#177216 - 07/18/08 06:37 PM
Misunderstandings and false accusations.
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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I have been in the Adventist church for 12 years now since I first discovered the church in '96. In my home town I didn't have people my age to fellowship with. It was all old people. No one wanted to share this powerful message. So I got together with a Literature Evangelist group. There was a young man and young lady who wanted to go to Peru together on a mission trip. So they went to various churches to gather money for it. They asked me to go with them on a trip a few hours out of town. The girl asked because she didn't want it to look like they where courting. I didn't refuse them because Jesus says if someone compels you to walk a mile, walk with them twain. It was Friday and we where to spend that night and the next there. We had a walk on the Sabbath and had normal Sabbath conversation with the old man who was putting us up at his house. He started expressing his contempt for polygamists in Utah. He said polygamist families should be broken up. If they want to be baptized, the man would have to divorce all his wives accept one. I really had trouble accepting that. I pointed out how Jesus said divorce was adultery. I said what about the children? Then I even started looking at things from a polygamist's perspective and asked what he suggested to do with all the extra women on the world. So many men die in war and such that the population is about 60% women and 40% men. Should they become nuns? Or prostitutes? Single moms? If you had your choice, would you be raised by a single mom, or in a polygamist family with a dad and several moms? Did you really know what a child goes through with a single mom with the basest of men coming and going? I pointed out that polygamy is never condemned in the Bible, it's just not recommended for bishops. " A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife", ( 1 Tim. 3:2). That's pure Bible. No culture or tradition. It was the Catholic Church which said polygamy was one of the unpardonable sins. Well I guess I went too far there. The man said to the young man, "Our friend, rush should move to Utah." I said I'm not a polygamist, but how can you require people to get divorced when Jesus condemned divorce? Well the issue went unsettled. When I got back, I was betrayed by these kids I went out of my way to help. They said I got into an argument with a man on the Sabbath. How many arguments did Jesus get into with people on the Sabbath? Well I didn't think about that then. They also made an issue about me talking to a 14 year old girl. This girl wanted to tell me her whole life story and I just listened. That's all. I thought I was doing the right thing by being a good listener. Was I supposed to tell her it was not proper and maker her feel bad? Should I say, "Tell it to someone who cares. Please leave me alone." So they make me out to be some kind of sicko. I also told the head leader I couldn't accept pacifism. He was teaching that soldiers and policemen where "vessels of dishonor", ( 2 Tim. 2:20). They lay down their lives to protect our religious freedom, but they have to sin to do it, so they are like doing the dirty work that God's people are not allowed to do. We should not join the military or the police force because then you'll have to kill someone and that's a sin. Jesus talked to many soldiers and he never told them to give up their profession for a new one. Matt. 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]. 8:10 When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. I don't find the disciples doing that either. Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. So what do you think this guy will do? Reconsider his views? Overlook our differences? Have me exiled? What do you think happened? There was no one to say a word on my behalf. I guess I wasn't friends with any of those students. There was only one other person who had no family in the church, and he also got kicked out. We where the only ones. Coincidence? Ecc. 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. I didn't even tell anyone because of this verse: 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. This man somehow arranged it so I was not allowed to go with any Literature Evangelism program in North America. I was sent away with nothing and had to live with my mom. My mom and my brother smoked dope at that time and where very bad influences on me. I was never able to even search for God until I had left their demonic influence, when I moved out on my own when I was 19. One night they had a drinking party and invited the drunks from all over. I didn't feel I could be a part of that, so I stayed in my room. At 3 AM my brother kicks down my door and attacks me with his drunk friend so I have to fight both of them in my underwear. They destroyed my mom's antique mirror and almost trashed my computer and printer which is the only thing I had left in the world. When the devil has control over everyone but you, what do you think he's going to do? Leave you in peace? This is not a happy story. But we need to treat each other better or something. If I ever get my head above water, I will seek out lonely souls and do whatever I can to help them. If God sends me someone I will not send him away. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Now accuse me of blasphemy because I apply that verse to myself. I would say all of us are to follow that example: John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. So now I feel burdened about some misinterpretations I see in Amazing Facts so I try to contact them, but they ignore me so I share my burdens on a forum such as this. Then the head admin accuses me of trying to seduce Adventists into keeping the feast days. That's not what the post was about. He didn't even read it. I just said Romans 14:6 is about pagan holidays, not Jewish feast days. I said Gal. 4:10 is about observing times which is astrology, not feast days. Only Col. 2:16-17 is about feast days. I agree they where a shadow and we don't have to keep them. So he thinks I want people to keep the feast days. That reminds me of the old man that thought I was a polygamist. I tried to change some things to avoid misunderstanding and re-post to see if I would yet get some feedback for my burden. But he deleted it. How much would I have to change it so it won't get censored? And why would it be censored in the first place? I'm not telling people to keep feast days? He still doesn't understand that? Now I will probably be banned. Will the Lord comfort me? 2 Sam 16:12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.I guess I better say good-bye then. I didn't get a chance to those other times because I didn't have the foresight. Now I know the signs. I love you all. God bless. I hope to see some of you in Heaven.
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Tell me I am not unloving.
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#177249 - 07/18/08 11:28 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 1327
Loc: Texas
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Something I am still learning is this: Just because the world is full of stupid people doesn't mean you have to correct every one of them. If you don't correct them, that doesn't mean you agree with them. Sometimes it's ok to let people spout off their ridiculous opinions and say nothing.
If it doesn't have to do with their salvation, there's no need to make a big deal out of it, especially with people you hardly know. If you have to say something, you can always say, "Well, that's an interesting thought."
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#177279 - 07/19/08 03:39 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Swiss n Swedish American
Registered: 12/09/06
Posts: 7882
Loc: A citizen of Heaven
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I am sorry for your pain. There is not always justice. I like what Carolaa said. I only wish you well in life wherever you go. And it would be nice if you could stay. But, I'm not in control of that.
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Another one of Woodies Goodies Our Mama Beats Your Obama. And don't forget ... Love WON Another.
Redwood
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#177322 - 07/19/08 09:33 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Nan]
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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Thank you. I hope you enjoyed the story. It's a real tear jerker imo. But the Lord heals the pain, so that's not really the issue. In Judges 19 and 20 we read about a serious injustice done in the jurisdiction of Benjamin. They surrounded the man's house like in Sodom and he gave his concubine and they raped her all night long and she died. So he sent pieces of her to the 12 tribes of Israel to tell them about it: Judges 19:30 And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak [your minds]. It doesn't say they ever comforted the man for his loss. They investigated the matter and then set out to correct the injustice. They went to Benjamin and demanded the guilty party be turned over. Benjamin refused so there was war. If we see such evil, heinous acts in Israel today, should we not take action? Here's what you should do. Be watchful. Make sure everyone who attends your church gives their address somewhere. Take note if someone stops going to church then go to visit that person and find out what's wrong. Maybe he fell to some sin and is ashamed. Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. That's one scenario, but there are so many you might be able to think of. Just show an interest in people's lives. Be a friend! Phil. 2:3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. There are too many verses that command us to love each other. What we see in these cases is the opposite of doing that. Not a single soul cared about me when I got kicked out of that program. Not a single person! Let also the leaders not be so haughty and proud. Be meek like Moses, ( Num. 12:3). The Lord bless you as you consider these things.
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Tell me I am not unloving.
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#177549 - 07/21/08 06:45 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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So that's it then? The only thing anyone can say about this is that I have a lesson to learn about keeping my mouth shut? So from now on I'll just be weak cowards like you and I'll save myself alot of trouble, right? Something I am still learning is this: Just because the world is full of stupid people doesn't mean you have to correct every one of them. If you don't correct them, that doesn't mean you agree with them. Sometimes it's ok to let people spout off their ridiculous opinions and say nothing.
If it doesn't have to do with their salvation, there's no need to make a big deal out of it, especially with people you hardly know. If you have to say something, you can always say, "Well, that's an interesting thought." I like what Carolaa said. Carolaa has some wise words All three of you agree with this? Is there anyone else who wants to tell me I have a lesson to learn here about running my mouth too much? That's weak! How can you do anything for the Lord if you won't say anything? Matt. 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. I think you are the ones that have a lesson to learn. Why don't you tell Jesus He could have saved Himself from being crucified if He would have just kept quiet a little more? I guess Joseph could have saved himself from his exile to Egypt if he wouldn't have brought the evil report against his brethren. I suppose you would have told him he made a mistake. " Joseph brought unto his father their evil report", ( Gen. 37:2). You would have counseled Daniel to pray in private to save himself from the lions? That would have made sense. I suppose that's what you would do. His continual open prayer was a protest and a rebuke. What if the Apostles would have made peace with their persecutors by heading their warning? Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. They would have saved their lives. They all where murdered but John, who spent the rest of his life in prison. If only you had been there to give your wise advice. You could have saved their lives. How is God going to give you a greater revelation unless you share what you have? Even if you know people won't agree with it and Satan may stir up some persecution against you for it? Are you going to make peace with Satan? That's weak! If you do that, you'll betray your brethren at the most critical moment to save your life. Matt. 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
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Tell me I am not unloving.
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#177565 - 07/21/08 12:31 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Swiss n Swedish American
Registered: 12/09/06
Posts: 7882
Loc: A citizen of Heaven
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Is there anyone else who wants to tell me I have a lesson to learn here about running my mouth too much? Love Won Another And that's not 'weak'. How can you do anything for the Lord if you won't say anything? We are saying somethin now. But will anyone listen. That is the question. However, it is not 'weak'. What you are promoting is what those in the legalism community call .... "Calling sin my it's name". Not very effective in winning people to Christ. Love is the answer.
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Another one of Woodies Goodies Our Mama Beats Your Obama. And don't forget ... Love WON Another.
Redwood
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#177581 - 07/21/08 03:42 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Today, I ain't for sale. Check back tomorrow.
Registered: 08/10/00
Posts: 12713
Loc: Ca., Id, Wa., Or. or somewhere...
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If you ever decide to look up the jobs of the Holy Spirit, you will find that one of His jobs is to convict people of sin...
However, in my dealing with so many people, [granted, not the most extensive, nor the most comprehensive experiment], many have not learned to stay out of the Holy Spirit's way. In fact, many would just as soon do the job for God, as if they wanted to be God Himself. Why anyone would want that job, is beyond me. All you are doing is telling someone how bad they are, how much better they could have done something another way instead of the foolish way that ended in the fiasco that occured. Why, peoople can't hear the good that they do sometimes because of all the guilt that is place upon themselves....That's why God invented people/society so as that people can tell others what good things that they have accomplished. People are hurting so bad these days....we just don't understand, nor do we take the time to find out.....That, my friend, is where the real ministry of God, for human being lies....
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Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana
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#177603 - 07/21/08 07:43 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Neil D]
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Swiss n Swedish American
Registered: 12/09/06
Posts: 7882
Loc: A citizen of Heaven
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 You are so right ... We really don't need the 'Calling sin my by it's Right name" stuff. Love One Another. It really will Win One for Christ.
_________________________
Another one of Woodies Goodies Our Mama Beats Your Obama. And don't forget ... Love WON Another.
Redwood
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#177701 - 07/23/08 01:33 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 1327
Loc: Texas
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It sounds like you're determined to make yourself into a martyr. I could be wrong, but I get the sense that you are more interested in proving people wrong (or yourself right) than you are about the people. It is not weakness to have control of one's tongue.
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#177921 - 07/24/08 09:27 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: carolaa]
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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Please don't try to say I don't care about people. My only determination is to follow the Word of God, and if I do this, it will do alot for people. If I despise the Word of the Lord I will be lost and will lead others to be lost with me. Then you could say I don't care about people. But it's not about me. As I've said, the focus needs to be where the problem lies so we can fix the problem. I'm not the problem. The problem is pride and hardness of heart. If someone suffers for following inspired counsel because traditions have been established which are contrary to counsel, then something is wrong. It's really a classic scenario. Well let's start over again. I can't deny there is truth in this statement: Something I am still learning is this: Just because the world is full of stupid people doesn't mean you have to correct every one of them. If you don't correct them, that doesn't mean you agree with them. Sometimes it's ok to let people spout off their ridiculous opinions and say nothing.
If it doesn't have to do with their salvation, there's no need to make a big deal out of it, especially with people you hardly know. If you have to say something, you can always say, "Well, that's an interesting thought." Such wisdom might apply to some cases, but not this one. Here's why: 1. These are not "stupid people", they are God's elect. 2. If they where merely "ridiculous opinions", they would not be subtle enough to confuse God's elect. 3. I listed a few cases where I have been misunderstood and even condemned just using only the Bible, and not tradition, for doctrine. That doesn't mean I am so unstable that I go around correcting every person I meet. It's irrational to assume that about someone you know nothing about. 4. Look how many arguments Jesus got into with people on the Sabbath, and the disciples also. There are very many cases of this. Why then would you exile Jesus from your Literature Evangelism program? It's actually perfectly normal behavior to express your concerns and offer other perspectives on any given issue. It's normal if someone says: "Polygamists should get divorce", to say: "What about what Jesus said about divorce". If he gets angry because he can't come up with an answer, that doesn't mean you should blame the man who offered an alternate perspective. 5. The circumstances surrounding this event where shady, like in the night trial of Jesus. Things where done that where against the counsel of God: Matt. 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and (1.) tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 18:16 But if he will not hear [thee, then] (2.) take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, (3.) tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, (4.) let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.1. Tell him alone. 2. Bring a witness or two. 3. Tell the church. 4. He's no longer your brother. Let's say it was a bad thing for me to tell this old man I wasn't sure that certain people should be made to get a divorce. Let's just imagine that really was a sin. They didn't confront me like Jesus instructed. They went strait to the head dean without telling me anything. They knew this man didn't like me and was looking for a reason to send me away. I'll explain why later. Then let's say he skipped to step 3. " ..if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen" I wasn't given a chance to hear anything. I was just found guilty and condemned. But it seemed that really wasn't enough to demonize me. They also made me out to be a pedophile!I suppose you would justify them for that too. Why where they so dramatic? Another leader gave the report that I had left tissue in the weight room. He didn't tell me about it, but went strait to the dean. Another leader told me to not use my toothbrush in the van on the way to work. I said I was sorry and would never do it again. It was just an old habit. I had lived on my own for many years before that, and that's what I do when I go to work. I never did it again after he told me. Yet he tells the dean, and makes it out as if it where the most detestable thing a person could possibly do. There was a female leader there who was perfectly single. I just told her I liked her and she told the dean! Why all the hostility? It doesn't matter what I did, they would make a big deal out of it and make it look like it was bad. The only thing that makes sense is he must have had a leader's meeting when I got there and told them I was a reprobate and they where to keep a close eye on me and report to him if I did anything. Their loyalty was as strong Joab's and his men who got a man killed to cover for the king's folly, ( 2 Sam. 11). They would never think their leader was wrong. If he said I was sent from the devil to harm their ministry, then that must be the case. They must have saw me as a devil. Seems kind of superstitious to me. So am I a devil? No. I just adhere to inspired counsel even if everyone else does not. I will not eat things that Ellen White said are bad. I read "Counsel on Diet and Foods" and I followed it by the letter. Did not God give her this inspiration? Was there not a reason she wrote those things? Is there not a cause? I had read all those books and many more by Ellen White. As many as I could find. Ellen White was a glorious discovery for me. I didn't know they where just selling them and not reading them. But they served many things that I could not in good conscience eat. Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat... I didn't say anything because there's also a counsel that says not to say anything about food, but to just quietly set an example. I'm still looking for the quote. So I just quietly buy my own food with my own money and eat by myself. No one joins me. If they eat pancakes, everyone eats, but me. I just eat my own food. If they eat pizza, I eat my own food. Lots of refined noodles. The effect of cheese is deleterious. Fine-flour bread does not impart to the system the nourishment that is to be found in unbolted wheat bread. Its common use will not keep the system in the best condition. {TSDF 135.2}
496. The use of soda or baking powder in breadmaking is harmful and unnecessary. Soda causes inflammation of the stomach and often poisons the entire system... {CD 316.2} I know God never intended us to take the germ out of wheat. You know that was done because white bread lasted alot longer than whole wheat bread. That's obsolete now because of preservatives. But because of the force of tradition, white flour products are what people buy. It's so cheap because so many people buy it. So many buy it because it's so cheap. It's a vicious cycle. My conscience tells me to push the demand for whole grains and to defy tradition. I was buying whole wheat spaghetti for them and making carrot juice for them, etc. ..If they see you, our son, eat the things we have condemned, you weaken our influence and lower yourself in their estimation... {14MR 313.1} Am I wrong in this? Would you tell me to eat something God told me not to eat? I guess God didn't tell them anything because they never bothered to read the book. They just got their diet from their parents. It had never been a challenge for them to change their diet like for someone who was not raised in the church. I'm reminded of this: Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.What a strange principle. 6. It is of the Lord to give kings and rulers wise counsel even through people of no repute, for the Lord is no respecter of persons. Sometimes they take it well and sometimes not. Everyone knows about Nathan confronting David about the murder of Uriah the Hittite and his adultery in 2 Sam 12. There's the time Joab rebuked David for his weeping over Absalom: 19:5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; 19:6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. 19:7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.Strong words. But he was right, so the king heeded. But do our rulers think about these things if they are presented with some counsel? Or do they fall to pride as less honorable kings than David have done? 2 Chron. 18:16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return [therefore] every man to his house in peace. 18:17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee [that] he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
18:23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
18:26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.How carnal! But Asa was a just man, not like Ahab. He brought reformation. He even took away the high places, which other good kings failed to do: 2 Chron. 14:2 And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 14:3 For he took away the altars of the strange [gods], and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 14:4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 14:5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.Yet he did not overcome pride enough to take counsel that came from God: 2 Chron. 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
16:10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.That must have broke Hanani's heart much worse than if it had been some wicked king that had condemned him. What a tragedy! What would be even more tragic is if we didn't learn from this.
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Tell me I am not unloving.
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#177938 - 07/24/08 03:06 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 12/25/04
Posts: 1837
Loc: CA
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The issue may be that:
1. The group you were working with is, in and of itself..unreasonable. Just because someone is doing something good like preaching, or colporteuring etc doesn't mean they have God's 100% approval. Unfortunately even smart, dedicated, godly people can make poor choices or jump to conclusions, it's called being human.
2. The counsels that EGW gave on cheese or refined flours, oils, spices etc are for our health, not for our salvation. You may choose to follow them to the letter of the law and you will very likely be healthy because of it. (Though people who have been strict vegans and exercised and did everything right have also died of cancer. Unfortunately we live in a world of sin and death comes to all of us. Of course this should not mean that we just eat anything and do anything and expect God to save us from all illness either.) However, it doesn't mean that people who still eat cheese or eat white flour are lost. These dietary issues are simply not in the same catagory as "The Sabbath" or other testing truths.
Letter 76 (June 6), 1895 written by EGW says, "I have never felt that it was my duty to say that no one should taste meat under any circumstance. To say this . . . would be carrying matters to extremes. I have never felt that it was my duty to make sweeping assertions."
9T 159 she says: "We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship"
9T 160, speaking of vegetables and milk....she says "Vegetables should be made palatable with a little milk or cream, or something equivalent"
9T 162 speaking about eggs: "While warnings have been given regarding the dangers of disease through butter, and the evil of the free use of eggs by small children, yet we should not consider it a violation of principle to use eggs from hens that are well cared for and suitably fed. Eggs contain properties that are remedial agencies in counteracting certain poisons"
YI, May 31, 1894; cited in CD 395, #700. Ellen White stated emphatically in 1889 that even the eating of pork "is not a test question (Now I know that may be hard to believe but it is true. Personally I am a vegetarian and have never eaten pork and never intend to. But EGW said it wasn't a test question...so trust me..cheese nor vegetarianism wouldn't be a test question if pork wasn't.)
Health laws were given for our health..but not as a salvation issue.
3. Truth matters, yes, but God is the one to convict of sin. We can present truth, and live truth, but it is up to God to convict and not us to judge as to whether they are "following God" or are in "rebellion against him". I am not saying you are judging. I am not you, nor have I ever met you, nor do I have any idea what canvassing group you are referring to and I don't need to know. In this public forum, I believe it would be in very bad taste if I did know these things.
Even if you have been treated completley unfairly and there is no basis for any of the accusations here is my suggestion: 1. Pray for them...not that they will see things your way no matter how correct you are, but that they will have peace, will follow God's leading in their lives, will be effective in their families and in their ministries, and will one day be in heaven along with those they have been able to influence towards the things of God.
2. Love them and do things for them with absolutely no strings attached and no reference to the past. If you are completely correct, you don't need to justify yourself. God will make things right in the end and you can trust him on that. In the mean time, you treat them the way you wish you had been treated.
3. Move on with your life and realize that sometimes a door is closed becuase God is opening something better for you. I have seen this happen over and over again..even when it appears that the devil is behind the closing of the door. If your life is in God's hands...then he is ultimately in controll and you can trust that his plans for your life are even better than anything you could ever dream of.
4. Look for principles even more than a list of specific "do's and don'ts". At times this will make you "stricter" and at times "less strict". God gave us counsel to help us understand the roots of problems, the benefits of right living, but not as a check list.
Just my 2 cents....not meant to judge you or infer in any way that you have or have not done anything right or wrong. I do not know you, do not walk in your shoes, and do not know those who have offended you.
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#177962 - 07/24/08 11:00 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Taylor]
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Registered: 11/13/05
Posts: 9189
Loc: CA
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I agree, Taylor. Great post.
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Turning and turning in the widening gyre/ The falcon cannot hear the falconer;/ things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world... Surely some revelation is at hand;/Surely the Second Coming is at hand. W.B. Yeats
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#178071 - 07/25/08 06:12 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 12/25/04
Posts: 1837
Loc: CA
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Unfortunately we live in a world of sin...we are all sinners...and will have "bad experiences" no matter what we do or where we live. We can't controll others but we can controll how we react to them, how we treat them, and whether we internalize their beliefs or God's beliefs about us.
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#178843 - 07/31/08 03:23 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Taylor]
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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Thank you Taylor. Health laws were given for our health..but not as a salvation issue. Failure to conform to health reform standards can very well be a salvational issue. In this case we see people refusing to conform and when someone comes along who can't partake of their compromise, they end up despising him. They plot some evil scheme to send him away. They condemned an innocent man to cover for their folly. That's the spirit of murder, ( Matt. 5:22). We see this so many times in the Bible. Whenever you despise the counsel that God gives, it will always lead to murder, even as Cain's disregard for God's counsel led to murder. Even as these men: Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Did they not become murderers? Yes they did. You can't really say that using alcohol is a sin, for there is no law against it. But the Bible says it can very well lead to sin: Prov. 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red...
23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.There's nothing in the Bible about refined sugar, refined flour, baking soda, etc, because such things did not exist back then. Now they do exist and now we do have one prophet to tell us how God feels about these things. Ellen White was not a health reform fanatic. Any of the prophets in the Bible would have said the same things she said had they lived in this age of science and industry, where we have our food super refined by machines and have strange chemicals to add to our food. Things are different now than in Bible times. Disregarding such counsel will lead to sin in a time when Satan has " ..great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time", ( Rev. 12:12). Why would they put health reform to shame? They dishonor their parents. Again this applies to them: ..If they see you, our son, eat the things we have condemned, you weaken our influence and lower yourself in their estimation... {14MR 313.1} It may have been in ignorance, but now they have blood on their hands, so they have no excuse anymore. If they do not conform now, they eat and drink in damnation. And their work for the Lord can't save them: Matt. 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. They wouldn't see themselves as children of hell, though. Yet they have shown cold-hearted murder and deceit, as well as lack of humility and contempt for inspired counsel and . Also I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish by suggesting that vegans die of cancer as much as everyone else. The quotes you used like meat as a "test for fellowship", etc, have no bearing on this situation. These quotes can't be used to show that God really wants me to eat those things in question. Is that what you're suggesting? That I should have eaten those things because everyone else was? Would you have eaten them? Would Ellen White have? Is that how we work, do what everyone else does and condemn the one who's different? My alcoholic step father used to tell me "if everyone sticks their head in a bucket of ****, does that mean you should?" Even he could prophecy as much wisdom. Concerning the swine's flesh issue, I checked YI, May 31, 1894 and searched for these words: swine's, test, fellowship. I find zero hits. Maybe you got the wrong quote or maybe Ellen White never says anything about swine being a test after 1963. Clean flesh is not condemned in the Bible, but swine is, so it would be a completely different issue. Jesus did rebuke people for eating Camel, ( Matt. 23:24), and He destroyed a herd of swine, ( Matt. 8:32; Mark 5:13; Luke 8:33), and there's Peter saying: " I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean", ( Acts 10:14), and the wrath promised in Isaiah 65:4 and Isaiah 66:17. There was a time when pork was not a test, but that does not say it will never be a test. Just like the issue of the Sabbath. It wasn't a test before 1844, but after 1844 it was. I saw that your views concerning swine's flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to abstain from swine's flesh, He will convict them on the matter..... If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine's flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church their duty. {1T 206.3} She said it was ok for her to abstain from swine, but it was not the time to make an issue of it. That was in 1958. The health reform vision came in 1963. That's when Ellen White started condemning the use of pork.
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Tell me I am not unloving.
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#178865 - 07/31/08 09:41 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 12/25/04
Posts: 1837
Loc: CA
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I have never heard of anyone murdering someone over health reform. That is a far stretch.
Yes she may have said that we need to abstain from swine's flesh...but I am not aware that she ever said it was a test for fellowship, neither is vegetarianism etc. (Personally I have always been a vegetarian but that is beside the point.) Condeming something like meat, or eggs, or cheese is one thing..because it "isn't good for you" but making it a salvation issue is quite another.
In no way am I inferring that meat eating is a part of God's plan..it never was except after the flood because the vegetation had been destroyed. But God knew from the beginning that it wasn't good for you. Her point is simply that it isn't a "test of fellowship".
I have never thought that vegans have the same rate of cancer as people who are heavy meat eaters. I am simply saying that we live in a world of sin and there have been people who are vegans who have died from cancer. The health message is for our health, but we still live in a world of sin and sometimes bad things happen no matter how careful we are. Now this doesn't excuse us and tell us "well then eat anything you want and drink anything you want because you are going to die anyway." We should do the best we can to be healthy so we can have clear minds and maximize our usefulness in this world.
My point in all of this is simply this. There clear cut issues that are "right" or "wrong" and then there is counsel. The counsel is for our benefit but isn't there as a law. It is simply this, "If you want to live a healthy life, if you want to maximize your life here on earth so you can reach more people with the gospel, if you want to live to see your grandchildren grow up, if you want to have a less chance at getting some diseases, then this is what you should do."
Too often people fall into one of two ditches...either "I can eat and live as I please and it affects no one but me." or "I will be lost if I eat cheese, eggs, or meat". The devil doesn't care which ditch people fall into, so long as they are in the ditch.
Just my 2 cents.
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#178866 - 07/31/08 09:53 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 05/12/08
Posts: 104
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Please don't try to say I don't care about people. My only determination is to follow the Word of God, and if I do this, it will do alot for people. If I despise the Word of the Lord I will be lost and will lead others to be lost with me. Then you could say I don't care about people. But it's not about me. As I've said, the focus needs to be where the problem lies so we can fix the problem. I'm not the problem. The problem is pride and hardness of heart. If someone suffers for following inspired counsel because traditions have been established which are contrary to counsel, then something is wrong. It's really a classic scenario. Well let's start over again. I can't deny there is truth in this statement: Something I am still learning is this: Just because the world is full of stupid people doesn't mean you have to correct every one of them. If you don't correct them, that doesn't mean you agree with them. Sometimes it's ok to let people spout off their ridiculous opinions and say nothing.
If it doesn't have to do with their salvation, there's no need to make a big deal out of it, especially with people you hardly know. If you have to say something, you can always say, "Well, that's an interesting thought." Such wisdom might apply to some cases, but not this one. Here's why: 1. These are not "stupid people", they are God's elect. 2. If they where merely "ridiculous opinions", they would not be subtle enough to confuse God's elect. 3. I listed a few cases where I have been misunderstood and even condemned just using only the Bible, and not tradition, for doctrine. That doesn't mean I am so unstable that I go around correcting every person I meet. It's irrational to assume that about someone you know nothing about. 4. Look how many arguments Jesus got into with people on the Sabbath, and the disciples also. There are very many cases of this. Why then would you exile Jesus from your Literature Evangelism program? It's actually perfectly normal behavior to express your concerns and offer other perspectives on any given issue. It's normal if someone says: "Polygamists should get divorce", to say: "What about what Jesus said about divorce". If he gets angry because he can't come up with an answer, that doesn't mean you should blame the man who offered an alternate perspective. 5. The circumstances surrounding this event where shady, like in the night trial of Jesus. Things where done that where against the counsel of God: Matt. 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and (1.) tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 18:16 But if he will not hear [thee, then] (2.) take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, (3.) tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, (4.) let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.1. Tell him alone. 2. Bring a witness or two. 3. Tell the church. 4. He's no longer your brother. Let's say it was a bad thing for me to tell this old man I wasn't sure that certain people should be made to get a divorce. Let's just imagine that really was a sin. They didn't confront me like Jesus instructed. They went strait to the head dean without telling me anything. They knew this man didn't like me and was looking for a reason to send me away. I'll explain why later. Then let's say he skipped to step 3. " ..if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen" I wasn't given a chance to hear anything. I was just found guilty and condemned. But it seemed that really wasn't enough to demonize me. They also made me out to be a pedophile!I suppose you would justify them for that too. Why where they so dramatic? Another leader gave the report that I had left tissue in the weight room. He didn't tell me about it, but went strait to the dean. Another leader told me to not use my toothbrush in the van on the way to work. I said I was sorry and would never do it again. It was just an old habit. I had lived on my own for many years before that, and that's what I do when I go to work. I never did it again after he told me. Yet he tells the dean, and makes it out as if it where the most detestable thing a person could possibly do. There was a female leader there who was perfectly single. I just told her I liked her and she told the dean! Why all the hostility? It doesn't matter what I did, they would make a big deal out of it and make it look like it was bad. The only thing that makes sense is he must have had a leader's meeting when I got there and told them I was a reprobate and they where to keep a close eye on me and report to him if I did anything. Their loyalty was as strong Joab's and his men who got a man killed to cover for the king's folly, ( 2 Sam. 11). They would never think their leader was wrong. If he said I was sent from the devil to harm their ministry, then that must be the case. They must have saw me as a devil. Seems kind of superstitious to me. So am I a devil? No. I just adhere to inspired counsel even if everyone else does not. I will not eat things that Ellen White said are bad. I read "Counsel on Diet and Foods" and I followed it by the letter. Did not God give her this inspiration? Was there not a reason she wrote those things? Is there not a cause? I had read all those books and many more by Ellen White. As many as I could find. Ellen White was a glorious discovery for me. I didn't know they where just selling them and not reading them. But they served many things that I could not in good conscience eat. Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat... I didn't say anything because there's also a counsel that says not to say anything about food, but to just quietly set an example. I'm still looking for the quote. So I just quietly buy my own food with my own money and eat by myself. No one joins me. If they eat pancakes, everyone eats, but me. I just eat my own food. If they eat pizza, I eat my own food. Lots of refined noodles. The effect of cheese is deleterious. Fine-flour bread does not impart to the system the nourishment that is to be found in unbolted wheat bread. Its common use will not keep the system in the best condition. {TSDF 135.2}
496. The use of soda or baking powder in breadmaking is harmful and unnecessary. Soda causes inflammation of the stomach and often poisons the entire system... {CD 316.2} I know God never intended us to take the germ out of wheat. You know that was done because white bread lasted alot longer than whole wheat bread. That's obsolete now because of preservatives. But because of the force of tradition, white flour products are what people buy. It's so cheap because so many people buy it. So many buy it because it's so cheap. It's a vicious cycle. My conscience tells me to push the demand for whole grains and to defy tradition. I was buying whole wheat spaghetti for them and making carrot juice for them, etc. ..If they see you, our son, eat the things we have condemned, you weaken our influence and lower yourself in their estimation... {14MR 313.1} Am I wrong in this? Would you tell me to eat something God told me not to eat? I guess God didn't tell them anything because they never bothered to read the book. They just got their diet from their parents. It had never been a challenge for them to change their diet like for someone who was not raised in the church. I'm reminded of this: Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.What a strange principle. 6. It is of the Lord to give kings and rulers wise counsel even through people of no repute, for the Lord is no respecter of persons. Sometimes they take it well and sometimes not. Everyone knows about Nathan confronting David about the murder of Uriah the Hittite and his adultery in 2 Sam 12. There's the time Joab rebuked David for his weeping over Absalom: 19:5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; 19:6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. 19:7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.Strong words. But he was right, so the king heeded. But do our rulers think about these things if they are presented with some counsel? Or do they fall to pride as less honorable kings than David have done? 2 Chron. 18:16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return [therefore] every man to his house in peace. 18:17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee [that] he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
18:23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
18:26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.How carnal! But Asa was a just man, not like Ahab. He brought reformation. He even took away the high places, which other good kings failed to do: 2 Chron. 14:2 And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 14:3 For he took away the altars of the strange [gods], and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 14:4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 14:5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.Yet he did not overcome pride enough to take counsel that came from God: 2 Chron. 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
16:10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.That must have broke Hanani's heart much worse than if it had been some wicked king that had condemned him. What a tragedy! What would be even more tragic is if we didn't learn from this. My brother Rush, You seem to have all of the right understanding of the mind, but something is missing in the heart........ Matthew 22 The Greatest Commandment 34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." ....the love for God and for your fellowman. Evil has reached with its snare and the pain it inflicted weights down the words you post, I know it well myself.. This is the point where we must ask and allow God to fill us with his love so we can share it with others...otherwise we are empty vessels with no charity or love for others... 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. We must all ask God to fill us with His power of love and charity for others, it all comes from Him..... Your loving brother in Christ Red
Edited by Reddogs (07/31/08 10:01 PM)
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#178878 - 07/31/08 10:53 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Reddogs]
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Swiss n Swedish American
Registered: 12/09/06
Posts: 7882
Loc: A citizen of Heaven
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Simply put ... Love Won Another .... Red
_________________________
Another one of Woodies Goodies Our Mama Beats Your Obama. And don't forget ... Love WON Another.
Redwood
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#178913 - 08/01/08 03:23 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Nan]
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Beginning to post a bit...
Registered: 08/01/08
Posts: 14
Loc: Texas
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Rush4Hire, I'm sorry you are feeling that everyone is attacking you and I'm also sorry that everyone seems to be actually attacking you. I don't think it is for any of us to say how she should "behave". It is not up to any of us to keep lists on each other or tell someone when they are appropriate or not. Are we all appropriate at all times? I think not. I've read some of your comments! Just because you don't see things the way someone else does, doesn't make you right or wrong. How you see Christ in your own life is what makes your life worthwhile, period. Rush4Hire should never have to defend herself to anyone like what I have read. I do think that what some of the people here are saying is that in our witness for Christ it is always best to try to emulate Him. To "turn over the moneychangers tables" in every conversation we have can have a negative impact on our image to others. If I were you, Rush, I'd be angry if I grew up in a home like that, too. It would take a lot of love to change those harsh feelings. It would make me defensive, too. The church and the church family love you like you are and we accept you.
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#178955 - 08/01/08 10:49 AM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Redwood]
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Registered: 05/15/08
Posts: 360
Loc: Kansas
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I have never heard of anyone murdering someone over health reform. That is a far stretch. Am I casting my pearls before swine? Do you mock me? Do you despise the words of Jesus? Matt. 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Let me ask you, where these brethren angry at me? Did they have a cause? Answer that for me please. Here again: Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.I was grieved with their meat and they destroyed me. That's what happened. Paul said if they are eating something that causes their brother to stumble, they should not eat it or they will be destroying their brother. 1 Cor. 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.Paul is sensitive to both sides. But the counsel is clear. It's not on the side of those who want to be careless about food. Maybe they feel they are at liberty to eat things sacrificed to the idol of industry. That's their perspective. But it doesn't edify. It looks bad. It may destroy people. It's a perspective thing with Paul. Paul may be the most intellectual and most highly educated prophet in the Bible. This is not about meat. It's about a principle. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. If I would have eaten, I would have been damned, for I doubted. I would not have been eating of faith but with offense. That's what it says. I didn't give them trouble about it. I did everything right. Now you accuse me. Now you add to my shame and reproach and continue hardening your hearts in your partial appreciation for the Scriptures and the counsels of God. Be honest with me. Be strait with me. What spirit is this that takes control over you when you cast discouragement upon a brother who looks to the Word of God for everything? Sin is breaking God's law. Refusing God's counsel is presumption and persistent refusal of God's counsel will always lead to sin. God gives counsel to help you resist temptation. God will not be ashamed that He gave counsel in vain because God has never given any counsel just for fun or just to mess with us. Despising God's counsel will always lead to sin. It's presumptuous. The Devil: #1. Causes you to doubt the Word of God. #2. Causes you to do something presumptuous. #3. Causes you to sin. That's the 1, 2, 3 method he even tried to use on Jesus in the desert, ( Matt. 4:3-10). That must be his most effective method to get us to sin. Now tell me again what I did wrong. Tell me. Be strait with me. Tell me what I should have done.
Edited by rush4hire (08/01/08 10:57 AM)
_________________________
Tell me I am not unloving.
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#178972 - 08/01/08 04:41 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: Redwood]
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Registered: 05/12/08
Posts: 104
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Simply put ... Love Won Another .... Red Yes, that is what seems to be missing overall........ John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
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#178982 - 08/01/08 05:34 PM
Re: Misunderstandings and false accusations.
[Re: rush4hire]
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Registered: 12/25/04
Posts: 1837
Loc: CA
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Wow Rush. You don't know me at all and yet you think I am angry at you. I am not angry in the least. I was not mocking you in the least and am very sorry if it came across that way. So I appologize for any hurt feelings I may have caused becuase that was not my intent in the least. I was just saying that I have never seen anyone murder anyone for health reform reasons.
I would never presume to tell you what you should have done. I wasn't there, I can't judge them or you becuase I didn't see or hear any of what took place. I still strongly believe that health reform is for our "health" not for our "salvation" and yes that is from all the study I've done (and yes I have read just about everything that EGW has ever written..except for some manuscripts etc..but I have all the books, and have and continue to study both her writings and the Bible.) and no I am not trying to twist anything to suit me. (BTW I am very conservative in my diet so I am not looking for loop holes.)
And...I do not in any way hate you, despise you, wish to mock you, judge you, or anything else.
You are of infinite worth and are God's creation.
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