“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost .”

(Luke 19:10, NKJV)

Issue No. 204

71 King Street Hamilton, Victoria

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Bulletin & News

Sabbath May 23rd, 2015

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Song Service 9:45 am

Sabbath School 10:00 am

Church Service 11:30 am

We WELCOME you to our Worship Services Today

Taking the Three Angel’s Messages to the whole world...

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~ Upcoming Dates & Announcements ~

Next Prayer Meeting - June 3rd at 5pm

Please join us each fortnight and let us always keep the communication channels open to heaven.

Welcome - We welcome Peter Tung to the pulpit today and for Sabbath praise

and worship. May God bless you and lead you in His truth always.

Prayer Request - Please continue to pray for Suzi, John and Maria Franjic’s

daughter. Also please pray for Rosemary Barker from the recipe club who has had a knee operation, Shachaiah Sang who is currently in hospital, Russell Wareham who’s back in hospital, Trevor Aisbett and Bill & Shirley’s son who is recovering from a recent car accident. All require the healing power of God.

Church Security - Could ALL church members and cleaners please double-

check that the church windows and doors are securely locked when you lock up the building. Whether sure or not, please check again. On numerous occasions the church has remained insecure during the week due to not locking up correctly. Prevention is better than the cure. Let’s keep our church safe from thieves and ensure it’s locked properly.

Combined Lunch - There will be a combined lunch next Sabbath after the

Divine Service as Bud Beaty will be joining us again. All are welcome to join us for fellowship and a light meal. Mr Beaty will be presenting a film after lunch called "Compelled to Love" about a couple that have raised up hundreds of churches in Mozambique.

Prayer Chain - Our church has a small prayer chain, which emails out the

prayer requests that people submit from the website, Facebook page and email. If you would like to join the small prayer chain, You can also subscribe via the signup form on our website http://hamilton.adventist.org.au/mailing-lists

Sabbath Lesson Times - The trial change of the Sabbath Service times during

the month of May is now being retained as the new permanent service times for the church.

Grange Nursing Home visit on June 6th at 2:15pm. Please join us for an

afternoon worship with Paul Glover and the elderly of our town.

13th Sabbath this quarter is June 27th. The offering will be going to projects in

the Northern Asia-Pacific Division. See back of lesson pamphlet or page 9 for more details.

Recipe Club - The next meeting will be on May 26th 2015 with Sibilla

Johnson. Please plan to attend to help with the running of the program.

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Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth:

for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

[ Micah 6:2 (KJV) ]

~ Memory Verse ~

All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children.

[ Isaiah 54:13 (WEB) ]

~ Bible Promises ~

HAMILTON CHURCH WEBSITE

Website: http://hamilton.adventist.org.au/

Church Email: Hamilton.sda.church@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamiltonsdachurch.victoria

1 Samuel 8 - 12

Patriarchs and Prophets pp. 603 - 615

~ Further Reading ~

What we feed our minds makes all the difference.

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Garbage in, garbage out,

God’s word in, God’s life out.

~ A Moment’s Contemplation ~

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ADVENTIST CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA ISSUES STATEMENT ON BEN CARSON'S U.S. PRESIDENTIAL BID

“Care should be taken that the pulpit and all church property remain a neutral space when it comes to elections.”

Posted May 4, 2015

Editor’s note: The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s North American Division has released this statement about the May 4 announcement of Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon and Adventist member, that he will seek the Republican Party nomination for U.S. president.

By North American Division staff

As the 2016 United States election cycle begins, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is aware of the increased interest in the presidential candidacy of Dr. Ben Carson.

Dr. Carson’s story is well known to most Adventists, and he is a well-respected physician.

The Adventist Church has a longstanding position of not supporting or opposing any candidate for elected office. This position is based both on our historical position of separation of church and state and the applicable federal law relating to the church’s tax-exempt status.

While individual church members are free to support or oppose any candidate for

~ Adventist Review ~

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The next Eating 4 Health Recipe Club meeting will be on May 26th 2015 at the

Salvation Army Church Hall, 89 Kennedy St Hamilton with Sibilla Johnson.

Please see Mrs Lynette Tung for bookings and details.

~ Eating 4 Health Recipe Club ~

office as they see fit, it is crucial that the church as an institution remain neutral on all candidates for office. Care should be taken that the pulpit and all church property remain a neutral space when it comes to elections. Church employees must also exercise extreme care not to express views in their denominational capacity about any candidate for office, including Dr. Carson.

We also want to remind our church members, pastors, and administrators of the church’s official position on the separation of church and state. The church has worked diligently to protect the religious rights of all people of faith, no matter what their denominational affiliation.

“We should therefore work to establish robust religious liberty for all and should not use our influence with political and civil leaders to either advance our faith or inhibit the faith of others. Adventists should take civic responsibilities seriously. We should participate in the voting process available to us when it is possible to do so in good conscience and should share the responsibility of building our communities. Adventists should not, however, become preoccupied with politics, or utilize the pulpit or our publications to advance political theories.” (From an official Seventh-day Adventist Church statement, adopted by the Council of Interchurch/Interfaith Relations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in March 2002.)

The Seventh-day Adventist Church values Dr. Carson as we do all members. However, it is important for the church to maintain its long-standing historical support for the separation of church and state by not endorsing or opposing any candidate.

Underline the Correct Answers: 1. King 3. Saul, Tall, Kish 5. Samuel, Hiding 2. Mizpah 4. Benjamin 6. Storm, God Fill in the Blanks: 7. Demanded a King 8. No

Matching: 9. Israelites 10. God 11. Kish 12. Saul 13. Saul’s uncle 14. Nahash 15. The Elders 16. Samuel

~ Solution to Last Week’s Quizzle ~

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PRESIDENT OBAMA: “ACT A LOT MORE LIKE POPE FRANCIS”

President Obama wants American Christians to “act a lot more like Pope Francis,” and that fighting poverty should be their emphasis. President Obama was speaking at Georgetown University, the oldest Jesuit University in America, at the ecumenical Catholic-Evangelical Leadership Summit on Overcoming Poverty.

Obama said that Pope Francis is a global icon because of his “insistence” that fighting poverty is at the heart of the Christian life, and said that Francis was “transformative.”

“That emphasis is why he’s had such incredible appeal, including to young people all around the world, and I hope it’s a message everyone receives when he comes to visit,” Obama said. Pope Francis will visit the United States in September.

“When I think about my own Christian faith and my obligations,” Obama said, “it’s important for me to think what I can do myself, like individually mentor young people or make charitable donations.” He admitted, however, that Christian communities “have a voice in the larger debate.”

The president’s remarks drew some criticism. One commentator was upset that “the most anti-life, pro-abortion, anti-religious freedom, pro-secularist POTUS in the history of our nation is telling us how to be better Christians,” adding “After all, who is he to Judge?” Jesus never fought for social change, or wealth redistribution. Jesus focused on changing hearts and gave power to live in unjust and oppressive environments.

“The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,–extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.” Desire of Ages, page 509

“All the world wondered…” Revelation 13:3

Source Reference Obama: Christians need to act more like Pope Francis President Obama tries to silence Christians by spinning the Pope

Pastor Hal Mayer

Speaker / Director

~ Keep The Faith Ministries ~

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30,000 BAPTISMS EXPECTED IN ONE SABBATH IN ZIMBABWE

The Adventist Church kicks off two weeks of evangelistic meetings and free healthcare services.

Posted May 16, 2015, By Andrew McChesney, news editor, Adventist Review

Nearly 260 people were baptized in Zimbabwe on the eve of a major two-week evangelistic series that is expected to result in 30,000 baptisms.

The nightly “Revelation of Hope” meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in a large outdoor area complete with a stage and large screens in Chitungwiza, a town about 30 minutes by car south of the capital, Harare.

Eighty-six other evangelistic meetings will be conducted simultaneously in churches and other venues across the country, culminating on Sabbath, May 30, with the expected 30,000 baptisms at sites countrywide.

“Over 5,000 small groups have been working for several months in preparation for the meetings,” said Duane McKey, coordinator of the two-week series and vice president for evangelism at the Adventist Church’s South-western Union in Texas.

“Many are praying for 30,000 baptisms,” he told the Adventist Review.

The first 258 Zimbabweans who had participated in the months of Bible studies were baptized following worship services in Chitungwiza on Sabbath, May 16.

Adventist Church leader Ted N.C. Wilson, who is leading the main evangelistic meetings in Chitungwiza, preached at the outdoor area about the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on the water from Matthew 14, emphasizing that people today, unlike Peter as he walked toward Jesus on the water, need to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Two deaf people who listened to the sermon translated first into the local Shona language and then into sign language led about 300 people in responding to an altar call for baptism at the end of the worship services. The 300 people will join the small study groups already in progress.

The Adventist Church in Zimbabwe has more than 800,000 members on a continent where church growth is booming. A few weeks ago, neighbouring Zambia celebrated reaching a milestone of 1 million members.

~ Adventist Review ~

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The evangelistic series is being held under the auspices of “Mission to the Cities,” a church initiative to share Jesus in the world’s biggest cities, and “comprehensive health ministry,” a type of church outreach that seeks to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the community.

To coincide with the evangelistic meetings, a free healthcare event has kicked off in Chitungwiza, providing medical services to more than 3,000 people in its first three days. It is track to treat 1,000 people a day for the rest of the two weeks, church leaders said. The event is similar to an Adventist free clinic that treated more than 6,100 people in a stadium in San Antonio, Texas, last month, and 3,000 people in San Francisco and Oakland in 2014.

Local church leaders have established 61 evangelistic sites across Harare and two dozen additional sites in 17 other Zimbabwean cities for the two-week series. Among those preaching in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-biggest city, will be Anthony Kent, associate secretary of the Adventist world church’s Ministerial Association, and Lael Caesar, associate editor of the Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines.

Many local churches have been divided into two to accommodate the expected surge in new believers from the series. Huge banners and billboards announcing “Revelation of Hope” line the streets of Harare.

Wilson asked Adventist believers worldwide to pray for the meetings in Zimbabwe, as well as for other evangelistic initiatives taking place around the globe.

“Certainly Jesus is coming soon, and it is a privilege for all of us to be part of God’s great mission to reach the world through the Holy Spirit’s power,” he said.

God Sees Your Tears

It may seem that no one cares, as if you didn’t matter at all . . . but Jesus does! When you feel all alone, thinking that no one would notice if you fell off the face of the earth . . . Jesus does! You could be in the depths of despair, feeling that there’s not a person in the world that truly “loves you,” . . . but Jesus does! There’s a beautiful song by Gordon Jensen, that goes like this: “God sees the tears of a broken-hearted soul, He sees your tears and hears them when they fall, God weeps along with man and He takes him by the hand, Tears are a language God understands. When grief has left you low, it causes tears to flow, When things have not turned out the way that you had planned. But God won't forget you His promises are true, And tears are a language God understands.” Remember that no matter how “all alone you feel,”

~ Food For Thought ~

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you are never really alone, because Jesus is always with you, and “help” is only a prayer away! You may “feel” unlovable, but God loves you so much He gave His life just so that you could spend eternity with Him in heaven! You may think you’re “unworthy” - but Jesus makes you worthy! God sees your tears, and longs for you to run into his arms of love, where He will wipe away each tear, and fill your empty heart with His joy!

Text: Psalms 34:18, Romans 14:7-8, Romans 8:39, Psalm 56:8,

Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

MORE EARTHQUAKES IN NEPAL

More earthquakes struck Nepal on Tuesday May 12, one, a 7.3 magnitude was followed by another of 6.3 magnitude 30 minutes later. The deadly quakes, which killed at least 65 and injured nearly 2000 hit, just as search and rescue operations were winding down from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Kathmandu on April 25 that killed more than 8000.

At least 17 people died and more were injured in India during Tuesday’s quakes.

Just as Kathmandu was getting back to “normal” people have to live in tents again, as the tremors brought extensive destruction in Nepal’s hilly countryside.

“As I hear of the terrible calamities that from week to week are taking place, I ask myself: What do these things mean? The most awful disasters are following one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property! Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of seemingly disorganized, unregulated forces, but in them God’s purpose may be read. They are one of the means by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, page 252

Source Reference Nepal Hit by New Earthquakes

~ Keep The Faith Ministries ~

Pastor Hal Mayer

Speaker / Director

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~ Our Website Visitors ~

Since the 12th of January and May 21st 2015, we have had 18,120 visitors to our

church website and the numbers increase daily. The above map gives us a general

idea of the areas across the globe that are accessing our site. The larger the spot the

greater the number. Some of the countries ae listed on the right lower corner.

Since the implementation of the site and changes made back in January 2012, there

have been 95,433 visitors to our website. This is a resource that we can utilize to

help spread the Gospel message further and further. Facebook gives us access to

millions of potential brothers and sisters across the globe and we are reaching well

over 500 with our basic page. The recipe club also is a valuable outreach resource

thaht encourages others to live a healthier lifestyle though not only food sources but

also through the Bible and Christ Jesus.

We can’t let it fade away, so let’s help it grow together and support your church

website.

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MAJORITY OF U.S. REPUBLICANS WANT LEGAL CHRISTIANITY

Though liberal leaning and, at times, a little offbeat with its questions, the Public Policy Polling (PPP) organization is considered to be a very accurate polling company. Recently PPP polled Republicans and found that 57 per cent of them want to establish Christianity as America’s official creed. Only 30 percent opposed the idea while 13 per cent were unsure. Sixty-six percent of Republican women and 49 percent of Republican men favored making Christianity official. Though Republicans defend the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights when it comes to gun ownership (second amendment), they aren’t as prepared to defend the first amendment, which expressly prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another. The first amendment of the Bill of Rights states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Making Christianity the law of the land would directly violate the first and indirectly violate the second part of the amendment. The poll also included questions about science and evolution, global warming, favorite republican primary presidential candidates, attitudes toward Benjamin Netanyahu, etc. to gauge Republican views. The sweeping takeover of both houses of Congress by republications, who are typically more religious and conservative, in the most recent election cycle has liberal Democrats on the defensive. Making Christianity the established faith would be a foundational principle leading to national Sunday worship laws. The present rapid decline in morality in America is creating circumstances that could lead to a strong reaction among conservatives and a major push to get America back to God, especially if there are some major disasters. “The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet’s words: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.” The Great Controversy, page 592 Source Reference: Over half of Republicans want to ignore Bill of Rights, make Christianity national religion Study finds PPP was the most accurate pollster in 2012 Public Policy Polling

~ Keep The Faith Ministries ~

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Darkness Before Dawn by (E.G. White) How To Defeat Satan … (chapter 2, page 10.4 - 11.4)

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The Aim to Undermine Confidence Satan stands at the head of the great army of doubters, and he works to the utmost of his power to beguile souls into his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There is a large class by whom the word of God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as was its Author—because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements endeavour to overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt sceptical principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honour, which requires effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticizing the Bible. There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticize. There are many who seem to feel that it is a virtue to stand on the side of unbelief, scepticism, and infidelity. But underneath an appearance of candour it will be found that such persons are actuated by self-confidence and pride. Many delight in finding something in the Scriptures to puzzle the minds of others. Some at first criticize and reason on the wrong side, from a mere love of controversy. They do not realize that they are thus entangling themselves in the snare of the fowler. But having openly expressed unbelief, they feel that they must maintain their position. Thus they unite with the ungodly and close to themselves the gates of Paradise. {DD 10.4}

God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. The great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all who seek it in sincerity, every man may understand these truths for himself. God has granted to men a strong foundation upon which to rest their faith. {DD 11.1}

Yet the finite minds of men are inadequate fully to comprehend the plans and purposes of the Infinite One. We can never by searching find out God. We must not attempt to lift with presumptuous hand the curtain behind which He veils His majesty. The apostle exclaims: "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33. We can so far comprehend His dealings with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. Our Father in heaven orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love. {DD 11.2}

~ From the Spirit of Prophecy - Think About: ~

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~ Bulletin Quizzle No. 15 ~

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~ For The Kids ~

Over the coming weeks we will be going through the letters of the alphabet.

What other Bible things can you think of that begin with this letter?

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In Soul Winning

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:19

Jesus expects much of the youthful soldiers of His army, and let it be your

determination that you will not disappoint your Captain and Leader. You are to

wear His armour, to be marshalled under His banner, and become co-labourers

with Him in conquering His enemies and extending His kingdom. . . . You

cannot betray sacred trust without imperilling your soul. You are to be found

loyal and true, obedient to every word of command, presenting to others the

highest motive to action, and showing them the attractions of the service of

Christ. You are to show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of

darkness into His marvellous light.

Those who have experienced the love of Christ cannot be idlers in the Master's

vineyard. They will see opportunities for helping others in their steps to Christ.

Partaking of Christ's love, they will labour for the souls of others. Let every soul

copy the Pattern, and become missionaries in the highest sense, winning souls to

Jesus.

In view of what Christ has done for us, and what He suffered for sinners, we

should, out of pure, disinterested love for souls, imitate His example by

sacrificing our own pleasure and convenience for their good. The joy set before

Christ, which sustained Him in all His sufferings, was the salvation of poor

sinners. This should be our joy, and the spur of our ambition in the cause of our

Master. In so doing we please God, and manifest our love and devotion to Him

as His servants. He first loved us, and withheld not from us His beloved Son, but

gave Him from His bosom to die that we might live. Love, true love, for our

fellow-men, evinces love to God.

Those who are in vital contact with Christ will manifest it in their actions. . . .

They will win souls to Christ, and bring sheaves to the heavenly garner.

(Sons and Daughters of God – Ellen G White - page 150)

~ Weekly Devotional ~

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~ Sabbath Services ~

Service This Week Next Week

May 23rd May 30th

Divine Service Peter Tung Bud Beaty

Sabbath School Peter Roberts Chen Lee

- Contact Details - Pastor Justin Bone 04 3973 4368

~ Church Website ~ Website : http://hamilton.adventist.org.au/

Email : Hamilton.sda.church@gmail.com

~ Sunset Times ~ Sunset Sabbath (Tonight) 5:26 pm

Sunset Next Friday 5:23 pm

~ Church Offering ~ This Week: Health Offering

Next Week: Camping Ministry

~ Church Cleaning ~ May 24th 2015 - June 6th 2015 Lee Family

June 7th 2015 - June 20th 2015 Amber Morris

~ Garden Maintenance ~ May 24th 2015 - June 6th 2015 Chen Lee

June 7th 2015 - June 20th 2015 Volunteer Needed