The Southgate Gospel_Feb

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theSouthgateGOSPELIssue 2 | February 2013

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topics in this issue• Seeking Elijah• Tips for Healthy Relationships• Pastor’s Corner:The Auction Block• Eat Rainbows• Fresh & Nutritious• Animal Encounters• Fun, Family, Faith• Calendar of Events• Women’s Leadership and Congo Widows• From the Editor:One Blood!

This month highlights the theme of Family Life. In the book Ministry of Healing page 351 the au-thor says this, “To the lack of right home training may be traced the larger share of the disease and misery and crime that curse humanity.” The same author says this in the book Testimonies to the Church volume 5 page 335, “In all that pertains to the success of God’s work, the very first victories are to be won in the home life.” As Seventh-day Adventists we have been given a mes-sage that addresses all that the family needs in order

to succeed. That message is called, “The Elijah Mes-sage.” The Elijah message has great importance. It is the last prophecy before closing the Old Testament (Malachi 4:5,6). It is the very first prophecy referred to when the first of New Testament prophets was to be born (Luke 1:17). The Elijah message is as much the sure word of prophecy as the 2300 days or 1260 days. It is also the message that must be fulfilled in the last days before the “coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord!” As the prophet Elijah

stood on Mt. Carmel that day he knelt down and re-assembled and restored that old broken down altar, he then called on the fire of heaven to consume the altar and its sacrifice. Fi-nally, after God rendered a powerful demonstration of the fire from heaven, Elijah

called Israel to turn their hearts again to the God of heaven. He called them to repentance. He called the people back to a rela-tionship; to be settled and fixed. They were in essence called to restoration. In

Seeking elijah

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Tips for Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships bring happiness and health to our lives. Studies show that people with healthy relationships are happier and have less stress. You can use these tips to improve any relationship whether it is with girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, siblings, friends, roommates or co-workers.

• Set realistic expectations. No one can be everything we might want him or her to be. Sometimes people disappoint us. It’s important to remember that it’s not ‘all or nothing’. Healthy relationships mean accepting people as they are and not trying to change them. • Talk with each other. Clear and asser-tive communication is an important part of healthy relationships. Tips for effective

The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare,

not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son. {SC 100.1} }{

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he month of Feb-ruary is deemed Black History month. Black

history brings to mind those famous words spoken on August 28, 1963 by Dr. Martin Lu-ther King Jr., the famous words of his “I Have a Dream” speech. He con-cluded his message with the words that still in-spire us with hope and encouragement; “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last.” The years of our country’s history marked by the dark shadows of slavery leave a stain that can never be erased. The slave trade operated by auction. Slaves were auc-tioned to the highest bid-der. When it came time for the slave to be auc-tioned he or she stood on the auction block (often naked) to be visibly seen and critiqued by plan-tation owners seeking to bolster their industry production. The slave

would endure humilia-tion. This terrible prac-tice of human trafficking was seen as a viable way of achieving financial prosperity. Though our country is no longer en-trenched in the practice of selling human beings for the purpose of inden-tured servitude, there is a slavery of another kind that is far more deadly and pervasive. The bible calls it sin. Notice the words of Jesus in John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoev-er committeth sin is the servant of sin.” The word used here in the greek for servant (doulos) is the same word used for slave. While American History is tarnished with the ill treatment of Af-rican American people, the whole human race is blighted with a slavery that reaches back to the beginning of time. It was there in the Garden of Eden that the first person of color was enslaved to

Satan. Slavery has always been a part of the human existence. As a result of the very first sin man-kind became enslaved by the consequences of sin, bad habits, tendencies toward lust, pride, greed and selfishness all stem from the first sin ever committed in the garden of Eden. Every human being that has ever been born (aside from Christ)was born a slave. As dif-ficult as it is to accept, no one is born free from sin (Psalm 51:5). Even when a person gives their heart to Christ they are still a slave (servant). Paul referred to himself as servant/slave. Notice in Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gos-pel of God.” No one can escape slavery. The difference is the kind of slavery we choose. We can belong to the slavery that is debili-tating and humiliating which ultimately leads to

eternal death. Or we can belong to the slavery that is liberating and exhila-rating. One is a slavery of pain while the other is a slavery of gain. Christ came to do away with the slavery of pain. He came to set the captives free; free from the penalty, the power and the presence of sin. He came to free us from guilt/heartache, condemnation and de-struction (Luke 4:16,17). The plan of salvation is a story of Jesus, the master, who comes to set us free. Of all people, African Americans should desire to be free from the ef-fects of this debilitating slavery of pain. Having suffered over 200 years under the ugly horrors of the slave trade-spir-itual slavery should be most repulsive to us all but especially the Afri-can American commu-nity. Any race that has endured the hardships of oppression and derision

Pastor’s CornerThe Auction Block

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Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, the chief of medical oncology at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York City, had a very good understanding about cancer when he com-pleted his cancer specialty at Cornell University, but admitted he had a poor understanding in re-gards to diet and nutrition and their significance in the prevention and treatment of degenera-tive disease. Today, science is awakening to the fact that food is good medicine. The National Cancer So-ciety is researching the role that plants and their phytochemicals play in the prevention in can-cer. Prestigious Universities and Medical Schools, such as Harvard, Cornell, and John Hopkins are researching and publishing findings regarding their discoveries on the effectiveness of plant chemicals in treating chronic disease. Dr. Mitch-ell Gaynor also has learned, evidenced by his statement, “We’ve seen the future and the fu-ture is food.” Science and research have substantiated that plant substances called phytochemicals play a significant role in defending our cells

against free radicals and stimulating our immune system. Sulforaphane, a chemical in cruciferous vegetables, boosts the body’s production of phase II enzymes that cart off dangerous resi-dues of procarcinogens, those cancer-causing precursors capable of damaging cellular DNA. Sulforaphane has been shown to have anti-tu-mor activity. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale all contain the phytochemical sulfora-phane. According to Dr. Bob Arnot, “Scientists have long known that all phase II enzymes are important, and that the loss of even one can raise your risk of cancer. Remember, when choosing God’s whole plant foods to eat RAINBOWS. The many colors of plants contain hundreds of antioxidants and plant constituents that will prevent and cure dis-ease. Hippocrates said: “Leave the drugs in the chemist’s pots if you can heal your patients with food.”

Eat Rainbows

Ingredients½ cup quinoa, rinsed1 cup water2 tablespoons olive oil½ cup diced red potatoes (skin on)1 small onion, minced1 clove garlic, minced½ cup garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed if using from can)2 tablespoons fresh basil, juli-enned.2 cups cabbage, juliennedsalt and pepper

InstructionsIn a small pot, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook until water is absorbed (12-15 minutes.)Heat olive oil over medium low heat. Add in diced potatoes and let cook until slightly brown (you will need to continue to scrape as potatoes cook.) Stir in onions and garlic, continuing to cook until onions are cooked and slightly translucent. Stir in garbanzo beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes.Finally, stir in cabbage and basil.

Let cook until cabbage has wilted. Add in quinoa and taste. Use salt and pepper according to your taste. Great eaten cold or hot!

recipe taken fromwww.naturallyella.com

Quinoa, Cabbage, and Garbanzo Beans Serves: 2-4

editor’s tip: try coconut oil! 3


Have you ever seen a creature that can shoot its tongue out longer than its body? That’s right, it’s the Chameleon. Most Chameleons live in the jungles of Madagascar where they spend there time in the trees. The Chameleons’ tongue is two times longer than its body (not including their tail). The reason why a Chameleons’ tongue can go so far is because it helps them to catch there prey from a far distance. Chameleons are known to eat lizards, small birds, crickets, and fruits. Chameleons are actually the only animals that can see two ways at one time. There are many types of Chameleons such as Jackson Chameleons, Panther Chameleons, Veiled Chameleons, Pygmy Chameleons, and Spectral Pygmy Chameleons. The size of a male Chameleon is 30mm long. The life span of a Chameleon is 3-5 years in the wild, but in captivity they can live twice as long. Chameleons can lay anywhere up to 80-100 eggs at once. Chameleons are known for their ability to camouflage themselves, by blending in with their surroundings. They can change into several colors like pink, black, green, brown, yellow, blue, purple, red, orange, and turquois. It reminds me of how we at times try to hide our sins from God and from other people. Even though people may not see our sins, God sees all and knows all.

Animal Encounters!

aught to live with the utmost de-sire for freedom-complete and total freedom; physically, mental-ly, emotionally and spiritually. When mankind fell prey to the en-ticement of Satan, Adam and Eve were made to stand on the auction block where they were sold into sin. They were sold into guilt, heartache, condem-nation and destruc-tion. They stood naked and humili-ated on the auction

block. Satan had sought to bol-ster his ranks in order to prosper his cause. But before the auction closed a bid was made. This was no ordinary bid. This bid came

from a plantation owner who owned a

plantation called paradise. He stepped up and paid the ultimate price for a lost humanity. Not with gold or silver or perishable treasure, but with His own precious blood. He bought us to set us free. Each of us were born into the slav-

ery of pain but God wants to re-deem us to the freedom that only comes through Jesus. When we were born into this world we had no choice which master we served but now every person of age can choose his/her master, can choose his auction block. Pretty soon the auction will be over and the last bid will be made. Where will you stand when the auction is closed; when the gavel strikes the anvil for the last time? When probation has ceased and time is no more Je-sus will call to his children, “Free at last, free at last” and His cho-sen children (red, yellow black and white) will respond, “Thank God (Jesus) almighty we are free at last!”

Chameleons, by Evian Byrd

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HRfrom front page

communication:1. Take the time. Really be there. If you have a specific problem to discuss, set time aside at a convenient time for both people.2. Genuinely Listen. Don’t interrupt, or lose yourself thinking about what you will say next. Reflect back to the person what you think they said to ensure you understand.3. Ask Questions. Ask friendly and appropriate ques-tions that show you’re interested. Ask or repeat back information if you think you may have missed the point.4. Share Information. Studies show that sharing infor-mation helps in the early stages of relationships. Feel free to share personal information, but don’t overwhelm others with too much too soon.

• Be Flexible. Most people try to keep people and situations just the way we like them to be. When people or situations change it is natural to feel apprehensive, even sad or angry. It’s important to remember that healthy relationships allow for and foster personal growth and change.• Be Dependable. When you set plans, follow through. Assignment due? Meet the deadline. When you say you are going to do something, do it. Healthy relationships are based on trust and responsibility. If something does change, communicate and show your respect for the other person.• Fight Fair. In most relationships there is some conflict. When arguing or negotiating with another, keep the following in mind:

1. Negotiate a time to talk. Important conversations are best during times when you are rested and calm. Ask, “When is a good time to talk about something that is bothering me?”2. Don’t criticize. When arguing it is often easy to play the blame game. Avoid it. Don’t use sentences that start with ‘you’. Instead, use ‘I’ statements and discuss how you are struggling with the problem. 3. “I’m sorry”. These two words go a long way when you make a mistake. Rather than trying to avoid the ‘blame’, own up to it, and take responsibility. In the end, it goes a long way to solving the problem and moving on.4. Don’t hold grudges. You don’t have to accept anything and everything, but once something has been resolved, try to let go and move on.5. There may not be a resolved ending. Not every issue has a clear solution, compromising or disagreeing on some issues is normal. Healthy relationships don’t de-

mand perfection; the goal is for partners to seek answers to problems together.6. Body language. Make appropriate eye contact, stay at an interpersonal distance, maintain an ‘open position’ by keeping your arms unfolded and hands unclenched, and speak softly or reassuringly. These techniques enhance important communication, reduce anger and can assist in calming another individual.

• Reciprocate. Each person in the relationship deserves to have their feelings, interests and needs respected. Healthy relationships are based on each partner giving and receiv-ing emotional support.• Be responsible for your own happiness. Accept, respect and love yourself. Whether it is an activity, book, or mu-sic, there is always something that will make you happy.

You are the only one in control of your life, so learn what you need to do to keep yourself happy. Too often one person becomes unhappy and blames it on the other partner. Remembering that you are good enough to live a happy life and be in

a healthy relationship.• Express your wants and needs. It is easy to as-

sume that others know what you want, or need from your relationship—it’s not that simple. No one can read minds, and assuming that someone can is unrealistic. Directly and assertively discussing your wishes and desires is a healthy approach to relationships.• Acknowledge differences in background. It is always a good idea to discuss what you expect from a relationship. Even if you are from similar religious, cultural and eco-nomic backgrounds, it may surprise you that what seems normal and obvious to you isn’t for your partner (and vice versa). If you are from different backgrounds, it may take more time and energy to build relationships. Taking the time to learn about another’s culture or religion is an important part of a healthy relationship.• Maintenance. Getting to know someone does not hap-pen as quickly or smoothly as we like to think. Different relationships need different amounts of attention; some need occasional ‘checking in’ while others need daily care. Know in advance how much you are able and willing to invest into a relationship and set limits. Try to base your relationships on activities and things that are mutually enjoyed.• Be Yourself. It’s much easier and more fun to be your-self than pretending to be someone or something else. Besides, it always catches up to you in the end. Healthy relationships happen with real people, not images. 5

Chameleons, by Evian Byrd


being called to restoration they were ultimately being called to rest; for the root word to restoration is “rest.” They were being called to rest in His love, rest in obedience, rest in His salvation to rest in His righteousness. The call of Elijah is still being heard from the Moun-tain today. Same message but a different mountain. God is calling his people, Israel (the church), to restore the broken family altar. To be consumed with the fire (the Holy Spirit), to turn our hearts back to God in full surrender to His will, and to be restored in His REST (the message of the Sabbath, Isaiah 58:12). Family traditions in our society are almost a thing of the past. One of the most common family traditions that has almost become extinct in its practice is the family dinner. Family dinner, a time when the family sits down together to eat and fellowship as a family unit. In the past, dinner time was seen as a opportunity for parents to pass on certain family values, and teach certain social graces that would be of great benefit to children in their adult life. This was espe-cially true of the “Baby Buster” generation (those who are now in their 50‘s & 60‘s). Society in general (especially our culture) has not encouraged us to value this family tradition. In fact, there is a wide array of pre-packaged fast food en-tree’s and dinners that actually encourage consumers/fami-lies to isolation and fragmentation. If family dinner was one of the primary means by which family as well as spiritual values were passed on to our children how then will we do so now? The good news is that God has designed a viable means of establishing family as well as moral and spiritu-al values. God has chosen the family altar as the vehicle to transmit these principles. Family worship not only helps to promote character development but is also a positive means of establishing and nurturing social graces. The purpose of the family altar is to praise, adore, and worship the Lord, to renew the family covenant, to claim the forgiveness, protec-tion, and victory of Christ, to transmit moral, spiritual and family values and to celebrate commemorative events. God is still wanting to send His power. His desire is to send the fire. He wants to shower us with the Holy Spirit; the Latter Rain. If by God’s grace we fix the altar, God will have permission to send the fire. When as families we restore the values of yesteryear, when we move back to the faith of our fathers, God will send the fire. When we restore the intima-cy of the family unit that provides the message of salvation, salvation that is renewed through the family altar, then will we see the miracle of the fire! We will see a fire that con-

sumes every part of our sacrifice to God; we will become living sacrifices showing the world that we are on fire for Jesus! Finally, when we receive that fire we will be completely restored to the image of our maker. It is when we become all consumed by the fire of heaven, baptized by the Holy Ghost that we will experience restoration. When that rest (restoration) is experienced we will have the courage, the mental vigor, and the spiritual fortitude to endure the test of the future. There is a day when we will all stand on the mountain and will need to give an answer for the faith that lies within us. The day is coming according to the book of Revelation when we will either stand with Baal or God. This will be a day when the true people of God will give an answer for their obedience to the Sabbath command (4th commandment). Only those who have experience resto-ration will defend the REST of the Sabbath. Only those who have fully repented of their sins and live in complete trust in Christ will endure that day. To have that kind of trust then demands that you stand on the mountain today. That mountain is not Mt. Carmel. The strength to stand on Mt. Carmel comes from standing with God on Mt. Calvary. The constant beholding of the Cross of Christ will empower us to stand when champions are few. On that faithful day when Elijah carried out the mandate of God on Mt. Carmel and called down the fire that consumed the sacrifice, that fire was a signal token of the Divine wrath that fell on Jesus; the innocent sacrifice consumed by the fire! Desire of Ages page 25, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treat-ed as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteous-ness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. With His stripes we are healed.” It was Madelyn Jones of Adventist Review (January 4, 1990) whose words very aptly reflect the sentiments of this article: “As our homes become healthy so will our church. Every church, no matter how small, needs to initiate a teach-ing-healing program so that each member can learn how the Elijah message can be experienced and implemented. Salva-tion means much more than to have eternal life; it also means to become whole in the present. Healing begins at the cross. A correct picture of this historic and monumental event lays the foundation for emotional and spiritual growth... Whole, healthy families will produce whole, healthy churches. God will bless our efforts and we shall then be prepared and ready for the great climax of history.” May this month of Family Life truly bring LIFE to your family!

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fun, family, faith!

MULTIPLE CHOICEcircle the correct answer

1. Whose life was saved by being lowered over a wall in a basket? Acts 9:25

A. John’s B. The Crippled Man C. Saul’s

2. David said that God made man a little lower than what? Psalm 8:5

A. Stars B. Angels C. Animals

3. Where was Moses standing when God told him to take off his shoes? Exodus 3:5

A. On a Mountain B. On Holy Ground

4. How many disciples had the name of James? Matt 10:2-3

A. Two B. Four C. Seven

5. What does the Hebrew word, “Abba,” mean? Rom 8:15

A. Hello B. Father C. Mother

6. Who did Jesus say the Sabbath was made for? Mark 2:27

A. God B. Unbelievers C. Man

What d id Jesus do with thef ive loaves & two f ishes?

___________________________________________________.

Have fun and color in the picture!

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February Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY Pathfinders: Organizational Meeting @ 10a NeighborhoodFoodbankMinistry @ 9a-11:30a (Donate or Volunteer) Prayer Meeting @ 7p Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) Sabbath Service, Potluck SouthgateConcert: Old Tyme Religion @ 4p SnowTrip: For pre-Registration information, please see Pastor Branner or Rose Briley Prayer Meeting @ 7p Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY ConvalescentHomeMinistry: (All are welcome every 3rd Sabbath) St. Claire’s Nursing Center @ 3:30p 6248 66th Avenue and Saint Francis Senior Residence @ 4p 6254 66th Avenue NeighborhoodFoodbankMinistry Prayer Meeting @ 7p Bible Study @ 7:30p (Branner Home) Sabbath Service, Potluck, AY Prayer Meeting @ 7pMarch (Special Events) Women’s Day of Prayer WeekOfPrayer (3rd-9th): Adventist Youth SpecialService: 7p @ the Sam Pannell Meadowview Community Center “Raising “G” Rated Children in an “X” Rated World.” EvangelisticOutreach( 15th-20th) Disabilities Awareness Sabbath

SouthgateSouthgate Women’s Leadership and Congo Widows

Please mark your calendars for this event! This free seminar will be held February 22 and 23 at the Chico church (1877 Hook-er Oak Ave., Chico). The theme for the weekend is “The Inde-scribable Jesus & the Unique You.” The main speaker on Friday night and Sabbath will be Don-na Jackson, who presently serves as the North American Division Ministerial Spouses Association coordinator. You won’t want to miss the great speakers--or the breakout group speakers.

You will also learn more about the Congo Widows Mis-sion Project. Hear about the recent mission trip and take the opportunity to help by giving to an offering that will be collected for goats and a church in Goma to help the widows. A light breakfast and a wonderful lunch will be served on Sabbath. For more detailed informa-tion visit www.ncc.adventist.org/womensministries or speak with Rose Briley, NCC Women’s Min-istries Advisory Board Member.

Initially I was not quite certain how the Sabbath Quarterly could fill up its pages with its theme of Creation. However, over the past several weeks, I have been amazed to learn of all the biblical references to Creation. In Lesson 4, it took us to Job 38, where the Lord says, “Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lighting of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; ... To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice?” Whew!! I was so pumped! I couldn’t stop, and neither did the Lord! This week, Tuesdays lesson really caught my attention: Made of One Blood. Our world today is filled with so many excuses to divide us. Reasons to make fun of, bully, look down upon, fear, hate, and unfortunately kill. But the Lord makes it so clear, sin not only separates us from God, but from each other. Finally, it was beautiful how the lessons prepared me before meeting several atheists & agnostics while colpourtering. Some were unwilling to share the reason for their belief, nor willing to open their doors by more than a couple inches. Then there was our last homeowner, Alex, who was wonderfully kind and entertaining. I thank God for his wisdom, and selfless love to share. I thank God for the courage to go back to the non-believers homes. And while we are also in the celebratory month of family and Black History, I thank our Fatherthat we are made of one blood.

One BlOOd!

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