Do you know Joseph Bates, one of the founders of the Adventist faith? In this video, you’ll get acquainted with his life. Learn how putting God first helped him take the present truth to the world. Bates was a retired sea captain when he first heard William Miller preached about Christ’s second coming. He firmly believed it. As a man who would always put God first in everything, he gave his full support. He spent time, energy, and money. For instance, he sold his house to generate funds. However, things didn’t go as planned. Nevertheless, Bates determined to go on. Unfortunately, Christ did not return in 1844, as they had predicted. It shook Joseph and other Millerites’ faith more so that they had sacrificed their entire lives for this cause. They were even ridiculed to the point of being forced to rebuild their lives. In his private time, Bates reviewed the Scriptures. He found out that October 22, 1844, was the date Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary. It was to intercede with His Father on behalf of His faithful believers. One day, Bates didn’t have anything to eat. He pleaded with God, promising to be faithful no matter what. Surprisingly that day, he received an envelope containing enough money to sustain him. It came from someone God inspired to help. As Bates continued to study the Bible with his friends, he discovered the truth of the seventh-day Sabbath. He shared it with James and Ellen White, two among his fellow believers. Together, they founded the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which has grown to be a worldwide movement today. Indeed, Joseph Bates put God first even if people mocked him. His courage inspires us. Similarly, Jesus’ redeeming love at the cross compels us to put His kingdom first in our respective lives. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7IsXp28ZSg

This week on ANN. In the Philippines, the Taal Volcano Network has recorded more than 800 volcanic earthquakes, including volcanic tremor events, low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremors. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has communicated with the Adventist Community Services director of the South Central Luzon Conference. Assessment tools have been shared to allow for immediate need assessments for the alert levels of the volcano. In Cavite, Philippines, ADRA Philippines’ Emergency Response Team has conducted an initial assessment in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel. They are also planning to implement an initial response to help protect the affected families from the adverse effects of the daily high levels of sulfur dioxide emissions and prevent COVID-19 transmission through the provision of N95 masks. The North American Division Adventist Media Ministries Board voted to accept Debleaire Snell for the position of Speaker/Director of Breath of Life Ministries. Snell is set to replace Carlton P. Byrd, who accepted a call to serve as president of the Southwest Region Conference. Since 2010, Snell has served as senior pastor of three campuses of the First Church Seventh-day Adventist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. In Brazil, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has collected 5,000 items of clothing and shoes in Maringá, Paraná. The action was carried out in partnership with Rede Massa, an organization that manages radio and TV stations, and helped publicize the campaign and collect donations. Families from the community visited the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vila Sete, where they could choose the items they wanted to take home. With ongoing COVID-19 restrictions across Greater Sydney, Australia, “Women of Hope,” comprised of more than 80 women from six Samoan women’s groups, joined forces to prepare 305 care packs delivered to local charities and distributed to people in need. Led by Sesepasara Tangatauli, Women of Hope president and member of the Punchbowl Samoan Church, the packs were filled with essential items, including hand sanitizers, personal hygiene packages, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The packages were then distributed to Street Buffet Sydney, Helping Hearts Sydney, and Helping Hands Canley Vale. Encouraging Bible verses were included in the packs, sharing the love of God with recipients and highlighting the reason for the outreach. After facing rough tides, mosquitoes, and extreme heat, Hearly Mayr and his 13-year-old son, Andreas, finally reached the last stop of their 200-mile kayaking journey down the Chesapeake Bay. The duo started their adventure at Elk River in Elkton, Maryland, USA. ADRA surpassed its fundraising goal on July 31, 2021, with a total of 9.9 million dollars with the help of the Mayrs’ Bay 200 Challenge supporters and ADRA’s pandemic hunger relief campaign. Proceeds will help families worldwide access food and other essentials which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more news and inspiring stories that are taking place in the Adventist Community, visit Adventist News Network. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKp4_8RyjxM

Religious liberty and freedom of conscience are very controversial topics. The question is, how can we promote them? In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson talks about freedom of conscience in light of promoting religious liberty. He also shares how we can maximize God’s gift of free will as crucial in the work of evangelism. As Seventh-day Adventists, we consider religious liberty a significant part of our history, beliefs, and mission. The Bible even expresses a sense of urgency concerning this. Hence, we support believers who once stood for religious freedom during the centuries of religious persecution. In connection, Ellen White has a reminder for us in the Signs of the Times, July 26, 1883:
“The mighty conflicts and victories, the great sorrows and special joys, by which individuals and nations are carried forward in the path of reform and salvation, are of too great importance to be permitted to pass from the memory. Such experiences cost the heroes of faith too much to be often repeated in history; they should not be lightly regarded. Those struggles for freedom of conscience should be a lesson to all, that no truth which involves self-denial and sacrifice will be favorably accepted by the world. A costly effort is required of every soul that will go in an opposite direction from the multitude. All that stand in Christ’s name in defense of the truth must have a history of conflicts and sacrifices. They cannot advance in reform, as Christ leads the way, except at the risk of liberty and life.” Moreover, religious freedom is a fundamental freedom, specifically a basic human right. Yet, it has not often been practiced over the centuries. While true religious freedom focuses on a personal decision, it is also fundamental to the well-being of societies and countries. Honoring and protecting it promotes peace and justice. Meanwhile, religious liberty and freedom of conscience have biblical foundations. For instance, God created us with the gift of free will. It is an integral part of human dignity and an expression of His great love. Hence, religious freedom bears the signature of the God of love. Significantly, it plays a crucial part in the great controversy between God and Satan. According to Revelation chapters 13 and 14, evil power persecutes those who refuse to worship the beast. In contrast, God’s people proclaim their faith in Him but without forcing them to worship. Similarly, Jesus prepared His disciples to face persecution, but He didn’t teach them to persecute others. Instead of using violence, they had to love their enemies. Now, we Seventh-day Adventists are experiencing the challenges of the end time. But amid the rising tension, there is always an opportunity to share our faith. We should never be ashamed to defend the truth. As we promote religious liberty and freedom of conscience, let’s speak and advocate with grace, conviction, and passion. Let’s seek wisdom from God to accomplish the task of proclaiming the three angels’ messages. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jM-sDvVeDA

How do you extend grace and forgive someone who has hurt you so deeply. Why does forgiveness matter? Why is it so hard to forgive? This week on ANN In-Depth we talk to Jill Morikone and Morgan Kochenhower about the importance of forgiveness and grace. ___
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What does it mean to be chosen by God? God’s family isn’t an exclusive club. It isn’t about being of a particular nationality or race. It’s not about being predestined for greatness. God’s true people trust God the way Abraham trusted Him thousands of years ago. These are the real children of Abraham. Blog: https://www.ibelievebible.com/room-for-everyone/ ___
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdventistOrgChurch Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMXFdGgijo