Get away from the tents Throughout history God

Get away from the tents

Throughout history God has chosen people, whom He brought into connection with Himself, to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him and to herald the gospel of salvation to a dying world. Neh 9: 7 Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; Psalms 135: 4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. Deu 7: 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:

Deu 7: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Exodus 19: 5 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deuteronomy 14: 2

In New Testament times these promises were transferred to the church and the church became the herald of salvation. Gal 3: 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. " 1 Peter 2: 9. "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. " Titus 2: 14.

Before the close of probation the final message of warning and hope will be heralded by those that keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Seventh‑day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world, and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives, and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are among the most effective agencies. ‑‑Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 138. {Ch. S 147. 5} Our mission is to give to the world the message of warning and mercy. {7 T 163. 1}

The Spirit of Prophecy is part of our identity and is not to be marginalized. New Believers to Have Clear Understanding. ‑‑As the end draws near, and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise. ‑‑Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 654. (1889) {Ev 255. 2} God's Present‑Day Instruction. ‑‑In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will, and the course that He would have them pursue. ‑‑Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661. (1889) {Ev 255. 3}

I am instructed to say to Seventh‑day Adventists the world over, God has called us as a people to be a peculiar treasure unto Himself. He has appointed that His church on earth shall stand perfectly united in the Spirit and counsel of the Lord of hosts to the end of time. ‑‑ 2 SM 397 (1908). {LDE 55. 3} During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. {AA 12. 1}

The Redeemer of the world does not sanction experience and exercise in religious matters independent of his organized and acknowledged church. Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of his recognized followers on earth. But in the history of the conversion of Saul, important principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. He was brought directly into the presence of Christ. He was one whom Christ intended for a most important work, one who was to be "a chosen vessel" unto him; yet he did not personally impart to him the lessons of truth. He arrested his course and convicted him; but when asked by him, "What wilt thou have me to do? " the Saviour placed him in connection with his church, and let them direct him what to do. {LP 31. 1}

Dan 11: 45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. A Seventh‑day Adventist Message. ‑‑At this time, when we are so near the end, shall we become so like the world in practice that men may look in vain to find God's denominated people? Shall any man sell our peculiar characteristics as God's chosen people for any advantage the world has to give? Shall the favor of those who transgress the law of God be looked upon as of great value? Shall those whom the Lord has named His people suppose that there is any power higher than the great I AM? Shall we endeavor to blot out the distinguishing points of faith that have made us Seventh‑day Adventists? {Ev 121. 3}

We are to give to the world a manifestation of the pure, noble, holy principles that are to distinguish the people of God from the world. Instead of the people of God becoming less and less definitely distinguished from those who do not keep the seventh‑day Sabbath, they are to make the observance of the Sabbath so prominent that the world cannot fail to recognize them as Seventh‑day Adventist. ‑‑Manuscript 162, 1903. {Ev 233. 1} Called to Expose Man of Sin. ‑‑In the very time in which we live the Lord has called His people and has given them a message to bear. He has called them to expose the wickedness of the man of sin who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God who stand firmly to honor Him by keeping the only true Sabbath, the Sabbath of creation, as holy unto the Lord. ‑‑Testimonies to Ministers, p. 118. (1903) {Ev 233. 2}

Three Messages to Be Combined. --The three angels' messages are to be combined, giving their threefold light to the world. In the Revelation, John says, "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. " [Rev. 18: 2 -5 quoted. ] This represents the giving of the last and threefold message of warning to the world (MS 52, 1900). {7 BC 985. 6} 1 -8 (see EGW on ch. 14: 9 -12). Danger in Worldly Alliances. -[Rev. 18: 1 -8 quoted. ] This terrible picture, drawn by John to show completely the powers of earth will give themselves over to evil, should show those who have received the truth how dangerous it is to link up with secret societies or to join themselves in any way with those who do not keep God's commandments (MS 135, 1902). {7 BC 985. 7} 3 -7. See EGW on 1 John 2: 18. {7 BC 985. 8}

Sadly we are told that in spite of these warnings many will set their face to do precisely what they were warned not to do. Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature. --Letter 263, 1904, p. 4. (To Our Leading Physicians, July 24, 1904. ) {7 MR 188. 2} Do not remain in the fog of skepticism until it is too late for you to find your bearings. Entire consecration to God puts to an end all vain, foolish suppositions and imaginations. --Ms 80, 1905, p. 3. ("Arise and Trim Your Lamp, " August 25, 1904. ) {7 MR 188. 3}

In the ‘alpha apostasy’ John Harvey Kellogg, m. d. , had introduced pantheistic ideas and in his book titled The Living Temple he tried to bring these ideas into the mainstream of Adventist thinking. Ellen White countered these ideas: Christ came to the world as a personal Saviour. He represented a personal God. He ascended on high as a personal Saviour, and He will come again as He ascended to heaven—a personal Saviour. We need carefully to consider this, for in their human wisdom, the wise men of the world, knowing not God, foolishly deify nature and the laws of nature. . {4 BIO 402. 4} The ‘omega apostasy’ must therefore be of a similar nature, just more sophisticated and more dangerous.

Every form of evil is waiting for an opportunity to assail us. Flattery, bribes, inducements, promises of wonderful exaltation, will be most assiduously employed. {1 SM 194. 3} What are God's servants doing to raise the barrier of a "Thus saith the Lord" against this evil? The enemy's agents are working unceasingly to prevail against the truth. Where are the faithful guardians of the Lord's flocks? Where are His watchmen? Are they standing on the high tower, giving the danger signal, or are they allowing the peril to pass unheeded? Where are the medical missionaries? Are they co-workers with Christ, wearing His yoke, or are they wearing a yoke of human manufacture? {1 SM 194. 4}

Today there are indeed moves afoot to bring a sophisticated ‘new spirituality’ into Adventist ranks which are an expansion of the alpha apostasy and embrace the far more dangerous panentheism. The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, defines panentheism as a worldview that combines “the strengths of classic theism with the strengths of classic pantheism. ” With panentheism you still have a personal God (theism) coupled with God's pervasive presence in all creation (pantheism). In other words, with panentheism God is both a personality and an all encompassing substance as opposed to God being an impersonal substance that incorporates all of creation as found in pantheism. If God is in everything, then God must also be in Satan and his followers and cosmic fusion can eventually become a reality.

The only safeguard against such ideas lies in a steadfast adherence to a “it is written”. The word must be the norm and not feelings or emotions. Luk 10: 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Luk 10: 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? Satan works ingeniously by first diverting the mind from substance to feeling and then he infuses his own doctrine to introduce a new spirituality. The consequence is invariably rebellion against the existing order.

Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded. (Great Controversy 463: 2)

A lesson to be learnt from ancient Israel Num 16: 24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. (KJV) Num 16: 24 "Speak to the congregation, saying, 'Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. ' " (NKJV) This movement was led by the princes of Israel. It consisted in turning their backs on the way God had led through the prophets and they demanded a new direction. The whole congregation was ‘holy’, and in Korah, Dathan and Abiram there presented itself a new spiritual and political union which would sweep away the ‘oppression’ of the old regime.

2 Co 11: 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since yourselves are wise! 2 Co 11: 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. Martin Luther comments on this verse: Bad preachers have this luck that one bares and tolerates their folly even if one understands and feels that they are fools; even more so, one credits it to them for good. The true preachers, however, can do nothing right, rather one scrutinizes all their words and works to see if one can trip them up and if one can find a splinter, it is magnified to a vain log, there is no tolerance, only vain judgment, damnation and scorn. Therefore it is a miserable office to be a preacher, and it is impossible to persevere in it if one does not perceive it to be to the honor of God and the benefit of one’s neighbor.

He must work and others must have the benefit and the honor. He, however, must bear loss and mocking as his reward. Here is required love but not enjoyment without permitting it to create depression. God’s Spirit must accomplish this; Flesh and blood are incapable of achieving it. (Martin Luther, Christlicher Wegweiser fuer jeden Tag, s. 181 Isa 28: 17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Ancient Israel had walked this road and it seems that we are destined to repeat their folly. Eze 34: 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. Eze 34: 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Eze 34: 7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Eze 34: 8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

Eze 34: 9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Eze 34: 10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. Eze 34: 11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. Eze 34: 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

……. a growing number of churches are joining the ranks of the "emerging church. " Like all labels, this one conceals as much as it reveals. But the phrase "emerging church" captures several important features of a new generation of churches. They are works in progress, often startlingly improvisational in their approach to everything from worship to leadership to preaching to prayer. Like their own members, they live in the half-future tense of the young, oriented toward their promise rather than their past. …. …. . cultural relevance …. . It's a cultural jump for our friends to come to church. It's a cultural jump for us, and we grew up in the church.

Brian Mc. Laren and the ‘Emerging Church’ movement Brian Mc. Laren

From Newbigin, Mc. Laren has drawn the idea of the church as "missional"—oriented toward the needs of the world rather than oriented towards its own preservation. From Polanyi and Mac. Intyre, he concludes that the emerging church must be "monastic"—centered on training disciples who practice, rather than just believe, the faith. He cites Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, with their emphasis on spiritual disciplines, as key mentors for the emerging church. None of these thinkers has any inclination to throw out the baby of truth with the bathwater of modernity. http: //www. christianitytoday. com/ct/2004/november/12. 3 6. html? start=5

"I believe people are saved not by objective truth, but by Jesus. Their faith isn’t in their knowledge, but in God. " – Brian Mc. Laren Applying this epistemology to his theology, Mc. Laren suggests on pp. 80– 81 of More Ready Than You Realize that new Christian converts should remain within their specific contexts. I don’t believe making disciples must equal making adherents to the Christian religion. It may be advisable in many (not all!) circumstances to help people become followers of Jesus and remain within their Buddhist, Hindu or Jewish contexts … rather than resolving the paradox via pronouncements on the eternal destiny of people more convinced by or loyal to other religions than ours, we simply move on …

To help Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and everyone else experience life to the full in the way of Jesus (while learning it better myself), I would gladly become one of them (whoever they are), to whatever degree I can, to embrace them, to join them, to enter into their world without judgment but with saving love as mine has been entered by the Lord (A Generous Orthodoxy, 260, 262, 264). http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Brian_Mc. Laren “Western Christianity has (for the last few centuries anyway) said relatively little about mindfulness and meditative practices, about which Zen Buddhism has said much. To talk about different things is not to contradict one another; it is, rather, to have much to offer one another, on occasion at least. ” Mc. Laren, Brian, A Generous Orthodoxy, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004, p. 255.

"We see modernity with its absolutism's and colonialism's and totalitarianism as a kind of static dream, a desire to abide in timeless abstractions and extract humanity from the ongoing flow of history and emergence, a naïve hope to make now the end of history (which actually sounds either like a kind of death wish or millennialism). In Christian theology, this anti-emergent thinking is expressed in systematic theologies that claim (overtly, covertly, or unconsciously) to have final orthodoxy nailed down, freeze-dried, and shrinkwrapped forever. ” Mc. Laren, Brian, A Generous Orthodoxy, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004, p. 286

"Jesus seems to say, 'The kingdom of God doesn’t need to wait until something else happens. No, it is available and among you now. . Invite people of all nations, races, classes, and religions to participate in this network of dynamic, interactive relationships with God and all God’s creation!" Brian Mc. Laren, The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that could change everything (Nashville: Thomas Nelson's W Publishing Group, 2006), page 74. ". . . the kingdom of God will be radically, scandalously inclusive. As we’ve seen, Jesus enjoys table fellowship with prostitutes and drunks. . He affirms and responds to the faith of Gentiles —Romans and Syrophonecians and Samaritans. " Brian Mc. Laren, The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that could change everything (Nashville: Thomas Nelson's W Publishing Group, 2006), page 94.

"Instead of being about the kingdom of God coming to earth, " wrote Mc. Laren, "the Christian religion has too often become preoccupied with abandoning or escaping the earth and going to heaven. “ Brian Mc. Laren, The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that could change everything (Nashville: Thomas Nelson's W Publishing Group, 2006), page 78. "What if Jesus' secret message reveals a secret plan? " asks Brian Mc. Laren in his new book, The Secret Message of Jesus. "What if he didn't come to start a new religion--but rather came to start a political, social, religious, artistic, economic, intellectual, and spiritual revolution that would give birth to a new world? ” Brian Mc. Laren, The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that could change everything (Nashville: Thomas Nelson's W Publishing Group, 2006), page 4.

Berit Kjos comments: Stamping out faith in Biblical absolutes is central to this transformation. A mind anchored in God's Word won't compromise, but when that anchor is removed, the current of change can carry that mind anywhere. As Jesuit scholastic, Mark Mossa, wrote in his endorsement of Brian Mc. Laren's latest book: "The Secret Message of Jesus challenges us to put aside our sterile certainties about Christ and reconsider the imaginative world of Jesus stories, signs and wonders. “ http: //www. crossroad. to/articles 2/006/kingdom-world. htm

What has this to do with us as Seventh Day Adventists? – Everything! Faith. House Manhattan was founded by Samir Selmanovic Mission: We are an experiential inter-religious community that comes together to deepen our personal and communal journeys, share ritual life and devotional space, and foster a commitment to social justice and healing the world.

Samir Selmanovic, is an ordained pastor, author, missional entrepreneur and founder of Faith. House Manhattan – an interfaith exploration of faith and spirituality. Currently he is Christian Co-leader for Faith. House. Samir, who holds a Ph. D. , from Andrews University, served for several years as a teaching pastor at Cross. Walk – a Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Southern California. His book, It’s Really All About God, was released by Jossey-Bass in 2009. His topic: “What If There's Nothing There? ”

"Selmanovic is an ordained pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and cofounder of Re-church Network (http: //www. rechurch. org/). He has been integral to the birth of the emerging church movement, serving as a member of the Coordinating Group of Emergent Village and representing emergents at the Interfaith Relations Commmission of the National Council of Churches (http: //www. nccusa. org/interfaith/). "

His book, It’s Really All About God, was released by Jossey. Bass in 2009 and it is endorsed by many of our leading Adventist scholars, professors and deans of theology.

It’s Really All About God: Reflections of A Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian. As we ask the question, what is faith? Selmanovic suggests that we move away from the question of eternity to focus on the present and the temporal. With that in mind, we can receive the word that the pearl of great price that we seek is not Christianity nor eternity nor even God’s acceptance, but rather it is “the Kingdom of God, an invitation to learn to love well” (p. 220). “To love well, ” that is the essence of faith. This is the purpose of life – to learn how to love well. Christianity at its best, as is true of other faith traditions at their best, offer a way of loving well. http: //centralwoodward. org/missionaldispatches/2010/1/19/review-its-really-all-about-god. html

In the prologue Samir writes: I made it a personal discipline to take trips outside the boundaries of Christianity. I did it first to find out whether my God is on the outside of my religion, woven into all of life, and second, to look at my religion from the outside in and experience the way my religion, like any other, excludes others. In the process I have adopted a simple question that helps me navigate the journey: Is a God who favors anyone over anyone else worth worshipping? ” Is this the right question? God loves all people the same but does he love all religious teachings the same? Is there more than one truth, is there more than one Jesus and if so does it matter? "The way religions contradict or collide with one another is not nearly as important to them as the way they complement one another. " (Introduction, pg. XVII).

"If God created all humanity but gave life-giving knowledge-usually referred to as revelation--to only some of humanity, could God in any meaningful sense be thought of as the One God and not only as a god? " (page 9). "Wouldn't such a god be historically or geographically local and therefore either disinterested, powerless, or in some other way incapable of giving lifesaving knowledge to all humanity? To say that God has decided to visit all humanity through only one particular religion is a deeply unsatisfying assertion about God. " (page 9). But the Bible says: "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. " John 4: 22.

"If knowing God is a way to life, and if God has divided the world by revelation, then the destiny of those who don't have access to a life-giving revelation of God would serve no other purpose than being a control group in a cosmic experiment, a vast human sacrifice. In even more stark terms, Yahweh, Abba (meaning Daddy, a name for God that Jesus affectionately used), or Allah would not differ from Moloch, and ancient god of destruction reported in the Bible that required human sacrifice for his glory. " (page 10). "We can either stay within the Christianity we have mastered with the Jesus we have domesticated, or we can leave Christianity as a destination, embrace Christianity as a way of life, and then journey to reality, where God is present and living in every person, every human community, and all creation. " (page 62). "A new generation of believers wants to find a God who dwells outside the boundaries of their own tradition, a God that would be worth worshiping. " (page 69).

"By virtue of being human, we all have religion of some kind given to us by the community of which we are a part. That's why we need our religious words, symbols, and theologies. However, for our religious sacraments to survive, develop, transform, and serve their purpose in our interdependent world, we will have to abandon their role as enclosures of God. They are to become gates we can regularly use to help us enter a reality larger than our religion, the precious temple of life. " (page 60).

"Religious people who worship nongods such as church, doctrines, festivals, rituals, liturgy, laws, habits, or any other religious entity also avoid relating their lives to the whole. Either way, their hearts have latched onto an object. . Nongods such as faith or reason relegate the discussion about what matters to narrow or specialized language such as salvation or heaven. " (pages 136, 137). "Believing in God saves us from believing in nongods. That's why atheism is inherent in Christianity, a kind of atheism that questions all our views of God and all our allegiance to religion. . . And that's one of the reasons we need religions other than our own. " (page 146).

Here are some of the endorsements Brian Mc. Laren “I’m speechless in trying to describe this book. I laughed out loud in places and cried big tears at the end. It’s a work of faith, a work of art, and to some, no doubt, it will be a work of damnable heresy. I think this book will change people’s lives, and more: it can save lives, in the many senses of that word. All the religious pundits and broadcasters on radio and cable TV had better take notice, because this book threatens our conventional, comfortable categories and familiar black-and-white polarities. Selmanovic has the nerve to imagine our religions becoming, not walls behind which we hide and over which we lob bombs of damnation, but bridges over which we travel to find God in the other. ” —Brian Mc. Laren, Author/Activist (brianmclaren. net)

Paul Knitter and others

“This is a delightfully seductive book. In a conversational and imaginatively colorful style, Selmanovic leads the reader, gently but engagingly, along the steps of his own life’s path to a conclusion that is as clear as it is challenging—that the only God worth believing in cannot be just ‘my’ or ‘our’ God. For all those committed to creating a truly multi-religious civil society, this book is a gift. ”—Paul F. Knitter, Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, World Religions, and Culture, Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and Author, Without Buddha I Could Not Be A Christian

Paul F. Knitter, the Paul Tillich Professor of Theology, World Religions and Culture at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York is a leading theologian of religious pluralism and interreligious dialogue. Knitter is author of more than a dozen books, most recently, Without Buddha I Could Not Be A Christian. Knitter's journey into interfaith dialogue began in 1964 when he was a seminarian in Rome and experienced the Second Vatican Council firsthand, at a time when the Roman Catholic Church declared its new attitude towards other religions.

“Why are thousands not saying what this man is saying? Such obvious truth must be made even more obvious, and this is exactly what Samir Selmanovic is doing for all of us and for the future of humanity. After you read this wise book, you will say, ‘Of course!’ and ‘Thank God!’” —Fr. Richard Rohr, O. F. M. , Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico Bongos, Dancers, and Father-Mother God: Richard Rohr’s Mass at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Published: March 15, 2007 Rohr changed some of the prayers of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Opening the preface, he prayed, “Father and Mother God. . ” Rohr prefaced the Our Father, by saying, “and now, knowing we are more one than we are many, though we come from different places and races, we all share the same Father-Mother God. We call upon our God, together, in the words that Jesus gave us: Our Father, Who art in Heaven. . . ” http: //www. calcatholic. com/news. Article. aspx? id=b 9 f 5 f 434 -6 ee 1 -4 c 6 c-821 a-cb 2495 d 30 ade

“A remarkable book that combines memoir, insight, wisdom, passion and compassion. ” —Marcus Borg, Author, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, and Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teaching and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary

As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges but have not improved them will, under one pretext or another, go out from us. --6 T 400 (1900). {LDE 175. 2}

The truth must not be merged and marginalized, but must be made prominent "We are not to make less prominent the special truths that have separated us from the world, and made us what we are; for they are fraught with eternal interests. God has given us light in regard to the things that are now taking place, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world. " -Gospel Workers, 288. “Those who stand as teachers and leaders in our institutions are to be sound in the faith and in the principles of the third angel’s message. God wants His people to know that we have the message as He gave it to us in 1843 and 1844. ” General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1903.

“The truths that we received in 1841, ‘ 42, ‘ 43, and ‘ 44 are now to be studied and proclaimed. The messages of the first, second, and third angels will in the future be proclaimed with a loud voice. They will be given with earnest determination and in the power of the Spirit. ” Manuscript Releases, volume 15, 371. “God is not giving us a new message. We are to proclaim the message that in 1843 and 1844 brought us out of the other churches. ” Review and Herald, January 19, 1905.

“All the messages given from 1840– 1844 are to be made forcible now, for there are many people who have lost their bearings. The messages are to go to all the churches. “Christ said, ‘Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them’ [Matthew 13: 16, 17]. Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844. “The message was given. And there should be no delay in repeating the message, for the signs of the times are fulfilling; the closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a short time. A message will soon be given by God’s appointment that will swell into a loud cry. Then Daniel will stand in his lot, to give his testimony. ” Manuscript Releases, volume 21, 437.

The truth for this time is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. If men and women fail to act their part, God will give voices to the stones, and they will proclaim the warning. {RH, August 11, 1903 par. 7} May God help us to give the stirring message for this time. We have no time now to amuse ourselves with the enemy's sophistry, or to apologize for his work. My brethren, keep off Satan's ground. Do not tamper with what you ought to denounce firmly and boldly in words the meaning of which can not be mistaken. If you tempt Satan to tempt you, you will most assuredly be deceived by his reasoning. If you tamper with that which you ought to denounce, you will fall victims to your own ignorance and folly. {RH, August 11, 1903 par. 8}

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work.

The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. {1 SM 204. 2} Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? {1 SM 205. 1}

Suffer not yourselves to open the lids of a book that is questionable. There is a hellish fascination in the literature of Satan. It is the powerful battery by which he tears down a simple religious faith. Never feel that you are strong enough to read infidel books; for they contain a poison like that of asps. They can do you no good, and will assuredly do you harm. In reading them, you are inhaling the miasmas of hell. They will be to your soul like a corrupt stream of water, defiling the mind, keeping it in the mazes of skepticism, and making it earthly and sensual. These books are written by men whom Satan employs as his agents; and by this means he designs to confuse the mind, withdraw the affections from God, and rob your Creator of the reverence and gratitude which His works demand. {FE 93. 3}

This publication also espouses emerging spirituality It propagates centering down, Breath Prayers, Lectio Divina and ‘Jesus prayers” which should be repeated about 3000 times) all of which are hypnotic techniques induced by repetitiveness. Dr. Jon Dybdahl is the former president of Walla University, and a current adjunct professor in the D. Min program of Andrews University. His Name Is to Be Revered. --Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its frequent or needless repetition should be avoided. "Holy and reverend is his name. " Psalm 111: 9. Angels, as they speak it, veil their faces. With what reverence should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips! {CG 538. 5}

In this context, I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of "Lectio divina": "the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart" (cf. "Dei Verbum, " n. 25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church -- I am convinced of it -- a new spiritual springtime. As a strong point of biblical ministry, "Lectio divina" should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Psalm 119[118]: 105). http: //www. crossroadsinitiative. com/library_article/799/Dei_Verbum_and_Lectio_Divina_Benedict_XVI. html

The experience of the past will be repeated. In the future, Satan's superstitions will assume new forms. Errors will be presented in a pleasing and flattering manner. False theories, clothed with garments of light, will be presented to God's people. Thus Satan will try to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Most seducing influences will be exerted; minds will be hypnotized. {8 T 293. 4}

When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. --Testimonies, vol. 5, 451. When we invite Jesuits and leaders of the ecumenical movement as guest speakers to our campuses, churches and spiritual meetings, then the end must be even nearer

"The Adventist movement was born in failure rather than success, error rather than truth, darkness, rather than light. . . "The Green Cord Dream, page 11: Alex Bryan is senior Pastor at Walla University campus church "If we take Jesus seriously, recognizing that He has jurisdiction and life-or-death power over every human being, then we should see one another as fellow citizens, subjects of the same kingdom. Switching metaphors: if all of us are children of God because He created all of us, then we are siblings!. . . Are we Christian or cult? Are we a separate body of Christ, or does Christ have - as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1 and Ephesians 4 - only one body?

Adventism has something in particular to say to the whole of Christianity - a message unique to us. But we are brothers and sisters of all Christians around the world who proclaim Jesus as the Christ. We haven't been given the authority to delegitimize the sonship, daughtership, or siblingship of Christ's followers who differ from us in belief or behavior. Adventists can be true to their John the Baptist calling while sitting at the Thanksgiving table with Christian brothers and sisters. . as Adventist Christians engage the world, we do so viewing others not as the enemy but as beloved siblings whom we hope will come to know God. . . " The Green Cord Dream p 34, 35

Why is it that the speakers (many of them interdenominational) at our large worship conferences are largely in the spiritual formation and emerging church schools of thought? Similar speakers are also listed in the international one project.

http: //the 1 project. org/

Isn’t interesting that this non-SDA web page, with similar name as the SDA page, has the same mindset as published by some of the SDA speakers? www. theoneproject. org

We need as a people to separate ourselves from these thoughts and directions and to rediscover the ancient paths. Jer 18: 15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; Early Workers to Speak. --God has given me light regarding our periodicals. What is it? --He has said that the dead are to speak. How? --Their works shall follow them. We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. They moved forward step by step under the influence of the Spirit of God. One by one these pioneers are passing away. The word given me is, Let that which these men have written in the past be reproduced. {CW 28. 1}

Let the truths that are the foundation of our faith be kept before the people. Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. They talk science, and the enemy comes in and gives them an abundance of science; but it is not the science of salvation. It is not the science of humility, of consecration, or of the sanctification of the Spirit. We are now to understand what the pillars of our faith are, --the truths that have made us as a people what we are, leading us on step by step. -Review and Herald, May 25, 1905. {CW 29. 1}

The great waymarks of truth, showing us our bearings in prophetic history, are to be carefully guarded, lest they be torn down, and replaced with theories that would bring confusion rather than genuine light. I have been cited to the very erroneous theories that have been presented over and over again. Those who advocated these theories presented Scripture quotations, but they misapplied and misinterpreted them. The theories supposed to be correct were incorrect, and yet many thought them the very theories to be brought before the people. The prophecies of Daniel and John are to be diligently studied. {2 SM 101. 2}

Listen not a moment to the interpretations that would loosen one pin, remove one pillar, from the platform of truth. Human interpretations, the reception of fables, will spoil your faith, confuse your understanding, and make of none effect your faith in Jesus Christ. Study diligently the third chapter of Revelation. In it is pointed out the danger of losing your hold upon the things that you have heard and learned from the Source of all light. Letter 230, 1906, p. 4. (To Elders of the Battle Creek Church, and to Ministers and Physicians, July 5, 1906. ) {1 MR 54. 4}

Protest against Removing Landmarks When men come in who would move one pin or pillar from the foundation which God has established by His Holy Spirit, let the aged men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who are dead speak also, by the reprinting of their articles in our periodicals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will stand the test of time and trial. Ms 62, 1905, p. 6. ("A Warning against False Theories, " May 24, 1905. ) {1 MR 55. 1}

When the third angel's message is preached as it should be, power attends its proclamation, and it becomes an abiding influence. It must be attended with divine power, or it will accomplish nothing. I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time, and, like third angel's message, has been fulfilled and will continue to be present truth till the close of time. In the parable, the ten virgins had lamps, but only five of them had the saving oil with which to keep their lamps burning. This represents the condition of the Church. The wise and the foolish have their Bibles, and are provided with all the means of grace; but many do not appreciate the fact that they must have the heavenly unction. {RH, August 19, 1890 par. 3}

Of all the virgins that followed Christ in 1844 only a handful followed Him into the Most Holy. Thousands turned their backs and the door closed for those that had rejected the light, they lacked sufficient oil. History will be repeated: The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes, for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided. --2 SM 81 (1890). {LDE 227. 3} What is the "image to the beast"? and how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of the beast. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed, we must study the characteristics of the beast itself--the papacy. {LDE 228. 1}

Apostasy and National Ruin. --When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church--then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin (ST March 22, 1910). {7 BC 976. 4} The Mark of Apostasy and God's Patience. --There are many who have never had the light. They are deceived by their teachers, and they have not received the mark of the beast. The Lord is working with them; He has not left them to their own ways. Until they shall be convicted of the truth and trample upon the evidence given to enlighten them, the Lord will not withdraw His grace from them (Letter 7, 1895). {7 BC 976. 5}

"No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither should you call together a certain chosen number who think as you do, and who will say Amen to all that you propose, while others are excluded, who you think will not be in harmony. I was shown that there was great danger of doing this. {LS 321. 2} "'For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. ' 'To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. ' Isa. 8: 11 -13, 20. The world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work, let the Lord's voice be heard. {LS 322. 1}

Isa 5: 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! In every age since the fall of Adam the opposition of evil agencies has made the lives of those who would be loyal and true to God's commandments a continual warfare. Those who would at last be victorious must meet and conquer the forces of Satan, who with fierce determination opposes every step of advance. They must meet a vigilant foe, a crafty enemy who never sleeps and who tries untiringly to undermine the faith of God's servants. . {HP 260. 2} Good and evil never harmonize. Between light and darkness there can be no compromise. Truth is light revealed; error is darkness. Light has no fellowship with darkness, righteousness no fellowship with unrighteousness. . {HP 260. 3}

The state of corruption and apostasy that in the last days would exist in the religious world, was presented to the prophet John in the vision of Babylon, "that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. " Revelation 17: 18. Before its destruction the call is to be given from heaven, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. " Revelation 18: 4. As in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be a marked separation from sin and sinners. There can be no compromise between God and the world, no turning back to secure earthly treasures. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon. " Matthew 6: 24. {PP 167. 1}

"Study the 9 th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity. " Letter 106, 1909, 5, 7

'Ah, Lord God! Will You destroy all the remnant of Israel in pouring out Your fury on Jerusalem? ' Then He said to me, 'The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity; for they say, 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see!' 'And as for Me also, My eye will neither spare, nor will I have pity, but I will recompense their deeds on their own head. ' Just then, the man clothed with linen, who had the inkhorn at his side, reported back and said, 'I have done as You commanded me. '" "We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth. " 2 SM 390.

I think of His great sorrow as He wept over Jerusalem, exclaiming, "O Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather brood under her wings, and ye would not" [Luke 13: 34]! God forbid that these words shall apply to those who have great light and blessings. In the rejecting of Jerusalem it was because great privileges were abused, which brought the denunciation upon all who lightly regarded the great opportunities and precious light that were entrusted to their keeping. Privileges do not commend us to God, but they commend God to us. No people are saved because they have great light and special advantages, for these high and heavenly favors only increase their responsibility. {12 MR 319. 1}

"When Jerusalem was divorced from God it was because of her sins. She fell from an exalted height that Tyre and Sidon had never reached. And when an angel falls he becomes a fiend. The depths of our ruin is measured by the exalted light to which God has raised us in His great goodness and unspeakable mercy. Oh, what privileges are granted to us as a people! And if God spared not His people that He loved because they refused to walk in the light, how can He spare the people whom He has blessed with the light of heaven in having opened to them the most exalted truth ever entrusted to mortal man to give to the world? " Letter 55, 1886; RH 8 -1 -93. "Those who keep God's Commandments, those who live not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, compose the church of the living God. " 1 MR 296

"The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will of God and following their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified hearts. Modern Israel are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely resting upon them. " 5 T 94 In His Word the Lord declared what He would do for Israel if they would obey His voice. But the leaders of the people yielded to the temptations of Satan, and God could not give them the blessings He designed them to have, because they did not obey His voice but listened to the voice and policy of Lucifer. This experience will be repeated in the last years of the history of the people of God, who have been established by His grace and power. Men whom He has greatly honored will in the closing scenes of this earth's history pattern after ancient Israel. {13 MR 379. 2}

There are men among us in responsible positions who hold that the opinions of a few conceited philosophers, so called, are more to be trusted than the truth of the Bible, or the testimonies of the Holy Spirit. Such a faith as that of Paul, Peter, or John is considered old-fashioned and insufferable at the present day. It is pronounced absurd, mystical, and unworthy of an intelligent mind. {5 T 79. 2} God has shown me that these men are Hazaels to prove a scourge to our people. They are wise above what is written. This unbelief of the very truths of God's word because human judgment cannot comprehend the mysteries of His work is found in every district, in all ranks of society. It is taught in most of our schools and comes into the lessons of the nurseries. Thousands who profess to be Christians give heed to lying spirits. Everywhere the spirit of darkness in the garb of religion will confront you. {5 T 79. 3}

"We are not to spend our time in controversy with those who know the truth, and upon whom the light of truth has been shining, when they turn away their ear from the truth to turn to fables. I was told that men will employ every policy to make less prominent the differences between the faith of Seventh-day Adventists and those who observe the first day of the week. In this controversy the whole world will be engaged, and the time is short. This is no time to haul down our colors. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinctive people should not be held out so strikingly, for they claimed it was not the best policy in securing success to our institutions. . I saw some reaching out their hands to remove the banner, and obscure its significance. " 2 SM 385

My message to you is: No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries which, if received, will lead ministers and physicians and medical missionary workers to ignore the truth. Everyone is now to stand on his guard. God calls men and women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emanuel. I have been instructed to warn our people, for many are in danger of receiving theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation pillars of the faith…Satan with his seductive influence has stolen away saints. Brilliant, sparking ideas often flash from a mind that is influenced by the great deceiver. Those who listen and acquiesce will become charmed, as Eve was charmed by the serpent’s words. They cannot listen to charming philosophical speculations, and at the same time keep the word of the living God clearly in mind. (1 Selected Messages, 196 -197)

I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go to listen to error, without being obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those meetings where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him and the power of his evil angels; and the light around us becomes contaminated with the darkness. {EW 124. 3}

"We have a testing message to give, and I am instructed to say to our people, 'Unify, Unify. ' But we are not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. " 3 SM 412 "Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on wrong practices. The God of heaven draws a sharp contrast between pure, elevating, ennobling truth and false, misleading doctrines. . I urge our brethren to unify upon a true, scriptural basis. " 1 SM 175.

Through association with the world our institutions will become unsubstantial, unreliable; because these worldly elements, introduced and placed in positions of trust, are looked up to as teachers to be respected in their educating, directing, and official position, and they are sure to be worked upon by the spirit and power of darkness; so that the demarcation becomes not distinguished between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. The parable is given by Jesus Christ in regard to the field in which it was supposed had been sown pure wheat, but the entrusted ones look upon the field with disappointment, and inquire, "Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? " The master of the vineyard answers, "An enemy hath done this. " {TM 265. 2}

The Lord calls for a renewal of the straight testimony borne in years past. He calls for a renewal of spiritual life. The spiritual energies of His people have long been torpid, but there is to be a resurrection from apparent death. {8 T 297. 5} But the spirit of antichrist is prevailing to such an extent as never before. Well may we exclaim: "Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. “ …. But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor. {5 T 79. 4}

We need divine enlightenment daily; we should pray as did David, "Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. " God will have a people upon the earth who will vindicate his honor by having respect to all of his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous, not a yoke of bondage. David prayed in his day, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law. " {RH, August 25, 1885 par. 4} Psa 37: 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Psa 37: 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. Psa 37: 9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.