Imi aduc aminte de o discutie cu o biserica romana din diaspora spaniola (si nu este unica). Imi spuneau cu naduf cat de persecutati erau de Uniunea Spaniola si de celelalte biserici spaniole locale. Nu li se aproba un pastor, desi numeric erau mult mai multi decat spaniolii, si erau tinuti la nivel de grupa sau companie. Programul bisericii era facut de spanioli, si chiar in acea dupa amiaza li se “impusese” un program despre familie si despre emanciparea femeii. Revolta ajunsese la cote inalte, iar dupa plecarea spaniolilor s-au simtit in sfarsit in largul lor sa cante in limba romana, sa predice si sa se roage pe limba lor.

Biserica isi facuse din existenta ei scop in sine. Se luptau pentru “supravietuire” si toate energiile erau canalizate in aceasta directie. Biserica romana devenise “cetatea de scapare” care le oferea sansa pastrarii identitatii romanesti. Pentru orice problema erau de vina spaniolii. Orice nereusita li se datora acestora. Li se spunea de fiecare data ca trebuie sa se integreze in societatea spaniola si ca nativii inteleg mai bine cultura locala si stiu mai bine ce trebuie facut. Si asta ii facea sa vada negru in fata ochilor. Se considerau jigniti, umiliti, injositi. Cu ce le erau superiori spaniolii, intrucat le gaseau atatea lacune si peste toate o lipsa crasa de civilizatie? Romanii incepusera evanghelizarea prin literatura iar rezultatele erau impresionante. Spaniolii ii descurajasera in permanenta ca acest mod evanghelistic nu mai dadea de mult rezultate in Spania, motiv pentru care disparuse orice initiativa prin intermediul literaturii. Romanii au organizat evanghelizari publice, din nou descurajate de spanioli sau privite cu reticenta deoarece societatea spaniola nu raspunde la astfel de initiative. Rezultatele au depasit insa orice asteptari.

Am incercat sa ii ajut sa vada lucrurile si din alta perspectiva. Cati romani din afara bisericii au invitat la serviciile de inchinare? Dar spanioli? Si, daca vor ca predica, imnul si rugaciunea sa fie rostite in limba romana, au asigurat un serviciu de traducere in asa fel incat spaniolii sa poata participa? Ce ar fi daca orientarea bisericii si a misiunii lor ar fi catre spaniolii in mijlocul carora traiesc? Nu cumva bisericile locale si Uniunea Spaniola si-ar schimba atitudinea? Daca vor da dovada de disponibilitate pentru slujire, nu va atrage aceasta atitudine mai mult decat izolarea etnica? Spiritele au inceput sa se destinda, dar tensiunea inca domina. Nu este usor sa convingi pe cineva, cu atat mai mult un grup, ca superioritatea etnica sau rasiala duce la conflicte. Onoarea si mandria lor au fost ranite, si cer compensare.

Recent Presedintele Diviziunii Euro-Africa, Bruno Vertallier, recunostea ca singurele tari unde exista crestere semnificativa de membri sunt Spania si Italia, si ca in aceste tari mai mult de jumatate din membri sunt imigranti romani. A uitat sa spuna ca romanii sunt, totusi, cei ce aduc un suflu evanghelistic si viata in bisericile din cele doua tari, si ca dezvoltarea numerica li se datoreaza in mare masura acestora. Probabil ca un echilibru intre cele doua pozitii ar fi de dorit. Flexibilitatea demonstrata de ambele parti va duce la o atmosfera mult mai productiva si la rezultate decisiv superioare. In fond, romanii nu se afla doar pentru motive economice in diaspora. Asa cum nici evreii nu au fost dusi in exil doar pentru aroganta etnica. Dumnezeu are un plan de a utiliza diversitatea in scopul unitatii.

Nationalismul sau rasismul este o alta tara care macina biserica. Africa de Sud este unul din exemplele notorii. Se recunoaste astazi faptul ca adventistii au mers mult mai departe decat guvernul sud-african in ce priveste segregarea rasiala in biserica, si au fost mult mai lenti in a se debarasa de aceasta. Se estimeaza ca Biserica Adventista practica apartheidul cu 20 de ani inainte de a fi legiferat de guvern. Doar dupa trei ani de la abolirea apartheidului a reusit si Biserica Adventista sa inainteze un comunicat impreuna cu scuze Comitetului National al Reconcilierii si Adevarului, incluzand insa si scuza ca “Biserica Adventista a fost o victima a sistemului guvernamental.”

Exista insa si exemple opuse: in Malawi (Nyasaland), atunci cand guvernul a introdus taxa de vot si taxa de coliba pentru negrii ce munceau la fermele albilor, Biserica Adventista a fost prima care a initiat miscari de protest.

In Statele Unite ale Americii rasismul si nationalismul isi fac inca simtite efectele. Desi rasismul a fost oficial abolit, Biserica are inca structuri separate pentru afro-americani. S-a dezvoltat si o sensibilitate a celor de culoare fata de orice ar putea constitui o ofensa sau un abuz (chiar si doar la nivel potential) asa incat astazi vorbim de discriminare inversa. In acelasi timp, albii refuza sa reactioneze, desi ar avea dreptul si obligatia, cand negrii abuzeaza de sensibilitatile create. Nicaieri nu este mai vizibil acest lucru ca in cadrul adunarilor elective la nivel de Uniuni, Diviziune, sau Conferinta Generala. Desi vorbitorii de limba spaniola reprezinta minoritatea cea mai numeroasa, nu s-a creat nici o structura organizatorica similara pentru acestia. Acum nu mai vorbim despre rasism? Iar afro-americanii sunt ultimii care sa se implice in sustinerea drepturilor vorbitorilor de limba spaniola.

Situatia aceasta imi aduce aminte de bisericile adventiste din Romania, fie ele de limba maghiara, rroma, ucrainiana, sau germana. In conditiile de dinainte de 1989, adventistii de orice nationalitate se inchinau impreuna, chiar daca imnurile se cantau poliglot iar vorbirile se traduceau. Dupa 1990 tendinta aproape generala a fost de separare, motivata de posibilitatea castigarii mai facile a celor de aceeasi nationalitate sau limba. In realitate nu s-a intamplat asa. Separarea adventistilor pe nationalitate in aceeasi localitate a transmis un puternic mesaj negativ, iar preconizatele rezultate evanghelistice se lasa inca asteptate. Probabil nu vor veni niciodata. Tot ce se vede astazi este o concurenta intre diferitele biserici adventiste locale, si o hipersensibilitate a celor minoritari care se folosesc de acest argument pentru “dreptul” de a accede in pozitii administrative ca principiu.

Istoria bisericii apostolice ne invata foarte clar ca atata timp cat au stat impreuna puterea lor de convingerea fost enorma. Era o raritate intr-o societate divizata sa vezi o comunitate eterogena dar unita. Cand etnicitatea si-a impus punctul de vedere, biserica s-a dezbinat iar preocuparea principala a devenit lupta interna pentru suprematie. Duhul lui Dumnezeu uneste, nu dezbina. Si acest aspect ar trebui sa se vada in cadrul unei biserici care pretinde ca se afla sub influenta si inspiratia Duhului Sfant. Are Biserica Adventista din Romania curajul sa discute aceasta problema spinoasa? Sau preferam ca bomba cu ceas sa explodeze in generatiile viitoare, pentru ca noi nu am avut chef sa o dezamorsam?

“Any presentation of the Sabbath that is not Christ-centered is a heresy. The only reason I keep the Sabbath is that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath.” ~ Jean-Claude Verrechia.

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

Here is the study for Tuesday’s Group Bible Study. At the request of one of our students we are exploring the humanity and divinity of Christ. Many find I a mystery how Jesus could be 100% man and 100% God all at the same time. The math seems a little fuzzy there. A country gospel song I heard a while back explains it best I think. In the song Jesus in the temple visiting the teachers, who ask Him how old He is. In the song he answers, “On my mother’s side I am 12 years old. On my Father’s side I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

The Human Nature of Jesus

John 1:1-3, 14 —————————- Did Jesus really become flesh?

Hebrews 2:14-17 ——————————— Who was He made like?

Romans 1:1-3 —————— Who was one of His earthly ancestors?

Romans 8:3, 4 ——– What type of flesh did He take upon Himself?

1 John 4:3 ——————— What does the spirit of antichrist deny?

NOTE: The word flesh here always refers to fallen flesh. Never once

is it used in reference to unfallen, sinless flesh.

Philippians 2:5-7 ————- Who was Jesus made in the likeness of?

NOTE: The phrase “made Himself of no reputation” means literally

“emptied Himself.” When He became man, He emptied Himself of

His Godly powers to meet the Devil on the same ground we must meet

him on. These three powers were His omniscience (all knowing),

omnipotence (all powerful), and omnipresence (all present).

Mark 13:32 – Did Jesus still know all things while in His human form?

John 5:19, 30 ——— How only was He able to do the things He did?

John 8:28 ——————- How much was He able to do on His own?

Matthew 26:39, 42 - To Whom did He always keep His will submitted?

Revelation 3:21 ——————————– How are we to overcome?

James 4:7 ——————————– What are we called upon to do?

Here is a parting thought: On the cross Christ was completely man and completely God. While everyone was mocking and crucifying Him one man turned to Him and repented. Christ then used his divine right to forgive sin. He never used His divinity to save Himself, only to save others. He gave up all divine rights on the cross, save the right to forgive sinners.

Please click here for a Desire of Ages study on the divinity and humanity of Christ.

You may find more studies and devotionals at http://www.InLightOfTheCross.com

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

In our small group Bible study last Tuesday we looked at the Lord’s prayer and our payer life.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  Matthew 6:5-6

Jesus endorses both public and private prayer, but there is a difference. Public prayers should be simple and brief. In our private prayers we share more specifically what is on our hearts. For example, if Aunt Jane has started drinking and running around with men again we do not need to bring that up in public prayer. When we do this it is nothing more than gossip. We save this news for Jesus’ ears only. Also our private prayers have no time restraint. Jesus spent all night in personal prayer but did not spend all night in public prayer. When we have the morning prayer for church and pray a long prayer what we are telling everyone is that we have no personal prayer life, so we have to make up for it by making long public prayers. Jesus’ public prayers were very brief because He had a personal prayer life outside of public speaking.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Matthew 6:7

A vain repetition is when we recite words that do not come from the heart. Songs as well as prayers can be vain repetitions if we are not singing from the heart. God wants us to share our hearts with Him not just our lips. I love the way one author puts it:

“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.” – Steps to Christ, p. 100

Remember God wants a relationship with us. He is not a vending machine, where we just tell Him what we want, get it and go. Also while many wonder why they do not get there requests in the time they would like there may be many reasons (See Psalm 66:18) but the biggest reason may be as simple as we are not God’s boss!

Let’s take a look now at the model prayer Jesus gave us. This prayer does not need to be repeated word for word. Many recite this prayer with no thought and thus it too becomes a vain repetition.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Matthew 6:9

We begin by acknowledging Who we are talking to. Yes He is our friend but He is also ruler of the universe and more than capable of handling any problem we may have.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.  Matthew 6:10

God drove Lucifer out of heaven and He can do the same here on earth. God’s will can be done in our hearts, homes, and communities, as we pray for God’s will to be done in those places as well as in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.  Matthew 6:11

Jesus never asked for anything just for Himself. He also asked for the blessings of others as well as Himself. When Daniel’s prayer was answered in Daneil 2 it was not only his own life that was saved but that of all the wise men as well. When the disciples prayed Jesus to save them from the storm at sea, it was not just their boat that was saved from the storm but all those around them on the sea as well.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Matthew 6:12

Again no self or pride in Jesus’ prayer. He does not pray “forgive everyone else but as you know I have never sinned.” No, there is no pride in His prayer. Pride may allow us to pray on our knees while we are still standing in our heart.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  Matthew 6:13

Christ’s prayer concludes with again reaffirming Who it is we are praying to and acknowledging that He is more than able to care for all our needs.

Am observat ca temperaturistii au un obicei straniu. Cand se anunta sau cand se apropie perioada alegerilor, sunt primii care alimenteaza pasiunile, dorintele. E ca si cum a sosit perioada caldurilor animalice. Nuuuuuu, nu e pasiune pentru ceva sau cineva, foarte rar vei intalni asta; este pasiune impotriva. De ce sa il puna pe acela prezbiter sau diacon, de ce sa fie acela presedinte sau secretar? Pasiunea la alegeri intrece orice imaginatie. Pentru ca nu este obisnuit cu asa ceva, umilul membru este bulversat. Nu stie ce sa inteleaga, este incurcat. Pana acum nu aveai voie sa te manifesti, acum temperat-ura a depasit cota critica, este aproape de crima. L-ar deranja mai putin daca in aceasta canicula nu ar fi tocmai el impins in fata, pus sa scoata el carbunii din focul contestatiilor in fata comitetului de numiri. Luat de val, acesta se trezeste ulterior abandonat, apostrofat, sau chiar criticat pentru nereusita. Scarbit este putin spus in dreptul simtamantului pe care il traieste. Scuipa cu naduf. „Urat obicei”, il taxeaza imediat temperaturistii. Doar ca ei au uitat sa citeasca Scriptura pana la capat, sau au sarit peste pasajul cu pricina din motive de „decenta”. „Am sa te scuip din gura”. Pasiune fara margini. Prefera clocotul temperat-urii. In registrul colorat al societatii mediteraneene scuipatul este un gest de neplacere profunda, de indignare. De pasiune. Extrema. Nu mai lingi ce ai scuipat. Lepadare. Fara de intoarcere. Mai bine rece, mort, e mai cinstit. Scuipatul este un semn al respingerii finale. Sens unic. O revolta impotriva temperat-urii nesanatoase.

Pasiunea nu poate fi obligatorie. Sau poate? Auzeam pe cineva sfatuind studentii (viitori pastori) sa se roage mai cu pasiune, sa predice aidoma. Daca ai ucis, de ce astepti viata? Daca ai utilizat extinctorul pentru a stinge si putinii carbuni ramasi, nici fum nu se mai ridica. Inviere zici? Gesticulatie, tonul ridicat, stridenta, presto fortissimo, diezi, bemoli – un mare fals pe portativul pe care Compozitorul a asezat o melodie plina de viata ce foloseste ambitusul cu maiestrie si este insotita de nuantele unei trairi autentice. Cand ai bagat partitura in apa, sa se racoreasca, au disparut si indicatiile de pe portativ. La fel si cu vioara, cornul sau oboiul, din care picura trist apa si ale caror sunete nu se mai aud. Doar toba continua sa bata netulburat ritmul sfant, fara sincope, fara anacruze, doar pe timpii tari, asa cum scrie in Manual.

Incerc sa imi imaginez ce inseamna lipsa dorintei intr-o relatie romantica, daca asa ceva poate fi imaginat: nu, categoric nu, este o contradictie intre termeni. Este moartea relatiei, daca a existat vreodata. Cum sa iubesti daca nu doresti, daca nu ai pic de pasiune? Specialistii in temperatura au devenit experti in a stinge focul dragostei. Nu, nu ai voie sa te tii de mana (despre cei casatoriti vorbeam, de voi ceilalti nici vorba) cu sotia, nu cumva sa o saruti in public, iar in biserica e anatema, va cobora foc din cer (temperat-ura scapa de sub control, devine canicula). Expresii de tandrete, o mangaiere, un zambet, sunt excluse. Pana mai deunazi, trebuia sa stai pe o parte a bisericii, cu barbatii, iar femeile si fetele in cealalta parte. Semn de sfintenie, separare. Am spus sfant, ce sacrilegiu! In biserica nu ai voie sa alergi, daca un copil se intampla sa alerge i se face imediat observatie (daca nu i s-a aplicat din instict sfanta corectie). Tot asa cum ucenicii ii opreau pe copii sa alerge spre Isus. Doar ca Invatatorul a fost prezent cu dragostea lui nemarginita, si i-a primit pe copii asa cum simteau ei sa vina la Mantuitorul. Din inima lor se revarsa dorinta, pasiunea, energia, viata. Verdictul a venit insa pentru cine nu se astepta: „Daca nu va veti face ca niste copilasi, cu nici un chip nu veti intra in Imparatia cerurilor”. Daca nu veti abandona temperat-ura, daca nu veti invata ce este aceea pasiune, dorinta, vointa, dragoste, nu putem sta impreuna la masa in cer, spunea Isus. De fapt nici pe pamant. La masa cu Isus stateau cel mai frecvent pacatosii, vamesii si prostituatele. Acestia stiau ce inseamna sa vrei, sa doresti, sa ai pasiune pentru ceva. Iar Isus le corecta doar obiectul pasiunii, apreciind si incurajand forta launtrica ce indica viata, speranta.

As I was finishing “When God is Gone, Everything is Holy” today, I realized how important certain books have been to me in the course of my life.  Just listing these books along with some explanation is a good way of charting how my beliefs and thought have changed over time.

SIX TO 12 YEARS-OLD

Margie Asks Why:
This Adventist book for children lays out the Adventist version of Genesis 3 and what Adventists call “the great controversy” (the story of the fall of Satan and Adam and Eve). This book embodies the cosmogeny I was raised to believe.

Pilgrim’s Progress (a children’s version):
This classic by John Bunyan greatly affected my view of the life of a Christian. It inspired me to try and walk on the “straight and narrow” and avoid the temptations modern life has to offer. Yes, I know it’s a bit cliche, but this book is where such cliches originate.

Project Sunlight:
This is another Adventist book that shaped my beliefs about the apocalyptic events that would forshadow Christ’s second-coming (the second “Advent”).  Taking the perspective of an woman’s guardian angel, it describes how eventually the worldwide government will force people to worship God on Sunday (instead of Saturday as commanded in the Bible).

AROUND 16 YEARS-OLD

A Brief History of Time:

This first taste of modern physics enraptured me for about half a year when I was 16 years old. After reading it cover to cover, I would often open it to random places and just read it, not unlike a holy book. Not only did it spark in me a desire to learn more about modern physics, it challenged my assumption that life and the universe were less than 10,000 years old.

The Book of Hebrews in the Bible:
This book brought home to me what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ meant. Its representation of his sacrifice as a substitutionary atonement for my sins was extremely moving to me. Absorbing this book marked an important change in my life in which I went from being a somewhat mediocre Christian (specifically Adventist) to being a committed evangelical.

This Present Darkness:
My view of the daily events in my life and the world was radically changed after reading this Christian thriller about how angels, demons, and prayer affect our lives. The story reveals that behind all events in the world are demons (helped by new age cults) and angels (helped by the intercessory prayer of Christians).  Reading this book marked the beginning of a charismatic/pentacostal Christian phase of my life.

AROUND 18 YEARS-OLD

Demian:
This is a classic bildungsroman or coming of age story in which the protagonist, while in the search for truth, sheds the Christianity he was raised in. Reading this book coincided with my own crisis of faith so I resonated strongly with the protagonist. This story’s beautiful rendering of the protagonist’s heroic search for himself and the truth somehow enabled me to recognize that beauty existed outside of the Christian faith.

Continental Thought:

I began to read a smattering of what could roughly be described as continental philosophy. At first the relativistic thinking I found in these books was very appealing to me. I was tired of the self-reinforcing orthodoxy of Christianity, and the way these works subverted or deconstructed such beliefs was compelling.  On the other hand, I soon discovered that I couldn’t get away from the performative contradiction inherent in this thought.

DURING COLLEGE TO PRESENT DAY

I don’t have any particular books to describe how my world view changed in college. However, my education in physics changed me radically by pushing me in the direction of materialism. One of the many things that moved me towards this philosophy was physics’ successful predictions about the existence of certain particles (such as the positron and the Omega-minus].

However, after meeting and subsequently marrying someone with a love of religion and literature (and, to a degree, a continental philosophical belief system) my hard materialism metamorphosed into something else. I’m not sure what to call it–maybe soft-materialism, agnostic materialism, or religious naturalism.

When God is Gone, Everything is Holy: The Making of a Religious Naturalist by Chet Raymo:
After embracing materialism I found that its redeeming feature is a Carl Sagan-esque awe of the universe.  Raymo not only captures this awe but goes beyond it.  Yes, Raymo is a materialist, but somehow he’s more. He has managed to appropriate the language of Catholic mystics and writers to explain his experience of nature. Raymo is a scientific materialist while experiencing the world as a mystic–a feat I would like to accomplish.

My family and I at my grandmother’s 100th birthday party.

In 1909 Theadore Roosevelt retired from the Presidency and was succeeded by William Howard Taft, the 27^th U’S. President. In 1909 the U.S. flag proudly waved with 45 stars. John F. Kennedy would not be born for another 8 years. In 1909 the New York Yankees had not yet won the first of their 27 World Series titles and it would be another 6 years before Babe Ruth would hit his first homerun. Arkansas had half the population that it has today, and in Siloam Springs Arkansas my grandmother was born on a Sunday morning in a tent during a storm on November 7, 1909.

Last Sunday my family and I paid tribute to my Grandmother, Ruth Holzkamper and her 100^th birthday! While my grandmother is responsible for five children, 16 grand children and I don’t know how many great and great great grand children, the greatest legacy she has given us is the legacy of love. My grandmother’s first husband died and she remarried. Her new husband, Robert Holzkamper (deceased), had children of his own too. Growing up I did not realize that half of my family was not all blood related. We did not hear of step children or step family members, it was all just family. I remember as a child watching my grandmother cry her heart out over the welfare of a family member only to grow up later and realize there was no blood relation between her and them. My grandmother loves to have fun. I remember her playing football with us in her 50’s. She loves to play cards and table games and the thing that amazes me is she is always learning new games! Every time I come to see her she wants to teach me a new game. Even at 100 this woman does not live in the past! I am always saying, “Grandma why don’t we just play a game we already know” and she will respond something like, “but this new game is so much fun!” And she will teach me the new game.

Grandma Ruth was raised a third generation Seventh-day Adventist Christian. A lot of her family is still Adventist today, but more importantly most of them have a relationship with Jesus in a church they are comfortable in. Growing up I always wanted a career in the ministry but Grandma always reminded me that labels don’t matter. It is what is in the heart. I remember her telling me more than once, “Be like Joseph. Leave your coat and flee if you have to.” So far I have never had to. :) 

By the way Grandma has a brother buried in South Africa who died as a child while her parents were missionaries. Various members of my family have served and are currently serving as missionaries practically all over the world. My grandmother’s parents were married in the home of Uriah Smith, in Battle Creek Michigan before becoming missionaries.

I have learned so much from my grandmother over the years, but here I have tried to condense it into a top ten list.

Top Ten Things I Have Learned From Grandma Holzkapmer

10. Its good to be funny but don’t be silly. That’s just silly.

   9. Get up early, work hard, but don’t forget to take your lemonade break on the front porch around 10:30am. Good memories, them front porch breaks.

   8. You are very special but then again so is everyone else. We are all special.

7. Macaroni and cheese is so much better with lots and lots of pepper. (No hate mail from health fanatics please.)

6. Grandchildren can help themselves to the cookie jar and anything else they want anytime they want. I was so embarrassed the first time I learned this rule does not stand at everyone else’s home.

 5. It’s a huge family. Some days it may be all about you. Other days it may not be about you at all. Refer to number 8.

 4. You give everything you have for family, and everyone you know is family.

 3. Luke and Laura made it because they had love. It just takes lots of love.

 2. If you cheat in a game of Uno grandma may not catch you, but God will know. (Leaving me to assume you go to hell for cheating grandma at Uno, though it was never actually said.)

 1. While we all have fun we must also remain very respectful. After all your family members would give their life for you, and you never disrespect someone who loves you so much they would give their life for you.

Happy 100th Grandma! And many many more!!!

This photo must have been taken around 1910 or so. Grandma Ruth is sitting in her mother’s lap on their front porch I assume.

Ne-am obisnuit sa vorbim despre profetie, si nu stiu daca exista specialisti in profetia biblica mai buni ca adventistii. Insa modelul profetic abordat este departe de cel biblic. In marea lor majoritate, profetii biblici se ocupau in primul rand de nivelul moralitatii poporului sau al societatii in care traiau. Predictiile temporale reprezentau un minim cantitativ si calitativ. Daca citim cu atentie cartea Apocalipsei vom constata ca profetiile despre viitor ocupa un loc important dar nu major. Importanta era calitatea elementului uman implicat in actiunile ce urmau sa se desfasoare. Bisericilor din primele capitole ale Apocalipsei li se recomanda fie sa pastreze ceea ce au (nivelul moral atins) fie sa se corecteze pana nu este prea tarziu.

Nu este suficient ca biserica sa se considere o voce profetica pentru ca are cunostinte solide de interpretare a profetiilor, sau sa voteze declaratii in legatura cu diversele tare sociale in functie de imprejurari. Nu este suficient ca biserica sa incurajeze pacea si sa promoveze buna intelegere. Biserica are, prin mandatul incredintat, obligatia de a protesta public si sustinut fata de gravele incalcari morale mai ales la nivel inalt. De cand nu ati mai vazut biserica in ansamblul ei opunandu-se derapajelor politice si sociale? Cand a fost ultima ocazie in care biserica a fost oripilata si realmente manioasa pentru ca “schimbatorii de bani” si “targovetii” au ocupat piata publica si au rasturnat scara valorilor morale? Cand s-a manifestat ultima data menirea profetica a bisericii si cand a fost auzit glasul ei “strigand pe ulite”?

Biserica are obligatia de a transmite un mesaj clar, fara ambiguitate, in ce priveste moralitatea in societatea moderna. Traversam crize politice si economice, perioade electorale in care minciuna este ridicata la rang de virtute, prostitutia politica este considerata normalitate, cinismul este la el acasa pe toate canalele media, interesul personal a luat de mult locul celui public in cercurile politice si administrative, rusinea este ne-rusinata si necunoscuta, incompetenta este promovata in cele mai selecte pozitii, iar tupeul si nesimtirea sunt intalnite la tot pasul pe strada. Grobianismul este intalnit chiar printre membri bisericii, alaturi de o lipsa crasa de educatie si de un minim de civilizatie.

Unde este vocea profetica a bisericii cand candidati politici viziteaza institutiile bisericii cu scopul nevoalat de a atrage voturile credinciosilor, in timp ce biserica evita intrebarile incomode cu gandul la viitoarele beneficii in cazul in care candidatul va fi ales? Sa-mi fie cu iertare, dar exact acest sentiment l-am avut vizionand clipurile video de la UEO si citind comentariile postate. Sper ca biserica adventista nu numai sa isi respecte sfatul dat in campaniile electorale trecute, acela de a nu permite candidatilor in campanie sa vorbeasca in biserici, ci sa si protesteze public fata de aroganta, limbajul suburban, miniciunile si derapajele morale ale acestora. Doar asa isi va impini biserica misiunea profetica pentru timpul actual si isi va face auzita vocea profetica de ghid moral in societate.

Today, my mom received an unsolicited book in the mail, “The Great Controversy.”  Being without any return address or letter stating the reason that the book was send, it was very suspicious.  My dad thought it was from the Jehovah Witnesses (a cult derived from Christianity and a “revelation” from the leader) and threw it in the recyclables.

I told my mom that I should not purposely read (or watch) anything that I know to be adversely evil (Satanic, occultic, dealing with witchcraft, etc.).  However, media that is agnostic or hostile towards Christianity need not to be avoided.  Sometimes the only way to strengthen my faith is to deal with adversity.  I should not fear losing my faith by looking at other material with a different underlining view.

Therefore, I retrieved that book.  Rather than start reading it, I checked out the author (Ellen G. White) and the book (“The Great Controversy”) on Wikipedia.  I found out that she “was instrumental in founding the Sabbatarian Adventist movement that led to the rise of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”  That’s okay.  The Seventh-day Adventist is a sect of Christianity and is not a cult.  Then I read further:

Supporters of Ellen G. White regard her as a contemporary prophet, even though she never claimed this title for herself. Supporters for her believe that she had the spiritual gift of prophecy as outlined in Revelation 19:10. Her restorationist writings endeavor to showcase the hand of God in Christian history. This cosmic conflict, referred to as the “Great Controversy theme”, is foundational to the development of Seventh-day Adventist theology.

The word prophet made me uneasy.  I looked on the page for the book and I found this sentence:

Regarding the reason for writing the book, the author reported: “In this vision at Lovett’s Grove (in 1858), most of the matter of the Great Controversy which I had seen ten years before, was repeated, and I was shown that I must write it out.”

So the fact that the author claims to have had a vision which the book is based on makes me really think that this book is not good to read — especially because the author sees (i.e. prophesies).  So I returned the book to the recyclables unread.

Am primit un comentariu din partea domnului Ion Buciuman invitand la un anumit gen de dialog pe blogul dumnealui. Intrucat asa-zisul dialog este re-vendicativ, insotit de atac la persoana, regret ca nu ii pot da curs. Scopurile celor doua bloguri sunt diferite: re-membering incearca sa descopere modalitatile prin care Securitatea a incercat sa influenteze viata si misiunea bisericii, evitand pe cat posibil referirea directa la persoane, in timp ce ionbuciuman declara ca doreste deconspirarea. Daca deconspirarea il vizeaza, este indreptatit si probabil ca a reusit. Re-membering nu considera util sa se antreneze in acest joc. Filosofia adoptata este expusa clar in preambul si va invit sa o cititi cu atentie.

P.S. Observ ca intentia nu este re-zet-area ci mai degraba retezarea. Doar un joc de cuvinte . . .

V-ati intrebat, probabil, ce legatura au articolele precedente (despre vizita candidatilor la UEO) cu realitatea adventista. Intrebarea este justificata. Voi porni de la comentariul intern citat in P.S. Cat de mult merita sa ne asociem imaginea cu aceea a unor candidati reprezentand partide politice in campania electorala, si, pe de alta parte, care trebuie sa fie relatia intre biserica si societate in general?

Cat de mult ar trebui sa se implice biserica in societate, sub aspect social si politic? Constat ca biserica s-a polarizat intre cei care considera ca trebuie sa ne implicam doar atat cat este necesar pentru apararea intereselor institutionale, in rest fiind dezinteresati (izolationistii), si cei care vor ca vocea bisericii sa se faca auzita in societate pe subiectele importante din domeniul moralitatii publice (activistii). O statistica din 2002 indica faptul ca mai putin de o treime din membrii bisericii se implica in activitatile zonei sau societatii in care traiesc. Dar si acesti activisti se impart la randul lor intre cei care sunt preocupati de potentialitatea aparitiei legilor duminicale, aparitia pasapoartelor electronice, sau implicarea statului in religie (traditionalistii) si cei care considera ca biserica ar trebui sa se pronunte in domenii de interes mai larg precum avortul sau propunerea legalizarii prostitutiei sau a casatoriilor monosexuale (conservativii). Bineinteles ca nu lipsesc nici cei care sustin miscarile pentru eliminarea discriminarii, a egalitatii sociale, economice, a pacii mondiale, eliminarea saraciei, sau protectia mediului.

Institutionalizarea a contribuit la imunizarea noastra in anumite domenii. Suntem mult mai sensibili la incalcarea drepturilor si libertatilor de constiinta decat fata de uciderea in masa pe motive de apartenenta religioasa. Vorbim cu infocare despre egalitatea tuturor oamenilor in fata lui Dumnezeu dar nu reactionam atunci cand tiganii sau romii sunt tratati cu dispret sau injositi in biserica sau in societate. Propovaduim aceeasi egalitate indiferent de gen, dar tratam cu inferioritate fetele si femeile desi ele reprezinta mai mult de jumatate din membrii bisericii. Interesant este faptul ca biserica adventista a fost in avangarda miscarilor sociale de la aparitia ei si pana aproximativ in anul 1920, sustinand lupta impotriva sclaviei, incurajand imbracamintea sanatoasa, miscarea de temperanta, miscarea de emancipare a femeilor, miscarea de necombatanta, si bineinteles libertatea religioasa si de constiinta.

Insa activismul si izolationismul se reflecta dureros si pe alt plan: (ne)implicarea politica. Ce fel de educatie a oferit biserica si ce set de valori si principii a promovat incat regimul apartheid din Africa de Sud avea un sustinator de nadejde in biserica adventista? Cum a fost posibil ca in Rwanda pastori adventisti, impreuna cu prezbiteri si membri, sa-i incurajeze pe adventistii de etnie Tutsi sa se adaposteasca in biserici doar pentru a chema gherilele Interahamwe ca sa-i ucida? Ce marturie poate da astazi biserica in teritoriile marcate de genocid? Iar cand pastori adventisti sunt adusi in fata tribunalelor pentru crime impotriva umanitatii, care este pozitia bisericii? Precum strutul cu capul in nisip? Puteau fi situatiile acestea evitate, si cum? Recentele conflicte politice din Kenya (August 2009) au adus la suprafata exact aceeasi situatie: fie implicare in conflicte, fie indiferenta. Este apartenenta sau orientarea politica mai puternica decat transformarea religioasa? In caz de conflict, care va fi mai puternica si va determina raspunsul persoanei in momentul deciziei? (va urma)

So I’m fiddling around with my cell phone, and I noticed that when i click “send” there is the option to “send to blog”. I do that and fill in the information.

Well it works as you can see. Just a testing sort of thing.

The problem is that Verizon doesn’t charge it as data (i have unlimited) but as a picture message (I do not have any text plan). So that’s why I’m keep this picture. Which I do like. But to not waste 25 cents it’s staying.

I believe my friend Victor made it.

Fe Oxigenada Xela presenta Hipoxia , cuando tu alma se queda sin oxigeno.

“Christ doesn’t help us keep the Law. If so, He’d inspire you to avoid pork and Saturday errands.” ~ Andrew Farley, author of “The Naked Gospel”. (here)

I know a good deal of people who would read this and say, “Exactly! Why don’t you!”

A picture of the Lord’s Super, represenitng Jesus’ disciples all over the world. This picture is placed on the lobby wall of the Tampa First Seventh-day Adventist Church where I share the gospel in the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

In preparation for this coming Sabbath’s communion service, in our Tampa First group Bible study tonight we covered the chapter “In Remembrance of Me” in the classic biography on the life of Christ, The Desire of Ages. Those who are new to the faith as well as those who are seasoned members found this very inspiring and eye opening as we read and discussed this tonight. Everyone agreed it would be a blessing to share with the entire church in preparation for communion, so I have shared it below for your benefit. Please enjoy!

“In Remembrance of Me”

     “The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.  {DA 652.1} 

     Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.  {DA 652.2} 

     The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of this ordinance, the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ. Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance is to be celebrated. It is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds.  {DA 652.3} 

     At the time of their deliverance from Egypt, the children of Israel ate the Passover supper standing, with their loins girded, and with their staves in their hands, ready for their journey. The manner in which they celebrated this ordinance harmonized with their condition; for they were about to be thrust out of the land of Egypt, and were to begin a painful and difficult journey through the wilderness. But in Christ’s time the condition of things had changed. They were not now about to be thrust out of a strange country, but were dwellers in their own land. In harmony with the rest that had been given them, the people then partook of the Passover supper in a reclining position. Couches were placed about the table, and the guests lay upon them, resting upon the left arm, and having the right hand free for use in eating. In this position a guest could lay his head upon the breast of the one who sat next above him. And the feet, being at the outer edge of the couch, could be washed by one passing around the outside of the circle.  {DA 653.1} 

     Christ is still at the table on which the paschal supper has been spread. The unleavened cakes used at the Passover season are before Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, is on the table. These emblems Christ employs to represent His own unblemished sacrifice. Nothing corrupted by fermentation, the symbol of sin and death, could represent the “Lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19.  {DA 653.2} 

     “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”  {DA 653.3} 

     Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood. He heard the words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” And sitting there in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded upon his own dark purposes, and cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts.  {DA 653.4} 

     At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that He understood the character of Judas. “Ye are not all clean” (John 13:11), He said. These words convinced the false disciple that Christ read his secret purpose. Now Christ spoke out more plainly. As they were seated at the table He said, looking upon His disciples, “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.”  {DA 653.5} 

     Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas. But they saw that Christ appeared greatly troubled. A cloud settled over them all, a premonition of some dreadful calamity, the nature of which they did not understand. As they ate in silence, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me.” At these words amazement and consternation seized them. They could not comprehend how any one of them could deal treacherously with their divine Teacher. For what cause could they betray Him? and to whom? Whose heart could give birth to such a design? Surely not one of the favored twelve, who had been privileged above all others to hear His teachings, who had shared His wonderful love, and for whom He had shown such great regard by bringing them into close communion with Himself!  {DA 654.1} 

     As they realized the import of His words, and remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. They began to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John in deep distress at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” The disciples had searched one another’s faces closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” And now the silence of Judas drew all eyes to him. Amid the confusion of questions and expressions of astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John’s question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.”  {DA 654.2} 

     In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas rose hastily to leave the room. “Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. . . . He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.” Night it was to the traitor as he turned away from Christ into the outer darkness.  {DA 654.3} 

     Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possibility of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his fellow disciples, the final decision had been made. He had passed the boundary line.  {DA 654.4} 

     Wonderful had been the long-suffering of Jesus in His dealing with this tempted soul. Nothing that could be done to save Judas had been left undone. After he had twice covenanted to betray his Lord, Jesus still gave him opportunity for repentance. By reading the secret purpose of the traitor’s heart, Christ gave to Judas the final, convincing evidence of His divinity. This was to the false disciple the last call to repentance. No appeal that the divine-human heart of Christ could make had been spared. The waves of mercy, beaten back by stubborn pride, returned in a stronger tide of subduing love. But although surprised and alarmed at the discovery of his guilt, Judas became only the more determined. From the sacramental supper he went out to complete the work of betrayal.  {DA 655.1} 

     In pronouncing the woe upon Judas, Christ also had a purpose of mercy toward His disciples. He thus gave them the crowning evidence of His Messiahship. “I tell you before it come,” He said, “that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I AM.” Had Jesus remained silent, in apparent ignorance of what was to come upon Him, the disciples might have thought that their Master had not divine foresight, and had been surprised and betrayed into the hands of the murderous mob. A year before, Jesus had told the disciples that He had chosen twelve, and that one was a devil. Now His words to Judas, showing that his treachery was fully known to his Master, would strengthen the faith of Christ’s true followers during His humiliation. And when Judas should have come to his dreadful end, they would remember the woe that Jesus had pronounced upon the betrayer.  {DA 655.2} 

     And the Saviour had still another purpose. He had not withheld His ministry from him whom He knew to be a traitor. The disciples did not understand His words when He said at the feet washing, “Ye are not all clean,” nor yet when at the table He declared, “He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.” John 13:11, 18. But afterward, when His meaning was made plain, they had something to consider as to the patience and mercy of God toward the most grievously erring.  {DA 655.3} 

     Though Jesus knew Judas from the beginning, He washed his feet. And the betrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament. A long-suffering Saviour held out every inducement for the sinner to receive Him, to repent, and to be cleansed from the defilement of sin. This example is for us. When we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from him. By no careless separation are we to leave him a prey to temptation, or drive him upon Satan’s battleground. This is not Christ’s method. It was because the disciples were erring and faulty that He washed their feet, and all but one of the twelve were thus brought to repentance.  {DA 655.4} 

     Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s Supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Corinthians 5:11. But beyond this none are to pass judgment. God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the tares from the wheat? “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” For “whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” “He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:28, 27, 29.  {DA 656.1} 

     When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances, there are present messengers unseen by human eyes. There may be a Judas in the company, and if so, messengers from the prince of darkness are there, for they attend all who refuse to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are present. These unseen visitants are present on every such occasion. There may come into the company persons who are not in heart servants of truth and holiness, but who may wish to take part in the service. They should not be forbidden. There are witnesses present who were present when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and of Judas. More than human eyes beheld the scene.  {DA 656.2} 

     Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to set the seal to His own ordinance. He is there to convict and soften the heart. Not a look, not a thought of contrition, escapes His notice. For the repentant, brokenhearted one He is waiting. All things are ready for that soul’s reception. He who washed the feet of Judas longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin.  {DA 656.3} 

     None should exclude themselves from the Communion because some who are unworthy may be present. Every disciple is called upon to participate publicly, and thus bear witness that he accepts Christ as a personal Saviour. It is at these, His own appointments, that Christ meets His people, and energizes them by His presence. Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the ordinance, yet Christ is there to minister to His children. All who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatly blessed. All who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss. Of them it may appropriately be said, “Ye are not all clean.”  {DA 656.4} 

     In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them the new covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of God, and joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that heaven could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This covenant deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity.  {DA 656.5} 

     But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing. This was not its purpose. As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to remember and lament their shortcomings. They are not to dwell upon their past religious experience, whether that experience has been elevating or depressing. They are not to recall the differences between them and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this. The self-examination, the confession of sin, the reconciling of differences, has all been done. Now they come to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. With hearts cleansed by Christ’s most precious blood, in full consciousness of His presence, although unseen, they are to hear His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27.  {DA 659.1} 

     Our Lord says, Under conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for My sake and the gospel’s, remember My love, so great that for you I gave My life. When your duties appear stern and severe, and your burdens too heavy to bear, remember that for your sake I endured the cross, despising the shame. When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you.  {DA 659.2} 

     The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how “He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord’s return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26.  {DA 659.3} 

     These are the things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its constraining power, is to be kept fresh in our memory. Christ has instituted this service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. There can be no union between our souls and God except through Christ. The union and love between brother and brother must be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus. And nothing less than the death of Christ could make His love efficacious for us. It is only because of His death that we can look with joy to His second coming. His sacrifice is the center of our hope. Upon this we must fix our faith.  {DA 660.1}

     The ordinances that point to our Lord’s humiliation and suffering are regarded too much as a form. They were instituted for a purpose. Our senses need to be quickened to lay hold of the mystery of godliness. It is the privilege of all to comprehend, far more than we do, the expiatory sufferings of Christ. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” even so has the Son of man been lifted up, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15. To the cross of Calvary, bearing a dying Saviour, we must look. Our eternal interests demand that we show faith in Christ.  {DA 660.2} 

     Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. . . . For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. This is true of our physical nature. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every water spring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.  {DA 660.3} 

     And how much more are Christ’s words true of our spiritual nature. He declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” It is by receiving the life for us poured out on Calvary’s cross, that we can live the life of holiness. And this life we receive by receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded. Thus we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living

Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” John 6:54, 56, 57. To the holy Communion this scripture in a special sense applies. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. That soul will receive spiritual strength from every Communion. The service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus bound up with the Father. In a special sense it forms a connection between dependent human beings and God.  {DA 660.4} 

     As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ’s broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us.  {DA 661.1} 

     Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.  {DA 661.2} 

     He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.  {DA 661.3} 

Cartea lui Edmond Constantinescu, Dumnezeu nu joaca zaruri, aparuta in 2008, s-a dorit a fi o provocare pentru mintile “inguste.” Pornind de la premisa ca diversitatea intelectuala din biserica adventista “cere mai degraba o teologie a dialogului deschis decat limbajul de lemn al unui crez,” Constantinescu insista ca biserica este nerelevanta atata timp cat ofera raspunsuri “vechi de peste o suta de ani.” Considerand ca lumea in care se misca este “deliberat ingusta,” autorul provoaca credinciosii “sa nu-si lase creierul la garderoba atunci cand vin la biserica.”

Domnia sa foloseste o terminologie care nu incurajeaza la dialog, in orice caz nu unul civilizat. Supozitia fundamentala este ca biserica este un “ghetto” intelectual, si ca doar gandirea independenta este cea care poate oferi cu adevarat un raspuns la intrebarile dificile. Raspunsurile “vechi de peste o suta de ani” pot include foarte usor atat declaratii ale Scripturii cat si principii revelate in scrierile inspirate ale Ellenei White.

Biserica adventista are, totusi, centre de cercetare si poarta periodic dialoguri intre teologi si oamenii de stiinta. Sa nu cunoasca Edmond Constantinescu aceste realitati? Raspunsul pare sa fie altul. Cartea prezinta intr-o succesiune rapida dezvoltarea stiintei. Pornind de la ideea (similara conceptului deist) ca Dumnezeu a creat si apoi a lasat lucrurile in seama oamenilor si a stiintei (sau la fel de bine in seama hazardului), autorul incearca sa demonstreze ca avem nevoie de o explicatie stiintifica la zi ca sa nu ne fie rusine cand discutam cu oamenii de stiinta sau prezentam doctrina adventista contemporanilor.

Autorul cunoaste crestini care se simt deranjati de siguranta savantilor in ce priveste inceputurile universului. Si aici ajungem la a doua premisa fundamentala a cartii: stiinta si savantii ei sunt mai credibili pentru Edmond Constantinescu decat relatarea biblica a originilor. De fapt, el declara din start ca “Biblia nu contine revelatii stiintifice.” De fapt, intreaga lucrare este o incercare de a demonstra superioritatea stiintei moderne. Nu pot decat sa zambesc atunci cand autorul, dupa eforturi de zeci de pagini de a demonstra progresul stiintei, admite candid, spre exemplu, ca “expresia cea mai potrivita pentru a descrie expansiunea spatiului se gaseste in Biblie.”

Suntem invitati sa apreciem Cartea naturii care merge pe principii matematice, “exacte,” in comparatie cu Biblia unde intalnim declaratii “sumeriene” cu privire la origini sau reflectii culturale ce nu se potrivesc cu mentalitatea si stiinta moderna. Insa cartea naturii nu contine cunostinta mantuirii. Stiinta opereaza cu limite, nefiind in stare sa depaseasca bariera finitului. Cum poti explica infinitul cu instrumente limitate? Si in ce consta superioritatea filosofiei, in sistematizare? Unde incadram diferentele culturale? Si de ce nu poate revelatia oferi raspunsuri la intrebarile fundamentale?

Apreciez invitatia la deschidere, dialog, dar nu inteleg etichetari de genul: “Am scris aceasta carte pentru ca imi iubesc Biserica si fratii care deja simt sange. Nu cred ca venirea Domnului trebuie asteptata intr-un bunker ideologic. Am stiut insa ca daca deschid fereastra bunkerului voi soca, voi speria sobolanii si gandacii si voi trezi panica celor a caror religie este frica. Sunt pregatit pentru dialog dar nu imi pasa de sobolani.” Un astfel de dialog devine toxic.

I am writing tonight from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

 Here is a video presentation I made on this topic a couple years ago.

Here is a study on love and obedience that I presented in our group Bible study last night. Here are the key points that we looked at: 

• We do not keep the commandments to be saved. We keep them because we love Jesus.
• We are saved by faith and not by works. When we obey God we show we have faith in Him. For example when I return my tithe even though I have bills to pay, I show my faith in God taking care of my bills. So if I trust God I will obey Him. By disobeying God I am telling Him that I do not really have faith in Him.
• When Satan tempted Eve in the garden he told her that God did not want her to eat the forbidden fruit because it would give her a higher existence and she would be much happier. God did not want Eve to be happier, Satan said lied. So when Eve ate of the fruit she was telling God, I don’t think you really love me. So it is today. When we don’t return our tithe we are telling God we don’t think He really loves us enough to take care of us. When we choose to work on Sabbath to put bread on our family’s table we are telling God He does not love us enough to put bread on the table for us. When we lust after someone who is not our spouse we are telling God, if you really loved me you would give me this person. Every time we sin we are telling God that we don’t think He really loves us. By obeying Him we are saying that we trust in His love.
• We do not obey for hope of reward. Doing good for the hope of reward does not make us good people. If I am doing good for a reward then it only stand to reason I would do evil if it gave me the same reward. We obey out of love, regardless of the consequences either good or bad.
• As we continue our studies on Tuesday nights, we will be finding in the Bible how God wants us to act as Christians. On each issue the question to be asked is not do I have to follow God’s command to get to heaven, but rather do I love Jesus enough to cherish His commandments. Jesus will be taking to heaven all those who love Him. All those who love Him, will trust and obey.

Love and Obedience

What are God’s People to walk in?

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.   And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 2 John 4-6

What warning is given about some Christians?

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5

What will some last day Christians do?

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4: 3,4

How are we saved?

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3: 28

Does faith abolish the law?

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3: 31

Faith without works is what?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  James 2:17

How does faith work?

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:6

Is more required than lip service?

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness. Ezekiel 33:31

Who receives Salvation?

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9

What did Jesus say we must do?

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 

  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Matthew 19: 16, 17

What are the disobedient told?

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.   Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23

What is obedience an expression of?

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

What is obedience an expression of?

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

Who does God call a liar?

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.   He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:3,4

Where will all liars be found?

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

Where will the commandment keepers be?

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14

Cum am putea vorbi despre istorie cand nu ne cunoastem istoria? Si cum am putea avea pretentia ca am invatat lectiile trecutului cand trecutul ramane la fel de invaluit in mister, daca nu chiar mai incetosat decat pana acum? Ce am invatat? Sa tacem?

Nu (mai) este un secret ca ne e frica de fantomele trecutului, dar totusi preferam fantomele in schimbul realitatii dureroase. Cu fantomele te poti juca, oricum nu sunt reale. Le poti atribui tot felul de caracteristici intr-un spectru divers. Pot fi colaboratori, dar pot fi si persoane nevinovate. Pot fi informatori, dar pot fi si persoane despre care s-au dat note informative. Si pot fi persoane care au fost si una si alta. Ce mai conteaza, atunci cand trecutul este trecut sub tacere?

Au existat momente triste in istoria bisericii adventiste din Romania. Au existat decapitari capitale [sic!] despre care putini au curajul sa vorbeasca. De ce? Episodul Nailescu-Vacareanu, sau procesul intentat intregii conduceri adventiste din acea vreme este un motiv de rusine? Sau demiterea presedintelui Pavel Crisan, un alt episod tulbure, nu merita clarificat? Se asteapta disparitia tuturor martorilor oculari pentru a exista scuza ca mortii nu vorbesc, sau ca despre morti numai de bine?

Am primit nenumarate mesaje, indeosebi din partea tinerilor, in care imi spun direct ca si-au pierdut increderea in liderii bisericii din cauza ca au auzit ca “pe vremuri” acestia au facut pact cu diavolul. Dar totul se bazeaza pe zvonuri. De ce ne este frica de realitate? Au mai fost informatii scurse “pe surse” despre unul sau altul din pastorii [azi] pensionari. Unora nu li s-a mai permis sa predice in biserici. Altii s-au trezit ca au dosare doar cand parti din acestea au vazut lumina zilei online. Si lupta sa-si demonstreze nevinovatia. In hatisul acestor hartii nu se face lumina cu declaratii de necolaborare semnate sub presiunea desfacerii contractului de munca. Pentru a aprecia onestitatea semnaturii este nevoie de intelegerea contextului si a realitatii. Are cineva curajul sa o faca?

P.S. Inteleg ca Uniunea a trimis prima cerere de deconspirare, la solicitarea unui pastor. Asteptam raspunsul.

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area where I love studying God’s Word with the wonderful people who live here.

For those who have asked me to post my speaking schedule on my blog, here is my speaking schedule for the remainder of 2009.

Sabbath School Lectures:

Every Sabbath morning I am lecturing the Seekers’ Class at 10:25 AM in classroom number 1. Every week we go over our fundamental beliefs in light of the cross. If you are not a baptized member at Tampa First yet and desire information on the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church please come to my class. Just ask a greeter to show you were William’s class is.

Group Bible Studies:

Every Tuesday morning I will be leading out in a group Bible Study going over our beliefs in light of the cross. The class will be held in the Community Services Fellowship Hall at 11:30am on Tuesdays.

Tuesday Night Prayer/Study Group:

On Tuesday nights at Tampa First at 6:45 we will have a praise and worship time with music, followed by a season of prayer. I will be following that with a sermon on our fundamental beliefs in light of the cross. At the end we will have a question and answer time.

Sabbath Worship:

On Sabbath, November 28 and Sabbath December 26 I will be speaking at both services at the Tampa First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

October 31, I will be preaching at the Springtown Texas Seventh-day Adventist Church for their worship service and again at their fall festival that evening.

I am always available for personal Bible studies at your own convenience. To make an appointment just call (813) 933-7505.

I am writing tonight from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

The Three Angels’ Messages in Light of the Cross

Actually it is redundant to say the three angels’ messages in light of the cross as the cross is exactly what their messages are about. However many people today have not heard the messages or it has been presented with a legalistic slant. There is nothing legalistic about the messages. They are all about the everlasting gospel triumphing over the legalism of Babylon. Let’s take a look.

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  Revelation 6:12

Who is this first angel and who are the three angels? Revelation 1:20 says that the seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches. So an angel would be like a leader or messenger to a church. Therefore an angel according to Revelation could be extra-terrestrial or terrestrial. I believe the three angels in Revelation 14 are terrestrial and even more specifically they make up the message that the Seventh-day Adventist church has to give to the world. These angels are sent out after the rise of the United States in Revelation 13, so this would also fit the time prophecy. The Seventh-day Adventist church has a very important message to give to the world so let’s see what it is.

The first angel has the everlasting gospel. Now don’t all churches have the gospel? Yes they do. Many people will be in the kingdom because a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic or Lutheran etc. missionary shared the love of God with them. However, as the book of Revelation changes scenes from the dark ages to the earth being “lightened with His glory” the gospel will be shining brighter than ever before. The brightness of the gospel casts away the shadows of legalism. The everlasting gospel which the Seventh-day Adventist church shares, overcomes the legalism of Babylon as it is filled with grace and the glory of God and not the works of man. It is void of man’s traditions and inventions and shows the love of God more clearly than the gospels presented by most other churches. First of all many churches preach that Jesus died for us then turn around and tell us you don’t really die. If that is the case then Jesus did not die for us. Many churches preach that sinners will be eternally tormented in hell while John 3:16 which is the crux of the gospel says, no, sinners will perish. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, not eternal torment in hell. Its hard to fall in love with a God who has a love me or I’ll kill you or torment you for eternity in hell mentality. While sin and those who cling to it at any cost must perish, God will not be delighting in their eternal torture. The punishment, which is death is eternal, the punishing is not.

Many churches focus on the physical torture Jesus endured which was terrible, but do not realize that Jesus endured way more than a six hour pain endurance marathon. Hebrews 2:9 tells us Jesus tasted death for all men. It obviously was not the death of the righteous that He tasted, we all taste that first death for ourselves. Obadiah 16 tells us the wicked will be as though they never were. Jesus faced more than nail scared hands and feet on the cross. He tasted the death of the wicked which means He was facing going into total oblivion and being as though He had never existed. This could be why He was crying out, “My God My God why have You forsaken me” instead of singing hymns of praise while He died like John Huss did. You see, Jesus died a totally different death than John Huss. John Huss died the death of the righteous while he burned at the stake for his faith. Jesus was dying the death of the wicked.

Many teach that Jesus saves us in our sins while Matthew 1:21 tells us clearly that Jesus will save us from our sins. We can’t call Jesus a Savior unless He actually saves us, and according to Ephesians 2:1-10 we are saved by grace. What His grace saves us from is our sinful lifestyle.

So we see, Seventh-day Adventists not only teach a different day of worship, we teach a totally different gospel!

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.  Revelation 14:7

This angel is telling us of the judgment which began in 1844. Interestingly the angel says the hour of His judgment has come. What does this mean? It means God is the one being judged! The judgment is not to see if God will accept us, Ephesians 1:6 tells us we are already accepted in Beloved. The judgment is to see if we will accept God. Seventh-day Adventists preach a time of probation, but many do not realize that it is actually God who is on probation. He is being judged by the world. Is God a mean control freak tyrant that Satan makes Him out to be or He is a God of love? Is God a good God or some psychopath saying “love me or I’ll kill you”?

Satan first attacked the character of God in heaven. Revelation 12 says there was war in heaven, but not with machine guns and tanks, it was a battle of the minds. Satan wanted God’s power but not his character. I can see Satan playing mind games with the angels. I can see him going up to one of the other angels and saying, “You did a great job on that project God gave you. Did God give you any special recognition for it? He didn’t? Why that’s too bad. You know if I was God I would have thrown a banquet in your honor.” And so Satan started these mind games trying to make the angels believe that he should be God and that God was not a God of love who was interested in their welfare. Satan gets a third of the angels to buy his lie. There may have been some angels who stayed in heaven but were not convinced who was right or wrong, until the cross, where the whole universe saw the true character of Satan who was willing to kill anyone who got in his way of being number one, and the true character of God who was willing to die on a cross and say goodbye to life forever is He could save others.

This is why Satan does not want us to understand the everlasting gospel. The everlasting gospel tells the truth about the character of God and the character of Satan. In the hour of His judgment those who clearly understand the everlasting gospel, free of legalism will be able to judge that God is indeed a God of love and accept Him. By the way, when we accept God we accept more than eternal life, we accept God Himself along with all of His righteousness and goodness and power to live a victorious life.

The second half of this verse, “: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” reminds us of the language used in the fourth commandment about the Sabbath. Many times we quote the fourth commandment from Exodus 20: 8-11 but let’s take a look at it in this formant from Deuteronomy 5:12-15. “Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.” God is reminding Israel that He saved them from the slavery of the Egyptians and that it was not their works that saved them. Likewise God Himself will save us from the slavery of sin, by His grace and not by our works. The Sabbath is clearly a sign that it is God who sanctifies us and not our own works. We see this also in Exodus 31:13. We rest from our works on the Sabbath remembering that our salvation comes from resting our faith in His amazing grace and not in trusting our works to save us.

The Sabbath also reminds us of our Ceator whom Satan wants us to forget. If the Sabbath had never been forgotten atheism would never exist. For example we use the sun to mark a year, the moon marks a month and the earth’s rotation marks a day, but what do we have to mark a week? The only thing we have to mark a week by is the creation week which ends with the seventh day Sabbath. So how do atheists explain the seven day week?  During the reign of terror the French tried to do away with the seven day week and replace it with a ten day week. This did not work. The Sabbath reminds us that we have a Creator who did all the work in creating us and that we did not make ourselves by our won works. The Sabbath even more so reminds us that we were redeemed by the works and sacrifice of our Creator and not by our own works.

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.  Revelation 14:8

Many say that Babylon means confusion. Well it may, but it is not so much confusion about certain doctrines as much as it is about the gospel itself. Legalism mixes our works with God’s grace and it gets confusing. In Galatians 2:20 Paul gives us the pure gospel when he says, “NOT I but Christ.” So many of us want to make it a combination of me plus Christ. Problem is, anytime I make “me” a part of the gospel I have a corrupt gospel because “me” is corrupt. Does this mean doing away with good works? Not at all! It just means realizing that it is God who is working in us and not us. Philippians 2:13

Babylon actually means “gate to God” or works, or better yet legalism. Seventh-day Adventists often teach that Babylon is a religious system which it is, but it is more than that, it is an attitude, and attitude that can be found in any system. Babylon is the attitude that I can save myself by my own works. It began with the tower of Babel. Babe meaning gate and El meaning God. At the tower of Babel man decided they could work and build their own way to heaven. They did not think they could trust God to save them from another flood so they decided to build a tower and by their works save themselves. Cain had the attitude of Babylon when he brought the works of his field and offered them as a system of worship while God could only accept Abel’s sacrifice which was a lamb, pointing to the Lamb of God who could only save. Since then man has been presenting his own system of worship and even day of worship thinking he can save himself by inventing his own religion instead of accepting the gospel.

Years later Daniel chapter one tells us that God gave Jerusalem into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands, but in Daniel Chapter four Nebuchadnezzar says “is this not Babylon which I have made?” And God says, “No! I made it and gave it to you.” But here is the attitude of Babylon again that it is my works that are saving me. During the dark ages people were taught that their works would save them instead of the gospel. People were taught they could buy and work their way to heaven. They were also given a work day to worship instead of the Sabbath day of rest. So they were like Cain, worshiping their works instead of our Creator and Redeemer. When the everlasting gospel is proclaimed in all its glory Babylon will fall! Man will see that we are not saved by our own religious works and inventions but rather are saved by the grace of God alone!

The third angel’s message assures us of the victory of grace over the legalism of Babylon.

Christ’s humble servant writes: Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, “It is the third angel’s message, in verity.”– The Review and Herald, April 1, 1890. {1SM 372.2}

If you are like me, your first glance at the third angel’s message does not make you think of justification by faith. As a matter of fact many people get wrapped up in works over this passage. Let’s take another look and see why Its not about works but rather justification by faith.

Revelation 14:9-12 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, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The beast is the papacy. The mark is Sunday observance as opposed to the seal of God, which is Sabbath observance. The third angel’s message is justification by faith in verity because those who refuse the mark of the beast will not be allowed to buy or sell or do any business to provide for themselves or their families. They will be resting on the Sabbath and not working. Therefore they trust God to provide for them, and not their own works. This is justification by faith. Those who accept the mark so that they can buy and sell are not resting in Jesus or trusting Him to provide for them. Rather they are saying, “I do not trust Jesus to provide for me, so I am accepting the mark so that I can work and provide for myself. This is salvation by works.

It is very important to notice that the ones who accept the mark and are trying to be saved by their works are rejecting the cross of Christ. The “cup of His indignation” is the cup that Jesus asked to be passed from Him, in Gethsemane. However, He drank that cup for us, at Calvary. Those who reject the seal of God, and the Sabbath are really rejecting the cross. They say, “I will accept the mark of the beast and provide my own salvation.” When they do this they reject the Salvation provided at Calvary, and instead of letting Jesus drink that cup for them, they must drink it themselves!

After all, if you do not trust Jesus enough to provide your daily bread, but rather accept the mark so that you can do business and put bread on the table yourself, how can you trust Him to provide for your eternal salvation? On the other hand, by rejecting the mark (works) and keeping the Sabbath and seal of God we are accepting the cross and justification by faith. Jesus drinks the cup mentioned in the third angel’s message so we don’t have to! We can all exclaim with Abraham at Moriah, “Jehovahjireh” My Lord Will provide!”

The third angel’s message is the climax of the battle between faith and works. For centuries man has been taught by tradition to save himself by worshiping a man made religion and even a man made Sabbath which is Sunday. Those who put their faith in Jesus triumph over the legalism of man made religions as they rest their faith in the One who gave all to save them. They cherish His Sabbath which is a sign that we are not saved by works but rather by His amazing grace!