We bring you special coverage of the latest Adventist news and features: Despite this year’s many challenges and difficulties, the United States still observe and celebrate Thanksgiving. The world may be devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, typhoons, and other disasters. However, there are still many blessings to count and be grateful for. Wherever you are in this world, we invite you to take some time this week to spare time for reflection on the things you are thankful for and how you can share your gratefulness to others. For this week’s ANN InDepth episode, let’s join Sam and Jennifer as they discuss with Dr. Heather Thompson Day about the benefits of gratitude. Further, let’s learn how to give back through this year’s ADRA Gift Catalogue. Shelley Nolan Freesland, associate director for Annual Giving for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, expounds more on this. Watch all these only here on ANN. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKNdkG3s3Yc

There are many verses in the Bible telling us to give thanks. In this video, Pastor Ted Wilson reminds us of one story of thankfulness from the Bible and the importance of thanking God for the blessings in our lives. During this time of year, especially here in the United States, our thoughts often turn homeward as families eagerly anticipate gathering together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday—a special time to thank God for the blessings of the year, spend time with dear ones, and help those less fortunate. This year is very different. Due to the coronavirus, life has been disrupted in so many ways. Families and friends are discouraged from gathering together, many church congregations no longer meet in person, economic challenges are affecting people everywhere, and tragically, more than 1 million lives around the world have been lost to this deadly disease. As we look back on the year 2020, it doesn’t seem as if there is much for which to be thankful! Nevertheless, we are urged in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Amazing! Right here in this short passage of Scripture, we are given a clear description of what God’s will is for each of us. It is to:
1. Rejoice always.
2. Pray without ceasing.
3. Give thanks in everything. Why would God ask us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, even in difficult circumstances? In the Bible, we are given several examples of people who did just that. One is found in the book of Acts. Paul and Silas were in the city of Philippi, preaching the gospel, when a demon-possessed girl began following them, crying out and causing a disturbance everywhere they went. We read about in Acts 16, beginning in verses 18 and 19: And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. False witnesses were brought in to testify against the two missionaries, who were then beaten mercilessly and thrown into prison. As they lay on the cold stone floor, bruised and bleeding, were Paul and Silas complaining about their terrible circumstances and the completely unfair treatment that put them there? No! In verse 25 we read, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Amazing! They were praying and singing hymns to God! And notice the very important last part of this verse—the prisoners were listening to them. Perhaps this gives us a clue as to at least one reason God invites us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances—because others are listening, watching how we deal with situations—and this provides a wonderful opportunity for the Lord to work through us as His witnesses. No matter what difficulties we may face, with God as our Savior, we have every reason to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XGkJ0vCPmU

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful or the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Because today is “Thanksgiving” in the United States, for this episode we are going to talk about the benefits of gratitude. When we are grateful, it helps our mental, physical and spiritual health. How can we be grateful –especially when we’re going through pain and hard times? Find out in this newest episode of ANN In-Depth! For this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Thompson Day. Heather is an Associate Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University and the author of 7 books; including It’s Not Your Turn, and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Learn More About Our Guest
Website: https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherThompsonDay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay
Instagram: heatherthompsonday ___
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In Exodus 20:8-11, the Bible clearly states that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” So, why do so many rest and worship on a different day of the week? When is the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Could it be that the Christian Church has allowed man’s tradition to overshadow God’s way? Finally, why does it matter which day is the true day of worship and which is the counterfeit sabbath? The “first day,” or Sunday, is only mentioned eight times in the New Testament. Some of these verses describe how women returned to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday to finish preparing the body of Christ (Mark 16:1-2, Mark 16:9, Matthew 28:1, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). Jesus was crucified on Friday, called the “preparation day,” because they were to prepare for God’s holy Sabbath day, Saturday. Jesus then rested in the tomb on Sabbath, the “seventh day” of the week, and rose on Sunday, the “first day” of the week. If we look at other verses mentioning the “first day” in the New Testament, we see no hint of change. Many Christians read in Luke 4:16 that Jesus, “as His custom was,” went to church on the Sabbath. Christ said in Matthew 24:20 that His disciples would be keeping the seventh-day Sabbath 40 years after the cross. So, Jesus didn’t change the Sabbath! The Bible promises in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” God did not change the Sabbath, Jesus would not change the Sabbath, and the disciples could not change the Sabbath! (Acts 5:29) We can look to Bible prophecy to see how God’s Sabbath could have been changed to a counterfeit. In Daniel 7:2-3, Daniel saw four great beasts come up from the sea. Daniel describes the beasts as a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a beast with ten horns. Verse 17 states that the beasts represent four kings, or kingdoms. Most Bible scholars agree that the fourth beast represents the Roman Empire. Daniel 7:8 says “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them . . . ” This little horn comes up among the first ten horns, after the fall of Rome. Daniel 7:25 predicts, “He [the little horn] shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and laws . . .” The Bible tells us that Sunday’s sacredness comes from the tradition of men, changed from the law of God. It is Jesus Himself in Matthew 15:3-9 who says “in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” God says the Sabbath is a great sign. (Ezekiel 20:12; Exodus 31:16) It’s a sign of our loyalty to Christ. It is a sign that we can rest in the completed work of salvation through Christ. The Bible Sabbath matters so much to God that He wrote it in stone! Are you willing to follow wherever Jesus leads? The road may be narrow, but the way of Jesus leads to the tree of life in the city of God. Have questions? Need prayer? Visit us at awr.org/bible MB01DPQG81NNBN8 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3YVhWAo_6s

The Adventist history is undeniably rich in mission stories. Our humble church beginnings are relevant to keep track of our real identity and mission. In this podcast episode, let’s join Dr. Dragoslava Santrac, ESDA’s Managing Editor, as she interviews Dr. Alain Coralie, Consultant Editor, East-Central Africa Division. Here is the preview of their conversation about the triumphant history of Seventh-day Adventist in the East-Central African Division:
East-Central Africa: Adventist Church History
The East-Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventist consists of several countries. The beliefs of people in this country are unique. Their rich culture obviously makes things complicated for missionaries. But, never did they stop in sowing the seed of truth. Currently, the East-Central Africa division is one of the fastest-growing. It has an estimated 4.5 million members. There is no doubt, God’s grace really works miraculously. Valuable Lessons in Adventist History
Every single mission is accompanied by challenges of making it successful. The sacrifices and commitment of missionaries in Adventist history were indeed inspiring. Their deeds are a reflection of true faith. Some of them might not be living, but the fruits of their hard work are now ripe and ready to harvest. Education System Gateway to Share God’s Message
The glorious grace of God's power shows a surprising outcome. God really works with missionaries in marvelous ways. It was 1900 when Adventist missionaries entered Western Kenya. Their beginnings were tough, but their passion for sharing the message with people got them going. Eventually, they used education as a bridge to sow the seed of God's word among Africans. The First Seventh-day Adventist Missionaries in Kenya The glorious grace of God's power shows a surprising outcome. Discover how Arthur Carscallen and Peter Nyambo worked persistently in their missions. Be inspired by how they responded to God's calling. Even various religious denominations did not hinder them from fulfilling their duty. Find out how they strive and survive at: https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=6IHG&highlight=Arthur|Carscallen Maasai Culture: Transformation without Compromising Faith
In Maasai culture, polygamy has been a long-accepted belief. This belief makes things hard to reach people, but God works surprisingly with Adventist missionaries. Faced with a culture against the Adventist faith, history reveals the power of God. He made the field workable for Adventist pioneers. Find out how the Maasai accept, commit, and hold the Adventist belief. Next on Deck… If you missed the previous podcast episodes, please don’t hesitate to explore the link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo-_LOrS0obIEGcCOTQgdvGa Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWJG3GJaxYQ