Post Info TOPIC: How to Prepare for Intense Church Meetings
Shireen

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How to Prepare for Intense Church Meetings
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I will be following my husband to the General Conference Session in Texas this year.

I have never attended a GC session before. I would appreciate practical advice about how to prepare for such an event.

I have no role to play at the session, I'm attending as a spouse.

I view myself as a conservative Adventist but I will be associating with mostly liberal/progressive Adventists (as they are my husband's acquaintances). What can I do to bolster my faith in preparation for this intense time of meetings and socializing?

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Please keep me in your prayers. For me it is not about specific issues such as women's ordination. It is about preserving my faith as the controversies in the church intensify.

Thank you.

 

Yours in Christ

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Ed Sutton

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i would reccomend 4 things 

1. Daily prayer - denying self - lifting own cross - yoking up with Christ - learning from Him.

2. memorizing Scripture - Psalms 32 John ch 17 is a good start

3. Read 5T 575  & whole chapter - go paragraph 

"  Men whom God has chosen to be His ministers should prepare themselves for the work by thorough heart searching and by close connection with the world's Redeemer. If they are not successful in winning souls to Christ, it is because their own souls are not right with God. There is altogether too much willing ignorance with a large number who are preaching the word. They are not qualified for this work by a thorough understanding of the Scriptures. They do not feel the importance of the truth for this time, and therefore the truth is not to them a living reality. If they would humble their souls before God; if they would walk according to the Scriptures, in all humility of mind, then they would have more distinct views of the Pattern which they should copy; but they fail to keep their eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of their faith.  {5T 574.1}  

     It is not necessary that anyone should yield to the temptations of Satan and thus violate his conscience and grieve the Holy Spirit. Every provision has been made in the word of God whereby all may have divine help in their endeavors to overcome. If they keep Jesus before them they will become changed into His image. All who by faith have Christ abiding in them carry a power into their labor which makes them successful. They will be constantly growing more and more efficient in their work, and the blessing of God, shown in the prosperity of the work, will testify that they are indeed laborers together with Christ. But however much one may advance in spiritual life, he will never come to a point where he will not need diligently to search the Scriptures; for therein are found the evidences of our faith. All points of doctrine, even though they have been accepted as truth, should be brought to the law and to the testimony; if they cannot stand this test, "there is no light in them."  {5T 574.2}  

     The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the closing work of these last days, should receive close examination. The scenes connected with the sanctuary above should make such an impression upon the minds and hearts of all that they may be able to impress others. All need to become more intelligent in regard to the work of the atonement, which is going on in the sanctuary above. When this grand truth is seen and understood, those who hold it will work in harmony with Christ to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God, and their efforts will be successful. By study, contemplation, and prayer God's people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing the sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness. They will see their own defects; they will also see that they must have the aid of the Spirit of God if they would become qualified for the great and solemn work for this time which is laid upon God's ambassadors.  {5T 575.1}  

     Christ said: "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth 

                                                                           576

My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me." How many of those who are laboring in word and doctrine are eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood? How many can comprehend this mystery? The Saviour Himself explains this matter: "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." The word of God must be interwoven with the living character of those who believe it. The only vital faith is that faith which receives and assimilates the truth till it is a part of the being and the motive power of the life and action. Jesus is called the Word of God. He accepted His Father's law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John: "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must assimilate the word of God. They must be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.  {5T 575.2}  

     It is not enough to preach the truth; it must be carried out in the life. Christ must be abiding in us, and we in Him, in order to do the work of God. Each must have an individual experience and put forth personal efforts to reach souls. God requires each to put all his powers into the work and, through continual effort, educate himself to do that work acceptably. He expects everyone to bring the grace of Christ into his heart, that he may be a bright and shining light to the world. If God's

                                                                           577

workers train all their powers thoroughly, then they may work understandingly, in all wisdom, and God will surely respond to their efforts to uplift, refine, and save their fellow men. All the workers must use tact and bring their faculties under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. They must make it a business to study His word and hear God's voice addressing them from His living oracles in reproof, in instruction, or in encouragement, and His Spirit will strengthen them, that they may, as God's workers, advance in religious experience. Thus they will be led on step by step to greater heights, and their joy will be full.  {5T 576.1} 

     While engaged in the work that God has given them to do, they will find no time and have no disposition to glorify themselves; neither will they find time to murmur or complain, for their affections are centered on things above, not on earthly things. Heart, soul, and body will then be enlisted in the work of the Master. They will not labor selfishly, but will deny themselves for Christ's sake. They will lift His cross, for they are His true disciples. They will feed day by day upon the precious truths of God's word, and will thus be strengthened for duty and braced for trial. In this way they will become strong, well-developed men and women in Christ. They will then be true sons and daughters of the heavenly King. The greatness of the truth which they love and contemplate will expand the mind, strengthen the judgment, and elevate the character. They will not be novices in the great work of saving souls, for they are working with the wisdom given them of God. Neither will they be dwarfs in religious life, but will grow up in Christ, their living Head, to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. The conflicts with the enemies of truth will then only strengthen their hopes, and they will have precious victories, because they call to their aid the mighty Helper, who never disappoints the humble seeker. If their efforts are successful, all the glory will be given to God. Heaven will come very near to them in sympathy and co-operation. They are made indeed a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. They are marked characters because of their purity of heart and life, their strength of purpose, their firmness and usefulness in the cause of God. They are God's noblemen.  {5T 577.1} 

     In the religious life of every soul who is finally victorious there will be scenes of terrible perplexity and trial; but his knowledge of the Scriptures will enable him to bring to mind the encouraging promises of God, which will comfort his heart and strengthen his faith in the power of the Mighty One. He reads: "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward;" "that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." The trial of faith is more precious than gold. All should learn that this is a part of the discipline in the school of Christ, which is essential to purify and refine them from the dross of earthliness. They must endure with fortitude the taunts and attacks of enemies, and overcome all obstacles that Satan may place in their path to hedge up the way. He will try to lead them to neglect prayer and to discourage them in the study of the Scriptures, and he will throw his hateful shadow athwart their path to hide Christ and the heavenly attractions from their view.  {5T 578.1}  

     None should go along shrinking and trembling, under continual doubt, sowing their path with complainings; but all should look up to God and see His goodness and rejoice in His love. Summon all your powers to look up, not down at your difficulties; then you will never faint by the way. You will soon see Jesus behind the cloud, reaching out His hand to help you; and all you have to do is to give Him your hand in simple faith and let Him lead you. As you become trustful you will, through faith in Jesus, become hopeful. The light shining from the cross of Calvary will reveal to you God's estimate of the soul, and, appreciating that estimate, you will seek to reflect the light to the world. A great name among men is as letters traced in sand, but a spotless character will endure to all eternity. God gives you intelligence and a reasoning mind, whereby you may grasp His promises; and Jesus is ready to help you in forming a strong, symmetrical character. Those who possess such a character need never become discouraged because they have not success in worldly affairs. They "are the light of the world." Satan cannot destroy or make of none effect the light that shines forth from them.  {5T 578.2}    "

 

4. Understanding the prophetic movement & the typologies involved .

http://amazingdiscoveries.tv/c/150/Total_Transformation_-_English/

Especially -  http://amazingdiscoveries.tv/media/1176/1004-188n-the-borders-of-canaan/

 



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Gibs

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Dear Shireen,

I don't know as I have any advice but to be braced to face the new liberal see of Adventism today and if you are as I, you cannot swallow a lot of it down.

Just remember without Christ in us we can do nothing, that nothing includes staying true to Him here in the very last end when Apostasy runs rampant in liberality .

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Joh 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Joh 15:9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Now it has come the time that if possible the very elect will be deceived so do keep close to Jesus and His Word is your sole, soul defense.  Remember the leadership and pastors are ordained of men and not of God.

Here is some verses to keep solid in mind,

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.



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Shireen

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Thank you Gibs for your encouragement and suggestions. I have limited access to the Internet so could not find what you posted in point #4. I have been to the Amazing Discoveries website but could not find a prophecy section. If you are directing me to videos or audio don't bother. However, if they are articles, I would be interested in finding them.

 

Thank you Ed for the Bible verses and encouragement. I will keep them in mind as I prepare for my trip to America and the meetings I will be attending.

 

God bless.



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Shireen

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My apologies for reversing your names. I'm sure you know who you are. smile



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Ed Sutton

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I just emailed Amazing Discoveries with this request expect up to a 30 day wait. 

....................

We have received your request and will get back to you with further details shortly. You can login to the support center or check your mailbox for further updates.

General Information 
 

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Subject: transcript 1004-1888 on the Borders of Canaan ? 
 
Dear Sirs, 
Do you have a written transcript of Total Transformation 1004 - 1888 On the Borders of Canaan.

If so I use .rtf or pdf or wpd .

Thank You

Ed Sutton


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Ed Sutton

Date:
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Title: 1003 - 1844 in Type and Antitype
Author: Walter Veith
Description: This typological study compares the experience of the ancient Israel of God with that of the Advent movement which calls a people out of the world into His great light. This eye-opening DVD will challenge your view of the last-day Church and invite you to a higher purpose in life and ministry.
 
Title: 1004 - 1888 On the Borders of Canaan
Author: Walter Veith
Description: This typological study compares the experience of the children of Israel as they were on the borders of Canaan about to enter the Promised Land with the Advent movement in 1888. Be challenged as you consider the historical impact of the Advent movements experiences and the future ahead.
 
Title: 1005 - No Time for Rebellion
Author: Walter Veith
Description: As we retrace the steps of ancient Israel in type and antitype, we get a clearer view as to where we are in the stream of history. Study the type and antitype of Korah's rebellion for clearer insight on the dangers of false theology.
 
Title: 1006 - Nothing But this Manna
Author: Walter Veith
Description: The typology of heavenly bread in its physical and spiritual dimension serves as a lesson book for the children of God till the end of time. Rebellion against Gods precepts brought pain, misery, physical and; spiritual suffering. The same will apply to the antitype. Learn how ignoring the message of God's prophets today will lead to the same troubles ancient Israel experienced.
 
Title: 1007 - Look and Live
Author: Walter Veith
Description: The remedy for sinthe serpent on the pole erected by Mosesis the great message of righteousness by faith. Without understanding this issue of salvation, there is no fitness for entering Canaan. Relive the experience of the children of Israel as they circumvented Edom.
 
Title: 1008 - Baal-Peor
Author: Walter Veith
Description: On the very borders of Canaan, one of the saddest chapters in the history of Israel took place. Enter the story and even learn about an antitypical emulation of this event recorded for posterity.
 
Title: 1009 - Laodicea-The Piercing Look
Author: Walter Veith
Description: We have a tendency to always give an external application of the message, when in fact the message is personal. The Laodiciean message tells us the true condition of our heart: spiritual blindness and poverty. The message of Laodicea depicts the true condition of Gods people. This message is applicable to Gods end-time Churcheach and every one of us individually.
 
Title: 1010 - Am I My Brothers Keeper?
Author: Walter Veith
Description: It is easy to love the truth, love Christ, and be enthralled by the plan of salvation. It is much harder to love God's people, but this is the exact lesson we learn in Scripture. In this lecture, see how Christ even goes a step further, calling us to be our brothers keeper. Only by learning this lesson with sincere hearts can we be fitted for heaven.
 
Title: 1011 - Mordecai in the Gate
Author: Walter Veith
Description: Study the stories of Mordecai, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah to uncover frightening similarities between our present condition and that of Israel just before Jerusalem fell. These prophecies have a typical application for Gods end-time Church today and serve as a lesson book of the wrongs to correct and the path of righteousness to be walked.
 
Title: 1012 - Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom
Author: Walter Veith
Description: The events in Jeremiahs time serves as a type for the events at the end of time in Gods Church. Let the sword of the Word as wielded by Jeremiah cut to your heart through this DVDa call to the Jeremiahs of our age to stand firm against error and sound the trumpet of truth.
 
Title: 1013 - Haggai: a Call to Sanctification
Author: Walter Veith
Description: This lecture is a call to set aside divisive doctrines and to concentrate on the mission of the Churchthe proclamation of the Three Angels Messages. Discover answers to your questions on perfectionism, liberalism, antinomianism, and salvation.


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Ed Sutton

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Shireen,

Go to the public Library and use their computer and Internet to watch Veith. 



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webmaster

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Hello Shireen smile
My response is a bit removed from your original question.  I will focus more on what to do or expect at the GC Session based on my experience at Atlanta in 2010.


That was my first session, and i was highly blessed.  I went in not knowing if there would be enough to keep one's interest for more than a day or two, but found that there were plenty of things going on that made the days go by quickly.  Of course one of the main things was the huge Sabbath service on the 2 Sabbaths there.  Being in one place with 70,000 fellow believers is an awesome experience, and of course, this last time Ted Wilson gave his electrifying speech on how God raised up this church and we need to stay true to our father's faith and move forward to victory.  I doubt i will ever hear as powerful a sermon from the leader of our church anytime in my lifetime.


The main thing for me there was going to the booth displays that the various companies/schools/ministries/people had.  The first day it was basically all i could do to just cover the entire main hall where they were, and load myself down with some of the freebies that they were giving away like pens, dvds, books etc.  In the afternoons, there would be many seminars being held in various rooms around the convention center, so if you were interested in women's ministries, pathfinders, youth, stewardship, creation, deaf, i don't remember, you could find about whatever you were interested in.  There were tons of seminars and concerts going on throughout the day.  I chose the creation one, and every day there was someone who was either very knowledgeable about the subject, or some church leader (like Goldstein and Wilson) giving their views on the issue.  It was great to be able to get close to these people and directly ask them questions and learn what they have studied.


Going back to the main hall, that is where the most "action" is.  There is nearly always something going on there.  There are live Hope broadcasts.  There are people you would recognize from basically all of the well-known SDA ministries.  I met many people i had met on my travels - a missionary from Thailand, a missionary family i stayed with a few days in Armenia, Bill Dull who heads Living Springs, Doug Batchelor who remembered me and thanked me for telling him in a email 4 years earlier to not joke around so much in his sermons, Stephen Bohr, Damsteegt, David Gates (who invited me to come volunteer at his place which i did until he had me kicked out for pointing our bad things going on), Frank Fournier, John Lomacang, Danny Shelton, William Fagal (?), etc.  I think it was William Fagal, i'm not sure, but the man at the Ellen White booth gave me a lot of encouragement as i showed him what i've tried to do in spreading this 1858 Great Conroversy book!  Not to say they are superstars or anything, but that they were all people i'd been influenced by and knew by name and face, so it was cool to be able to talk with them face to face.  I loved especially just the idea of seeing many people who i respect as champions of God, and people i've personally met in my travels, all being in one place, kind of like a big family. smile

There were things to do all day there in the main hall itself, different worship services by the various divisions and ministries, health lectures etc.  Some of the booths were anti-SDA or anti-Christian, with Spectrum being there, and the Adventist-Muslim Relations people giving away Islamic literature.  Many schools were there trying to snag students, and there were quite a few laymembers who had booths - some interesting, some weird, and quite a few selling health-related products.  In the overflow corner there were some tables for people who couldn't get booths, and while mostly it was like a flea market there with people selling sunglasses etc., there were some good ones like Hartland selling books, and some musicians selling their cds.

Outside the convention center there will no doubt be some interesting things going on too.  Since you are there as an official guest, you won't have to go out to go anywhere, but it might be interesting to walk around the perimeter to see what else is going on.  You'll undoubtedly find some Shepherd's Rod people and Reform people with their wares, you might find Messiah's Mansion which was a huge, wonderful, full-scale representation of the Sanctuary with scheduled tours, and you might find tents where there are people trying to feed people for a decent price like in Atlanta.  The food costs were prohibitive inside the convention center, and some local SDAs set up a huge tent, and provided very simple fare for a very cheap price outside.  I went there 3 or 4 times, and noticed most of the people eating there were from the Caribbean.

That was one of the biggest impressions i took away from Atlanta - our SDA church is largely black and brown.  Of course i had read the stats and knew that to be the case by the numbers, but to see it and be in it was very interesting.  They seemed to be more emotional and exuberant than myself, in a good meaning and a bad meaning.  For example, they readily show their approval or disapproval of something, which i generally think is a good thing.  However, on the evening of the parade of nations, their raucous yells were more becoming drunken sports fans than to those professing to be looking for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

San Antonio is quite hot in the summer, but there is a very nice canal-way along the convention center, and i believe at nite it will be a lovely place to take a walk.  You might not be interested, but the Alamo is not too far away either i think.

Well, this is a very long post, and i'm not sure it is of any use to you or not, but it has been fun reliving the memories i took away from the 2010 GC Session in Atlanta.  God bless as you go, and may your faith be strengthened there. biggrin



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Anonymous

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Hate to be a downer here but the couple that went to atlanta from our church had a hard time and they said they would never go again.  Apparently a whole bunch of adventists parked along a street thinking it was free parking and okay.  Come to find out, it was NO parking there but there was not a sign.  All of the cars were towed away.  My friends spent the 3 days trying to get their car back from a very uncaring police department just wanting to fill their pockets with fines.  So, do be careful where you park.  Unfortunately they missed all the presentations as they were at the police department day after day...  things moved very slowly there and many other adventists were in the same predicament.

 



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Shireen

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Thank you for your advice Ed. Unfortunately, I cannot go to a library and use the Internet as I am in a developing country.

Webmaster, I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing.

Hopefully I will have lots of positive experiences at the session and will grow spiritually from the fellowship.



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webmaster

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Yes, you need to be careful where you park.  The first day we parked in a grassy spot a bit aways from the convention center where people were directing us.  Several times we just parked in the main parking decks - most expensive, but closest and safest.  We went by subway once too.



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Anonymous

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All must be careful anymore and question all things against the Word as Satan has made many, many in high places masters at deceptions.  It sure abounds in the church today.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Eph 6:19 ¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak



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Gibs

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Here is some great council for any Church or structure from EGW that should have been very closely followed all since Jesus established His Church.

"Those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching Bible truth to the world, should be carefully examined by faithful, experienced persons. [SEE ALSO P. 122.] After they have had some experience, there is still another work to be done for them; they should be presented before the Lord in earnest prayer that he would indicate by his Holy Spirit if they are acceptable to him. The apostle says, Lay hands suddenly on no man. [1 Timothy 5:22.] In the days of the apostles, the ministers of God did not dare to rely upon their own judgment in selecting or accepting men to take the solemn and sacred position of mouth-piece for God. They selected the men whom their judgment would accept, and then they placed them before the Lord to see if he would accept them to go forth as his representatives. No less than this should be done now.  {GW92 132.1}


     In many places we meet men who have been hurried into responsible positions as elders of the church, when they are not qualified for such a position. They have not proper government over themselves. Their influence is not good. The church is in trouble continually in consequence of the defective character of the leader. Hands have been laid too suddenly upon these men.  {GW92 132.2}


     Ministers of God should be of good repute, capable of discreetly managing an interest after they have aroused it. We stand in great need of competent men who will bring honor instead of disgrace upon the cause which they represent. Ministers should be examined especially to see if they have an intelligent understanding of the truth for this time, so that they can give a connected discourse upon the prophecies or upon practical subjects. If they cannot clearly present Bible subjects, they need to be hearers and learners still. They should earnestly and prayerfully search the Scriptures, and become conversant with them, in order to be teachers of Bible truth to others. All these things should be carefully and prayerfully considered before men are hurried into the field of labor.Vol. 4, p. 406.  {GW92 133.1}

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.



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newbie

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Anonymous wrote:

Hate to be a downer here but the couple that went to atlanta from our church had a hard time and they said they would never go again.  Apparently a whole bunch of adventists parked along a street thinking it was free parking and okay.  Come to find out, it was NO parking there but there was not a sign.  All of the cars were towed away.  My friends spent the 3 days trying to get their car back from a very uncaring police department just wanting to fill their pockets with fines.  So, do be careful where you park.  Unfortunately they missed all the presentations as they were at the police department day after day...  things moved very slowly there and many other adventists were in the same predicament.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, by the way, this was me, newbie that posted this...  

 

 

 



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