ANDREWS UNIVERSITY, NAD OF SDA, LAKE UNION CONFERENCE, BIBLICAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE AND THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA
In June 26, 2015, the following statement
was posted on ADVENTIST ONLINE and elsewhere on the internet. "While at church
on May 30, I was given information that the NAD Ministerial pre-session in
Austin will be having a presentation to encourage churches to become safe places
for LGBT Adventists with follow-up in many congregations IN THE FALL.” - Dave
Ferguson, Director of Church Relations, Seventh-day Adventist Kinship
I quoted that statement in a sermon back in
July (https://youtu.be/tJcHQKsPxZU) and I said that this was coming. Well, the
apostasy has gotten even worst. The name of the game is deception. The document
was written in a way that many who read it would not see the push for tolerance
of those who practice homosexuality among us. As a matter of fact, it not only
promote the acceptance of the lifestyle, but it also went further to say that
some are born that way and God understands. Therefore, they can join the church
and be members and even hold positions in the Church, such as Pastor, Elder,
Deacon etc...
To confirm what I just paraphrase above from
the document, here's what it says on page 17: “Did God make me this way and if
so, why?” While a discussion of the etiology of homosexuality is beyond the
scope of this statement, most researchers state that many factors contribute to
same-sex attraction and homosexual orientation. Some persons describe their
attraction to the same sex as being among their earliest memories and contend
that they would not have chosen the painful experience of being gay or lesbian.
Simplistic answers to the “why” question should be avoided but we should be
clear that all evil in this world is a consequence of the fall into sin (Rom
3:20, 25).
2. “If God made me this way, can He change
me?” Recent literature DENIES the possibility that gay and lesbian persons can
be changed, and even claims that change attempts are harmful. Other important
studies show that there are OCCASIONAL reliable testimonies of such change among
those that seek for faith-based counseling.46 However, does change mean that all
same-sex attraction disappears? Some who are now in monogamous heterosexual
marriages report that they still experience homosexual attractions, but that
they choose not to act on them. Others have PLED with God to CHANGE THEM and
have submitted to therapy with the goal of change but have not been changed.
They have accepted their same-sex attraction as their life- long reality, and
have chosen a life of celibacy. Working through this process, whatever the
result, can be extremely difficult. As Christians, LOVE would dictate that we
are SUPPORTIVE, within the framework of biblical standards, of people as they
work to sort out this matter in their lives and that we AFFIRM THEIR IDENTITY as
persons for whom Christ died.”
In other words, according to the above
statement, some are born that and therefore Christ cannot give them victory over
this sin.
To reinforce this idea that some were born
that way, we find this statement on page 3 of the document: "In this statement
we DIFFERENTIATE between homosexuality as an orientation (PROPENSITY,
inclination, condition, disposition) and homosexual practice, although we do not
enter the debate over whether or how much of the orientation is inherited or
acquired, since no Scripture passages directly address this point. All human
beings after the Fall of Adam and Eve “have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God” (Rom 3:23).
What does the word PROPENSITY mean?
According to the dictionary, the word means: "a strong NATURAL tendency to do
something." It also means: "an inclination or NATURAL tendency to behave in a
particular way."
As you read the document, which was
published by Andrews University on OCTOBER 9th, 2015, it appears at first that
they were making a stand for the Biblical definition of marriage, then came the
following statement: “If I accept myself as a gay or lesbian person, do I have a
place in the Church?” We are a Church made up of sinners saved by grace with
love as its foundation (Matt 22:36–40) and such love should be shown equally to
all members. Gay and lesbian members who choose to, and remain abstinent should
be given the opportunity to participate in all church activities including
leadership positions in the Church."
Ellen White , by the inspiration of God saw
what was coming and how bad things would, said this: " Be not deceived; many
will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of
devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a
MOST STARTLING NATURE." Then she said: "...The Omega would follow in a little
while. I tremble for our people. These beautiful representations are similar to
the temptation that the enemy brought to Adam and Eve in Eden. {7MR 188.2}
It was not by accident that the GC 2015
Session Brochure was promoting homosexuality. Take a look at it again.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY, NAD OF
SDA, LAKE UNION CONFERENCE, BIBLICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA:
A careful study of the document shows how
their emphasis is on LOVE and tolerance. When you compare modern Israel of today
AKA Regular Line (GC of SDA) and the ancient Israel, you see some similarities.
Ancient Israel (Pharisees) put a lot of
emphasis on the LAW without Justification by Faith. Modern Israel on the other
end put the emphasis on LOVE without the LAW and Justification by Faith.
Here's an example from the document: “They (LGBT)
don’t want to be part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” Although it is true
that many SDA gay and lesbian persons have been hurt by the Church and that some
have chosen to leave as a result, many LOVE the Church and want to be a part of
its fabric. Many have grown up in the Church, participated in Pathfinders, and
attended Adventist schools, and the beliefs and culture of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church are a part of them. They want and need a HOME in which they can
be WELCOMED and ACCEPTED even though their sexual orientation is DIFFERENT.
“LOVE demands that we CONTINUE TO LEARN
about homosexuality and that we compassionately reflect God’s love for gay
persons. LOVE also demands that we SUPPORT them when we see them being treated
UNFAIRLY."
The Scriptures do not teach LOVE and
tolerance, The Bible teaches LOVE and repentance. "But showing mercy to
thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. -Exodus 20:6
Did you notice the phrase "LOVE demands that
we CONTINUE TO LEARN." This is another way of opening the door for another study
on this even though both the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have already spoken
and clear on this.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR THIS
COMPROMISE AND APOSTASY?
Conformity to the world demand and culture.
Laws are being passed prohibiting religious Leaders to counsel gay and lesbian
minors to change their sexual orientation. For example, on 2013 the State of
California banned the so-called Gay Conversion Therapy. "A U.S. federal appeals
court on Thursday upheld California’s law prohibiting licensed professionals
from counseling gay and lesbian minors to change their sexual
orientation...California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill to ban therapists,
psychologists, doctors, and social workers from providing so-called
“gay-conversion therapy” to patients under 18, last year." -{http://www.msnbc.com/thomas-roberts/gay-conversion-therapy-ruled-illegal}
Another Article which was published in July
24, 2015 entitled: STATE FORBIDS PASTORS CALLING HOMOSEXUALITY 'SINFUL' "The
state of Kentucky has begun imposing a religious test on volunteer pastor
counselors in its youth division, insisting that they refrain from calling
homosexuality “sinful” and dismissing those who cannot bend their religious
faith to accommodate the state requirements."
Likewise, in May 20, 2015, CNN published an
Article entitled: 'Oregon outlaws gay conversion therapy, joining two other
states'. One paragraph from the Article give similar reasons like the SDA
document gave, for why such therapy is harmful "The American Psychological
Association has repudiated the practice of gay conversion therapy, citing the
negative effects on patients and the lack of evidence to suggest that the
practice is effective."-{http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/20/politics/oregon-outlaws-gay-conversion-therapy/}
The same Article also mentioned how the
Obama Administration feels about this 'CONVERSION THERAPY' "President Barack
Obama also called for a national ban on the practice last month, but religious
groups and conservatives insist that such a ban would infringe on their
religious freedom rights."... "The overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates
that conversion therapy, especially when it is practiced on young people, is
neither medically nor ethically appropriate and can cause substantial harm,"
Obama's senior adviser Valerie Jarrett said in a statement. "As part of our
dedication to protecting America's youth, this administration supports efforts
to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors."-{http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/20/politics/oregon-outlaws-gay-conversion-therapy/}
The other reason for this compromise and
apostasy, has a lot to do with 501c3 Tax Exempt Status. An IRS Senior Officer
said the following statement: ""I am not the only IRS employee who's wondered
why churches go to the government and seek permission to be exempted from a tax
they didn't owe to begin with, and to seek a tax deductible status that they've
always had anyway. Many of us have marveled at how church leaders want to be
regulated and controlled by an agency of government that most Americans have
prayed would just get out of their lives. Churches are in an amazingly unique
position, but they don’t seem to know or appreciate the implications of what it
would mean TO BE FREE of government CONTROL." {-Steve Nestor, IRS Senior
Officer, IRS Publication 526, quoted by Peter Kershaw, In Caesar's Grip,
self-published, 2000; See also Thomas Lake, Romans 13 In a Constitutional
Republic, Xlibris Corporation, 2011, p. 9, ISBN: 9781456846886}
Barbara Ketay, a lawyer at the Biblical Law
Center, wrote the following: "O.K. Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Deacons,
Trustees, Elders... listen up! Let's stop all the hocus-pocus, the illusions,
the scams, the fairy-tales and the outright lies regarding what the 501(c)(3)
incorporated church is and is not. For a change, let's deal with facts. For
those of you who don't understand "facts," in the legal arena, facts are used
and are supported by documented evidence which would be admissible in a
legitimate court of law. Facts are not hyperbole! [i.e. exaggeration]" Then she
goes on to explain list facts about what a 501c3 church corporation is by lawful
state definition:
The creator of a corporation is the State.
The State is the sole authority and sovereign head over the corporation.
The corporation is subject to the laws of the State which limits its powers.
The corporation has no constitutionally protected rights.
The corporation is an artificial person.
The corporation submits to a State Charter declaring it is a creature of the
State.
The corporation is created for the benefit of the public.
The corporation is a State franchise.
The corporation is a privilege granted by the State.
Translation: It means any church, ministry
or Hospital that has a 501c3 Tax Exempt Status, is a corporation of the state.
The creator of your church is the State.
The State is the sole authority and sovereign head over your church.
Your church is subject to the laws of the State which limits its powers.
Your church has no constitutionally protected rights.
Your church is an artificial person.
Your church submits to a State Charter declaring it is a creature of the State.
Your church is created for the benefit of the public.
Your church is a State franchise.
Your church is a privilege granted by the State.
After the Supreme Court of the United States
legalized homosexuality, the call quickly came to remove tax exempt status from
those who still believe that homosexuality is a sin. From TIME Magazine June 28,
2015, the headline reads "Now’s the Time To End Tax Exemptions for Religious
Institutions" "The Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage makes it clearer than
ever that the government shouldn't be subsidizing religion and non-profits...
The logic of gay-marriage rights could lead to a reexamination of conservative
churches’ tax exemptions. {http://time.com/3939143/nows-the-time-to-end-tax-exemptions-for-religious-institutions/?xid=tcoshare}
The Internal Revenue Service has a section
on Tax Exempt Status entitled: {IRS publication 517 page 3} which explains the
duties and requirements 501c3 Tax Exempt Status recipient. "... Individuals who
are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed by a religious body constituting a
church or church denomination. They are given the authority to conduct religious
worship, perform SACERDOTAL function... served the Eucharist (the Catholic
sacrament of communion)
There are two words in the above statement
that as Seventh Day Adventist Christians that we should be deeply concern about:
The first one is the word 'Sacerdotal' which is a Roman Catholic definition
which means sacred. And according to the dictionary, the word Sacerdotal means:
relating to priests or a priesthood: priestly. The second word is 'Eucharist'
which is the Catholic sacrament of communion.
In "The Trumpet Vol 9, Issue 6 Nov/Dec 2001"
publication it is stated, "The most prominent and successful certified public
accountant firm in the nation today, that specializes in keeping churches out of
trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, is now boldly saying to the pastors
of America that they not only have to be "ordained by God, but also the IRS."
The question is: Who are giving allegiance
to? God or the Roman Catholic Church which is run by The Man of Sin (Pope
Francis). "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and
love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye
cannot serve God and mammon." -Matthew 6:24
FOLLOWING THE SPTEPS OF ANCIENT ISRAEL INTO
APOSTASY
"For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is
fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke
the eyes of his glory. The shew of their countenance doth witness against them;
and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! For
they have rewarded evil unto themselves. - {Isaiah 3:9, 10)
This is indeed being fulfill as well in
Modern Israel. "The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will
of God and following their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified
hearts. Modern Israel are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure
of the Lord is as surely resting upon them. “-{TC vol 5, page 94}
In 1 Samuel 2:12, we find this title for the
sons of Eli: "Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord."
Keep in mind that these men were Priests ministering in the Sanctuary. But yet
the Bible says that "they know the Lord". What did they do? Why were they call
"the sons of Belial? I thought Eli was their biological Father.
Comparing Scripture with Scripture we get a
much better understanding. The title "Sons of Belial" appear several times in
the Bible. It always refer to what someone or a group of people were practicing.
(See Deuteronomy 13:13, Judges 19:22, 20:13, 1 Samuel 2:12). But the main
practice was homosexuality. "Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold,
the MEN of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and
beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying,
Bring forth the MAN that came into thine house, that we may KNOW him." - {Judges
19:22}
So, what were the Priests (sons of Levi)
practicing in the Church? Answer: homosexuality. What did the Conscientious few
did as a result? Those who love the Lord and who did not want to be polluted by
this, did they continue to support licentiousness in the Church? Answer: "As the
men of Israel witnessed the corrupt course of the priests, they thought it safer
for their families not to come up to the appointed place of worship. Many went
from Shiloh with their peace disturbed, their indignation aroused, until they at
last determined to offer their sacrifices themselves, concluding that this would
be fully as acceptable to God, as to sanction in any manner the abominations
practiced in the sanctuary (The Signs of the Times, December 1, 1881)
According to Ellen White, those who truly
love the Lord did not support the General Conference in those days. Because by
attending their churches, by default they would be supporting licentiousness.
What about us? Are we experiencing the same thing today? And the answer is yes.
What should we do then? Here is the answer: "There is a little hope in one
direction: Take the young men and women, and place them where they will come as
little in contact with OUR CHURCHES as possible, that the low grade of piety
which is current in this day shall not leaven their ideas of what it means to be
a Christian." {12MR 333.1}
Conclusion
The Bible is full of victorious precious
promises for those who are living in sin, no matter what the sin is. Even the
sin of homosexuality. The Apostle, in his first letter to the Corinthians
Church, listed some of the things that the members used to practice before they
surrendered their lives to Jesus. Licentiousness is also included in the list.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And
such WERE some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
We read in 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 "For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling
down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ;" "I know both how to be abased, and I know
how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and
to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:12, 13
The Son of God, Jesus Christ, conquered the
enemy of souls and sin and made it possible for all of us to gain the victory
and overcome sin. He says "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in
white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I
will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." -{Revelation
2:5}
https://www.andrews.edu/…/seminary-statement-on-homosexuali…
Pr.
Emmanauel L. Nougaisse
Amazing Word Ministries
info@amazingwordministries.com
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