Apostolic
Having to do with the 12 apostles or their teachings. This term is also sometimes used in Catholic circles as a synonym for “papal,” as the Pope is seen as the successor to the Apostles.
Papal
Having to do with the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church.
Spiritual Direction: Advice from Ellen White
Author: Amazing Discoveries™
 
This article is part of a series. We recommend that you first read: What’s So Bad about Spiritual Formation?.
 
The following quotes from Ellen White remind us of the dangers of seeking out contemplation-based spiritual direction:


Gospel Herald (March 1, 1901):

Do not depend upon human beings for spiritual help. Resist the temptation to make flesh your arm. Look to God as children look to an earthly Father. Believe that He loves you and that He will help you, even as He has promised. If you will believe, you will have confidence, trust, reliance, and rich blessings, because you will realize that Christ is the foundation of your faith.

Manuscript page 144 (1901):

God has been greatly dishonored by His people leaning upon human beings. He has not told us to do this. He has told us that He will teach us, He will guide us...Think of how many promises He has given us, which we may grasp by the hand of faith...He wants us to become acquainted with Him, to speak to Him, to tell Him of our difficulties, and obtain an experience in asking of One who never misjudges and never makes a mistake.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers page 381:

The promises of God are full and abundant, and there is no need for anyone to depend upon humanity for strength. To all that call upon Him, God is near to help and succor. And He is greatly dishonored when, after inviting our confidence, we turn from Him—the only One who will not misunderstand us, the only One who can give unerring counsel—to men who in their human weakness are liable to lead us astray.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers page 487:

I shall not dishonor my Lord by encouraging people to come to me for counsel, when they have a standing invitation to go to the One who is able to carry them and all their burdens.

Manuscript page 71 (1897):

By these words Christ meant that no man is to place his spiritual interest under another as a child is guided and directed by his earthly father. This has encouraged a spirit to desire ecclesiastical superiority, which has always resulted in the injury of the men who have been trusted, and addressed as "Father." It confuses the sense of the sacredness of the prerogatives of God.

The Great Controversy page 464:

Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times…Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world…There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead (emphasis added).  

Manuscript Releases Volume 13:

Our great weakness is in placing men where God should be, to be looked up to and confided in. What are these men? Only bruised reeds unless they put their confidence and trust just where it is your privilege to put your trust and dependence. Why is the caution given, "Trust not in man, neither make flesh your arm"? For the very reason that men have failed in a time when it was necessary for them to be entirely shut in with God, walking with fear and trembling before Him, true as the compass to the pole.

Science Deceptions
Media Deceptions
Reformation
Spiritual Deceptions
Health Deceptions
A Basis for Conflict
Is there evidence for Creation science? How does it compare to evolution? The following articles give insight in to these questions and more.
The Big Bang Theory
Creation and Evolution: Is Compromise Possible?
How Can We See Stars That Are Billions Of Light Years Away?
The Rise of Evolutionary Thinking
Geocentricity: It's Time to Face the Facts
Earth's History: Conflicting Paradigms
Lamarck Proposes Natural Selection
Age Of The Earth Is Carbon-Dating Accurate?
Flood Chronology
Evidence In Stone
Can we understand the age of the earth by depth of rocks? What other theory could the evidence reveal?
Soft Rock Evidence for Rapid Washout
The Fossil Record
What does the fossil record show us? Is it all random or a defined science that we can understand? Where does evolution fit? Uncover mysteries in the history of the Earth.
Evolutionary Sequences
Order in the Fossil Record
Evolution of the Horse Explosive Evolution
Fossils prove a Flood Fossil Footprints
Dinosaurs and the Flood Petrified Trees
The Biblical Flood Reasons For Extinction
Fossil Reefs The Post-Flood World
Human Evolution
Genes of Genesis
As we study the genome, the molecule, and the atom, we see a vast network of intricate systems beyond our understanding. Were these systems really formed by chance?
Mechanisms For Variation
Creating Life in a Test Tube?
Molecules That Began Life
"Species" versus "Kind" Natural Selection
Natural Selection as a Creative Force
Ernst Haeckel's Theories
Variation and Classification
Why So Many Species? The Australian Problem
Synesthesia: Mystery of God’s Creation
Creation to Restoration
How did this world change from the perfection depicted in Genesis to a world full of thorns, thistles, parasites, and death? If God made everything perfect, how could it have all been so changed?
Thorns In A Perfect World
An Imperfect Planet Evidence For Design
Evidence For Transformation
Rapid Transformation
Clean and Unclean: The History of the Human Diet
The Dawn Chorus and Life Forces
Archaeology and the Bible
Archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true. But what's so special about the Bible that makes it a point of so much controversy?
Archaeology Confirms the Bible
The Lost Books of the Bible
Music
Music is a powerful emotional motivator.
Can You Feel the Music?
The Bible and Rock Music: Are they Compatible?
From the Horse's Mouth: The Rock Industry Condemns Itself
Hollywood and the Movies
What is the system of worship found most often in our society? Does it glorify God?
Hollywood's History
Hollywood and Gnosticism
Brain Closed—Please Come Again
Research has shown that our sensitivity to stimuli reduces itself yearly by about 1%. Is your brain hibernating?
The Dangers of Television
Beware of the television's abilities to hypnotize, alter moods, and even cause depression.
Violence and Video Games
Like music and movies, video games are addictive and can cause behavioral problems.
The Pope Claims to be God on Earth
Read proof that throughout the Roman Church's history, the Papacy has often claimed that the Pope is divine.
The Jesuits
Learn what people throughout history have had to say on the reputation, history, and political nature of the Jesuit Order.
Ignatius of Loyola and Martin Luther
Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises
Protestantism Destroyed
The Bloody History of Papal Rome - A Timeline
The oppression of Protestants is widespread and consistent throughout history.
The Bloody History of Papal Rome Quotes
It was once written in America's oldest Catholic newspaper, the Boston Pilot, that "No good government can exist without religion, and there can be no religion without an Inquisition, which is wisely designed for the promotion and protection of the true faith.”

Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
The Aggressive Intentions of the Papacy
The historian Ranke says this about Protestant-Catholic relations: "In the year 1617, everything betokened a decisive conflict between them. The Catholic party appears to have felt itself the superior. At all events it was the first to take up arms."

This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Christianity and Violence
Would the world be a safer place without Christian fundamentalism?
Religious Doublespeak
Language can be used to communicate both truth and lies. Learn about the religious doublespeak being used to pull the wool over the eyes of the world.
Agenda of Control
Is there a spiritual dimension to the battle about genetic modification in the agriculture industry?
The Great Controversy
Read this classic work by Ellen G. White.
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is the Bible True?
If archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true, then why is it a point of so much controversy?
Archaeology Confirms the Bible
Studying Scripture
Scripture is Inspired by God
The Lost Books of the Bible
Who is Jesus?
Is Jesus really who He says He is?
Did Jesus Ever Exist?
Was Jesus the Messiah? Is Jesus God?
Why Did Jesus Have To Die?
Six Purposes for Christ's Life and Death on Earth
What Day Did Jesus Die? The 70-Week Prophecy
Jesus, the Recycled Redeemer
Names of Christ in Revelation
Christian Living
Consider the crucial points of the Christian life with author Wendy Goubej.
What does the Bible have to say about money?
Why Should I Study the Bible?
How God Saves Us
God’s Supreme Sacrifice for You
Conversion and Repentance
A True Christian Spiritual Life What is Faith?
Surrender Christian Growth
God's Promises to You
Baptism: the New Birth Experience
The Origins Of Evil
Did God create sin? If not, where did it come from?
The Prince of this Planet
The Origin of Sin The Great Controversy
God's Plan to Eradicate Sin
A Day of Rest
Have you taken a day to recreate lately?
What is the Seventh-Day Sabbath?
Creation and the Sabbath The Weekly Cycle
Why Sunday? Sabbath FAQ
The Mystic Realm of Death
Is there more to death than the fact that it is the opposite of life?
Death: Understanding the Terminology
A Biblical Understanding of Death
The Resurrection of Lazarus Spiritism
Hell and Purgatory An Immediate Afterlife?
The Parable of Lazarus
Signs and Wonders
Are miraculous signs the best way to be sure that God exists?
Supernatural Deceptions
What are Stigmata?
Deceptions Today
The greatest deceptions are still being formed in society today. Secret international alliances, the mark of the Beast, the New Age, and other issues are discussed.
The Antichrist Identified
Politics and the Papacy Unity at All Cost?
Pentecostalism The New Age Movement
The United Nations' Global Government
Secret Societies
What’s So Bad about Spiritual Formation?
Zionism
The Second Coming of Christ
How will Christ return, and what will it mean for His people?
Signs of The Second Coming of Christ
How Christ will Return
What will Happen to God's People?
What will Happen to the Rejecters of God?
Will there be a Secret Rapture?
The Seven Plagues
The Millennium of Peace
Learn about the Bible's prophecies on God's judgment, deliverance, Armageddon, and the earth made new.
Viewpoints What is the Judgment?
Probation and God's Promises
Consequences Begin Deliverance and Armageddon
Satan Bound God's People will Judge
Postmillennial Return of Christ
The Resurrection of those who Reject God
The Crowning of Christ
The Punishment for those who Reject God
The Earth Made New
Spiritual Gifts
Learn from Paul as he teaches the Corinthian Church about spiritual gifts.
Understanding 1 Corinthians
Pagan Practices
1 Corinthians 12: Spiritual Gifts
What are Spiritual Gifts?
Defining the Spiritual Gifts A Lesson in Love
Dealing with Tongues
Prophecy: God's Guiding Gift
The Gospel Story
Since the beginning of time, God has communicated timely messages to the inhabitants of planet Earth. It all started in Eden, with the first Gospel announcement.
The Second Advent Movement
The Beginning of the End of Time
The Great Disappointment and the Birth of Adventism
What are the Three Angels' Messages?
Adventism and the Final Conflict
Walking Through Daniel
Dive into prophecy and history in this chapter-by-chapter commentary of the book of Daniel.
Introduction to Daniel
Daniel 1 Commentary Daniel 2 Commentary
Daniel 3 Commentary Daniel 4 Commentary
Daniel 5 Commentary Daniel 6 Commentary
Daniel 7 Commentary Daniel 8 Commentary
Daniel 9 Commentary Daniel 10 Commentary
Daniel 11 Commentary Daniel 12 Commentary
Walking through Revelation
Join us on a journey through the pages of this letter from Christ to His people.
The Chiastic Structure of Revelation
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
Revelation 11 Commentary
Revelation 12 Commentary
Revelation 13 Commentary
Revelation 14 Commentary
Revelation 15 Commentary
Revelation 16 Commentary
Revelation 17 Commentary
Revelation 18 Commentary
Revelation 19 Commentary
Revelation 20 Commentary
Revelation 21 Commentary
Revelation 22 Commentary
Excitotoxins
Excitotoxins cause physical and spiritual destruction. Learn about the main types of exitotoxins and what can be done to avoid them.
Aspartame
MSG: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets
Is a Little Wine Good for the Heart?
Reports show that red wine may be beneficial to heart health. Is that a good enough reason to start drinking alcohol?
Is a Little Wine Good for the Soul?
The Dairy Controversy
Get the truth about lactose, calcium, and the need for caution around dairy products.
Drink Milk? Udder Propaganda
Lactose Intolerance Calcium
Poisoned Meats
Today's meat and dairy industries are focused on profit rather than health.
The History of the Human Diet
Genetically Modified Foods
The agriculture industry is fast becoming reliant on genetically modified foods. Learn the facts about GMOs and the effects this trend is having on health worldwide.
Soy Safety Summarized
Still Eating Genetically Modified Foods?
The Big GMO Cover-up
Refined Grains
Most of the bread products consumed today are made of refined grains. Are our breakfast cereals and "fortified" loaves as healthy as we like to think?
Coffee
Do the stimulating benefits of coffee really outweigh the costs?
America's Number One Drug Problem—Coffee
Caffeine Caffeine Raises Stress Hormones
Sugar—Affecting the Body and Mind
Refined sugar is addictive, destructive, and devoid of any nutritional value. Why does it continue to be a staple food across the world?
Smoking
Smoking leads to massive amounts of sickness and death every year. Can you beat the nicotine?
Kicking the Tobacco Habit
Nicotine and Depression
Necessary Treatments?
From mammograms to prescription drugs, the modern medical industry is always presenting a new way to diagnose and solve health issues. But are these new treatments really healing anything?
Mammograms or Thermal Imaging?
How to Kill a Cold, Starve a Fever
Many Doctors Ignore the Root Cause of Cancer
Are Hospital Births or Home Births Safer?
Compromise in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Hepatitis B Vaccines
Mercury Poisoning from Amalgam Dental Fillings
Tylenol, the tip of the iceberg
Depression
Find practical ideas for dealing with depression in these articles about symptoms and treatments.
Diseases of the Mind
Lifestyle Principles for Treating Depression
Nutritional Treatments for Depression
Herbs and Medication for Treating Depression
SAD and Bright Light Therapy
Get Healthy!
We are surrounded by unhealthy foods, unwise practices, and even harmful medical advice. Learn how to overcome these obstacles and choose a healthy lifestyle.
The Eight Laws of Health
"You've Changed"
When Sin Has Nothing To Feed Upon
Physical and Spiritual Health
Use it or Lose it! Living off the Land
An Attitude of Gratitude Serving Others
The Healing Power of Honey A Healthy Attitude
Iron in the Vegan Diet Healing
Helpful Health Charts
These graphs and tables can help you jumpstart your health routine.
Sources of Calcium - Chart
Animal Products and Food-borne Illness
Chocolate and Carob Compared
Compatible Combinations of Plant Foods - Graph
Acid and Alkaline Ash Food Groups - Graph
Schedule for a Healthy Lifestyle
Knowledge
Base