ATSS – “Don’t Be Like Jesus”: Understanding Christian Nationalism
30 June 2022 | A few weeks ago, my Twitter feed was glutted with a certain video clip of a US congresswoman speaking in a Christian church. She was mocking gun-control advocates who asked how many AR-15s Jesus had. Her answer: “Not enough to keep his government from killing him.” The message, to her pro-gun […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-dont-be-like-jesus-understanding-christian-nationalism/
Inside Story: South American Division ~ Part 1, Possessed at 11
Part 1: Possessed at 11
By Andrew McChesney
Sweat poured down 11-year-old Eduardo’s face as he raced his skateboard back and forth on the street outside his house on a hot summer morning.
“Eduardo Ferreira dos Santos!” Mother called. “Come in and take a shower before lunch.”
Perspiring and panting, Eduardo headed straight for the kitchen, forgetting the shower and thinking only about lunch. Eduardo ignored a stranger seated in the living room, waiting for her nails to be painted. Mother ran her own home business, a beauty salon offering manicures and haircuts.
Before Eduardo reached the kitchen, he was stopped by his 12-year-old sister. “Sit down and catch your breath,” she said.
Eduardo obediently plopped down onto a hallway chair. Immediately, an unholy shriek escaped his lips. His young body began to convulse. Mother rushed to the boy. A low, distorted voice spoke from Eduardo’s mouth, telling Mother to hand over her son or watch him die.
Mother began to cry. The stranger in the living room came up behind Mother. “Don’t worry,” she said. “Your son has been chosen to be part of our group. I am a Candomblé leader.”
Mother had heard about Candomblé, a religion that arrived in Brazil on slave ships from Africa in the early 19th century. Candomblé teaches that people can be possessed by the spirits of gods. The spirits, however, aren’t gods but fallen angels. Eduardo had been possessed by one of them, an evil spirit from a legion that surrounded the stranger.
After some time, the evil spirit left, and Eduardo returned to normal. He didn’t remember the incident, but Mother couldn’t forget, and she took him to the Candomblé temple. The temple priests welcomed Eduardo like a king.
“What an honor,” one said. “You have been handpicked,” said another.
Only 11, Eduardo was introduced to spiritism and devil worship. Over the next seven years, he spent much time at the temple, learning to be a priest. Evil spirits spoke to him and through him. The most important lesson, they said, was never to leave a job undone. If he started a task, he had to finish it.
As an adult, Eduardo became high priest of a temple. He earned money from people who wanted him to curse their enemies. But he couldn’t curse everyone. The evil spirits forbade him from placing curses on Seventh-day Adventists and other Protestant Christians. They are protected, the spirits said, adding that any attempt to curse them would cause Eduardo to lose his powers. The spirits also banned Eduardo from communicating with Adventists and other Protestants.
Eduardo found a common-law wife, Sidilene Silva de Oliveira, and they had a son, Eduardo Junior. Life was peaceful until the day Junior said he wanted to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help open eight churches in the South American Division, including four in Brazil, where Eduardo Ferreira dos Santos and his family live.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. Find more mission stories at adventistmission[dot]org
The post Inside Story: South American Division ~ Part 1, Possessed at 11 appeared first on Sabbath School Net.
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/inside-story-south-american-division-part-1-possessed-at-11/
Friday: Further Thought ~ The Shepherd’s Crucible
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “Missionaries in the Home,” p. 143, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4; “The Divine Shepherd,” Pages 476-484, in The Desire of Ages.
“Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ, and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away. The servant of God must endure with fortitude the attacks of the enemy, his grievous taunts, and must overcome the obstacles which Satan will place in his way …
But if you keep looking up, not down at your difficulties, you will not faint in the way, you will soon see Jesus reaching His hand to help you, and you will only have to give Him your hand in simple confidence, and let Him lead you. As you become trustful, you will become hopeful … .
You will find help in Christ to form a strong, symmetrical, beautiful character. Satan cannot make of none effect the light shining forth from such a character … . God has given us His best gift, even His only-begotten Son, to uplift, ennoble, and fit us, by putting on us His own perfection of character, for a home in His kingdom.” — Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, Pages 63, 64.
Discussion Questions:
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The post Friday: Further Thought ~ The Shepherd’s Crucible appeared first on Sabbath School Net.
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/friday-further-thought-shepherds-crucible/
How Do You Know If You Are a True Christian? #sermon #shorts
How can you be sure you are a true Christian? There are billions of Christians worldwide, yet there is widespread concern over what it means to be a Christian. This #short clip from the Global Campmeeting sermon, “How Do We Know Our Way To Salvation?” by Jill Morikone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okQScCqQMdc&list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo9tb9fHW_AxGxJ1R8MpNnpa&index=9 discusses, from the Scriptures, how a good Christian lives his life. Being a Christian entails resembling and reflecting God's characteristics, being gracious and compassionate to others, and loving them as the Father loves each of us. Watch the full video to learn more about how we can achieve salvation by becoming true disciples of Christ. ————————————————————————————
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers who promise to help people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Click the notification bell so that you never miss a new video! Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventistChurch
Twitter:https://twitter.com/adventistchurch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29mA-7Y25Eg
1.THE SHEPERD´S CRUCIBLE – IN THE CRUCIBLE WITH CHRIST | Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A.
Series IN THE CRUCIBLE WITH CHRIST with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A.
1.THE SHEPERD´S CRUCIBLE
In the valley of the shadow of death we are totally afraid of the future. What can help against this fear?
Memory Text: Psalm 23:3 – He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
Content:
1.1 A guide for the journey: the shepherd
It is good to have a shepherd.
1.2 Locations on the journey
What is the sense of the guidance of God?
1.3 Unexpected detour 1: the valley
The higher up, the better the view.
1.4 Unexpected detour 2: the surrounded table
What a surprise! We get help when we need it the most.
1.5 A certain promise for the journey
The shepherd is my protector. He is at my side.
1.6 Summary
We do not like examinations. But when we have passed them, we are really happy.
My God bless you today and always.
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1.6 Summary – THE SHEPERD´S CRUCIBLE | Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A.
Series IN THE CRUCIBLE WITH CHRIST with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A.
1.THE SHEPERD´S CRUCIBLE
In the valley of the shadow of death we are totally afraid of the future. What can help against this fear?
Memory Text: Psalm 23:3 – He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
1.6 Summary
We do not like examinations. But when we have passed them, we are really happy.
My God bless you today and always.
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Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/1-6-summary-the-sheperds-crucible-pastor-kurt-piesslinger-m-a/
A Prayer for the Outpouring of the Spirit
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. John 17:18-20.
My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character. Wilt Thou have compassion upon this people? Let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind, and into the soul temple. My Saviour, Thou hast given Thy life to purchase Thine inheritance, that, as overcomers, they may enter the kingdom of God, where they shall go no more out forever. Bless those who have signified their desire to serve Thee. Put Thy Spirit upon them.
I ask Thee, heavenly Father, to let Thy Holy Spirit come to this people. May Thy salvation be revealed. Touch their hearts, and make them very tender. Soften them by Thy Holy Spirit, and help them to see the work to be done for their neighbors, and for souls that are perishing all around them. Oh, awaken them to their responsibilities! May they wash their robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Wilt Thou encircle them in the arms of Thy mercy? Plead with them through the impressions of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may try to let their light shine to those that have not known the truth. Put Thy church in order, O Lord, that they may labor for souls.
My Saviour, reveal Thyself to this people. Let Thy love be expressed. Oh, let it be revealed! Hold Thy people, that Satan may not have his will and way with them. Help them to press through all opposition, that at last they may lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus in the city of God; and Thy name shall have all the glory. Amen.—The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 190
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Prayer Requests
—-E and children need your prayers for guidance and protection. R
—-Update on Baby Wyatt: “Little update on Wyatt.
He could use a bunch of prayers.
We tried to start half strength formula again yesterday… it didn’t work out so well.
Wyatt has been throwing up all night and has now started to throw up a little bit of blood and has some new blood draining from his gtube. He also has pneumatosis again, which we found out tonight after I advocated for an X-ray. Mary
—-Requesting prayers for our son-in-law, who is COVID+. Because of his Crohn’s complications, the most effective and usual med cannot be used. He is not currently hospitalized, and praying that will remain the case. Prayers also for our daughter during this difficult time. Jeanie
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Dear Friends,
When Esther was a little girl, she often found some tiny space to crawl into and sleep. She liked tight, closed-in spaces just as her children do now. They made her feel very secure. This made it necessary for me to hunt for her quite often. Sometimes I’d find her under the sofa or under a chair. Sometimes she would be inside a cupboard or other closed-in spot.
One day, after having looked in all of her favorite spots, I still could not find her. I searched everywhere. Tinges of fear crept over me. Had she crawled into the refrigerator? I had heard of children suffocating in them. Quickly I ran to the kitchen and threw open the door afraid of what I might find. To my relief, she was not inside.
Finally as I went back into her bedroom, I saw a slight movement in the top shelf of her closet. Soon I saw her face looking down at me. I asked her how she had gotten up there. By putting her arms and legs on each side of the closet door frame, she had “walked” up all that way.
We, too, can have a hiding place just as Esther Marie did. We, too, can have a safe and secure place where we can go for rest. David prayed, “Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.” “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Ps 143:9;119:114;32:7;27:5
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Ps 91
Our Dear Saviour bids us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 Praise God! He is our comfort, our protection from the storm, our guide through all the rugged way. May we put all of our trust in Him finding in Him a hiding place from the raging storms of life is my prayer.
Rose
Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/a-prayer-for-the-outpouring-of-the-spirit.html
“You Are Enough”
The warmth of colorful ambient lights and the gentle glow of a giant video screen illuminate 400 young faces in the darkened auditorium. Some are in their seats, and others have come forward to be clo…… Source: https://adventist.news/en/news/news-you-are-enough
Adventist Church Celebrates Hundreds of Baptisms After Comprehensive Evangelism Efforts in North Mexico
Thousands of Seventh-day Adventists in Baja California, Mexico, recently gathered to celebrate the end of evangelism efforts that began earlier this year and resulted in 700 new believers joining the …… Source: https://adventist.news/en/news/adventist-church-celebrates-hundreds-of-baptisms-after-comprehensive-evangelism-efforts-in-north-mexico