Hamilton Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Bulletin & News

Transcription

1 Issue No. 123 Hamilton Seventh-Day Adventist Church 71 King Street Hamilton, Victoria WEBSITE Bulletin & News Sabbath November 2nd, 2013 We WELCOME you to our Worship Services Today Song Service Sabbath School Church Service 9:40 am 9:50 am 11:15 am Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19,NASB)

2 ~ Upcoming Dates & Announcements ~ Next Prayer Meeting - November 6th 2013 at 5pm Church Business Meeting - The next church business meeting will be on November 6th, at 6pm following the regular prayer meeting. ALL church members are requested to attend this meeting. November 9th - Pastor Justin Bone will be joining and there will be a combined lunch. Melbourne Regional 9th November 2013 AT Gilson College What does God want for You Starting time 10:00 am concluding at approx. 4:00pm. There will be Children s segment and Youth Segment and Adults. It will be a day of spiritual high and a day of catching up with friends. Bring a picnic lunch, rug and have a wonderful time. There will be great music and a great afternoon program. Our guest speaker is Doctor Lowell Cooper who is vice president at the General Conference. His message will be inspirational. Venue: Gilson College 450 Taylors Road, Taylors Hill 3037 November 26th is our next Eating for Health Recipe Club meeting and is the final meeting for This month will be the breakup party for 2013, so please bring a treat along with the recipe to share with other members.. See Lynette Tung for further details. December 21st - Dudley House will be joining us for the final presentation of his three part series. There will be a combined lunch also. HAMILTON CHURCH WEBSITE Website: Church Hamilton.sda.church@gmail.com Facebook: And our Facebook page: Australia/

3 ~ God s Little Book of Prayer ~ Pray ' For a Christian, prayer is not a mere option On the contrary, it is imperative! [ Mark 14:38 ] ~ Bible Promises ~ But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. [ 1 Peter 5:10 WEB ] ~ God s Little Book of Encouragement ~ If you ask for his presence, God is prepared to be your forever Companion - wherever you go, at all times. ' Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. [ Joshua 1:9 ] ~ Memory Verse ~ ' The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: [ Matthew 11:19-20]

4 ~ Eating 4 Health Recipe Club ~ This months recipe club meeting went very well for all who attended. Many thanks to Susan, Serah & Peter Roberts who did the nights recipe demonstrations and to Peter Tung who gave a talk about the letter N of the C.R.E.A.T.I.O.N. Health series. This was the final in this series and the year. We were shown how to make Macaroni and Cheese and a Pineapple Cream Pie. Praise God for the attendance of 23 members of the public and 10 members from the church. Praise God also for the work that He is doing in the Hamilton Community, drawing those to Him and praise Him for another great night. Amen. ~ Adventist News Network ~ TEN YEARS ON, ADVENTIST CHURCH S HOPE CHANNEL CLAIMS GLOBAL VICTORIES Devir Magaad uses his own strength to operate a pedicab a tricycle with a large seat for passengers and cargo through the streets of Cagayan de Oro City, capital of the southern province of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines. For that arduous work, he makes perhaps US$5 per day. Although Magaad is not yet a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, he was so inspired by the Adventist message and the potential for Christian television via a new Hope Channel Philippines, that he s committed to donate 50 Philippine pesos, about $1.16, weekly to help the outreach grow. I m here to willingly give my donation, Magaad says to a camera filming his visit to a Seventh-day Adventist Church office. I feel so happy to help the Lord s work. That spirit, augmented by the commitment of millions around the globe, has propelled Hope Channel, a General Conference-owned network now consisting of 15 different satellite and broadcast operations spanning the globe and using a dozen or more languages. Delegates to the 2013 Annual Council heard a report celebrating the tenth anniversary of Hope Channel s launch, which took place at the 2013 yearly

5 business meeting, and witnessed the formal launch of the Philippines station. Brad Thorp, Hope Channel president, recalled a history of miracles in the course of developing the network. In the past few years, Germany adjusted its broadcast standards to allow single point-of-view religious stations to operate in the nation, something that hadn t been possible in more than six decades. Thorp noted that Hope Channel Germany was the first such station licensed by the government there. A similar license was approved in Bulgaria, and an application is pending in Russia, he added. In 2009, Thorp recalled, the DirecTV satellite network, America s largest, gave Hope Channel access to its 20.2 million U.S. subscribers. Such an opportunity might cost as much as $20 million, Thorp noted, but was given to Hope Channel without charge. Along the way, Hope has added service for the Middle East and North Africa regions, India and China, Thorp said. The organization now has 65,000 hours of programming available for broadcast. And such programs are bringing results, he added, quoting Erton Köhler, South American Division president: Every week, thousands of people come into Adventist churches because of the Hope Channel. But it was the story of the Philippines opening which likely had the most emotional impact on the Annual Council audience. The three Seventh-day Adventist Church unions in the country, along with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, headquartered near Manila, have established three media centers to serve production needs. However, licenses and related costs had to be met, a total, division president Alberto C. Gulfan Jr. said, of 520 million Philippine pesos, or approximately US$13 million. Broadcast licenses have already been obtained for five of the nation s largest cities, and 36 more applications are due to be filed, Thorp added. Thus was born a campaign to get 100,000 of the Philippine s 1 million Seventh-day Adventists to pledge 20 pesos, about 46-cents U.S., every Sabbath for the next five years. It is to this campaign that pedicab driver Magaad is donating. When I first saw that [video] clip, Thorpe said, I wept. This is the vision of taking the gospel to the cities. Of the new Philippine broadcast venture, Thorp predicted it would touch many in their homes, since many will not hear the gospel any other way. Seventh-day Adventist world church President Ted N. C. Wilson said, Hope Channel is part of fulfilling the illumination of the world. I commend the Southern

6 Asia-Pacific Division s officers for the accomplishment. In a prayer dedicating the new channel, Wilson added, May there be thousands of people in heaven because of this station. ~ Adventist Review ~ ANNUAL COUNCIL DELEGATES REVIEW SUGGESTED WORDING CHANGES TO 28 FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS Clearer, updated language would be up for vote at 2015 GC Session; no more fruitage, just fruit (Posted October 18, 2013; Revised October 22, 2013) EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this article, containing several inaccuracies, was inadvertently posted here. The current version is the one we intended to publish. BY ELIZABETH LECHLEITNER, Adventist News Network Annual Council delegates October 16 approved the next step in a five-year process to better articulate the church s core beliefs, using clearer and frequently more inclusive language. Adventist theologians led delegates through an edited draft of all 28 Fundamental Beliefs, as prepared by the church s Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee. The group was appointed in 2011 to follow up on a decision during the 2010 General Conference Session to strengthen the church s interpretation of origins. It came as no surprise, then, that Fundamental Belief Number 6 received the most attention. One recommended change to the church s belief on Creation replaces In six days, the Lord made with In a recent, six-day creation, the Lord made. Another suggested change specifies that creation took place within the span of six literal days. The word literal closes what some Adventists have claimed is an interpretive loophole that could allow theistic evolution to explain the Genesis origins account. The edited draft also replaces the document s citation of the first verse of Genesis, which states In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth, with a passage from Exodus 20, which says God created the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them... The change allows for differing understandings of whether the creation of the universe was coincident with the six-day creation of life on earth. Some creationist Adventist theologians believe Genesis 1:1 may refer to

7 creation in a broader sense (see Job 38:7), whereas Exodus 20:11, seems to restrict the creative act to what took place during the six days of creation, said Dr. Angel Rodriguez, one of the members of the Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee. Overall, the suggested version doesn t bring anything new to the belief. It just states with a firmer voice, or a more clear voice, what we have always believed, said Artur Stele, an Adventist world church vice president and co-chair of the Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee. In sum, the draft proposes changes most of which are minor and editorial in nature to 18 of the church s 28 Fundamental Beliefs. Stele provided additional background on the new gender-neutral language that shows up consistently throughout the draft document. Man and mankind now read human and humanity. We wanted to determine whether the suggestion was biblical or just reflecting the spirit of the day, Stele said. After a close study of Hebrew usage in the Old Testament, you cannot conclude words such as man only refer to the masculine gender. Even in the New Testament, Stele said, inclusivity is the clear biblical intent. The original Greek word man was always gender-neutral until the modern era. It means human being, he said. The draft also underlines the church s historic belief on Marriage and Family, suggesting that the phrase a man and a woman replace the current word partners to ensure that the church s definition of marriage cannot apply to same-sex unions. Changes to Fundamental Belief Number 23 also include removing the word disciplinarian when urging parents to emulate Christ s relationship with humanity when raising their children. The draft also does away with outdated English vocabulary and usage. Which frequently becomes that and gracious is now used to describe God, instead of beneficent. Another change replaces the archaic word fruitage with fruit. Stele assured delegates that the Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee only included proposed changes that met several criteria. The only suggestions that survived editorial scrutiny were ones that deepen the statement, refrain from elaborations of ideas already present or present key ideas currently missing. The committee also welcomed editorial suggestions meant to clarify or condense the beliefs. Members rejected any suggestions that they felt primarily promoted a personal agenda, he said. Adventist world church general Vice President Ben Schoun, who chaired the presentation, reminded delegates that the draft is not the final copy and urged them not to spend the afternoon debating semantics. He then invited delegates to lead discussions in their respective church divisions and submit further edits to the Fundamental Beliefs by June 1, 2014.

8 The Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee will prepare a second draft of the document for the 2014 Annual Council, Schoun said. Ultimately, delegates will vote whether to add the second draft to the agenda of the 2015 General Conference Session, where a final vote would occur. NSW FIRE APPEAL 200 homes destroyed. Hundreds of families evacuated. The worst fire disaster in NSW for 50 years. Amongst it all ADRA volunteers are responding. Having won the trust of the NSW state government* and the confidence of the community ADRA is charged with the responsibility of securing emergency accommodation for those affected by disasters. Trained ADRA volunteers are right now providing comfort, security and safety to families in need. You support will impact those affected by disaster now and into the future, and allow our volunteers to continue this important role across the state. *ADRA also holds similar arrangements to QLD, ACT and WA governments.

9 ~ Life s Lessons ~ Isaiah 46:9 In heaven God is all in all. There, holiness reigns supreme; there is nothing to mar the perfect harmony with God. If we are indeed journeying thither, the spirit of heaven will dwell in our hearts here. But if we find no pleasure now in the contemplation of heavenly things, if we have no interest in seeking the knowledge of God, no delight in beholding the character of Christ; if holiness has no attractions for us - then we may be sure that our hope of heaven is vain. Perfect conformity to the will of God is the high aim to be constantly before the Christian. He will love to talk of God, of Jesus, of the home of bliss and purity which Christ has prepared for them that love Him. The contemplation of these themes, when the soul feasts upon the blessed assurances of God, the apostle represents as tasting "the powers of the world to come" Hebrews 6:5. The Bible Echo, Septembers, The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. it is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the whole being a spiritual power that is divine... "For this cause," Paul says, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven, and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man: that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ministry of Healing page 425,426

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11 ~ Weekly Devotional Message ~ November 2nd Unlimited Supplies of Missionary Spirit And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. Acts 5:14, 15 The last words of Christ [to His disciples] were, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). And spreading His hands above them in benediction, He ascended to heaven, surrounded by hosts of heavenly angels who had come to escort Him on His way to the portals of God. His last commission to His disciples made them the agents whereby His gospel of glad tidings was to go to the nations. This was Christ's last will and testament to His followers who walked with Him during the years of His earthly ministry, and to those who should believe on Him through their word. His first work in heaven was in harmony with His last commission on earth; for He sent the promise of the Father upon them. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the praying disciples, and they testified as to its source to all, wherever they went. The missionary spirit was poured out in unlimited supplies, and the disciples testified of a crucified and risen Saviour, and convinced the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. They did just as their risen Lord had directed them to do, and began at Jerusalem to publish the gospel, in the very place where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor. Three thousand received the message, and were converted. They were not intimidated through persecution, imprisonment, and death; but they continued to speak with all boldness the words of truth, setting before the Jews the work and mission and ministry of Christ, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension; and believers were added daily to the Lord, both of men and women.--review and Herald, Nov. 6, (Maranatha Ye Shall Receive Power Ellen G White - page 315)

12 ~ Sabbath Services ~ Service This Week Next Week November 2nd November 9th Divine Service Peter Tung Justin Bone Sabbath School Peter Roberts Peter Roberts Duty Deacons Tony Bates Chen Lee ~ Sunset Times ~ Sunset Sabbath (Tonight) 8:07 pm Sunset Next Friday 8:14 pm This Week: Next Week: ~ Church Offering ~ Local Church Budget World Mission (Global Mission) ~ Church Cleaning ~ October 27th - November 9th 2013 Bates Family November 10th - November 23rd Tung Family ~ Garden Maintenance ~ October 27th - November 9th 2013 Tony Bates November 10th - November 23rd Peter Tung ~ Church Website ~ Website : Hamilton.sda.church@gmail.com - Contact Details - Pastor Justin Bone