The program of the Sabbath day at the 21st General Conference Session being held in Sibiu began with the presentation of the Sabbath school. The review lesson was taken by Pr. Rolly Dumaguit (GC Missionary Director) and the lesson of the day was presented by Pr. Paul Chapman (President of the Queensland Field in the Australasian Union).
The divine service was presented by Pr. Duarisamy Sureshkumar (GC President). The message was given under the title "The Keynote of the Scriptures" and was focused on bringing to our attention the special need for an abiding presence of Christ in the life in order to be prepared for His soon coming. At the end of the service a special series of prayers was held and the congregaion was led in these prayers by Pr. Branislav Jaksik (past GC Vice-President, 1999-2007) and Pr. Davi Paes Silva (GC Vice-President). At the end the congregation received the benediction given by Pr. Sureshkumar.
The afternoon program was filled with music from all corners of the world. Pr. David Zic (GC Steward), together with many of the participants who recently returned from the international mission trip, gave a report of the wonderful work that took place this summer in Burundi with the opening of Eden Clinic in the rural Burundian province of Chibitoke. The day was concluded with the presentation of the Word, under the title "The Appointed Time," which was presented by Pr. (past GC Vice-President, 1999-2007)
Tomorrow will be the last day of the public meetings. Then the delegates will separate to Porumbacu where the business session will be held.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Foul Stewardship
We should never forget that we are placed on trial in this world, to determine our fitness for the future life. None can enter heaven whose characters are defiled by the foul blot of selfishness. Therefore, God tests us here, by committing to us temporal possessions, that our use of these may show whether we can be entrusted with eternal riches.
The Review and Herald, May 16, 1893.
The Review and Herald, May 16, 1893.
Daily Manna - August 21, 2011
It is not enough to perceive the loving-kindness of God, to see the benevolence, the fatherly tenderness, of His character. It is not enough to discern the wisdom and justice of His law, to see that it is founded upon the eternal principle of love. Paul the apostle saw all this when he exclaimed, "I consent unto the law that it is good." "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." But he added, in the bitterness of his soul-anguish and despair, "I am carnal, sold under sin." Romans 7:16, 12, 14. He longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and cried out, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24, margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
Steps to Christ, p. 19.
Steps to Christ, p. 19.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
SDARM General Conference Bulletin #2 - August 19, 2011
The second day of the SDARM General Conference Session International Public Meetings began in Sibiu, Romania, at 9:00AM Friday, August 19, with the study "Secret Prayer, the Power of Success," presented by Pr. David Zic (GC Steward). All those present were instructed on the Biblical basis of prayer, and how to gain the most power from this divine institution of communication between the individual and his Creator.
At 10:00 Pr. Eduardo Lainez (Regional Secretary for Central America) began with an encouraging call to advance in the missionary work, and then proceeded to give practical examples of how the mission work has helped to expand the work in the Central American Region. This region includes all the countries from Mexico to Panama as well as all the islands of the Caribbean and the South American countries of Colombia and Venezuela. The photos presented allowed all those present to see the progress of the work here. Some of the highlights included the post-earthquake disaster relief in Haiti and the international youth building project in Honduras.
At 11:00 Pr. Devapiriyam Samy Doss (Regional Secretary for Asia) continued the reports from the Regions with a report of the work in the Asian Region, which includes the southern Asian countries from Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula through India down to Singapore and Malaysia. In a region where much of the population is locked into Islamic states that do not allow missionary work, it is amazing to see how the Lord is breaking down barriers to the proclamation of the message.
The evening program, which also started the Sabbath day, contained two rousing presentations to both remind us of our need for true reformation and encourage us with the assurance of a changed life when we submit to allow the Lord to change our lives. First was Pr. Eli Tenoria da Silva (GC Youth Director) with the presentation entitled "Even at the Door," and then came Pr. Peter Daniel Lausevic (GC 2nd Vice-President) with the message "Purifying a Pure People." Pr. Lausevic ended his presentation with an altar call and over 50 young people came forward to commit their lives to Christ.
The entire conference has been blessed with amazing music from different places including the Romanian Union Choir and the Hungarian Field Orchestra. You can watch the meetings live at http://www.sdarm.org/live
At 10:00 Pr. Eduardo Lainez (Regional Secretary for Central America) began with an encouraging call to advance in the missionary work, and then proceeded to give practical examples of how the mission work has helped to expand the work in the Central American Region. This region includes all the countries from Mexico to Panama as well as all the islands of the Caribbean and the South American countries of Colombia and Venezuela. The photos presented allowed all those present to see the progress of the work here. Some of the highlights included the post-earthquake disaster relief in Haiti and the international youth building project in Honduras.
At 11:00 Pr. Devapiriyam Samy Doss (Regional Secretary for Asia) continued the reports from the Regions with a report of the work in the Asian Region, which includes the southern Asian countries from Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula through India down to Singapore and Malaysia. In a region where much of the population is locked into Islamic states that do not allow missionary work, it is amazing to see how the Lord is breaking down barriers to the proclamation of the message.
The evening program, which also started the Sabbath day, contained two rousing presentations to both remind us of our need for true reformation and encourage us with the assurance of a changed life when we submit to allow the Lord to change our lives. First was Pr. Eli Tenoria da Silva (GC Youth Director) with the presentation entitled "Even at the Door," and then came Pr. Peter Daniel Lausevic (GC 2nd Vice-President) with the message "Purifying a Pure People." Pr. Lausevic ended his presentation with an altar call and over 50 young people came forward to commit their lives to Christ.
The entire conference has been blessed with amazing music from different places including the Romanian Union Choir and the Hungarian Field Orchestra. You can watch the meetings live at http://www.sdarm.org/live
Fruits of Bad Stewardship
It is this increasing devotion to money getting, the selfishness which the desire for gain begets, that deadens the spirituality of the church, and removes the favor of God from her. When the head and hands are constantly occupied with planning and toiling for the accumulation of riches, the claims of God and humanity are forgotten.
If God has blessed us with prosperity, it is not that our time and attention should be diverted from Him and given to that which He has lent us. The giver is greater than the gift. We have been bought with a price, we are not our own. Have we forgotten that infinite price paid for our redemption? Is gratitude dead in the heart? Does not the cross of Christ put to shame a life of selfish ease and indulgence? . . . We are reaping the fruits of this infinite self-sacrifice; and yet, when labor is to be done, when our money is wanted to aid the work of the Redeemer in the salvation of souls, we shrink from duty and pray to be excused. Ignoble sloth, careless indifference, and wicked selfishness seal our senses to the claims of God.
Oh, must Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, bear the heavy cross, and wear the thorny crown, and drink the bitter cup, while we recline at ease, glorify ourselves, and forget the souls He died to redeem by His precious blood? No; let us give while we have the power. Let us do while we have the strength. Let us work while it is day. Let us devote our time and our means to the service of God, that we may have His approbation, and receive His reward.
The Review and Herald, October 17, 1882.
If God has blessed us with prosperity, it is not that our time and attention should be diverted from Him and given to that which He has lent us. The giver is greater than the gift. We have been bought with a price, we are not our own. Have we forgotten that infinite price paid for our redemption? Is gratitude dead in the heart? Does not the cross of Christ put to shame a life of selfish ease and indulgence? . . . We are reaping the fruits of this infinite self-sacrifice; and yet, when labor is to be done, when our money is wanted to aid the work of the Redeemer in the salvation of souls, we shrink from duty and pray to be excused. Ignoble sloth, careless indifference, and wicked selfishness seal our senses to the claims of God.
Oh, must Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, bear the heavy cross, and wear the thorny crown, and drink the bitter cup, while we recline at ease, glorify ourselves, and forget the souls He died to redeem by His precious blood? No; let us give while we have the power. Let us do while we have the strength. Let us work while it is day. Let us devote our time and our means to the service of God, that we may have His approbation, and receive His reward.
The Review and Herald, October 17, 1882.
Daily Manna - August 20, 2011
The Saviour said, "Except a man be born from above," unless he shall receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in man by nature, is a fatal deception. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 3:7. Of Christ it is written, "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men"--the only "name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." John 1:4; Acts 4:12.
Steps to Christ, pp. 18, 19.
Steps to Christ, pp. 18, 19.
Friday, August 19, 2011
SDARM General Conference Bulletin #1 - August 18, 2011
The public meetings of the General Conference Session began at 19:00 at the Transylvania Stadium in the historic Romanian city of Sibiu. This beautiful setting will be the location for four days of spiritual meetings attended by members of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement from around the world. In addition, the elected representatives attending the Delegation Session are also present.
The conference was opened with the introductory message given by Pr. Duraisamy Sureshkumar (GC President). The message focused the minds of all present on the special need of consecration during this solemn gathering. The main theme for the meetings is "He is Coming" and it is necessary for all of us to keep this foremost in our minds.
The next presentation was given by Pr. Neville S. Brittain (GC President, 1991-1995). This message, given under the title "The Hope of All Ages" was a deep Biblical study on the work of Christ in the plan of salvation. It is necessary for us to have a knowledge of the One who is coming to redeem His own.
The evening was finished by a Presentation by Pr. Marin Barbu (Regional Secretary for Europe) giving a report of the progress of the work in the European Region.
You are welcome to watch the presentations live at http://www.gcsession.sdarm.org/media.php.
The conference was opened with the introductory message given by Pr. Duraisamy Sureshkumar (GC President). The message focused the minds of all present on the special need of consecration during this solemn gathering. The main theme for the meetings is "He is Coming" and it is necessary for all of us to keep this foremost in our minds.
The next presentation was given by Pr. Neville S. Brittain (GC President, 1991-1995). This message, given under the title "The Hope of All Ages" was a deep Biblical study on the work of Christ in the plan of salvation. It is necessary for us to have a knowledge of the One who is coming to redeem His own.
The evening was finished by a Presentation by Pr. Marin Barbu (Regional Secretary for Europe) giving a report of the progress of the work in the European Region.
You are welcome to watch the presentations live at http://www.gcsession.sdarm.org/media.php.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
