The Scriptures have predicted the times in which we live. Accurately describing the situation, Apostle Paul wrote, "Perilous times shall come." 2 Tim. 3:1. Whether we care to admit it or not, we are living in those times. Adventists, dependent Adventists, independent Adventists, separated Adventists, or suspended Adventists -- ALL, to a lesser or greater degree, have been affected by the times. The morality that once controlled the "saints" has lost its hold on them, and the worldly element has effectively succeeded in making "sinners" out of "saints." The list of incidents is too lengthy to enumerate, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are losing the distinctiveness and uniqueness that once characterized God's people. Excuse it as you may, it is staring us in the face.

Confused voices are heard singing their choruses that "some day, maybe soon," things will miraculously turn around, and the "drifting" ship (the church) "without chart or compass" will finally make it into the heavenly port! Dream on, friend; prophesy smooth things; persecute those who are disturbing your slumber until you will be forced to acknowledge that "the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20.

Most Adventists of whatever persuasion appear to be refusing

to learn from history, and therefore, are doomed to repeat it and experience it. Corruption of all kinds is seen throughout the church. Financial scandals, immorality among leadership and membership, substance abuse and alternate lifestyles (respectable names for what the Bible calls drunkenness and adultery), has and is staining the profession of Adventism. Bureaucracy, hierarchism, and merchandising are the driving force today and all in the name of church order and evangelism. The few unable to "stomach" and support financially this continued arrogance have decided that since "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" has been and is the prevailing condition in the church for far too long, have heeded the seldom read and little understood, last portion of the same verse, "from such turn away." 2 Tim. 3:5. Don't forget, that, too, is in the Bible, but not acknowledged or obeyed.

Amid, or surrounded by the long-sung tune of "the church appears to fall, but it does not," and the second verse, "must not call the church Babylon," the awakened believers remember reading "the Writings" which say that "all of God's promises are made upon faith and obedience, and failure to comply with His commands cuts of the fulfillment to us of the rich provisions of the Scriptures." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 621/5.

Furthermore, if the statement is true that "we are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if the acts had been our own," (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 572), then the following is true also: "God holds His people, as a body, responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them." Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 269.

With the above principles in mind, beside many others, and stirred by the continued violation of principles of faith, many Adventists world-wide broke the "barn doors" and "leadership yokes" imposed upon them under the guise of order and organization, and took to greener pastures. This has given rise to the "home church movement or fellowship," or "independent ministries," at first without the merchandising structure. Unfortunately, some independent ministries have not learned from the past, and having retained the education they received, have almost, but not quite yet, duplicated their own hierarchical structure, on a smaller scale of course, all in the name of God and the catch word "evangelism;" periodically, reminding all by mail to contribute!

Yet, here and there, are some who have renounced that system. Their former brethren see in these a "Mordecai at the gate," and so are determined to eradicate their witness. The trademark" approach is the tool they are currently using. When it started a number of years ago, and it became public, some awoke to the situation and complained, but continued to support the very system and structure to which they were objecting.

Now, how confused and mixed-up can you be? Some have been in and out for so long, that they don't know if they are out or in. Others that are out, act as if they were in; and those that are in live and act as if they are out. Babylon, did you say? That's right, but you must not call it that. So just call it, confusion, and if you remember nothing more, remember this, that your continued financial support aids and abets this persecuting beast power, and makes you a part of and a party to this persecution and coercion machine. Can't you see that? You are by your financial support and membership status, a partner and contributor of this persecution, and so according to the Spirit of Prophecy warning, you are "just as responsible" for the sins "we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if the acts had been our own." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 578.

Just recently the trademark tool has again been used against Adventists in Oregon and Australia. Attached are copies of letters sent by the Seventh-day Adventist Church through their lawyers.

Also for your convenience, we have quoted several statements for your consideration from Jesus, the real "General Counsel" through the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. You cannot be neutral in a religious crisis. Doing nothing is a choice in itself. Neutrality under these conditions always identifies you with the persecutors. Hurry up, pray, study, make your decision and stand up and be counted. Take your position because God is trying to finish the work of investigative judgment.

"Between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah will come the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error." Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 398.

The recording angel is waiting to register the decision you have made in the books of heaven, and then God will bring "every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:14.

"All are by their own choice deciding their destiny." Prophets and Kings, p. 536.

Today, you be the judge. tomorrow, God will be!