Aaron, Sam Pipim also has some great material, in his …

Comment on WASC considers outside efforts ‘threatening’ to LSU’s autonomy by Aaron.

Aaron, Sam Pipim also has some great material, in his books, regarding “higher criticism” and how it is destroying our SDA Church.  (Quote)

‘Receiving the Word’, 1996 published by Berean Books is very good.

Aaron Also Commented

WASC considers outside efforts ‘threatening’ to LSU’s autonomy
One of my mentors has something to say, but I fear he is very politically incorrect:

2 Peter 3:1-7

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
NKJV


WASC considers outside efforts ‘threatening’ to LSU’s autonomy
In 1943 Southern Publishing Association published a book titled “Facts of Faith” by pastor/evangelist Christian Edwards. In the first part of the book he briefly traces the history of ‘higher criticism’ as it impacted American education in the early 20th century. This is really the root of what the church is now dealing with in this particular circumstance. I’ve posted an excerpt from the book (pages 28-33) at:

http://stuff.emeraldhef-ie.org/Higher_Criticism.html

The only way the problem can really be addressed is by getting to the root of the thing, trying to clip back the branches only tends to keep the plant neatly pruned and growing strong. If we desired we could lead the world in the preparation of texts on the scientific aspects of creationism, ID, flood geology, etc. There are some fine scientists out there who are being boycotted for their work in the more truthful lines of science, while we try to use this stuff propped up by lies and the ancient Hindu and Egyptian philosophy (big bang, nature is it’s own creator, etc, etc). Where would we be if people like Newton and Galileo had caved in to the politically correct myths of their day? We should have good quality text books for our students starting from grade one presenting the real natural and scientific facts. We shoot ourselves in the foot by pretending there are none out there and saying the Christian view is only an ‘apologetic’ argument, while being driven by the politically correct philosophical agenda in our approach to the sciences. History is often taught from an evolutionary platform as well.

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but using the educational momentum that the Lord has given us at this stage in earth’s history would seem to be in harmony with our mandated task of proclaiming: ‘Worship Him who made heaven and earth…’, etc.


WASC considers outside efforts ‘threatening’ to LSU’s autonomy
I remember a few years ago when Mariam Wood retired from doing her column in the Review. Does anyone else remember the content of her farewell article? Sometimes you don’t have to be a prophet to see the end from the beginning. The sad part is that young people are being hurt, perhaps some irreparably.

Almost thirty years ago one of our progressive educators informed me the church had changed, perhaps I should leave. It’s an interesting thing, he started keeping Sunday soon after, the church didn’t change fast enough I guess. Took his whole family with him. I’m still here, along with my wife and children and a whole lot of people we taught in Sabbath School, youth groups and churches over the years. Still here, scratching my head and trying to figure out on what basis I should start to disbelieve the Word that recreated my broken life. Maybe I need some of that new math? What is it we learned from Orwell classic ‘1984’..2 + 2 = 3? After all, this stuff is subjective isn’t it?


Recent Comments by Aaron

Last Thursdayism
Psalms 116:1-2
I love the LORD, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
NKJV

Psalms 28:7
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
NKJV

If these were just hopeful poetic sentiments made as a statement of philosophic theory I suppose they wouldn’t be worth much—but not only were these sentiments the result of the life experience of the author, but express the tested and proven experience of millions who have lived since they were written thousands of years ago. They are certainly true in my life. I was agnostic as a youth and young adult, until I took God up on HIs offer and asked for help. How do you ignore continuous, systematic and ongoing results that span almost half a century? I know, I’m just another religious fanatic, but it sure is fun to see supernatural things happening all the time and have the Creator of the universe as your best Friend.


Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?  (Quote)

Ricky–Good question.

Here lies the foundation for this ‘Great Controversy’ we find ourselves in. Really you have highlighted one of the central factors of Who God Is–that He gives free will to His beings. History clearly teaches us the results of free will mis used. Love can only be founded on a free will choice, and the fundamental principle that holds the universe together is love. If this principle is not upheld than you have nihilism and anarchy–the principles we see taking over on this earth.

By analyzing earths history we see where rejecting God’s law of love has taken us, and we can agree with Him that those who choose to live outside of this law cannot be allowed to continue. God has allowed enough time for the facts to be presented and assessed by all, when He does act, there will be no question as to the ultimate justice and goodness of His purpose.

Nahum 1:9
What do you conspire against the LORD?
He will make an utter end of it.
Affliction will not rise up a second time.
NKJV


Educate Truth’s purpose and goals
@Ken
‘..Of course the problem arises when competing holy books claim they are right to the exclusion of others..’

The Bible is the only document that contains multiple prophetic statements, spanning thousands of years, upon which to base its accuracy upon–these are not subjective. Jesus and the apostles emphasized that it wasn’t the supernatural physical occurrences that should be the foundation of one’s faith in the veracity of God’s word, but that everything corresponding to the life and death of Jesus and the larger picture of what is happening upon this earth, was and is the fulfilment of ancient prophetic writings–even down to the time when Jesus was to perform his ministry upon earth. There is too much specific prophetic material to attribute it to ‘chance’ or just some good guessing. Humans just aren’t that smart.

Isaiah 42:8-9
I am the LORD, that is My name;
And My glory I will not give to another,
Nor My praise to carved images.
9 Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
NKJV


Last Thursdayism
The first thing Adam saw when he opened his eyes was Jesus. When he opened his eyes again, Jesus was giving him the most beautiful creature on planet earth to be his wife. Everywhere humanity turned their eyes they saw the handiwork of their Creator (And it was better than an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii), Who created a special day just to be with them in person.

Then there was the serpent:

‘Just believe me. Just have blind faith, I know what I’m talking about…’

Rom 1:18-21

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, FOR GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
NKJV

John 1:14

And the Word became 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.
NKJV

Friends, we have a real God, not a system or theory. Can I tell you about what I have seen and personally experienced in my short life? Is that reality? Or are the Buddhists right? I’ve seen the sick healed, demons cast out and physical circumstances changed in answer to prayer and the intervention of powers that operate outside of the realm of nature. These things are tangible, I have handled and interacted with them. I didn’t make any of it up. What is true science anyway? I’m not very smart, but I’ve looked through a microscope and a telescope. I’ve felt my pulse and tasted food. I’ve been involved procreation and child birth. My heart has been changed by a Power completely outside of anything that nature could offer me. So what are we dealing with anyway? How much more proof can we be given?

1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
NKJV


Last Thursdayism
Mark 8:13-21

And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.”

But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

They said to Him, “Twelve.”

“Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

And they said, “Seven.”

So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?” NKJV