GUIDELINES (updated 03-20-23) In spite of occasional spamming going on in this group, I am very excited by all the new members who are joining us. You all are welcome! I hope you are here eager to learn. :^) Also, I want to thank everyone who has continued to support this group for so many years. You are so very much appreciated! If more people come on here again to dispute our faith, don't be upset by them! Stand firm on the solid Rock of faith and truth. The WAR has been won! The battle is almost over, and the Devil knows it. That's why he keeps stirring things up. When the enemy comes in like "a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."
We are a Seventh-Day Adventist platform with Bible-based Christian material available in various collections that are great study resources for all believers. The Holy Spirit was the inspiration behind the formation of these materials. These collections will help all honest seekers prepare for Jesus's imminent return! Not wanting to spend our precious time participating in debates or arguments, we want to discourage anyone from engaging in those activities on our Message Wall. They always cause division and won't be allowed to remain on the wall for very long. Also, none of us want to give the Devil any kind of access on here that would confuse or confound the YOUNG and NEW SDA brethren that visit us. In the past, we often experienced problems from individuals weak in the truth of God's word on here. Many displayed opinions that they felt that it doesn't matter what choices they make, whether right or wrong, but they'll still go to heaven. But they can't be further from the Truth! So, I always direct challenges against our beliefs to AmazingFacts.org. They are a faithful organization that shares biblically based truths for our times. We would be wise to avail ourselves of this information while we still have time to do so. And, both SDA and non-SDA sincere believers can come together here as friends because we know that we should all be part of the same family of God someday. God has blessed our group, and we share the word of God with individuals open to the Truth, and who eventually want to dwell where Jesus is!
I've added links to Amazing Facts regarding specific info I'm sharing about our SDA beliefs. We prefer KJV verses on here. Please don't post paraphrases like those from the Message Bible or non-Adventist commentaries. They may have opinions that we don't agree with or are not true scripture. We've found corrupted passages, loosely translated texts, misinterpreted texts, or places where texts are completely left out in other versions. We'll remove posts using those passages that we can't agree with. The KJV has the closest interpretation of the original writings. Use a concordance to find the truest meaning and focus on memorizing your chosen scriptures. If you want to memorize from other versions, that's your choice of course. But don't post passages from your versions that we cannot agree with. We are sorry if some members are disgruntled. Maybe this is not the right place for you? You can post your opinions and differences elsewhere. Anyone that wants or needs to contact me can email me at 3riversent@gmail.com. I will listen to and respond kindly to whatever you have to say. However, I don't read unkind and disrespectful remarks all the way through and will treat your email in the same way as defiant posts that have been placed on the Message Wall at times.
The latter rain of the Holy Spirit is being poured out. We need to ask for God's power in our lives to overcome our sins and iniquities while there is still time. Then His fruits of the Spirit will be nurtured in us. The winds of strife, that we see in this world, are growing in intensity. As we witness for Jesus, pray for this site's protection, and for one another. We all want to be ready for Jesus's soon appearing. Jesus does not want anyone to perish, but that everyone should come to repentance. Remain loyal to our Saviour Jesus Christ. He's our only safeguard! Soon He will come the 2nd time to take us home where we will be safe from Satan and sin forever. Praise Jesus's name! -- Love you, MarilynS
THE HOLY BIBLE and THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (updated 11-20-22) The Bible is God's love letter and road map; it helps us gather strength in the face of the storm unfolding around us. Read and compare "scripture with scripture," to avoid being led astray by every "wind of doctrine" that blows our way! Go "here a little, and there a little" and so forth as God's word directs. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). "We have a more sure word of prophecy," and "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet 1:19-21). Putting God's word in our minds will be a safeguard for us throughout the entire journey (Matt 25:4, 7). Because we believe that God's 10 commandments are His guidelines to help us lead moral and healthy lives, we encourage everyone to learn what is right and wrong by following them. The 10 commandments are God's rules; a transcript of His character! He gave them to us to teach us how to reflect His image in us, to share His love with others, and to know what to do when tempted with sin. Without guidelines or structure, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth" (Luke 11:17). In Luke 24:27 it says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." John 5:39 says "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." If we love Jesus and realize that the whole Bible is about Him, then we can say with David, "O how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psa 119:97). And if anyone has a problem with the Old Testament, remember that was all they had back in those days. We are fortunate to have more of the meaning explained to us by the advantage of having access to a New Testament as well.
THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH (updated 11-16-22) People need to know where we stand as SDA believers. We are seeing signs that in the very near future a Sunday Law will be promoted before the public. We are nearing the end of the world, and this subject needs to be made clear to people concerned about how to be ready for the Lord's 2nd coming. The Sabbath was not made just for the Israelites. Surprised?! It was given at the creation of the world to mankind (see Genesis 2:1-3), before there was any Israelite, or Gentile, or sin, for that matter. It was engraved on "stone" (always used to symbolize a lasting covenant with God) by God's own finger. He commanded Moses to put the stone tablets into the "center" of the ark under the mercy seat (see Ex 25:16, 21; 31:18; 34:1, 4, 29; 40:3; Deut 10:2 5; 1 Kings 8:9; 2 Chron 5:10). The ark was a symbol of the real Mercy Seat where God sits in heaven.
The ceremonial laws (or mosaic, as some refer to it) were special instructions that God commanded Moses to write down. They were NOT engraved on God's 2 Ten Commandment stone tablets. They were written in a book by Moses and placed on the "side" of the ark (see Deut 31:9, 25, 26). These "rules" would help God's people learn how to make moral life choices, keep sin from "entering" the camp, keep them healthy, and prepare them for the "final" sacrifice that was to come. The ceremonial laws were symbolically nailed to the cross, not the 10 commandments.
When Jesus Christ was crucified, the veil in the temple was torn in two. This symbolized that the ultimate condition of deliverance from sin had been met, and there was no more need for a lamb, or the sacrificial system (the ceremonial or mosaic law). God's presence left the tabernacle. Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, had been sacrificed for man's sin. He took man's place. When we accept Christ's sacrifice in place of our death, we are redeemed by His blood and justified. The Sabbath is the central commandment (4th; see Ex 20:8-11; I use only the KJV) of the Ten Commandments. The first four refer to our duty to God; the remaining six are our duty to men. The Ten Commandments are the foundation of God's government in heaven; they are a written transcript of God's character. God tells us throughout the Bible in many places, that we are to faithfully keep His Commandments.
He also told us to REMEMBER the Sabbath. Why? Because to forget the True Sabbath is to forget the True Creator. So we ask... Who are we really worshipping when we worship on Sunday (the first day of the 7-day week), a day not blessed and sanctified (made Holy) by God at Creation (Gen 1:31-2:3), but introduced in the time of Constantine as a means to bring solidarity between the early Christians and the pagans? It did end the physical persecution of Christians in the amphitheaters of the pagans (Nero, etc), but compromise of God's values and commandments was far worse.
If the 4th commandment is of secondary importance, then that means that we can murder, steal, lie, cheat (we have seen that recently), covet our neighbor's possessions, have illicit relationships, use God's name in vain, disobey our parents, etc. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we did not have the Ten Commandments as a moral guideline in people's minds? I think we are getting a taste right now of what it would be like! Satan knows his time is short, so his real character is manifesting itself more and more. We are getting the chance to see what it would be like if Satan (the fallen angel who is now prince of the air) was given full and complete charge over this world. This was never meant to happen! When Adam ate the forbidden fruit (he did the opposite of being obedient), he allowed Lucifer to usurp his place. When Satan went before God and God mentioned his servant Job, Adam was supposed to be the representative of this world when the sons of God came to present themselves before God's throne (Job 1:6 and 2:1).
Satan wants mankind to worship him! What better way than to steal God's true Sabbath which God put in place at creation, and replace it with an ordinary day (Sunday, originally from worship of the sun) that is no more holy than any other weekday. The seventh-day Sabbath (which happens to fall on Saturday) is HOLY, a sacred and consecrated 24-hour time period. It is not meant to be kept like any other day. The 7-day cycle has never changed the weekly order from the beginning of Earthly time. Look it up! It has always started with "first day," "second day," "third day," and so on (see Gen 1). It will always be 7 days, 7 days, 7 days, etc. It is man who has attempted to "think to change times and laws." When men chose to combine pagan rituals and beliefs with Godly principles, they corrupted God's plan and devised their own invention (see Rev 22:18, 19). The Lord shall restore the Sabbath for mankind as a weekly get-together, for it says in His scriptures, "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD" (Isaiah 66:22-23).
Hopefully, every professed Christian will be led to see the Truth when Sunday enforcement comes. It already is being agitated! Under the cloak of climate change, this idea will be brought before the public as a need to bring restoration of God's favor to the world. This ongoing pressure will lead to an enforced Sunday law, first in the US, and then it will be forced upon the rest of the world. America will speak as a dragon! You can see how to respond to this kind of coercion by reading stories like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego on the plain of Dura (see Daniel 3). The only people who will faithfully follow God's will to the end, will be those who do not bow down to the image, but keep the commandments of God (see Revelation 12:17; 14:7, 12). This is a test that everyone will have to face; whether they will be loyal and faithful to the one true God or give in to the pressure. If they give in, they will receive the Mark of the Beast. Everyone who doesn't choose to obey God will be destroyed by the plagues and Jesus's 2nd Coming in power and great glory. God's presence is as a burning fire. Sin cannot survive in His presence because He is pure and holy (Isaiah 33:14; 48:10; Ex 9:8-10). The wicked will die and eventually come up in the 2nd resurrection, attempt a war on the New Jerusalem (which has come down from heaven), receive final judgment from God, and be destroyed completely (brought to ashes. Malachi 4:1, 3) in the lake of fire (Rev 8:2-4, 8; 20:5-15; 22:14) which was only meant to be used for the devil and his angels.
May God's Holy Spirit open up your mind and heart to His Truth as it is in Jesus. Satan has designed a counterfeit for every real truth of God. Please understand that first day worship is truly a counterfeit by the enemy's design. Come back to the Creator and receive His blessing! -- Love you, MarilynS
The SDA Health Message (updated 4-04-22) Our church has been given a special health message to share with the world, and to help us all lead healthier lives and have spiritual discernment. We’ve been counselled to be vegetarians since disease and pestilence will often come with flesh foods (especially in these last days). We are counseled to follow the Garden of Eden diet which consisted of fruits, grains, nuts, peas, legumes, and eventually vegetables (which were introduced after sin entered the equation). Men’s age span was very long because of the influence of the healthy vitamins and minerals gleaned from the plants in the Garden of Eden, and the Tree of Life. But when the families of the world no longer had access to the Tree of Life (because they were cast out of the garden), as time went on the average life span decreased to 120 years, and then to 70 years.
After sin began, God’s original plan was for man to not acquire the diseases of the wicked. But man has continued to do whatever he wanted, not caring that his body was the temple of God (it houses the Holy Spirit). So now, we have a large variety of diseases upon the Earth. As men continue to mistreat their minds and bodies, their health is continuing to deteriorate. And instead of using natural methods to heal their problems, they have adopted the remedies of man. These include many pharmaceutical pills and medicines (not fit for human consumption) that are destroying their vitality. Albeit there are a few that are really helpful (penicillin, cough syrup, baby Tylenol, etc), but most only maintain their health at a state where they cannot heal from their maladies.
So, God stepped in and gave us a health plan that actually helps us to heal! Flesh meats contribute to cancers, gout, inflammation, parasitic conditions, arthritis, and many other chronic diseases. You’ve heard the saying, “We are what we eat.” It’s very true! Cheese clogs the veins and arteries and causes atherosclerosis and other problems that lead to heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis, strokes, etc. Caffeine clouds the judgment and increases stress. It is in coffee and teas. We need to be able to make right decisions as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Wine and strong drink are favorite drugs, but just as deadly as hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. When men discover that the Lord can overcome their ailments, they can find relief that they have been seeking by the intake of harmful drugs.
One of our affiliated organizations came up with an acronym worth mentioning. It’s called NEWSTART (read about protecting your health during our present health crisis). It stands for NUTRITION, EXERCISE, WATER, SUNSHINE, TEMPERANCE, AIR, REST, and TRUST in God. I don’t have to repeat the need for good nutrition to you. After the past two years’ risk of illness, I’m sure you are doing everything you can to keep from getting sick! And water flushes impurities out of your body as well as keeping the blood thin enough to keep it flowing smoothly through your blood vessels. It’s pleasant for the inside as well as the outside of the body, especially after exercising in the warm sunshine, and racking up those serotonin levels. Sunlight and oxygen give you strength and energy, and a positive mental attitude to face another day with cheerfulness. Temperance is just common sense. Anything that you overdo can become a noose around your neck. We recommend you leave harmful substances like cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco alone. The negative consequences far outweigh anything positive you could obtain from them. Everybody needs rest to recharge your bodies. Without proper rest, you won’t be able to function very well. And trust in God is a given. He created our bodies to function well when fed the right properties. We can share our blessings with others only as we trust in the Life Giver, our Heavenly Father. Learn to take care of His purchase, YOU!
You can check out more information on this subject from books like “Counsels on Diet and Foods” and “The Ministry of Healing.” They are available in any of our bookstores. AFBookstore.com also has a large bookstore. -- Love you, MarilynS
PSALM 119 (added 5-05-22) Psalms has wonderful encouraging verses! When I first started this Bible memory app, there were individuals leading out in a challenge to learn all of Psalms 119. I've never forgotten that and wanted to do the same. So, I've been going through Psalms 119 slowly and learning it. While learning the verses, I realized that every verse points out some specific feature of God's royal Priesthood: His word, His name, His testimony, His ordinances, His precepts, His statutes, and His commandments (His law). They also speak of aspects of His character: His faithfulness, His righteousness, His lovingkindness, and His willingness to be surety for us. We must then ask ourselves some vital questions... If God’s commandments were nailed to the cross and we no longer have to observe them (as some faiths teach), then why was it of so much importance for God (1) to place reminders of His character in the LONGEST chapter in the Bible, and (2) to point out His faithful followers in the Old Testament in Hebrews 11 (“putting His laws in our minds and writing them in our hearts”)? And (3) why would God inspire the writer of Hebrews to reference so much of His work in His sanctuary in Heaven, and (4) refer to their importance in such places as Hebrews 8:10? God's word is truly amazing with its hidden gems of Truth!
SPECIAL NOTES (updated 11-16-22) I would like to stimulate the leaders of inactive Adventist groups to action by offering to share our collections with their groups. It will give them a better witness and stimulate interest in their groups.
And we all want to understand what is actually going on with all the disasters and cataclysmic events happening right now. People need answers! I'm glad to share what I know. If my info doesn't give you an answer for your questions, check out the Amazing Facts Media Library. They can help you distinguish between real Biblical facts and MANY myths that have crept into the Christian church over the years. They also have a call-in Q&A radio show on Sunday night, Bible Answers Live, on which you can present your questions.
The links I have inserted only cover a very small portion of the vast resources found on the Amazing Facts website. I hope you will avail yourselves of these valuable topics and gain a knowledge of what's to come, so that you may help yourself and others get ready for the very imminent return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! -- Love you, MarilynS
OTHER POINTS TO PONDER!
Who is THE ANTICHRIST or the First Beast (updated 11-12-21) The Antichrist topic is still in the development stage. If you want to contribute to the stats, email me at 3riversent@gmail.com. The biblical clues from Revelation 13: (1) Rises up out of the sea (verse 1); (2) Receives its power, seat, and authority from the dragon (verse 2); (3) Becomes a worldwide power (verses 3,7); (4) Is guilty of blasphemy (verses 1,5,6); (5) Rules for 42 prophetic months (verse5); (6) Receives a deadly wound that heals (verse 3); (7) Is a religious power that receives worship (verses 4,8); (8) Persecutes God's saints (verse 7); (9) Has the mysterious number 666 (verse 18); and (10) Is led by one supreme man (verse 18). This previous list was taken from the Amazing Facts program called Panorama of Prophesy. Continuing: (11) This man thinks to change times and laws (Dan 7:25); Mark of their authority (spoken by a Catholic Bishop). Where does the Second Beast come in, and who is it? Follow the link.
The Beginning of Judgment - October 22, 1844 (updated 11-16-22) Every October 22nd marks an important date for all Seventh-day Adventists. It is new info for non-SDAs. On October 22, 1844, the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 was fulfilled. "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (Dan. 8:14). William Miller found that this prophecy would end on October 22, 1844. He believed, as others did, that the Sanctuary referred to the Earth, and that the Lord would come on October 22, 1844. The mistake he made was that he did not realize that there was an earthly sanctuary and a heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8-9), and that on that date, the heavenly sanctuary would be cleansed. [This means that judgment of the God's saints began on this date, starting with the dead, then moving to the living at a certain time in history.] That expectation day was actually the spark of Adventism in the world. -- Seth (Bubble)
I would like to add something that was just sent to me. Someone sent me a link suggesting that "EG White had a temporal lobe epilepsy," and that there is "medical proof and findings that we are literally following the words of a very sick person of the past." I found this very interesting, and heartwarming. So I shared the following texts with them: "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor 1:25-29). Just because a person has a weakness or an illness, doesn't mean that God cannot use them. Paul's eyes were affected for the rest of his life because of his vision of Christ on the way to Damascus to persecute the Christians (2 Cor 12:7-10); Jacob/Israel suffered for the rest of his life because the Angel (Jesus) had touched his thigh (Gen 32:25,30); Job was suffering under the oppression of Satan (Job 1 and Job 2:1-10); and there are many other instances where prophets and disciples were very sick, in need of care or were given difficult and painful tasks. EG White was just another of God's willing instruments taken advantage of by Satan, but used mightily in the hands of our Saviour. Don't discount her because she was a woman, or that she called herself a Messenger. She never called herself a prophet, but she fit all the aspects of a true prophet of God. -- Love you, MarilynS
The Devil and His Angels (updated 4-4-22) Our defeated foe (Satan) has but a short time. He and the 1/3 of the angels who were cast out of heaven with him are on the attack, trying to fool mankind that the disasters are the result of global warming. These fallen angels are the demons who pretend to be ghosts or the spirits of our dead loved ones. They are even pretending to be aliens from other planets. Don't be deceived! Our dead loved ones will never become angels, because as the Bible says, angels are a completely different entity than man who was designed in the image of God. Also, when men die, they are asleep in the grave, and do not come back to visit with their loved ones. Those entities that appear are demons. They must leave at the name of Jesus! And the Lord won't allow holy beings from other worlds to be contaminated with the sin of our world. So, there won't be a takeover by aliens! If it appears they are trying to make contact with us, please know that they are only demons in disguise. Do not give in to the attempts of these unclean spirits to destroy the Truth!
As we read God's word, asking for the power of the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures (especially Daniel and Revelation), we will come to understand what force is behind all the crazy politics and authoritarian overtures of the past two years. Instead of living in a state of confusion and panic, it is best to know what to do to protect our faith. I am speaking to myself, as much as to anyone else needing to be reminded that there is much Satanic activity happening around the world. The increased occultic activity (unclean spirits) is a show to display Satan's power. People everywhere are being influenced to do wrong! Besides harassing God's children, the devil is also causing great trouble and pain among the wicked as well. Always go to the Bible to search out a similar situation that you are encountering. You will find answers to what you are searching for, if you study with all your heart. Fight the good fight of faith.
The Close of Probation before Jesus's 2nd Coming (updated 4-4-22) We must not be sinning still when Jesus throws down His censor, and says "It is finished." He will then leave the Most Holy Place in the Sanctuary in heaven (yes, it's for real!). Next, He will take off His priestly garments to put on His kingly garments. Then He will head to Earth to gather His children. Probation will close, and Jesus will no longer be our Intercessor or Advocate in the heavenly Sanctuary to receive our prayers and petitions of repentance. He left that duty behind Him! We don't want to be without protection from the evil one. If not sealed with the seal of God (His true Sabbath), we will receive the mark of the beast (continued Sunday keeping) and be counted among the wicked to receive their punishment. The living wicked and disobedient will be destroyed with fire by Jesus's power and presence at His 2nd coming (the first death). After being dead 1000 years, they will be resurrected in the 2nd resurrection to receive their eternal reward of death forevermore (2nd death-see Revelation 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8). This is where the lake of fire comes in; an eternal punishMENT, not punishing. Let us therefore repent before it's too late, that our sins will be blotted out.