Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14

“... theyerean received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scripturespirit daily, whether those things were so.” B S (Acts 17:10-11)

Philadelphia or Laodicea? by David Clayton

to indicate seven chronological stages in last days, then you will have to be in the history of the Christian church. That the Laodicean, church. Likewise, if you is the way it is explained. The churches accept that the Seventh Day Adventist are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyat- church is the Laodicean church, then ira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. the natural conclusion is that you have It is believed, that Ephesus covered to be a member of this church in order the apostolic era from the time of Je- to be saved. sus, until the time of the death of the This is the kind of thinking, that has last apostle about A. D. 100. Smyrna led to statements like the following, would cover from about A. D. 100, to which were taken from the Adventist A. D. 313, and Pergamos would go from Review, published a few years ago: about 313 to about 538 when the papa- cy was fully established as a dominant “It (the S. D. A church) is God’s cre- power. Thyatira would span the period ated, appointed, and only means for the salvation of sinners.” The SDA Church and Laodicea of papal supremacy, from 538 to about 1517, when the Protestant reformation “… It is the gate of heaven for the sin One of the things that is early en- began under Martin Luther, and Sardis sick soul. … No one pretends that God’s graved in the mind of every Seventh would cover the Protestant period, from church is blameless, or that it has no Day Adventist, is the thought that La- about 1517 to about 1833, when the fault, but it is God’s church and all should odicea is God’s church of the last days. great second Advent movement began stand back and let God deal with his pos- As soon as a person joins the Seventh under William Miller. The Philadel- session.” Review, February 1995, page Day Adventist church, he is made to phian period, continued from the time 2 (Inter-American edition) understand that the Seventh Day Ad- that William Miller started to preach ventist church is represented by the in 1833, until about sometime in the “Many have been tempted to doubt seventh of the seven churches men- 1840’s when the Seventh Day Adventist our remnant status or special calling. tioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, church began. The Seventh Day Adven- the Laodicean Church. It is not difficult tist church, would be from the eighteen to support this claim, because there are forties until the coming of Jesus, which Also in this issue: many statements in the writings of El- is the Laodicean period. Modern Wheat ...... p.3 len White, which state that the church is This is the way it is explained, and What Difference Does It Make? ... p.7 in a Laodicean condition, and in which if this is the way you understand the Save the Date ...... p.10 the Seventh Day Adventist church is interpretation of the seven churches, identified as Laodicea. Think about These Things ...... p.11 then logically if you want to be saved Tasty Vegan Recipes ...... p.12 In Adventist thinking the seven and be a part of God’s program in the churches in Revelation are understood www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 1 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14

Revelation are intended to represent a seven horns on His head, but it doesn’t Coming Home Ministry sequential order in the history of God’s mean that there are seven stages in the Wenatchee area, WA, USA true church on the earth. When Smyrna power of Jesus, but rather, that He has comes on the scene, is Ephesus already complete power. Can it be that the seven Berean Spirit is dedicated to the gone? Does Pergamos takes the place churches of Revelation 2 and 3, really promotion and restoration of all of Smyrna, and in our time, When La- represent the entire Christian church in Bible truths and principles that God odicea comes on the scene, does Phila- the world in the time of the end? It is has given to His church, especially for delphia cease to exist? Is Laodicea the interesting to notice that Jesus mentions the last days of this Earth’s history. only church of the seven remaining to- his coming, to at least three of the last day? This is the popular belief of Sev- four churches. He mentions his coming Our purpose is to share articles enth-day Adventism. in such a way, that it seems to indicate and studies about Bible truths and that these churches will be around at the health to help motivate the readers Let us consider a few pertinent time when He returns. to be prepared for the coming of points. First of all, Revelation is a book the Lord. that is primarily applicable to the end time. Its focus is primarily to that pe- is published quarterly, Existing at Christ’s return Berean Spirit riod of time that the Bible calls “the and sent free of cost to all who desire day of the Lord,” when God will begin, In Revelation 2, v. 24, 25, Jesus says, to receive it. once again, to mightily intervene in the Editors: Stephen and Sarolta Noyes affairs of men. It is very clear that Rev- “But unto you I say, and unto the rest elation’s emphasis is on the time of the in Thyatira, as many as have not this Contact Information last great crisis, when we will have the doctrine, and which have not known by e-mail: [email protected] development of those who receive the the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will by phone: 509-782-2439 mark of the beast, and those who re- put upon you none other burden. But by mail: Coming Home Ministry ceive the seal of the living God. that which ye have already hold fast till I come.” (Revelation 2:24, 25) PO Box 420 In Revelation 1:11, Jesus is speak- Dryden WA 98821 ing. John says he hears a great voice, If Jesus says, “hold fast till I come”, which says, “I am Alpha and Omega, it seems to indicate very clearly, that They are making a mistake that may last the first and the last: and, What thou whomever he is talking to, is going to be for eternity. Inspiration tells us, that God seest, write in a book, and send it unto around at the moment when he comes. will carry the noble ship which bears the the seven churches which are in Asia, He doesn’t say (like he says to the peo- people of God safely into port, and that to unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and ple of Smyrna), “be thou faithful unto enter any new organization would mean unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and death” but “hold fast till I come”. The apostasy. Scripture is clear. God has es- unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and people of Smyrna will die, but the peo- tablished a remnant church for these last unto Laodicea.” Notice that the mes- ple of Thyatira to whom He is speaking days. Corporately, No other church body sage is applicable to all seven churches, will be around when He returns, be- fits the description but ours, which alone and was sent to all seven of them. No- cause he says, “hold fast till I come.” has been given his present truth mes- tice furthermore, that all of these seven Next, He says to Sardis in Revela- sage.” Review, Sept. 1994, page 7 churches existed at the same time, and tion 3:3, even in the same basic geographic area This is the kind of thinking that stems of the world. They all existed in Asia. “Remember therefore how thou hast from the idea, that the S. D. A church is received and heard, and hold fast, and Laodicea, which is God’s true church in repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, the last days. Another Interpretation I will come on thee as a thief, and thou Is it possible that there is another in- shalt not know what hour I will come A Sequential Order? terpretation of these seven churches? upon thee.” (Revelation 3:3) Seven is a symbol of completeness. Do Let us now examine this idea of Again, this is very interesting. We these churches represent God’s com- Laodicea being the last church. Ev- have always said, that Sardis represents plete church in the world in the end time? erything hangs upon the question of Notice that the lamb in Revelation 5 has Continued on page 4 whether or not; those seven churches in

PAGE 2 www.cominghomeministry.org Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 What’s Wrong with Modern Wheat?

known for exploding when mishandled, in candy, lunch meats, soy sauce, and says Dr. Davis. This hybridized wheat even wine coolers. doesn’t survive in the wild, and most As if making you hungrier wasn’t farmers rely on toxic chemical fertil- enough, early evidence suggests that izers and pesticides to keep the crops modern wheat’s new biochemical code alive. (It’s important to note, however, causes hormone disruption that is linked that the intensive breeding efforts that to diabetes and obesity. “It is not my have so dramatically transformed wheat contention that it is in everyone’s best should not to be confused with genet- interest to cut back on wheat; it is my ic engineering of food, or GMOs.) All belief that complete elimination is in nutrient content of modern wheat de- everyone’s best health interests,” says We would like to emphasizes at the preciated more than 30% in its natural Dr. Davis, “In my view, that’s how bad beginning of this article that we are not unrefined state compared to its ancestral this thing called ‘wheat’ has become.” suggesting cutting all grains and gluten genetic line. The balance and ratio that from the diet. We just want to bring to God created for wheat was also modi- the reader’s attention the truth about fied and human digestion and physiolo- The Nutritional Value of modern wheat and encourage every- gy could simply not adapt quick enough Wheat is Practically Non- body to research, to study this subject to the changes. Existent in Its Current Form and to make sensible life-style choices. Davis said that the wheat we eat these So-called health experts in nutrition days isn’t the wheat your grandma had: who continue to promote the health ben- The world’s most popular grain is “It’s an 18-inch tall plant created by efits of wheat are extremely uninformed also the deadliest for the human metab- genetic research in the ’60s and ’70s.” about the nature of modern wheat and olism. Modern wheat isn’t really wheat “This thing has many new features no- its evolution from growth to consump- at all and is a “perfect, chronic poison,” body told you about, such as there’s a tion. It is shocking how many profes- according to Dr. William Davis, cardi- new protein in this thing called gliadin. sionals in public health still recommend ologist and author of Wheat Belly: Lose It’s not gluten. I’m not addressing peo- wheat products without an assessment the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find ple with gluten sensitivities and celiac of their individual requirements, espe- Your Path Back to Health. disease. I’m talking about everybody cially considering the amount of ev- Approximately 700 million tons of else because everybody else is suscep- idence regarding its lack of nutrition wheat are now cultivated worldwide tible to the gliadin protein that is an and health risks for proportionally large making it the second most-produced opiate. This thing binds into the opi- segments of the population. grain after maize. It is grown on more ate receptors in your brain and in most people stimulates appetite, such that we The majority of wheat is processed land area than any other commercial into 60% extraction, bleached white crop and is considered a staple food consume 440 more calories per day, 365 days per year.” flour. 60% extraction–the standard for for humans. most wheat products means that 40% At some point in our history, this The appetite-stimulating properties of the original wheat grain is removed. ancient grain was nutritious in some of modern wheat most likely occurred So not only do we have an unhealthi- respects, however modern wheat real- as an accidental by-product of largely er, modified, and hybridized strain of ly isn’t wheat at all. Clearfield Wheat, unregulated plant breeding methods, wheat, we also remove and further de- grown on nearly 1 million acres in Dr. Davis explains. But he charges that grade its nutritional value by processing the Pacific Northwest, was created in it’s impact on inflammatory diseas- it. Unfortunately, the 40% that gets re- a geneticist’s lab by exposing wheat es may have something to do with the moved includes the bran and the germ seeds and embryos to the mutation-in- fact that, in the past 15 years, it’s been of the wheat grain–its most nutrient-rich ducing industrial toxin sodium azide, showing up in more and more processed a substance poisonous to humans and foods. Wheat ingredients are now found Continued on page 8 www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 3 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14

“Philadelphia or Laodicea?” acterized by great brotherly love, great seven churches carefully, they really affection for one another and a great do seem to fit into that historical pat- Continued from page 2 zeal for the cause of God. In fact, El- tern. Can it be that there is more than len White says that it was the greatest one angle from which we should view the Protestant churches. Now Jesus awakening since the time of the apos- this prophecy? says to the Sardis Christians, “I will tles. That is a strong statement, but I come on you as a thief if you will not During the period of Catholic su- suppose only those who lived through premacy, we have the Thyatira period. watch.” Every time in the Scriptures it could ever understand what it was re- that Jesus’ coming has been compared Then came the Sardis period when the ally like. She implies that it was greater reformation began. But when Sardis to the coming of a thief, it has been in even than the Protestant reformation. connection with His second coming. began, did the Roman Catholic Church In 2 Peter 3:10, it says: “But the day Notice that in Revelation 3:11, Jesus come to an end? When the Protestant of the Lord shall come as a thief in the says to Philadelphia: “Behold I come reformation began, did it mean that all night.” Again in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, quickly, hold that fast which thou hast of a sudden there were no more Chris- it says: “For yourselves know perfectly that no man take thy crown.” So we tians in the Roman Catholic Church? that the day of the Lord so cometh as a see, that Jesus mentions his coming Are there Christians in the Roman thief in the night.” It also says in verse to the church of Philadelphia also. He Catholic Church today? Did the Roman 4. “But ye, brethren, are not in dark- says: “I come quickly, hold fast that Catholic Church came to an end as soon ness, that that day should overtake you which thou hast.” Clearly, again, this as the Protestant church started, or did as a thief.” In Matthew 24, Jesus says: must be a message that applies to peo- Protestantism and Catholicism contin- ple who are alive. It cannot be a mes- ue side by side? The truth is, that they “But know this, that if the goodman sage that applies to those who are dead. continued side by side, and even today, of the house had known in what watch What would the statement here, “Be- Catholicism and Protestantism contin- the thief would come, he would have hold I come quickly,” mean to a person ue in the same way. watched, and would not have suffered who is dead? The same thing happened at the time his house to be broken up.” (Matthew For all the people who died from the of the great Advent awakening move- 24:43) days of Adam down to the very last ment in 1833. When this movement Christian who will die on this earth, the began, Adventists began to preach, So he instructs us to watch for his re- time that passes from the time of their and the Protestant churches suffered turn as for a thief’s coming. death to the coming of Jesus will ap- a moral fall. Does it mean then that In this message to Sardis then, in Rev- pear to have been very brief. Adam died there were no more Christians in these elation 3:3, Jesus’ reference to coming over five thousand years ago, but when churches? Ellen White herself says that upon Sardis like a thief, is clearly refer- he comes back to life on the resurrec- the majority of God’s people are still in ring to his second coming. The church tion morning, it will seem to have been the churches that we call Babylon. that He is speaking about, is a church just a moment. The same thing will So here we had the Advent move- that is going to be around when Jesus happen to me if I die today. It will seem ment, the Protestant churches and the comes, but it will be a church that will to be just a moment, and I wont know Catholic Church, Three church groups be taken by surprise. about the passing of all those years that existing together side by side, with Now let us notice something very pass while I sleep. So, when Jesus says, God’s people being in each of these interesting about the message to Phila- “Behold I come quickly” he must be three churches. The majority of God’s delphia. After Thyatira, there is Sardis, talking to people who are able to see people at this time were inside the Ad- then Philadelphia. Philadelphia is ac- that the time is passing quickly. It will vent movement, but God still had peo- cepted by all Adventists, as represent- mean nothing to a Christian who dies. ple in the Protestant churches and the ing the period of the great awakening, So Philadelphia clearly is a church that Catholic Church. from the time of the Millerite move- is around at the time when Jesus comes ment, to the early stages of the Seventh again. We will see this very clearly in Day Adventist church. just a moment. A Faultless Church

Philadelphia means brotherly love, Does this mean that the historical in- Out of the last church, will come and those who lived at that time de- terpretation of these churches is false? the 144,000, a people who are prefect, scribed that movement as being char- The truth is that when we examine the without fault or spot, without wrinkle

PAGE 4 www.cominghomeministry.org Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 or blemish or any such thing (Revela- say this to a church if that church is go- Notice that the Philadelphians will tion 14:5). In the last generation, God ing to be perfect? If this church is the have three things written on them. will perfect a people who will experi- church of the 144,000, why does Jesus (1) The name of God, ence the completeness of the atonement. say, “I will spew you out of my mouth, (2) the name of the new Jerusalem There are only two churches among because you are lukewarm?” The best (3) Jesus’ new name. the seven that could be described as thing he can find to say to Laodicea is, “I counsel you.” He has counseled, but perfect. These are the two churches In the book, Early Writings, on page there is no prophetic word or indication with which Jesus finds no fault. They 15, and in the little booklet, A Word To that Laodicea ever comes into the fa- are, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Smyrna The Little Flock, also on page 15, here vour of Christ. seems to be a church of martyrs, be- is what E. G. White wrote: cause one of the things that Jesus says But here is another question. Laodi- to Smyrna, is, “Be thou faithful unto cea has become synonymous with the “The 144,000 were all sealed and per- death and I will give you a crown of idea of lukewarmness. If you say some- fectly united. On their forehead was writ- life.” He speaks about Smyrna suffer- body is Laodicean, what you actually ten, God, New Jerusalem and a glorious ing tribulation for ten days, and coun- mean, is that the person is lukewarm, star containing Jesus’ new name.” sels, “Be thou faithful unto death.” For lethargic, self righteous, not zealous in Philadelphia also, Jesus has only com- his Christianity. If somebody is in the These are the same exact things that mendation. There is not a single word of Laodicean state or condition and this Jesus promised to the Philadelphians. rebuke for Philadelphia, and at the end person repents, he is no longer luke- So the144,000 as well as the Phila- he says: “Hold fast what you have.” He warm; he is now a hot Christian. Can delphian church each have the words, even says to Philadelphia: “You have this person be said to be Laodicean? “God, New Jerusalem,” and Jesus’ new kept the words of my patience.” Bear Is it ever possible for the Laodicean name written on them. This suggests in mind, that only the 144,000 will be a church, the Laodicean condition to be- that they are the same people. But here perfect people. come a hot, vibrant, living Christian is more compelling evidence. In Reve- In contrast, there are two churches in church? Laodicea will always represent lation 3:12, Jesus says “Him that over- which Jesus can find nothing good. One that which is about to be spewed out of cometh will I make a pillar in the temple of them is Sardis. The best thing that the mouth of Christ. of my God, and he shall go no more out. Jesus can find to say about Sardis, is …” Again, he is talking to the Philadel- that there are some in Sardis who have phian church. “He will become a pillar Philadelphia and the 144,000 not defiled their garments. “And they in the temple of my God.” Jesus says of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:15, that shall walk with me in white for they are In actual fact, there is compelling ev- they will serve God day and night in his worthy.” But to Sardis, generally what idence to indicate that God’s remnant temple. If the 144,000 serve God day he says is this, “You have a name that church in the last days, is not Laodicea, and night in his temple, and according you live, but you are dead. Awake and But actually Philadelphia! How do we to Revelation 3:12, Philadelphia will strengthen the things that remain that come to that conclusion? There is much be made pillars in the temple of God; it are ready to die.” But even in Sardis, evidence in the writings of Ellen White seems to suggest again that they are the he finds a few who have not defiled and in the Bible, which supports this same people. their garments. conclusion. Let us examine some of The other church of which He can this evidence. In Early Writings, on page 19, Ellen White says, speaking of herself and the say nothing good, is Laodicea. We have In Revelation 3:12, Philadelphia is 144,000, been taught to believe that Laodicea is told, God’s end time church. The church that “as we were about to enter the holy “Him that overcometh will I make a pil- will be perfect, the one that will produce temple, Jesus raised his lovely voice and lar in the temple of my God, and he shall the 144,000, and which will be without said: “only the 144,000 enter this place,” go no more out: and I will write upon him spot, wrinkle or blemish, but Laodicea is and we shouted “hallelujah!” the church in which Jesus can find noth- the name of my God, and the name of the ing good. In fact, he says very clearly city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, So clearly then, only the 144,000 to Laodicea, “I will spew thee out of my which cometh down out of heaven from can enter the temple of God, and as we mouth” (Revelation 3:16). Why does he my God: and I will write upon him my see in Revelation 3:12, it is the Phila- new name.” (Revelation 3:12) www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 5 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 delphians that will be made pillars in the name of the Lord, and they would fall Christians who believe in this ministra- God’s temple. She says again on the helpless to the ground. Then it was that tion of Christ in the most holy place, same page, “I saw there tables of stone the synagogue of Satan knew that God there is still that open door before them, in which the names of the 144,000 were had loved us who could wash one an- with that opportunity to become perfect engraved in letters of gold.” So it is very other’s feet and salute the brethren with through Christ. As long as there are clear that the 144,000 are the people a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our people who believe this, Philadelphia who will have the privilege of serving feet.” (Early Writings, p.15) cannot pass away. God in his temple, of being made pillars I want to suggest something else as This is the same exact thing that Jesus in his temple, of entering that temple well. There are still Christians in the says of Philadelphia. Ellen White says it and of having their names engraved in world today who believe what those happens to the 144,000. The synagogue letters of gold. The same things which early Adventists believed. People who of Satan comes and worships at the feet apply to the 144,000, also apply to the still believe these truths undiluted and of the 144,000. The synagogue of Satan Philadelphians. Clearly, they are the unadulterated. They have not rejected comes and worships at the feet of the same people. the teachings of the pioneers. It is those Philadelphians. The Philadelphians and There is more evidence however. who hold to those same beliefs, includ- the 144,000 are the same people. Let us now move on to Revelation 3:9. ing what the pioneers believed about the Jesus is again speaking to the Philadel- So Philadelphia still exists today! nature of God and His identity, who are phians. He says: And if we give it a little thought we still a part of that Philadelphian church, should be able to see that this is logical that Philadelphian movement. Those, “Behold, I will make them of the syna- and reasonable. The book of Revelation however who have embraced the Trin- gogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, is not talking about human denomi- itarian doctrine and have rejected the and are not, but do lie; behold, I will nations, or physical or organizational beliefs of the Philadelphian pioneers make them to come and worship before structures, If there exists today, people concerning God’s identity, are sure- thy feet, and to know that I have loved who hold to the principles of Philadel- ly pressing farther and farther into the thee.” (Revelation 3:9) phia, which are, brotherly love, and zeal arms of something else, perhaps best for God’s truth, can we say that Phila- characterized as Laodicea. The early Jesus says first of all that there isa delphia has passed away? Absolutely Adventist church was characterized as group of people, who say they are Jews, not. One of the things that Jesus says Philadelphia, a church without fault. but they are really the synagogue of Sa- about Philadelphia in Revelation 3:8, Surely those who have turned away tan, they are the people of Satan, they is this: “I know thy works: behold, I from the beliefs of that church cannot are the church of Satan. This is quite have set before thee an open door, and be without fault. startling. Here are people who say they no man can shut it:” Philadelphia has are Christians, they say they are Jews, an open door before it, but what is this but Jesus says they are not. They are li- open door? It is the door to the most The True Remnant ars, who are really of the Synagogue of holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. It Satan. They are really Satan’s people. This teaching that Laodicea is God’s was to the Philadelphian church that the He says that these people will come and last day church is a falsehood. The message of the atonement first came, worship before the feet of the Philadel- foundation of this false idea is the fact the message concerning the experience phians. that Ellen White kept on saying since that was available through Christ’s min- about 1852, that the church was in the Ellen White speaks of this prophecy istration in the most holy place of the Laodicean state. If something negative in Early Writings on page 15. Here is heavenly sanctuary. There was an open is said about your behaviour over and what she says. door placed before Philadelphia. It was over again, you have a choice. You can the door to the experience of perfec- “The 144,000 were all sealed and per- either stop your negative behaviour, or tion. That’s what the open door means, fectly united. On their foreheads was you can adjust your thinking to accept the door to the most holy place of the written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glo- the name that you are being given. If heavenly sanctuary, the door to the final rious star containing Jesus’ new name. I say to a pig, “you are a filthy crea- ministration of Christ. It is Philadelphia At our happy, holy state the wicked were ture,” then the pig could try to reform. who has this open door, and Jesus says enraged, and would rush violently up to He could try to change himself, but No man can shut it. Philadelphia has lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, that opportunity, and wherever there are when we would stretch forth the hand in Continued on page 9

PAGE 6 www.cominghomeministry.org Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 What Difference Does It Make?

Many people say they don’t believe in The doctrine of the Trinity has very Let us examine what are the common the Trinity. What they mean by this, is deep roots and implications. It is not points and differences of the Trinity and that they don’t believe in the version of just about names and believing in a so called “Godhead” belief. Below you the Catholic (or Protestant, etc.) Trinity. 3-in-1 or 3-in-3. will find the main points of these “doc- They don’t believe in the Trinity, they Our understanding of God has a very trines” and also what the Bible reveals believe in the “Godhead”—they say. close and unbreakable link with the plan about these points. Please take the time Many of these people fail to dig deeper of salvation, righteousness by faith, the to study them thoroughly. in studying this issue. atonement, and our salvation.

The Trinitarian Belief The Godhead Belief The Bible

1. Teaches that 1. Teaches that 1. Teaches that • there is one God who is one Be- • there is one Godhead composed • there is one God, the Father ing, one substance, composed of 3 self-conscious persons: God, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, of 3 self-conscious hypostases: the Father, God, the Son, and the Son of God (1 Corinthi- God, the Father, God, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit. ans 8:6). and God, the Holy Spirit. • “But the Godhead of the Fa- • these three separate beings work • The Father and the Son are ther, and of the Son, and of together in perfect unity, and are one (John 10:30) in purpose, the Holy Ghost is all one: “one” (because they are one in in mind, in character but not the glory equal, the majesty purpose and character): their glo- in person (MH p. 423; RH July co-eternal” ... ry equal, the majesty co-eternal. 13, 1905). • “So the Father is God: the • the Father is God: the Son is • the Father is God, Jesus is Son is God: and the Holy God: and the Holy Ghost is God. the Son of God (He is never Ghost is God;” called “God, the Son” but rather the”Son of God”) and the holy spirit is their spirit (not a sepa- rate person) (Romans 8:9). • “And yet there are not three • and yet there are not three Gods; • there is only one God (a per- Gods; but one God ...” but one God (or divinity, called sonal being): the Father (Deu- the Godhead). teronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:6). • “And in this Trinity none is • in this Godhead none is before or • God is the head of Christ (1 before or after another: none after another: none is greater or Corinthians 11:3, 15:28). is greater or less than another.” less than another. • “But the whole three Persons • but the whole three Persons are • God, the Father is greater are co-eternal together, and co-eternal together, and co-equal. than Jesus (John 14:28) in a co-equal.” sense that He was first (RH January 4, 1881) (God doesn’t (The Athanasian Creed) have a beginning, His Son does).

Continued on page 8 ► www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 7 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14

► Continued from page 7

The Trinitarian Belief The Godhead Belief The Bible

2. Denies the literal Sonship of Christ. 2. Denies the literal Sonship of Christ. 2. Teaches the literal Sonship of Christ. (for example, John 3:16)

3. Teaches that Jesus has no begin- 3. Teaches that Jesus has no beginning, 3. Teaches that Jesus does have a be- ning, He is co-eternal and the He is co-eternal and the same age as ginning (Micah 5:2, Proverbs 8:22- same age as God, the Father. God, the Father. 30), He is not co-eternal, nor the same age as God, the Father.

4. Holds that there is no relationship 4. Holds that there is no relationship be- 4. Holds that there is a real relation- between the persons or hyposta- tween the three persons of the God- ship between the persons of Jesus ses of God, they are just playing head, they are just playing roles in and His Father, God, they are not roles in the plan of salvation. the plan of salvation. just playing roles in the plan of salvation.

5. Teaches that the death of Christ on 5. Teaches that the death of Christ on the 5. Teaches that the death of Christ on the cross wasn’t complete because cross wasn’t complete because Jesus the cross was complete (Revelation Jesus is God Himself and God is God in highest sense and God can- 1:18), and God, the Father raised cannot die; also that Christ raised not die; also that Christ raised Him- Him from the dead (Galatians 1:1, Himself from the dead because He self from the dead because He wasn’t Romans 10:9). wasn’t dead completely. dead completely.

6. States that the Holy Ghost (or the 6. States that the Holy Ghost (or the 6. States that the Holy Ghost (or the Holy Spirit) is a third person of Holy Spirit) is a third person of the Holy Spirit) is God’s spirit, which God, coequal, co-eternal and al- Godhead, coequal, co-eternal and al- He shares with His Son (Romans mighty, possessing the same au- mighty, possessing the same authori- 8:9) and with which He is every- thority as God, the Father or God, ty as God, the Father or God, the Son. where present (Psalms 139:7). the Son.

7. Holds that it is the Holy Spirit, a 7. Holds that it is the Holy Spirit, a 7. Holds that it is Jesus (through His different, third person of God different, third person of the God- holy spirit), that is our Comforter. other than Jesus, that is our Com- head other than Jesus, that is our (John 14:18; 8MR p. 49, 19 MR p. forter. Comforter. 296, 297)

“Modern Wheat” since they cause more health risks than cades, we have documented that for ev- benefits. The body does not recognize ery ten people with digestive problems, Continued from page 3 processed wheat as food. Nutrient ab- obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, dia- sorption from processed wheat products betes, arthritis and even heart disease, parts. In the process of making 60% is thus consequential with almost no nu- eight out of ten have a problem with extraction flour, over half of the vita- tritional value. wheat. Once we remove wheat from min B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, Dr. Marcia Alvarez who specializes in their diets, most of their symptoms dis- phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and fi- appear within three to six months. ber are lost. Any processed foods with nutritional programs for obese patients says, “In my practice of over two de- wheat are akin to poison for the body Continued on page 11

PAGE 8 www.cominghomeministry.org Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14

“Philadelphia or Laodicea?” Philadelphians would die. The Phila- White wrote to brother Eli Curtis, who delphian church would pass away, and had suggested that the synagogue of Sa- Continued from page 6 in this way would be spared that great tan, who bows at the saints’ feet would hour of temptation because they had eventually be saved. She says, if he will not change, or if he doesn’t kept the word of his patience. This of “You think, that those who worship want to change, then what he can do is course indicates that it would be Laodi- before the saint’s feet, (Revelation 3:9), convince himself that “filthy” is a good cea, which would pass through, and be will at last be saved. Here I must differ thing. When I say, “you are filthy,” the purified by the hour of temptation. with you; for God shew me that this class pig says, “yes, isn’t it wonderful!” He However, in the phrase, “I … will were professed Adventists, who had fall- comes to accept a bad name as meaning keep thee …“ the word “keep” is trans- en away, and “crucified to themselves something good. lated from the Greek word “tereo” Ac- the Son of God afresh, and put him to an That is exactly what the SDA church cording to Strongs Greek dictionary open shame.” And in the “hour of temp- has done. Ellen White kept on saying (#5083), it means: “to guard from loss tation,” which is yet to come, to show that the church was in the Laodicean or injury, by keeping the eye upon.” out every one’s true character, they will state, the church was lukewarm, the This word and a similar idea also ap- know that they are forever lost; and over- church was in a fallen state, and so the pears in John 17:15 where Jesus says, whelmed with anguish of spirit, they will Adventist denomination could not get bow at the saint’s feet.” (A Word to the I pray not that thou shouldest take them away from the fact that it represented Little Flock, p.12) the Laodicean state, because it was said out of the world, but that thou shouldest so many times. But instead of chang- keep them from the evil. (John 17:15) There are some striking, powerful ing, what the church did was to deceive points in this little passage. First of all, The word does not suggest being tak- itself into thinking that Laodicea was she says that these people represent pro- en away. It suggests rather, being kept something good. It has now begun to fessed Adventists. Now as we can see, during the hour of temptation. This in- teach that Laodicea is acceptable, so to this applies to the hour of temptation, dicates that Philadelphia will be here be Laodicean is a wonderful thing. How the final great test which is yet to come. during the time of trouble, and if Phil- terrible a state to be in. In actual fact, it Future in the days of Ellen White, fu- adelphia is indeed the church of the is the greatest of all deceptions. ture in our days, an hour of temptation, 144,000, then this must be the meaning which will try the whole world. It is not God’s end-time true church is, in fact, of the verse which states that Philadel- here yet, although it is almost upon us. not a denomination, but the people who phia will be kept from the hour of temp- Ellen White applies this prophecy of the continue to hold to the same faith, the tation. In Revelation 7:14, it says of the Philadelphian Church to that time, and same spirit and the same principles as 144,000, “These are they who came out says that these people who worship at the early Philadelphians. It is they who of great tribulation” or as it should have the saints’ feet, are professed Adventists. have an open door before them, and it is been translated, “These are they that they who will finally be perfected. It is came out of the great tribulation.” Phil- Clearly, in our day, there is only one from among them that the 144,000 will adelphia is kept during the hour of temp- group of people that would be referred be produced. These will be the people tation, the 144,000 came out of the great to as Adventists. In the days of Ellen who enter the experience of the open tribulation. They are the same people. White, sometimes you had first day Ad- door. Look at what it says in Revelation ventists, and people who came out of the 3:10, speaking of these Philadelphians Advent movement, but in our day, it has of course. The Synagogue of Satan come down to Seventh-day Adventists. She says that these are professed Ad- “Because thou hast kept the word of Let us examine just one more piece ventists. What is interesting is the fact my patience, I also will keep thee from of evidence from the writings of Ellen that Jesus says, “They say they are Jews the hour of temptation, which shall come White. We saw on page 15 of Early and are not.” Here is a most remarkable upon all the world, to try them that dwell Writings, where Ellen White said that it statement, because this is exactly the upon the earth.” (Revelation 3:10) is the 144,000 who will have the syn- way the average denominational Sev- agogue of Satan worship at their feet. enth-day Adventist behaves. They are Popular SDA interpretation says Revelation 3:9 says that they will wor- fond of saying, “We are God’s remnant that Philadelphia would be kept from ship at the feet of the Philadelphians. people.” This could be almost directly a the hour of temptation, because all the In A Word To The Little Flock Ellen www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 9 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 quotation from the Jews. They believed statements can ever again feel safe in good thing for those who are Laodicean they were God’s people. “We are Abra- the assurance that “I am a Laodicean.” is that, Jesus says: “Repent, buy of me ham’s seed,” was one of their favou- In Manuscript 156, written in 1898, El- gold tried in the fire.” If a Laodicean rite phrases. There is hardly anybody len White says: repents, it is clear that he no longer re- else in the world who has that sense mains in Laodicea but can migrate to of exclusiveness, that sense of being “The church is in the Laodicean state, Philadelphia. God bless you, my sister, God’s special chosen people, as much the presence of God is not in her midst.” my brother, whoever you are reading as Seventh-day Adventists. The two this article. I pray that by the grace of So we see very clearly that, if a peo- statements previously quoted from the God you may be one of God’s Philadel- ple are Laodicean, then God’s presence Review illustrate this point quite well. phian last day people. is not in their midst. What does that They say they are Jews, but Jesus make them? Who controls them? Who says they are not, but they do lie, and it rules them? Who guides them if Gods is remarkable how He identifies them. presence is not in their midst? The only They are really the synagogue of Satan. hope is to get out of the Laodicean Those are such dreadful words, that we Church. As long as you are in that state, should fear to speak them if the Lord God’s presence is not in your midst. Save the Himself had not said them. Is this how And yet amazingly, it is something that God really regards many professed Ad- Adventists have become proud of. In ventists? We had better be very careful another statement from the Review and DATE to be sure that we are on God’s side. Herald of August 19, 1890 Ellen White This hour of temptation during which says: Please mark your calendars for Philadelphia will be preserved, and the next Wenatchee camp meeting “The state of the church represented by during which professed Seventh-day which will be held from the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Adventists will worship at the feet of Laodicean state.” MAY 14 - 18, 2014 the 144,000, is yet to come. So we see very clearly that the Bible teaches that The question is this; do the fool- (Wednesday afternoon - Sunday) rather than Laodicea being the end time ish virgins ever get into the kingdom? The location will be the same as people of God, it is really Philadelphia, Never ever! The wise get in but not the last year’s: which is the end-time church of God. foolish! It is also very clear that in order to be Wenatchee Community Center These statements make it very clear Philadelphian you have got to hold to Chelan Avenue that Laodicea will never be saved, and the same spirit, the same teachings, the Wenatchee WA 98801 that those who are a part of Laodicea are same beliefs and the same attitudes as lost. If you and I want to be saved, we those first Philadelphians. The question, Theme of the meetings: have got to get out of Laodicea, and we brothers and sisters is this, do you have “Our Only Hope” have got to get among the wise virgins, the same spirit as those Philadelphians? that is the church that will be saved. Do you have the same beliefs as those Speakers: early Philadelphians? Those are ques- The seven churches need to be stud- • David Clayton and Howard tions we do well to consider. ied a lot more and a lot more careful- ly, but if we believe that Ellen White Williams (from Jamaica) was a messenger of God, and that the • Nader Mansour and Imad A Lost Church visions that she received were from Awde (from Australia) God, then we are compelled to believe Finally, I want to quote two state- • Ken Corklin (from Pennsylvania) that God showed her very vividly, that ments of Ellen White. She made many the church, the true remnant church, More information will be posted statements regarding the Laodicean the church of the 144,000, the church in the next issue of this newsletter. church, but I want to quote just two of that will experience the atonement, Also, you will find updates about them which I believe sums up what her the church that will be perfect, God’s the camp meeting at our Web site attitude was to Laodicea. I don’t believe church in the last moments of time will www.cominghomeministry.org. anybody who reads or listens to these not be Laodicea, but Philadelphia. The

PAGE 10 www.cominghomeministry.org Coming Home Ministry DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 “Modern Wheat” It needs to be mentioned that whole 5. Other Flour Substitutes: Potato Continued from page 8 wheat bread is not a better choice either. starch, arrowroot powder, and tapioca Due to the unique properties of amy- are thickening agents that substitute Health Effects lopectin A, two slices of whole wheat for wheat in sauces and gravy. In baked bread increase blood sugar higher than goods these starchy ingredients serve as A powerful little chemical in wheat many candy bars. a binding agent. known as ‘wheat germ agglutinin’ (WGA) which is largely responsible Eliminating wheat from your diet is for many of wheat’s pervasive, and dif- Wheat-Free Options not insurmountably difficult, but it does ficult to diagnose, ill effects. Research- require some creativity in the kitchen, Note that many of the wheat-free ers are now discovering that WGA in as many of your family favorites will options still contain gluten and many modern wheat is very different from now be on the forbitten list. If you want people sensitive to wheat may still ex- ancient strains. to make a change in your diet, first start perience digestive problems and bloat- educating yourself about wheat alter- Each grain of wheat contains about ing. Experiment and see what works natives and look for stores that carry one microgram of WGA. Even in small best for you. Caution is advised with wheat/gluten-free items (local health quantities, WGA can have profoundly cereal grains if you have been diag- food stores are a good place to start). adverse effects. It may be pro-inflam- nosed with gluten intolerance. There are many Websites and books matory, immunotoxic, cardiotoxic … 1. Cereal Grains: barley, millet, oats, that can help you in your search. and neurotoxic. rice, rye, sorghum, tef and wild rice are Remember to be careful using a lot of Dr. William Davis has documented all in the same cereal grain family as “gluten-free” foods, as they are made by several hundred clinical studies on the is wheat. replacing wheat flour with cornstarch, adverse effects of wheat. When Dr. Da- 2. Non-Cereal Grains: Amaranth, rice starch, potato starch etc. Though vis’ patients eliminate wheat from their quinoa and buckwheat are three grain- these foods don’t trigger the immune diet, the outcomes are often dramatic, like seeds unrelated to cereal grains or neurological response of wheat glu- with many losing as much as 20 pounds (there are ancient wheats on the market, ten, they still trigger the glucose-insulin during the first month. He reports that too which are still to be found in their response that cause you to gain weight. patients experience relief from acid re- original, unaltered forms; for example: Don’t forget: always read the label on flux, esophagitis, gas, cramps, and di- einkorn and emmer - you can find more the food you are buying. arrhea stemming from irritable bowel information about them on the Internet). syndrome after ditching wheat. Joint swelling and pain are often completely 3. Nut Meal (Flour): Ground nuts Source Materials: eliminated, he says, and patients report such as almonds, hazelnuts or wal- http://www.undergroundhealth.com/modern- wheat-is-the-perfect-chronic-poison-says-expert/ improvements in everything from asth- nuts make the richest flour substitute http://www.rodalenews.com/wheat-free-diet ma and skin conditions to Crohn’s dis- for cookies and cakes. William Davis, MD: Wheat Belly ease and ulcerative colitis. 4. Bean Flour Think about These Things ... We need not go to heathen lands, of life as He walked side by side with ties before you go to work for God. or even leave the narrow circle of the peasants and laborers, unrecognized You need not have a thought of what home, if it is there that our duty lies, and unhonored. He was as faithfully the world will think of you. If your in order to work for Christ. We can do fulfilling His mission while working at daily life is a testimony to the purity this in the home circle, in the church, His humble trade as when He healed the and sincerity of your faith, and oth- among those with whom we associ- sick or walked upon the storm-tossed ers are convinced that you desire to ate, and with whom we do business. waves of Galilee. So in the humblest benefit them, your efforts will not be The greater part of our Saviour’s duties and lowliest positions of life, we wholly lost. life on earth was spent in patient toil may walk and work with Jesus. … Source Materials: in the carpenter’s shop at Nazareth. You are not to wait for great occa- Ellen White: Steps to Christ, p. 81, 83 Ministering angels attended the Lord sions or to expect extraordinary abili- www.cominghomeministry.org PAGE 11 Berean Spirit DECEMBER 2013 - NO. 14 Tasty Vegan Recipes

Ingredients: 2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingre- • 1 c The Cravings Place, Create- dients. Make sure that the raisins Your-Own Cake & Cookie Mix (or are not stuck together. Bob’s Read Mill - gluten-free flour) 3. In a smaller bowl, combine oil, rice • 1 c almond flour milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. • 1/4 c potato starch 4. Add the mixture to the dry ingre- • 1 tsp xanthan gum dients. Stir it until the 2 mixtures Raisin & Walnut cookies • 3/4 c raisin are well combined. (Do not over • 3/4 c walnuts, chopped mix because the more you mix it the more the potato starch thickens These yummy cookies are gluten-free, • 1 TBSP aluminum-free baking pwd soy-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan everything.) • 1/2 c extra-virgin olive oil bits of delight. 5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls (for • 1/2 c rice milk bigger cookies—use tablespoon- (If you are not familiar with some of the • 3/4 c maple syrup fuls) 2 inches apart onto the pre- ingredients, ask for them at your local • 1 tsp vanilla pared cookie sheets. health food store, or any other stores 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until that have gluten-free sections.) 1. Preheat the oven to 350 ̊ F. Line 2 they turn golden-brown. cookie sheets with parchment paper. Enjoy!