committed are innocent"; for "whatever is, is right," and "God doth not condemn." The basest of human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there. Thus it declares to all men, "It matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home." Multitudes are thus led to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.
With such teaching given at the very outset of life, when impulse is strongest, and the demand for self-restraint and purity is most urgent, where are the safeguards of virtue? what is to prevent the world from becoming a second Sodom?
All the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; . . . the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution--all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.
Such are the influences to be met by the youth of today. To stand amidst such upheavals they are now to lay the foundations of character.
In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbour as thyself" (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide.
As the youth go out into the world to encounter its allurements to sin--the passion for money getting, for amusement and indulgence, for display, luxury, and extravagance, the overreaching, fraud, robbery, and ruin--what are the teachings there to be met?
Spiritualism asserts that men are unfallen demigods; that "each mind will judge itself"; that "true knowledge places men above all law"; that "all sins committed are innocent"; for "whatever is, is right," and "God doth not condemn." The basest of human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there. Thus it declares to all men, "It matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home." Multitudes are thus led to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.
With such teaching given at the very outset of life, when impulse is strongest, and the demand for self-restraint and purity is most urgent, where are the safeguards of virtue? what is to prevent the world from becoming a second Sodom?
All the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; . . . the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution--all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.
Such are the influences to be met by the youth of today. To stand amidst such upheavals they are now to lay the foundations of character.
In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbour as thyself" (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide.
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Maranatha, E. G. White, p.146.
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Monday, May 17, 2010
ADVENTIST REJECTION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY!
ADVENTIST REJECTION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY!
Amazing as this sounds, yet it is an undeniable fact of truth that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is giving up and rejecting the Sabbath of the Lord, in order to embrace Sunday worship instead! This blatant apostasy of the Adventist Church in growing rejection of God’s Sabbath day is not being practiced behind closed doors by the church leadership, nor is it being kept secret. But this great apostasy is plainly being declared in print, and is openly being practiced for all to see.
Yet many are unaware of this apostasy, and believe that the SDA church is not and could not betray our Lord with such traitorous actions. For the many honest-hearted souls who are not aware of this great apostasy taking place in the Adventist Church of today, we dedicate this Newsletter.
The Sabbath is the great testing truth found in the third angel’s message. This truth states that the Seventh-day or Saturday is the only Lord’s day of worship as the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:10; Testimonies, vol 6, p 128); that it is a special holy day of rest in which we are to cease from all secular labor, from all business and worldly affairs, and devote this 24 hour day to God (Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14; Nehemiah 13:15-22); that it is the sign or seal of God (Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Exodus 31:13-17), and that there is no biblical truth supporting a change to Sunday as the Lord’s day (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Hebrews 4:3-11; Ezekiel 20:12-
20; 1 Chronicles 17:27). Thus we must keep the Sabbath holy in obedience to God if we want to make it to heaven (Early Writings, p 37; Desire of Ages, p 206; Testimonies, vol 8, p 196-198; Great Controversy, p 455; Testimonies, vol 6, p 349; Prophets and Kings, p 182; Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 949; Testimonies, vol 3, p 392; Evangelism, p 290; Testimonies, vol 1, p 532; vol 2, p 705; Life Sketches, p 117-118), because the Sabbath will be the great test and dividing line between those who follow God and are saved, versus those who follow Satan and are lost (Revelation 13:17-18; Testimonies, vol 1, p 353-354; Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 983).
Amazing as this sounds, yet it is an undeniable fact of truth that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is giving up and rejecting the Sabbath of the Lord, in order to embrace Sunday worship instead! This blatant apostasy of the Adventist Church in growing rejection of God’s Sabbath day is not being practiced behind closed doors by the church leadership, nor is it being kept secret. But this great apostasy is plainly being declared in print, and is openly being practiced for all to see.
Yet many are unaware of this apostasy, and believe that the SDA church is not and could not betray our Lord with such traitorous actions. For the many honest-hearted souls who are not aware of this great apostasy taking place in the Adventist Church of today, we dedicate this Newsletter.
The Sabbath is the great testing truth found in the third angel’s message. This truth states that the Seventh-day or Saturday is the only Lord’s day of worship as the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:10; Testimonies, vol 6, p 128); that it is a special holy day of rest in which we are to cease from all secular labor, from all business and worldly affairs, and devote this 24 hour day to God (Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14; Nehemiah 13:15-22); that it is the sign or seal of God (Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Exodus 31:13-17), and that there is no biblical truth supporting a change to Sunday as the Lord’s day (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Hebrews 4:3-11; Ezekiel 20:12-
20; 1 Chronicles 17:27). Thus we must keep the Sabbath holy in obedience to God if we want to make it to heaven (Early Writings, p 37; Desire of Ages, p 206; Testimonies, vol 8, p 196-198; Great Controversy, p 455; Testimonies, vol 6, p 349; Prophets and Kings, p 182; Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 949; Testimonies, vol 3, p 392; Evangelism, p 290; Testimonies, vol 1, p 532; vol 2, p 705; Life Sketches, p 117-118), because the Sabbath will be the great test and dividing line between those who follow God and are saved, versus those who follow Satan and are lost (Revelation 13:17-18; Testimonies, vol 1, p 353-354; Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 983).
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Read more@ http://www.lightministries.com/SDA/id51.htm
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When shall The Kingdom of God come?

20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
24For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
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Luke 17:20-25.
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Just like the Pharisees asked Jesus when would The Kingdom of God come, many today do likewise; Many gentiles, and most Jews still ask the same question: When will the Messiah come? Well, Jesus told the clerical leaders of His day that The Kingdom of God was "amongst them" in His presence. Jesus is the personification of The Kingdom of God. He walked and talked with them; Yet, they would not heed His words [But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation].
How many are rejecting Him, today? Are the Jews still looking for a sign? Are the gentiles still doubtful that Jesus is The Son of God? Read The Bible and find out. He is the Great "I AM".
Arsenio.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Vatican details U.S. sex abuse defense
By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer
Story Published: May 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM PDT
Story Updated: May 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM PDT
Story Published: May 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM PDT
Story Updated: May 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM PDT
Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican on Monday will make its most detailed argument yet for why it is not liable for bishops who allowed priests to molest children in the U.S., in a motion that could affect other efforts to sue the Holy See in American courts, The Associated Press has learned.
In a motion to dismiss a lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds, the Holy See is expected to argue that a key Vatican document calling for secrecy in church trials for sex abuse cases was not, as victims' lawyers say, proof of a Vatican-orchestrated cover up. The Vatican's U.S. attorney, Jeffrey Lena, said Sunday there was no evidence the document was even known to the archdiocese in question - much less used.
In addition, the Holy See is expected to assert that bishops aren't Vatican employees because they aren't paid by Rome, don't act on Rome's behalf and aren't controlled day-to-day by the pope - factors courts use to determine whether employers are liable for the actions of their workers, Lena told the AP.
He said he would suggest to the court that it should avoid using the religious nature of the relationship between bishops and the pope altogether as a basis for civil liability, because it entangles the court in an analysis of complicated religious doctrine that dates back to the apostles.
The Holy See is trying to fend off the first U.S. case to reach the stage of determining whether victims actually have a claim against the Vatican itself for negligence for the failure of bishops to alert police or the public about Roman Catholic priests who molested children.
The case was filed in 2004 in district court in Louisville, Kentucky, by three men who claim they were abused by priests decades ago and claim negligence by the Vatican. Their attorney, William McMurry, is seeking class-action status for the case, saying there are thousands of victims across the country.
The Vatican's motion is being closely watched as the clerical abuse scandal swirls around the Holy See, since the court's eventual decision could have implications for a new lawsuit naming top Vatican officials that was recently filed in Wisconsin and another one in Oregon is pending before the Supreme Court.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican on Monday will make its most detailed argument yet for why it is not liable for bishops who allowed priests to molest children in the U.S., in a motion that could affect other efforts to sue the Holy See in American courts, The Associated Press has learned.
In a motion to dismiss a lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds, the Holy See is expected to argue that a key Vatican document calling for secrecy in church trials for sex abuse cases was not, as victims' lawyers say, proof of a Vatican-orchestrated cover up. The Vatican's U.S. attorney, Jeffrey Lena, said Sunday there was no evidence the document was even known to the archdiocese in question - much less used.
In addition, the Holy See is expected to assert that bishops aren't Vatican employees because they aren't paid by Rome, don't act on Rome's behalf and aren't controlled day-to-day by the pope - factors courts use to determine whether employers are liable for the actions of their workers, Lena told the AP.
He said he would suggest to the court that it should avoid using the religious nature of the relationship between bishops and the pope altogether as a basis for civil liability, because it entangles the court in an analysis of complicated religious doctrine that dates back to the apostles.
The Holy See is trying to fend off the first U.S. case to reach the stage of determining whether victims actually have a claim against the Vatican itself for negligence for the failure of bishops to alert police or the public about Roman Catholic priests who molested children.
The case was filed in 2004 in district court in Louisville, Kentucky, by three men who claim they were abused by priests decades ago and claim negligence by the Vatican. Their attorney, William McMurry, is seeking class-action status for the case, saying there are thousands of victims across the country.
The Vatican's motion is being closely watched as the clerical abuse scandal swirls around the Holy See, since the court's eventual decision could have implications for a new lawsuit naming top Vatican officials that was recently filed in Wisconsin and another one in Oregon is pending before the Supreme Court.
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Thousands flock to Vatican to back pope over abuse
By NICOLE WINFIELD
May 16, 2010, 5:08PM
VATICAN CITY — More than 100,000 people filled St. Peter's Square on Sunday in a major show of support for Pope Benedict XVI over the clerical sex abuse scandal.
Benedict said he was comforted by such a "beautiful and spontaneous show of faith and solidarity" and again denounced what he called the "sin" that has infected the church and needs to be purified.
Citing estimates from Vatican police, the Vatican press office said 150,000 people had turned out for the demonstration organized by an association of 68 Italian lay groups.
Despite a drizzling rain, the balloon- and banner-toting faithful from around Italy overflowed from the piazza; banners hung up on Bernini's colonnade encircling the piazza read "Together with the pope," and "Don't be afraid, Jesus won out over evil."
"We are here to show both to other people and to ourselves our solidarity with the church in this difficult time," said Simone Pleticos, a 24-year-old student who traveled from Milan for the occasion.
Such large crowds are usually reserved for major holiday Masses and canonizations, not for Benedict's brief, 10-minute Sunday blessings from his studio window. The crowd interrupted Benedict frequently with applause and shouts of "Benedetto!" and the pontiff himself strayed from his prepared remarks to thank them again and again.
"Thank you for your presence and trust," he said. "All of Italy is here."
Benedict didn't refer explicitly to the scandal, but repeated his recently stated position that the scandal was born of sins within the church, which must be purified.
"The true enemy to fear and to fight against is sin, the spiritual evil that unfortunately sometimes infects even members of the church," he said.
The Vatican has been mired in scandal amid hundreds of reports in Europe, the United States and elsewhere of priests who raped and molested children while bishops and Vatican officials turned a blind eye. Benedict's own handling of cases has also come under fire.
Rome's center-right Mayor Gianni Alemanno was in the crowd, along with other pro-Vatican Italian officials.
"We want to show our solidarity to the pope and transmit the message that single individuals make mistakes but institutions, faith and religion cannot be questioned," Alemanno told Associated Press Television News. "We will not allow this."
Luca Colussi, from the farmers' union Coldiretti, said abuse allegations must be fully investigated. "But as far we're concerned, our members will always remain close to the Pope as we share the same values."
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Associated Press reporter Alice Herford contributed to this report.
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Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/7007731.html
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The Two Gospels

The Two Gospels
"According to your Faith—be it unto You."
"And this is that Spirit of Antichrist"
New Theology and the Antichrist
In an article written by J. B. Conley, he shows how the teaching that insists that Christ came in the nature of Adam before his fall is connected to the antichrist. He wrote: "The Scriptures have placed the identity of antichrist beyond either guesswork or confusion. The Bible has clearly named the guilty one. John says that he denies Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. 2 John 7. Let this be the first mark of antichrist by which his identity will be placed beyond dispute.
(excerpt)
Read the article @ http://www.temcat.com/09-Ad-found/The%20Two%20Gospels.pdf
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Adventist publisher ousts executives
By Julia Duin
Four executives employed by the publishing arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were sacked recently at the organization's Hagerstown, Md., headquarters because of "mounting financial losses," denominational officials said.
The Maryland-based denomination, which has 16 million members worldwide in 203 countries including 1 million in North America, forced the resignations of top officials for the Review and Herald Publishing Association (RHPA) - a sign of the greater weakness in the religious publishing industry.
RHPA President Robert S. Smith, who had been 10 years in the position, was relieved of his duties after an April 29 board meeting. Vice President of Finance Hepsiba S. Singh will retire July 1. Mario P. Martinelli, vice president for books and subscription literature, and Richard A. Tooley, vice president for periodicals, were also let go.
Mark B. Thomas, vice president for graphics, was named interim president.
Revenues for the publisher have been flat for the past decade, according to denominational archives that show an annual revenues at $26 million in 2000 with a rise in sales to $36 million in 2008. Annual sales volume then dropped back down to its current level of $28 million.
Gerry Karst, vice chairman of the 39-member board, said two of the four employees let go were past retirement age.
"We'd come to a point where we needed to reorganize this institution," he said. "It's been operating for 161 years ... and the way people access information these days has changed, but our business model has remained the same."
The resignations, which were first reported in the Adventist Review, appear to follow other belt-tightening moves within the denomination. On April 22, the board of Adventist Risk Management, the church's insurance arm, voted to demote many of its managers to client services and relocate most of its employees from Riverside, Calif., to the denomination's Silver Spring, Md., headquarters.
"We needed some new blood and new thinking," Mr. Karst said of the RHPA. "The book market has become extremely tight and when you're a religious publisher, the market is narrower. That is why something had to change."
The Review and Herald Publishing Association were founded in 1849 to serve several "adventist" movements in upstate New York whose adherents believed that Christ would return to Earth in 1844. Eventually these movements merged to form the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Battle Creek, Mich. in 1863.
Its publishing house puts out a stream of books and magazines, including Message, the country's oldest religious journal for black Americans.
But the Christian book publishing industry, in which a slight sales increase in March was the first positive change in net sales in more than a year, has been hurting, according to the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association.
Andy Butcher, editor of Christian Retailing magazine in Lake Mary, Fla., also called the past two years difficult.
"It's been hard in every part of the book world and Christian publishing has been no exception," he said, noting there is no current Christian best-seller to bring buyers into stores.
Four executives employed by the publishing arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were sacked recently at the organization's Hagerstown, Md., headquarters because of "mounting financial losses," denominational officials said.
The Maryland-based denomination, which has 16 million members worldwide in 203 countries including 1 million in North America, forced the resignations of top officials for the Review and Herald Publishing Association (RHPA) - a sign of the greater weakness in the religious publishing industry.
RHPA President Robert S. Smith, who had been 10 years in the position, was relieved of his duties after an April 29 board meeting. Vice President of Finance Hepsiba S. Singh will retire July 1. Mario P. Martinelli, vice president for books and subscription literature, and Richard A. Tooley, vice president for periodicals, were also let go.
Mark B. Thomas, vice president for graphics, was named interim president.
Revenues for the publisher have been flat for the past decade, according to denominational archives that show an annual revenues at $26 million in 2000 with a rise in sales to $36 million in 2008. Annual sales volume then dropped back down to its current level of $28 million.
Gerry Karst, vice chairman of the 39-member board, said two of the four employees let go were past retirement age.
"We'd come to a point where we needed to reorganize this institution," he said. "It's been operating for 161 years ... and the way people access information these days has changed, but our business model has remained the same."
The resignations, which were first reported in the Adventist Review, appear to follow other belt-tightening moves within the denomination. On April 22, the board of Adventist Risk Management, the church's insurance arm, voted to demote many of its managers to client services and relocate most of its employees from Riverside, Calif., to the denomination's Silver Spring, Md., headquarters.
"We needed some new blood and new thinking," Mr. Karst said of the RHPA. "The book market has become extremely tight and when you're a religious publisher, the market is narrower. That is why something had to change."
The Review and Herald Publishing Association were founded in 1849 to serve several "adventist" movements in upstate New York whose adherents believed that Christ would return to Earth in 1844. Eventually these movements merged to form the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Battle Creek, Mich. in 1863.
Its publishing house puts out a stream of books and magazines, including Message, the country's oldest religious journal for black Americans.
But the Christian book publishing industry, in which a slight sales increase in March was the first positive change in net sales in more than a year, has been hurting, according to the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association.
Andy Butcher, editor of Christian Retailing magazine in Lake Mary, Fla., also called the past two years difficult.
"It's been hard in every part of the book world and Christian publishing has been no exception," he said, noting there is no current Christian best-seller to bring buyers into stores.
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Note: Bolds and Highlights added.
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