Category: Personal

Image by: @FLConf

From the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists:  As we continue to aid and support those affected by natural disasters, our hearts are grieving for all who were affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas. As a church, we call everyone to unite and pray for healing and comfort. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18.  Let us pray for one another.  

Statement from the North American Division in response to the recent Las Vegas Shooting: 

NAD Statement on Las Vegas, Nevada, Mass Shooting

Oct. 2, 2017, Columbia, Md.: The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is deeply saddened and troubled by the shooting that took place early in the morning on October 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where 58 people lost their lives and more than 500 were injured. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and to the hundreds of concert goers injured in this senseless shooting. We are keeping in prayer all the first responders and medical personnel helping the injured as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic event.
    
It is in times like these when Americans must band together. There is no race, gender, ethnicity, or religion in time of need. We are all God’s children and in need of compassion and His love. We ask that all people, no matter their faith, pray for healing for the heartbroken, the injured, and those mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Below is the response from Pastor Ricardo Graham, president of the Pacific Union Conference, where about 226,000 Adventist church members live in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. CLICK HERE to read this statement on Pacific Union’s website.
 

Pacific Union Conference President Responds to Las Vegas Shooting

Oct. 2, 2017, Westlake Village, Calif.: As a church, Seventh-day Adventists reject violence and we are appalled at the tragic loss of life last night in Las Vegas. We grieve with those who have lost family and friends, and add our voice in mourning and sorrow. We stand against anyone who causes death and injury, and are heartbroken for those who are suffering such pain and anguish.

The scriptures condemn those who use violence, saying that “those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Ps. 11:5, NIV). He says very clearly, “Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right” (Eze. 45:9, NIV).

As believers, we are called to stand for what is good and true and right, and most of all to show the love of God in the way we live. We will help those affected in their suffering, and continue to pray for all those who mourn. Instead of returning evil, we stand with all those who wish to do good. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:17-21, NIV).

We believe that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18, NIV). May this be true for all those grieving and saddened at this time of loss.

— Ricardo Graham, D. Min, president, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Obama – New Justice – And You. Three degrees of separation – here’s how it works.

President Obama will have, in his eight years as president of the United States, selected three Supreme Court Justices. That is no simple thing,  these individuals hold a life-long office, they can over turn decisions made by citizens in their states, and have the power to have those rulings become the law of the land.  Obama’s previous two selections have already shifted the previously conservative court to a moderate one, and now with this last selection he has the power to turn the tide on the courts make-up, making the transition complete from conservative-leaning to liberal majority.

That is why it is important that we all vote because while we don’t have a vote in the selection of Supreme Court Justices we do select the person who will.

One other point that I would add is this – voting for a persons you like is not as important voting for  a person that will champion the issues that are most important to you.  Vote the issues, not just the sound bites, or the name you recognize the most, but the person that most closely espouses your beliefs, or at least will defend the freedoms that will allow you to continue to enjoy the life you lead.  Two sources that I have found helpful in this has been OnTheIssues.org, and C-SPAN.com.

And just in case you were not convinced that this really is important here are some National Issues that will be directly affected by presidential decision:  Immigration, Abortion, Affirmative action and Public employee unions.

“Before Scalia’s death, the court was ideologically split with many 5-4 decisions. The remaining justices are generally divided among four conservative votes and four liberal votes — leaving the next nominee crucial to the court’s direction, potentially for years to come.” – Full Article

Another Obama appointment would shift the balance of the Court for a time, but it probably isn’t going to stay that way for long. Conservatives might also consider that Republican appointees have made up the majority of the Court for decades, and it still hasn’t done many conservative causes much good. – Full Article

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9

The FBI has thanked Graham for his part in resolving the standoff. At a news conference in Burns, Oregon, FBI Special Agent Greg Bretzing said Graham had been in contact with the protesters for over a week “helping them work through their issues so they could come to a point where they were ready to leave of their own volition.”  At least one of the protesters had requested Graham be present when they emerged from their encampment. – Full Article

Great to know that pastors, even famous ones are doing more than just messages, videos, TV shows, filling out stadiums etc.  Here Franklin Graham not only talks of his faith but live it out by being a peacemaker by being an intermediary for the successful disbanding of this militia group that had taken over government property.  Good work Rev. Graham.