71 King Street Hamilton, Victoria. Bulletin & News. Sabbath May 14th, We WELCOME you to our Worship Services Today

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1 Issue No. 255 Taking the Three Angel s Messages to the whole world King Street Hamilton, Victoria Bulletin & News Sabbath May 14th, 2016 We WELCOME you to our Worship Services Today Song Service Sabbath School Church Service 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:30 am "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6, NIV)

2 ~ Upcoming Dates & Announcements ~ Welcome - We welcome Pastor Justin Bone to the pulpit today and for Sabbath praise and worship. May God bless you and lead you in His truth always. Next Prayer Meeting - Wednesday, May 18th at 5pm Please join us each fortnight for prayer and a short Bible study. Let s always keep the communication channels to heaven open. Special Prayer Requests : A special prayer vigil for Simon Novak who is currently in custody awaiting sentencing is desperately needed at this time. Please pray for Shaun s daughter Keryn and family to find an acceptable and affordable home for them very soon. It is desperately needed as they are a large family with pets and cannot get a home to rent. Also for his son Ben to find an affordable, reliable family vehicle and his daughter Jessie and family who were recently in a motor vehicle accident to find a new vehicle soon as well. Prayer Requests: Please remember T. C. Brown, Alex Buckler, Marilyn McDonald, John Tyack, Suzi, Roger Pearce, Peter Tyzack and family, Maria and John Franjic, Shaun, his children and his grandchildren, the Recipe Club, our Pastor, the church and the young people in our town. Finally, please remember to give thanks to God for our answered and unanswered prayers as well. Combined Lunch - After the main service today there will be a combined lunch in the dining room. All are welcome to join us for a light meal. There will also be combined lunches for the next 5 weeks. C.A.R.E. Group - The next C.A.R.E. Group meeting will be Friday May 20th. (See page 9 and Krystal for address and further details.) Communion Service - The communion service for this quarter will be on June 11th. Please prepare your hearts for this special time with Christ as we remember His divine sacrifice for all of mankind. Recipe Club - Our next meeting for recipe club is Tuesday May 24th at 7pm. See Lynette for more information and bookings. 2

3 Greetings & Thanks - Our thanks is extended to all those who helped at the Garage Sale last Sunday. We raised over $431 for ADRA in spite of the rainy day and many people received some truth-filled literature. Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee may be approaching you soon to take a church office. The Lord needs more workers in His vineyard, so please prayerfully consider what you can do in His service. ~ Further Reading ~ Matthew 22:1-33; Mark 12:10-27; Luke 20:17-40; The Desire of Ages pp ; Christ s Object Lessons pp ; ~ Special Announcement ~ It is with great pleasure that we announce the future union of François Oberson and Sunny Koh May the Lord bless their union and lives for evermore. (Their wedding is planned for October) ~ Reflections ~ Faces dim in the shadows as the outer darkness engulfs the land. Millions of lives slip into the shadows and Christless graves of death. As the storms of evil encroach upon God s people, I saw legions of angels standing at the ready to defend them. God s glory, brilliant and white shone brighter than ever, consuming the darkness and death followed, abased. 3 [ THE DREAM ]

4 ~ Keep The Faith Ministries ~ COULD THE RIGHTWARD POLITICAL SHIFT IN AMERICA AND EUROPE LEAD TO A SUNDAY LAW? In country after country around the western developed world, a change has been taking place. The United States isn t the only place where the politics of traditional left and right are disintegrating. The stunning rise of Donald Trump is not the only such scenario. (Keep the Faith has reported on the rise of Victor Orban, the right wing leader of Hungary here Europe s traditional left wing parties are collapsing. They ve hit rock bottom because the dismal economic situation, the challenge of terrorism, the refugee crisis all pose problems to which Europe s traditional leaders and above all, those on the Left have no coherent answers. Long goodbye of the European Left It seems that the liberal Left is taking on a more conservative rightward spin, while the conservative center-right no longer matches the views of its party base. Meanwhile, the European right made up of traditional conservatives is also in disarray. Everywhere you look, in country after country, batty nationalists are winning and conservative pragmatists are running scared. It s not just Donald Trump, the right is tearing itself apart everywhere There is a new rising right-wing populism that is confusing and overthrowing traditional divides that includes politicians like Marine Le Pen of France s National Front, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Poland s Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynsnki, U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, and even the mayor of London Boris Johnson (who wants Britain to leave the European Union). There are also far right parties that have been making inroads in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, and other places. All of these have knocked establishment conservatives for a loop. 4

5 On the U.S. front, there s Donald Trump a rather aggressive insurgent waging war on his own party, and Bernie Sanders whose clever provocations gather him votes in his, neither of which would maintain the status quo of either of their respective parties. Trump speaks admiringly of Vladimir Putin, an attribute he shares with Le Pen, Orban and Farage. Defending freedom is no longer necessary. It s an accessory. Many in both the United States and Europe like a bit of authoritarianism, and even a little racism. And the new breed of politicians seems to oblige them. In Europe, it s Muslims. In America its Hispanics especially, though Muslims and others get their share of it too. And in Europe, Orban claims that he is going to roll back Hungary s democratic institutions, and proclaims himself the defender of Europe s Christian values. Trump on the other hand, plans to give more power to the churches if he is elected to the high office of POTUS (President of the United States). Europe is abandoning its socialist mantle for a much more right-wing one and some of the new breed of political activists can hardly hide their contempt for the bureaucratic party system. Some of Britain s Labour party functionaries have been embroiled in controversy over their statements with clearly anti-semitic overtones and has moved so far from its traditional internationalism (globalism) that there are suggestions that the party abides intolerance. What You Need To Know About Britain s Raging Anti-Semitism Scandal Corbyn, Cameron and Livingstone face questioning by MPs on antisemitism Today, Western democracies find themselves in a general confusion and are no longer straightforwardly organized. Left and Right aren t really left and right anymore. And Western political systems are lagging dramatically behind these complicated social realities. Liberal democracies are witnessing nothing less than the end of politics, as we know it. Where does this lead? The backlash to leftist and left leaning political leaders is here. But it is also a backlash to center-right and right leaning conservatives who have not fulfilled their campaign promises and have collaborated with the left, undermining their credibility for years. Along with it is a religious undertone (witness Trump and Orban). With the Vatican in the old world, and evangelical Protestantism in the New reaching across the gulf to clasp hands, how long will it take in the new reality for populist leaders to suggest that religious worship laws would serve their countries well is anyone s guess. But it is coming, perhaps sooner than we have thought. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. Great Controversy, 5

6 page 615 Source References: The End of Politics as We Know It Interview mit Volker Kauder Staat muss Moscheen in Deutschland kontrollieren Prophetic Intelligence Briefings are provided to show a link between current events and Bible prophecy only. The article summaries, which are not intended as a commentary in support of or in opposition to the views of the authors, do not necessarily reflect the views of Pastor Mayer or of Keep the Faith other than to point out the prophetic link. Pastor Hal Mayer Speaker / Director ~ Adventist News Network ~ ADVENTIST CHURCH UNVEILS NEBUCHADNEZZAR STATUE TO EMPHASIZE BIBLE STUDY Church leaders in the Dominican Republic hope to find new methods to reach people. May 10, 2016 San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic Bernardo Medina/ IAD staff The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Dominican Republic pointed to the Scriptures by displaying a statue of King Nebuchadnezzar as referenced in Daniel 2, during a recent ceremony in the city of San Juan de la Maguana. Hundreds of church members attended the special program with the unveiling of the 10.4-foot statue created by the nationally recognized artist Freddy Alcantara, on April 16, 2016, at the central park in the city. [photo credit: Dominican Union] 6

7 Freddy Alcantara, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Dominican Mission, was contracted by the church to make the statue. We want to call the attention of people to the Word of God, said Cesario Acevedo, president of the church in the Dominican Republic, during the ceremony. We want to awaken curiosity and share with them the great truths illustrated through Nebuchadnezzar s prophetic dream. Attendees witnessed drama performances where young Adventists illustrated the great world empires represented in the statue, the fall of the empires and the Second Coming of Jesus. The event represents a new strategy by the church leadership in the nation. We have to create new methods, new ways that allow us to reach the people with the message, said Acevedo. The statue was originally designed in concrete, but the fiberglass version was displayed during the event and will be easier to transport to big cities in the country, church leaders said. This is a wonderful way to integrate our young people in the missionary work, said Carlos Rilio, youth ministries director for the church in the Dominican Republic. They have the talents and the capabilities to connect other young people to the truth. Church leaders plan to tour different cities across the island with the statue to point to the prophetic message in the Bible. Other statues representing the four beasts in the book of Daniel are being planned for later this year. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Dominican Republic has nearly 312,000 members worshiping in 1,277 churches and congregations. For more information about the church in the Dominican Republic, visit adventistas.org.do ~ Bible Promises ~ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [ Philippians 4:13 ] 7

8 ~ From the Spirit of Prophecy - Think About: ~ Testimonies for the Church Volume One by (E.G. White) The Prayer of David (chapter 77, pp ) I was shown David entreating the Lord not to forsake him when he should be old, and what it was that called forth his earnest prayer. He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy and that unhappy traits of character increased especially with age. If persons were naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in their old age. If they were jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged. {1T 422.2} David was distressed as he saw that kings and nobles who seemed to have the fear of God before them while in the strength of manhood, became jealous of their best friends and relatives when aged. They were in continual fear that it was selfish motives which led their friends to manifest an interest for them. They would listen to the hints and the deceptive advice of strangers in regard to those in whom they should confide. Their unrestrained jealousy sometimes burned into a flame because all did not agree with their failing judgment. Their covetousness was dreadful. They often thought that their own children and relatives were wishing them to die in order to take their place and possess their wealth, and receive the homage which had been bestowed upon them. And some were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to destroy their own children. {1T 422.3} David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their selfcontrol. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and dissatisfied. He saw that many of the aged seemed forsaken of God and exposed themselves to the ridicule and reproaches of his enemies. David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth." "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come." Psalm 71:9, 17, 18. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age. {1T 423.1} It is frequently the case that aged persons are unwilling to realize and acknowledge that their mental strength is failing. They shorten their days by taking care which belongs to their children. Satan often plays upon their imagination and leads them to feel a continual anxiety in regard to their money. It is their idol, and they hoard it with miserly care. They will sometimes deprive themselves of many of the comforts of life, and labor beyond their strength, rather than use the means which they have. In this way they place themselves in continual want, through fear 8

9 that sometime in the future they shall want. All these fears originate with Satan. He excites the organs which lead to slavish fears and jealousies which corrupt nobleness of soul and destroy elevated thoughts and feelings. Such persons are insane upon the subject of money. If they would take the position which God would have them, their last days might be their best and happiest. Those who have children in whose honesty and judicious management they have reason to confide, should let their children make them happy. Unless they do this, Satan will take advantage of their lack of mental strength and will manage for them. They should lay aside anxiety and burdens, and occupy their time as happily as they can, and be ripening up for heaven. {1T 423.2} We are not just another small group meeting weekly to read the bible and hang out together - we are a C.A.R.E. Group! C.A.R.E. stands for Christ's Attitude Reflected in Everyone - and that is exactly what we are all about. Our group meets on Friday nights from 6:30pm every week at Amber and Krystal's House. Next gathering - May 20th. ~ C.A.R.E. Group ~ EVERYONE is welcome to join in the fun of sharing and caring for one another and there is plenty of floor space. For more information contact Krystal/Amber (03) or visit or find us on Facebook - Hamilton CARE group. See Amber or Krystal for more information. HAMILTON CHURCH WEBSITE Website: Church church-admin@hamilton-adventist.net feedback@hamilton-adventist.net recipeclub@hamilton-adventist.net Facebook: Mobile App: 9 May 24th 2016

10 ~ For The Kids ~ 10

11 ~ Weekly Devotional ~ Unsanctified Desires Are Sometimes Granted And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Samuel 8:7 We have a living Head, and every person in office where sacred responsibilities are involved must inquire at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? All must look constantly and continuously to Jesus for His guidance and maintain principle at any cost. It is not what finite human beings can do, but what God can do through finite people who are teachable, humble, unselfish, and sanctified. We cannot put the least confidence in human ability unless the divine power cooperates with the human.... God has given minds and talents to mortals only in trust, on trial, to test and prove them to see if they will work in His way and do His will and put not confidence in themselves alone.... When Israel demanded a king to judge us like all the nations, the thing displeased Samuel. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.... Israel had become tired of pious rulers who kept God s purposes and God s will and God s honor ever before them according to God s instructions. They wanted a reformed religion that they might by external, flattering prosperity be esteemed great in the eyes of the surrounding nations. As they at one time hankered after the leeks and onions of Egypt, and murmured because they did not have everything to gratify their appetites, and declared their choice to go back into bondage rather than deny their appetites, so they now insulted God to His face in throwing off His wise rule. They were hankering after riches and splendour like those of other nations around them.... Satan s mind was imbuing the hearts of people that Israel should follow his own satanic counsel. They were bewitched by the devil to carry out their own purposes even in the face of the solemn protestations from their aged prophet, whom they had every reason to respect and to believe spoke to them the words that God Himself had told him to speak. Manuscript 40, (Christ Triumphant Ellen G White - page 141) 11

12 ~ Sabbath Services ~ Service This Week Next Week May 14th May 21st Divine Service Pastor Justin Bone Dudley House Sabbath School Pastor Justin Bone Peter Tung ~ Sunset Times ~ Sunset Sabbath (Tonight) 5:32 pm Sunset Next Friday 5:27 pm This Week: Next Week: ~ Church Offering ~ Local Church Budget Health Offering ~ Church Cleaning ~ May 8th May 21st 2016 Tung Family May 22nd June 4th 2016 Coral Aisbett ~ Garden Maintenance ~ May 8th May 21st 2016 Peter Tung May 22nd June 4th 2016 Volunteer Needed ~ Church Website ~ Website : Hamilton.sda.church@gmail.com - Contact Details - Pastor Justin Bone