THE ETERNAL
VOL. 5 NO. 7
“CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS.” JUDE 3
Society is the Loser by Playing Sunday Soccer By Dr. Rev. Ian Brown Belfast Telegraph Wednesday, September 10, 2008 It was with considerable dismay that we in the Free Presbyterian Church learned of the first Irish League football match on a Sunday between Glentoran and Bangor. Some have stated that, to prevent a potential fixture pile-up, it was necessary to play the match on a Sunday. Others have hailed it as a progressive step. We are convinced that this is a retrograde and wholly unnecessary action. The Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11, and endorsed by our Lord —continued on page 4
Woman Faces 5 Years for Offending Pope Comedian Sabina Guzzanti 'insulted Pope' in 'poofter devils' gag By Richard Owen The Times, UK Sept. 12, 2008 An Italian comedienne who said that Pope Benedict XVI would go to Hell and be tormented by homo- Sabina Guzzanti's comedy sexual demons is routine has fallen foul of facing a prison Italian laws prohibiting interm of up to five sults to the Pope. years. The joke may have gone well with her crowd on the Piazza Navona in Rome, but not with Italian prosecutors. She —continued on page 3
Pope Prays for Obama By Francis X. Rocca USAToday Novermber 6, 2008 In a telegram sent to Obama via the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Mary Ann Glendon, Benedict assured Obama of his prayers that God would assist him in his "high responsibilities in service to the nation and to the international community" and "sustain you and the beloved American people in your efforts, together with all men and women of good will, to build a world of peace, solidarity and justice." Obama received a similar telegram from the Vatican's No. 2 official, Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, L'Osservatore reported. "The job of the president of the United States is a job of immense and most high responsibility, not only for his country but for the whole world," the Rev. Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican press office, told Vatican Radio. "Therefore we all hope that the new President Obama will be able to respond to the expectations and hopes turned toward him."
Christian Perfection, The Sunday-Sabbath Fanaticism or Faith? Issue By Pastor Dean Ferrell If a man believes a gospel that teaches we can attain moral perfection before Christ comes, has he embraced fanaticism or “the faith once delivered to the saints?” I believe Scripture proves this matter touches the very heart of The Three Angels’ messages, The Righteousness by Faith and Sanctuary Messages. And these Bible messages constitute the very identity of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. But if the gospel that Evangelicals and espousers of the “New Theology” preach is true, and we are saved in sin, the doctrine of perfection is damnable heresy and we are grossly misapplying the 1st Angel’s message in Rev. 14:6,7 as well as the 3rd Angel’s Message in Rev 14:12. There is no room for pluralism here. Only one gospel is true, and the Bible is very clear regarding those who preach any other gospel. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1:8, 9. I suggest that most “Christians” unwisely deny the possibility of perfection because of the experiences and feelings of the person they look at in the mirror and the failures of others —continued on page 5
By Frederick Lee Review & Herald, Sept. 14, 1944 Seventh-day Adventists applaud the sincere endeavors of men to make a better world. We believe that everything possible should be done to relieve suffering, eliminate disease, and right wrongs inflicted upon certain classes and races. We believe in a practical demonstration of the brotherhood of man. We are ready to join the forces of temperance in seeking to break the power of the liquor traffic. We are ready to help advance the cause of health among the poor as well as the rich. We give our influence to the support of just laws needed to regulate our complicated life. We believe that everything possible should be done to correct the injustices often seen in the business and industrial world. If the zeal of men for making a new order were kept strictly in the civil realm we would have little to fear. But when we see a tendency on the part of the church to meddle in politics with the purpose of renovating every area of life, religion included, then we see grave dangers before us. When the church seeks religious unity so that it can wield a political influence in the world, then there is trouble ahead, for the church does not seem to know where to stop. It may begin agitation for reform in civil affairs and end up by entering the spiritual realm, at which point the conscience of some become involved and persecution follows. The Sunday-Sabbath question will finally be raised in connection with man’s plans for —continued on page 7
Catholics Seek to Meet With Obama, McCain On October 16, 2008 Cardinal Egan of New York invited both Senators McCain and Obama to the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, an annual fund raiser that supports projects for the Roman Catholic Dioceses of New York. The event was hosted at the nation’s most prominent city in America, New York City. The event was also covered by every imaginable major media outlet. $3.9 million was raised for the Catholic Church. There are at least a couple of ironies here. One is the political double standard in the Catholic leadership. It is clear that the Catholic leadership in America is not sincere and honest. In 2004, Cardinal Egan refused to host John Kerry at the event for his support on abortion. The problem is that according to the pro-life advocates, they allege that Obama is the most pro-abortion —continued on page 4 The Eternal Gospel Herald Florida Mission P.O. Box 15138 West Palm Beach FL, 33416
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page 2 the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7
Government Bailout For Banks? Where did the $2 trillion go? —By Pastor Raphael Perez “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30. It’s amazing that the average household, the ones really paying for this “government bailout,” can't make poor choices in their personal financing and then expect to be bailed out by the government. If we mismanage our homes we have to endure the consequences. But if the CEOs of the banking industries are indeed responsible for their company’s poor choices then let them also pay for the consequences of their bad choices. But it seems that they are compensated with awards, bonuses, vacation packages, and other monetary rewards. When money is tight in our homes, we need to cut back in our spending and set priorities. We should have little or no debt and try to live below our income level. Why should average people be punished for being good stewards of their own personal finances by having to pay for these bailouts? It seems that hardly any of the bankrupt companies that are being bailed out ever pay the consequences of their poor decisions. Whether it be the airline industries, the automakers, or the banks. Whatever happened to this important Biblical principle: “...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7. If people were to see the consequences of their decisions then they might just learn. But because the problem of greed is never addressed the problems are never solved. “The land boom has cursed this country, extravagant prices have been paid for lands bought on credit; then the land must be cleared, and more money is hired; a house to be built calls for more money, and then interest with open mouth swallows up all the profits. Debts accumulate, and then come the closing and failure of banks, and then the foreclosure of mortgages. Thousands have been turned out of employment; families lose their all, they borrow and borrow, and then have to give up their property and come out penniless. Much money and hard labor have been put into farms bought on credit, or inherited with an incumbrance. The occupants lived in hope of becoming real owners, and it might have been so, but for the failure of banks throughout the country.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 317, 318.
THE ETERNAL GOSPEL HERALD PO Box 15138 West Palm Beach, FL 33416 1-800-769-2150 eternalgospel@att.net Subscription: FREE If you wish to receive a free subscription of this publication, please contact our office at: PO Box 15138, West Palm Beach, FL 33416 | 1-800-769-2150 email: eternalgospel@att.net Online Edition: www.eternalgospelherald.com Editor Raphael Perez Assistant Editor Andy Roman Copy Editor Patricia Rocco
Co-Editor Ron Spear Contributors Miriam Ponce Norma Perez Peter Prestol
The Eternal Gospel Herald is published from West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, by the Eternal Gospel Church, a ministry that was founded in 1992 by Seventhday Adventist believers to bring true, genuine, world-wide revival and reformation by proclaiming the Third Angel’s Message. The Eternal Gospel Herald is sent to you free of charge, with much love, work, and sacrifice. Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of the information contained herein. This publication is printed to communicate the issues and subjects pertaining solely to the development and fulfillment of the third angel’s message and the advance of Christ’s character in the lives of God’s faithful people. We hope and pray that you will not only enjoy it but that it will be informative and spiritually enlightening to all of you. It is only by the grace of God and the support of each of you that we are able to participate in publishing, radio, newspapers, billboards, and foreign missions.
By Mark Pittman, Bob Ivry, and Alison Fitzgerald November 11, 2008 Chicago Sun-Times The Federal Reserve is refusing to identify the recipients of almost $2 trillion in emergency loans from American taxpayers or the troubled assets the central bank is accepting as collateral. Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in September they would comply with congressional demands for transparency in a $700 billion bailout of the banking system. Two months later, as the Fed lends far more than that in separate rescue programs that didn't require approval by Congress, Americans have no idea where their money is going or what securities the banks are pledging in return. Total Fed lending topped $2 trillion for the first time last week and has risen by 140 percent, or $1.172 trillion, in the seven weeks since Fed governors relaxed the collateral standards on Sept. 14. The difference includes a $788 billion increase in loans to banks through the Fed and $474 billion in other lending...Before Sept. 14, the Fed accepted mostly top-rated government and assetbacked securities as collateral. After that date, the central bank widened standards to accept other kinds of securities, some with lower ratings. The Fed collects interest on all its loans. Here are the banks known to have applied for federal money by selling preferred stock to the Treasury Department. This list is expected to grow. Citigroup Inc. (New York) JP Morgan Chase & Co. (New York) Wells Fargo & Co. (San Francisco) Bank of America Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.) Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (New York) Merrill Lynch Inc. (New York) Morgan Stanley (New York) PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (Pittsburgh) Capital One Financial Corp. (McLean, Va.) Regions Financial Corp. (Birmingham, Ala.) SunTrust Banks Inc. (Atlanta) Fifth Third Bancorp (Cincinnati) BB&T Corp. (Winston-Salem, NC) Bank of New York Mellon (New York) Keycorp (Cleveland) Comerica Inc. (Dallas) State Street Corp. (Boston) Northern Trust Corp. (Chicago) Huntington Bancshares Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) First Horizon National Corp. (Memphis, Tenn.) City National Corp. (Beverly Hills, Calif.) Valley National Bancorp (Wayne, N.J.) UCBH Holdings Inc. (San Francisco) Washington Federal Savings (Seattle) First Niagara Financial Group Inc. (Buffalo, N.Y.) HF Financial Corp. (Sioux Falls, S.D.) Saigon National Bank (Westminster, Calif.) Marshall & Ilsley Corp., (Milwaukee, WI) Zions Bancorporation (Salt Lake City, UT) Umpqua Holdings Corp. (Portland, OR) Old National Bancorp (Evansville, IN) Provident Bankshares Corp. (Baltimore, MD) Whitney Holding Corp. (New Orleans, LA) International Bancshares Corp. (Laredo, TX) First Financial Bancorp., (Cincinnati, OH) Simmons First National Corp., (Pine Bluff, Ark) Synovus Financial Corp., (Columbus, GA). Signature Bank of (New York, NY) First Community Bancshares Inc., (Bluefield, VA). Mackinac Financial Corp. (Manistique, MI) TCF Financial Corp., (Wayzata, MN) Banner Corp., (Walla Walla, WA) Cascade Financial Corp., (Everett, WA) Heritage Financial Corp., (Olympia, WA) Webster Financial Corp. (Waterbury, CT) Associated Banc-Corp., (Green Bay, WI) Trustmark Corp. (Jackson, MS) Pacific Capital Bancorp (Santa Barbara, CA) Columbia Banking System Inc., (Tacoma, WA) Capital Pacific Bancorp (Portland, OR) Intermountain Community Bancorp (Sandpoint, ID) Pamrapo Bancorp Inc. (Bayonne, N.J) Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Inc., (Archbold, OH)
the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7 page 3
Market Declines won't affect Adventist Church's Investment Strategy, Leaders say September 18, 2008 Silver Spring, Maryland, United States Ansel Oliver/ANN
Vatican Bank Claims Stability During Crisis Victor Simpson, Associated Press, Oct. 14, 2008 The Vatican Bank, which was battered by scandal in the 1980’s, says it is weathering the current economic crisis just fine, thank you. In an interview with the bank’s president, Angelo Caloia, proclaimed that all is well. The bank’s depositors are religious orders, dioceses, Catholic charities, other religious organizations and the Vatican itself. Caloia said that the bank has kept away from derivatives, the financial instrument that has produced steep loses in the current financial meltdown. He was quoted as saying that the bank makes no loans and as a result “we have no uncollectable losses.” The Italian economist and banker was brought into the Vatican after the bank's connection to the collapse of the Banco Ambrosiano in the 1980s in one of Italy's largest fraud cases. While denying any wrongdoing, the Vatican bank agreed to pay $250US million to Ambrosiano's creditors. Caloia said the bank administers church funds using “clear, simple, ethically based” investments, avoiding businesses that use child labor or produce armaments. “Our assets are solid and we have no lack of liquidity,” he said. —continued from page 1 “Woman Faces 5 Years “ is facing prosecution for “offending the honor of the sacred and inviolable person” of Benedict XVI. The Christian world may have been dismayed, even outraged, at the Muslim reaction in 2005 to Danish cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad, but Italian law enforcement appears to have had its own sense of humor failure. Giovanni Ferrara, the Rome prosecutor, is invoking the 1929 Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Vatican, which stipulates that an insult to the Pope carries the same penalty as an insult to the Italian President. Prosecution requires authorization from the Ministry of Justice, for which Mr. Ferrara has applied. The move to prosecute her over her anti-papal remarks was praised by some on the centre Right, including Luca Volonte, a Christian Democrat, who said that "gratuitous insults must be punished". However, many people were strongly critical. Paolo Guzzanti, Ms. Guzzanti's father and a centre Right MP, said the move was "a return to the Middle Ages”. "Perhaps my daughter should be submitted to the judgement of God by being made to walk on hot coals," he added. Antonio Di Pietro, a senator and former anti-corruption magistrate, who organised the rally, said that Ms Guzzanti had only "exercised her constitutional right to freedom of thought. "You can agree or not agree with what she said — and personally I didn't — but to put people in prison for what they think is reminiscent of a time when those who thought differently had castor oil poured down their throats" — a reference to the Fascist era, when the Laterna Treaty was enacted. Editor’s Note: If this woman is facing 5 years in prison for making a joke about the pope, can you imagine what consequences would be placed upon those who dare teach the Biblical truth about the antichrist, the man of sin, and the son of perdition? Could it be that Satan is preparing the way to persecute those who would preach the truth for the end time?
Seventh-day Adventist Church finance officers say they are not currently considering a change in investment strategy in light of recent economic declines, a move they say is "prudent" considering their long-term focus. As major U.S. investment banks fold during a global credit crunch resulting largely from a slump in the U.S. housing market, church officials plan to continue a 20- to 30-year outlook for managing the world church's retirement fund investments. The church's ministry and ability to launch new initiatives would be most affected by any decrease in tithes and offerings, said Roy Ryan, associate treasurer and investment manager for the Adventist world church. "We're monitoring the situation," Ryan said. "While it is fair to say that the budget being prepared for recommendation to Annual Council next month is not aggressive, we do feel that it preserves the ability of the church to move forward with its mission." He later told some 80 church leaders during a regularly scheduled leadership meeting at the world church's headquarters on September 18 that the economy could be in "uncharted territory." The U.S. government has spent about $600 billion in the last few weeks to prop up financial institutions. "A widely held view is that the housing market has to stabilize and that just hasn't happened at this point," Ryan told church leaders. Until then, he said the church would continue its current investment strategy. "We feel the portfolios of the church's investments are prudently invested," Ryan said. Church Treasurer Robert Lemon told church leaders he thought the market would recover as it has after previous downturns, albeit not as quickly. "I'm fearful that after this particular drop -- because it has such wide underpinning on housing and the availability of credit -- the market will be slower to come back," Lemon said. Church President Jan Paulsen encouraged church leaders, saying "None of us is a prophet ... but the Lord said, 'Do not worry about tomorrow.' That to me is a very fundamental statement. It's not light-hearted. "We'll move forward in obedience to the Lord and do the best we can in mission," Paulsen said.
Central Banks, Governments try to Contain Crisis By PAN PYLAS, AP Business Writer Wed Oct 8, 2008 LONDON - European governments sought to contain the deepening world financial crisis on Wednesday, with Britain stepping in to help its hard-pressed banks and Russia shutting down its biggest stock market for two days. But the greatest relief to markets came from a coordinated rate cut from leading world central banks. The British Treasury announced it would be investing up to 50 billion pounds ($87.5 billion) in exchange for stakes in the country's largest banks and building societies, widen the amounts available through an existing short-term bank credit program 200 billion pounds, and guarantee 250 billion pounds (US437.5 billion) worth of short and medium-term debt. The partial nationalization of some of the country's leading banks was supposed to put them on a "sounder footing", said Prime Minister Gordon Brown, after Tuesday's precipitous collapse in banking stocks, most notably Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and HBOS PLC, shook already weak confidence in the financial system. The global credit crisis has exacted a heavy toll on Iceland, where the banking sector dwarfs the rest of the economy thanks to a stock market boom in the mid-1990s. Those heavily exposed banks are now putting the entire country at risk, with Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde warning of "national bankruptcy." Europe's stock exchanges opened sharply lower in the wake of Japan's worst performance since the stock market crash in 1987. The CAC-40 index in Paris suspended updates for a short time because there were too many sell orders to keep up with. Moscow's MICEX stock exchange, where most of Russia's trading takes place, announced it is shutting until Friday after opening with steep losses. The MICEX index dropped more than 14 percent in the first half-hour of trading Wednesday. Russia's oil-fueled economy has seen its stocks hurtle lower on the back of falling oil prices and concerns about the depth of the financial and economic woes in Europe and the U.S. That combination contributed to the worst-ever day of trading for Russian shares on Monday. With coordinated government action proving to be difficult, governments around the world are beginning to look around for someone to blame.
page 4 the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7 —continued from page 1 “Playing Soccer Sunday” Jesus Christ, Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-3:6), reveals that all mankind has a duty to properly observe the Sabbath Day. This is by no means a crushing stricture. In establishing one day in seven as a work-free zone, God is granting us a gift by which the needs of the human body for rest and of the human soul for worship may be fulfilled. —continued from page 1 “Catholics Seek to Meet With Obama, McCain” candidate ever. So how is it that Obama gets to appear sitting, laughing, and enjoying a pleasant dinner and John Kerry didn’t? The Catholic bishops throughout the U.S. have been telling their rank and file members that to vote for a candidate who is anti-life would be to go against the church’s “moral” teachings. In fact it was in 2004, when Kerry was running for the Presidency, that the Catholic Bishops in America adopted the document “Catholics in Political Life.” Notice what part of the document says: “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” One month before this white-tie banquet, Cardinal Egan also attacked every politician who supports abortion, including Obama. The New York Sun reported on September 2, 2008 in an article entitled, “Cardinal Egan Takes on Pelosi,” quote: “Anyone who dares to defend that they [unborn] may be legitimately killed because another human being 'chooses' to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.” Those are strong words coming from the highest Catholic leaders in America. No awards, honors, or platforms for pro-abortion candidates. And according to Cardinal Egan himself, they are definitely not worthy to provide “leadership in a civilized democracy.” Now here is the two-facedness, inconsistent paradox on the part of Catholic leaders. Why then, in spite of all the continued admonitions of the Bishops, the Priests, the Cardinals, the Orders, the Sisters, and all the Catholic sources in the media who convey the church’s message, why would Cardinal Edward Egan be seated beside Obama laughing it up? Why would the highest levels of the church sit down and break bread with the pro-abortion Senator for all the world to see? Why give him a platform? Why give him the honor of hosting him? Has the church reached such a point of hypocrisy where they just don’t care anymore? It is evident that Catholic leaders have generally agreed that political candidates who favor unrestricted abortion should not be given opportunities to speak at Church-sponsored events. Unless, of course, the event raises millions of dollars for the church. Unless the event is covered by the major news networks so that they can show off their political influence. Or quite frankly, unless they knew he was going to be President. Maybe they know something that we don’t know. “And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes…And had she but the power, she would put them in practice [depose or set up emperors, civil leaders] with as much vigor now as in past centuries.” The Great Controversy, p. 581. —The Editors
Interestingly, this is the only Commandment to begin with a reminder: ‘Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ... .’ After adopting a principled stand against the staging of football matches on the Lord’s Day for a period of more than 60 years, it is distressing to note that the Irish FA has turned its back on its moral obligations to both God and man. Only the proper observance of the Lord’s Day, under God, can save families, churches, schools and governments from total moral collapse and bring real blessing to our nation. Editor's Note: What a fulfillment of prophecy! This is exactly what the book The Great Controversy p. 587 predicted—that Sunday would be introduced as a good reform.
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the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7 —continued from page 1 “Christian Perfection” they see all around them. Paul touches on this same principle: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Cor. 10:12. It seems also that Christians limit themselves and God by repeating trite old bumper sticker type slogans so often that they become more real to them than Scripture. Maybe you’ve heard or used one or more of these yourself to excuse sin and failure. “I’m only human not perfect - Christians aren’t perfect just forgiven - Nobody’s perfect - Nobody can be perfect in this world.”
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“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:12, 23. All have sinned, and come short of God’s glory, (which is His Divine Character), by breaking His royal law, the 10 Commandments (which also is an abbreviated transcript of God’s character). This is why the Everlasting Gospel, defines itself with a loud voice saying “fear God and give glory to Him ....” Such a command calls us up to an experience opposite of Romans 3:12,23. So if we limit our scope to the experience of Rom 3;12,23, yes, it looks like we present a very imperfect picture. But how does that picture change when we receive God into it and into our experience?
I submit that “perfection” is controversial in Christianity, mainly due to the unbelief of theologians and sin-loving professors of religion. Somehow just mentioning it as part of the gospel causes resentment. If you include it, you can expect to hear something like: “What and who do you think you are, Mr. Perfect?” Saying this, implies that perfection is unattainable, even unbiblical. Before we do a Berean search for the truth about perfection in the Scriptures, let’s look into Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary for a slightly abbreviated definition of the word:
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect.” 2 Sam. 22:31-33.
PER'FECT, 1. Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind; as a perfect likeness; a perfect system. 2. Fully informed; completely skilled; as men perfect in the use of arms; perfect in discipline. 3. Complete in moral excellencies. - (a.) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Mat 5:48. (b.) My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12. (c.) If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1 Jn 4.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48.
Friends, we will approach this subject with questions, objections and a Bible answer format. First, is truth regarding “perfection” or any other Bible doctrine decided by what learned theologians say? Is truth decided by our feelings, personal opinions, experience or comparing ourselves among others? (See Jer 17:5,9 for the wisdom of that). If not, where does a real Christian find the truth of this matter? Does the Bible encourage or discourage man from believing that moral perfection is possible? Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us, let’s start with Genesis and go through the New Testament to get a consistent Bible understanding by weighing the evidence for ourselves and seeking an experience in what God’s word shows us. Amongst the prevailing wickedness just before and during the time of the flood, two men are known for gaining just such a perfect walk and experience. What did it get them? “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years...And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Gen. 5:22, 24. “And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth ...But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD...Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Gen. 6:7-9. After the flood, God commanded Abram to a certain kind of walk. What was connected with that walk? “... the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Gen. 17:1, 7. It appears here that the words “And I will...” following “walk before me, and be thou perfect” show that the Everlasting Covenant was and is conditional upon God’s command to be perfect. Was Abraham alone commanded to be perfect? No, God commanded all whom He has delivered from bondage to do the same: “Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.” Duet. 18:13. Some vehemently insist, “no man has ever been perfect!” Is that true to God’s Word? Has God ever declared any mortal to have become perfect? If so, what kind of spirit challenges God’s declaration? We find the answers clearly stated in: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:811. It appears it is a satanic spirit that denies and defies perfection. Did any test cause this mortal man, Job, whom God called “perfect” to turn against Him? If I remember correctly, even though Job did not understand what happened to him, he said “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him:...” (Job 13:15) . But some will say: “oh that was then, in Old Testament times, today we stand in a different relation to perfection entirely.” Is that true, how does the Bible define how we stand?
He does not leave us imperfect if we are joined to Him in the way. His way becomes our way and thereby He makes our way perfect in His strength and omnipotent power. Where do we most clearly see His perfect way? In God’s Sanctuary and in Jesus Christ (See Psa 77:13 & John 14:6). The process of our perfection starts as a command from the Lord.
Peter, quoting Moses and Moses quoting the LORD defines what this perfection means by using synonyms: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Pet. 1:15,16. “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.” Lev. 20:7, 8. These directives from the Lord parallel perfection with holiness and sanctification. We are directed to make these our experience because God is perfect, He is holy and He is our sanctification. And we as His born again children are empowered to reflect Him. Hebrews 12:14 makes it clear that without holiness, also known as sanctification, no man shall see the Lord. This experience is not optional, if we would be saved. We will return to these parallel terms later. Again, the Lord’s bidding found in Matthew 5 and through Peter and Moses’ biddings found in 1 Peter and Leviticus 20 are all direct commands, and we know all His biddings are possible. “The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To every one engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you.” Christ's Object Lessons, p. 332. “As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command, may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ's Object Lessons, p. 333. Here are a few more good places to see this call or command to follow the Lord and God’s enabling and transforming power. Note the conditions, that we have a part and must choose to have this experience to be saved. “But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Pet. 5:10, 11. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Heb. 5:8, 9. “‘We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord’ (2 Cor. 3:18). Christ is the sinner's advocate. Those who accept His gospel behold Him with open face. They see the relation of His mission to the law, and they acknowledge God's wisdom and glory as revealed by the Saviour. The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of His character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men become changed to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine nature, and grow more and more like their Saviour, advancing step by step in conformity to the will of God, till they reach perfection.” Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 240. There is no “creature merit” in all this. It is God’s power, and those who experience this perfecting power fear God and give glory to Him. Yet it is not automatically imputed to us! God does not force us, we must choose to believe and act on that belief. Some try to hide the truth of this behind a smokescreen of false or misapplications of words and concepts. They cause many to miss what God is offering. We must not let them deceive us or others by confusing worldly or human PERFECTIONISM with the Biblical process of Christian Perfection, also known as both justification and sanctification. —continued on page 6
page 6 the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7 —continued from page 5 “Christian Perfection” “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:1, 2.
joy in this experience? Yes, it gives God joy to do it, and imagine the joy we can have as in doing it, He lifts us up to sit with Him in His throne as overcomers?!
Being transformed, proving God’s perfect will to all who look on, is the reasonable service set before true Christians by the One Who calls us to it. Yes, it requires the sacrifice of our otherwise “unprofitable” lives.
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.” 1 Thes. 5:21-24.
“True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth. Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God. We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection. Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all.” Acts of the Apostles, pp. 564, 565. Note: This is why the slogan WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is so dangerous. Many, because of what I’ll refer to as “Cheap Grace” and “Sloppy Agape” theology, believe that we are saved while unrepentant and in continued sin. These have virtually remade God and His salvation after their own image, and are potentially capable of doing most anything, and doing it in Jesus’ name! Can we see that proving the perfect will of God through the imputed and imparted powers of heaven is not optional? It is an ongoing work of Christ and the willing receiver to daily partake in the Divine Nature. But the fact that it is not done for us unconditionally should not remove any real assurance from us. Quite the opposite. From all we’ve seen so far, and especially coupled with the next divine assurance, any Bible believer will be assured that if we cooperate, He, the Author and Finisher of our faith, will bring this work to completion or perfection. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Phil. 1:6. Some will attempt to refute this doctrine no matter how much proof you have, but I believe such prove they are allied to the enemy of Truth, God and men (whether they perceive it yet or not) and that it is spiritually suicidal to take an opposing view as it leaves one with a mere form of godliness, but denies the power thereof. “The enemy will suggest that the Lord will not keep us from sinning, and make us obedient to all his requirements. He will direct our mind to our past imperfections, to our sins, failures, and mistakes, and tell us we need not expect to come off conquerors at last. We are not to listen to the suggestions of the enemy, or think that our unaided efforts can save us, but we are to believe that Jesus does the work for us.” Signs of the Times, Sept. 12, 1892. No one is safe who focuses on past sins or who listens to the enemy’s reasoning. But if we are going to prove our position, our evidence on this matter must be very Biblical. We can use Spirit of Prophecy with believers who have tested these writings to the Bible Standard, but, those among us who have not tested them or who are seeking loopholes, have no fear of making those writings to none effect. So the rest will be only the Bible. What did the Lord inspire Paul to write to those surrounded with the shadows of unbelievers? “... come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 6:17, 18; 2 Cor. 7:1. God promises to receive as sons and daughters, those who, in the fear of God, come out from among those who do not believe in the transforming grace that both justifies and perfects holiness in our lives. I pray that all who read this receive the power inherent in God’s promises. Both Peter and Jude described perfecting holiness as the result of believing and acting on God’s promises. What are the results He promises us? “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness...Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust...brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Pet. 1:2-4, 10. “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 1:24. What do you get when you add this all together? Being no longer “only human” but enjoined with or a “partaker of the divine nature,” having escaped corruption, never falling, and faultless!? May this also fit within the Biblical definition of Christian perfection? By the way, who is given exceeding
Paul wrote more about Christian perfection, though also here, other words describe that high, yet attainable condition. Please note once more Who enables it and how it is accomplished.
It is interesting to note in verse 23, how the word “wholly” (hol-ot-el-ace) is defined in the Strong’s Greek concordance as “to the end, that is, absolutely perfect.” Our faithful God promises the power, but leaves it to us to believe Him and hold fast to it: But for those who maintain that “we will sin till Jesus comes” I agree that you probably will! But nonetheless, take careful note that this absolutely perfect sanctification is something “preserved blameless” in its recipients “till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let’s go further as we see Paul further describing his mission to teach Christian Perfection, as well as to and through whom it is to be taught. Here again, the Bible points us to the Power through Whom it is accomplished and its ultimate effect, calling it: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” Col. 1:26-28. This is the purpose of the real gospel, and its power, to present every man who receives it “perfect in Christ Jesus.” Can you say “amen” to that? Friends, perfection is a continual Biblical theme. Is it not precisely why we see Christ pouring Spiritual gifts and administrations into His church? This is exactly what we see in:
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Eph 4:7, 8, 12, 13. Paul discovered his traditional old Pharisaic view of the law and righteousness, had not the power of true righteousness by faith. I submit that many of us have scales over our eyes. And like Paul, we have received them by traditions of men, and they have blinded us to true righteousness by faith also known as “perfection.” Look how Paul describes his experience once he discovered the truth. “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:9-14 Far from teaching “saved by the law” or “once saved always saved,” Paul preaches a gospel that clearly illustrates our cooperation in pressing toward the mark (that sin causes us to come short of). He preaches that the true Christian presses on with strength and confidence, knowing that Christ has apprehended him, laid hands on him if you will, and is pulling him as he presses forward up the narrow upward path to the prize. What is that calling and what is the prize? It is perfection and the literal presence of God. Face to face and side by side with Christ. Don’t you desire that? Can we get it any other way than Paul will get it? Let’s start bringing this home as we read what Paul wrote of the successful tools and gospel efforts of others that aided even more as they pressed toward the same mark: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12. In his letter to Timothy, Paul defines the purpose of the Scriptures: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in —continued on page 7
the eternal gospel herald — volume 5, no. 7 —continued from page 6 “Christian Perfection” righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim 3:15-17 All through the New Testament, God assures us that it is His will to bring us out of the experience of Romans 3:23 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Heb.13:20, 21. James also describes this same process, illustrating one of the elements God uses to bring it about: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 Friends, after seeing what the Bible says for itself, are those who teach perfection merely fanatics, preaching an impossibility or even a false gospel? Or is this a Biblical doctrine of Christ? If it’s clearly Biblical, and it is a doctrine of our savior Jesus Christ, why do so many deny it? It would be best to let God’s Word briefly answer that, lest I be perceived to be judgmental, not Christ-like or unloving. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. ...” 2 John 1:9 “...If a man love Me, he will keep My words...He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings:...” John 14:23-24 We are coming around full circle in this study. And before we close, if there is still some doubt, in us or somebody else, I’d like to ask Jesus to help us expose and dispose of it. Let’s read two passages from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 5:16,48. Ask anyone who claims to be a “Christian” and denies the doctrine of Christian Perfection, is verse 16 to be taken seriously and verse 48 is not? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 Why is one cheerfully and confidently proclaimed and encouraged by nearly every Christian? And why is it that most who call themselves Christians doubt that we can experience the other, and whole denominations and seminaries and theologians really doubt it, and discourage preaching all that it can mean? Do we really love the Lord? Don’t we really want God the Father and Son to receive all they paid for with the greatest Sacrifice the eternal universe will ever have known? There is really a lot more at stake here than many will ever think. As we go to our closing Scriptures, let’s use our imaginations and lean close to the Lord as He prays His last prayer with His disciples before being betrayed into the hands of the mob to be tried and crucified. This is really a dying prayer. Let’s read it and ask Him, “Lord, did you pray an unanswerable prayer?” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:2023. In this prayer, if we look closely, we see that how or if Christianity accepts this truth and prayer, that they may be made perfect in one” determines how or if the world can really ever know that Jesus was truly the divine sent of God the Father. Our perfection in Christ, or our doubt and rejection of it, preaches a louder gospel than the words we speak or write. What Gospel will your life have preached? Paul’s farewell to all Christians who read his Inspired letter to Corinth and the world, also expresses my appeal to you: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 You or I may not yet have experienced perfection. We may not have known or seen others that have, but does that make God’s words untrue? We need to walk by faith (which comes by the word of God) and not by sight, feeling or comparing the experiences of others with God’s Word. By God’s grace, and calling, let’s come up higher.
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—continued from page 1 “The Sunday-Sabbath Issue” world betterment. It will not be raised by politicians but by churchmen who have combined to force their views upon the world. This will be the issue that will precipitate a climatic contest between those who honor the commandments of God and those who honor them not. The Sunday-Sabbath will be made the mark of loyalty to a politico-ecclesiastical power which has seized control of the life of man under the pretense of saving the world. Those who refuse to receive that mark will be put under the ban. We read in prophecy concerning these things, “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Rev. 13:15-17. Here is revealed a power to which everyone must yield absolute obedience under threat of economic sanctions and even death. The climax of this prophecy is reached when all men are forced to receive a mark, and we are told just what that mark is. It is the mark of the beast. The two beasts brought to view in the thirteenth chapter of Revelation are symbols of the Papacy and apostate Protestantism, who join hands under the symbol of the image of the beast and enforce the keeping of Sunday as a mark of loyalty to their plans. Long ago Roman Catholics declared the observance of Sunday to be the mark of papal authority, and that Protestants by keeping Sunday in the place of the seventh day of the fourth commandment, unwittingly at least, acknowledge that authority. If Roman Catholics and Protestants ever wanted a symbol of their united purpose to reform the life of man, what institution could be more suitable than this Sunday-Sabbath? Both feel the importance of Sunday as a symbol of respect for religious and moral concepts. Some have declared that this institution must be restored to its rightful place if the world is to be saved from pagan influences. It is still a very definite part of Roman Catholic and Protestant thinking. While some modernists in both these groups may argue that we need not be too particular which day we keep, just so we keep one day in seven, yet they insist that when one day has been generally agreed upon, then all should observe it. So we must not permit the loose views regarding the keeping of Sunday to make us doubt that the sacred observance of the first day of the week can ever be forced upon the world in this day of liberal ideas. The point is that liberals are among the most earnest advocates of group thinking, and they declare that when the group decides a matter, all should adhere to it. Let the group under the stimulus of a reformatory work decide that Sunday should be set up as a day of worship and urge that all should cooperate in observing that day, then those who observe another day would be in grave danger of being ostracized. Should Protestants and Catholics be indifferent to the continuity of the weekly cycle and the observance of the exact first day of the week as many seem to be today, but still insist on the general observance of a Sunday-Sabbath be put into effect, the situation would be further complicated for those who believe that not a seventh day should be kept but the seventh day of an unbroken weekly cycle. We are beginning to see in the many events taking place, and the varied proposals that are being offered to the world how Satan is trying to confuse the issues and if possible deceive or discourage the very elect. Thus the final issue is coming into clear focus. The call to national and religious unity is becoming more and more insistent. Individual conscience must be curbed in order to advance this unity. No man in such a dangerous time as this has a right to hold himself aloof from the judgment of the community. When the majority decides that the observance of the first day of the week is necessary to the welfare of the national life, then it is the duty of the individual to bow to the public will. This is what we are being told. Someday we will wake up and find the issue right upon us. What stand will you then take, dear fellow believer? Is your faith strong enough to endure accusations of stubbornness and disloyalty on the part of your neighbors and eventually public condemnation by your government? Every trend today is pointing to this final climax; every road leads to this last great contest. God grant, my brother, my sister, that you will be ready for it. Editor’s Note: The author of this article, Frederick Lee, was an associate editor for the Review & Herald. Where are the editors today who stand up to proclaim the truth as it is for this time? It is sad that most of the denominational journals and magazines have lost the distinctiveness of our message. “God has given me light regarding our periodicals. What is it? He has said that the dead are to speak. How?--Their works shall follow them. We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. They moved forward step by step under the influence of the Spirit of God.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 28.
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“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:33
Pope Meets With the New Catholic President of Lebanon—October 31, 2008 - Pope Benedict XVI talks with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman during a meeting at the Vatican. The Pope discussed the Middle East on Friday when he met with Sleiman, the Maronite Christian president of mainly Muslim Lebanon. (AFP/POOL/Tony Gentile)
Pakistani Earthquake Kills Over 300— Earthquake survivors wait their turn to receive blankets in Ziarat, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Quetta, Pakistan on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. The 6.4-magnitude quake hit an impoverished region near the Afghan border before dawn on Wednesday, destroying 3,000 flimsy mud-walled houses. Officials say the official death toll of 215 is likely to rise past 300. (AP Photo/Arshad Butt)
Germany’s Economy to Grind to a Halt in 2009—A view of downtown Frankfurt's financial centre, October 2008. A blue-ribbon panel of experts has said that German economic growth will grind to a halt next year, raising doubts about Berlin's plans to shield Europe's biggest economy from the global turmoil. (AFP/File/ John Macdougall)
“There's probably no God, Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life”—The Daily Mail of London reported on Oct. 22, 2008 that Buses with the slogan “There's probably no God” were running on the streets of Britain. The atheist posters are the idea of the British Humanist Association (BHA) and have been supported by prominent atheist Professor Richard Dawkins. The BHA planned only to raise £5,500, which was to be matched by Professor Dawkins, but it has now raised more than £20,300 of its own accord. It aims to have two sets of 30 bendy-buses carrying the signs.
250,000 people displaced in Congo—People displaced by fighting line up for aid handouts at Kibati, north of Goma in eastern Congo, November 12, 2008. Packed into squalid refugee camps or roaming in the bush, hundreds of thousands of Congolese children face hunger, disease, sexual abuse or recruitment by marauding armed factions, according to aid workers. REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
Death toll from Plane Crash at 154—The Spanair MD-82 passenger plane that crashed at Madrid airport had two technical problems shortly before the fatal flight, which killed 154 people, Spanish press reports Thursday quoted Spanair sources as saying.
Obese Kids Have Old Arteries—Nov. 11, 2008 - Kids these days are 13 going on 45, at least when it comes to their arteries. According to research presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association's annual scientific sessions in New Orleans, obese adolescents had arteries more representative of someone three decades older. (AFP/File/Francois Guillot)
Devotees flock to 'Buddha reincarnation' in Nepal—Ram Bahadur Bamjan, in white, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha, blesses a Buddhist monk in Nijgadh town, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Katmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008. Bamjan, 18, has re-emerged from the jungle in southern Nepal, attracting thousands of devotees, officials said Tuesday. After retreating into the jungle for more than a year, he reemerged Monday. (AP Photo/Binod Joshi)
Death Toll Rises in Indian Ethnic Riots— India, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Police recovered six bodies in India's northeastern state of Assam, raising the death toll from a week of ethnic violence between local tribes and Muslim settlers to 53, officials said on Wednesday.Police said the toll could rise as they reach remote regions and retrieve more bodies. The six recovered overnight were of victims killed in previous clashes that have also left 85,000 people homeless and taking shelter in government camps.
Gay couples start marrying in Connecticut— Gay couples walk to Superior Court in New Haven, Conn., Wednesday Nov. 12, 2008, where Judge Jonathan Silbert ruled at a brief hearing that gay and lesbian couples now may pick up marriage license forms at town and city clerks' offices statewide. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Oct. 10 that same-sex couples have the right to wed rather than accept a civil union law designed to give them the same rights as married couples. (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)