ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 192

ÒMARIOLOGYÓ Part 2

Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi

Retired Professor of Theology,  Andrews University

 

INDEX OF TOPICS OF THIS NEWSLETTER

      * Update on Recent Developments

 

ÒMARIOLOGYÓ Part 2

                   *This is the Essay of this Newsletter

 

UPDATE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

á      Center for Cancer Care in Goshen, Indiana

á      Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?

á      Pre-publication of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?

á      Cover Design fo Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?

 

* SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER on all the books & recordings,

            including Cristina PiccardiÕs CD and DVD Albums.

 

* Upcoming seminars for the months of January &February

 

* Incredible Offer on the new Hitachi 3000 Lumens Projector

     Only $1395.00

 

* The Smallest and most Powerful Remote Presenter

 

 * Does your church or School Need a Screen?

 

 * Bed and Breakfast in London, England.

 

UPDATE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

HOW TO CONTACT THE CENTER FOR CANCER CARE IN GOSHEN, INDIANA TRAT TREATED MY CANCER

 

            Two days following my 69th birthday, I learned that I had advanced-stage colon cancer requiring immediate surgery. Later I was told that the cancer had spread to the liver, infesting 90% of the organ and making its prognosis bleak. Several oncologists that I consulted, confirmed that I had Stage 4 terminal liver cancer, with only a few months to live. All what they could do was to prolong my life with chemotherapy for a few months or a year at best.

 

Driven by my faith in God and optimistic attitude, I sought another opinion at the Goshen Center forCancer Care in Goshen, Indiana. Following a two-hour consultation with Dr. Seza Gulec, a pioneer in the field of nuclear oncology, I learned that my cancer was treatable with a combined strategy of chemotherapy and microsphere embolization – a treatment unavailable at other cancer centers. Within one month, two rounds of the innovative treatment reduced the presence of liver cancer by almost 80% and decreased total tumor volume from 2435cc to 680cc. Within two months, two more treatments reduced Dr. BacchiocchiÕs cancer by 95%.

 

Click here to see the pictures of the various stages of my cancer:

http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen

 

PUSHING TECHNOLOGY FURTHER THAN IMAGINED

 

While at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care, I participated in an unprecedented clinical trial using the combined strategy to treat colorectal cancer that had advanced to the liver. Placed directly into the cancerous area via catheter, the microspheres deliverered 40 times more radiation directly into the tumor than conventional therapy alone, eradicating it over a period of weeks. This targeted therapy aggressively attacked the tumors, quickly reducing their size, while normal liver tissue remained relatively unaffected.

 

The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is one of the few treatment facilities in the world to offer this breakthrough technology primarily due to the commitment of Dr. Gulec. A world-renowned physician, Dr. Gulec has dedicated years to research and develop the combination therapy, which greatly increases survival rates in those with advanced liver cancer. He has also authored landmark publications in lymphatic mapping, sentinel node biopsy, radioguided surgery and radionuclide therapy. Dr. Gulec currently leads the endocrine surgery, hepatic oncology, molecular imaging and positron emission tomography programs at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care. 

 

Truly I can say that I believe that the Lord providentially placed me in contact with Dr. Gulec, who has done for me what appeared to be impossible.  The Lord has used Dr. Gulec to give me a new lease on life. Now I feel like a new man energized to serve the Lord in a greater way in the sunset years of my life.  Somehow I feel that I have more energy now than I had at 25 years of age.

 

PATIENT ORIENTED CENTER FOR CANCER CARE

 

The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is home to some of the worldÕs most sought after cancer specialists who use groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art technology and patient-specific clinical trials to offer the most advanced treatments available anywhere. Incorporating conventional and alternative medicine, our multidisciplinary, integrated team of physicians, surgeons and specialists work together every day to provide unmatched care all under one roof.

 

What has impressed me about the Goshen Center for Cancer Care is their patient-oriented focus. Among other things they provide very confortable free guest rooms facilities. They offer our a holistic approach to healing which addresses the emotional, spiritual, mental, as well as physical aspects of cancer. From relentlessly recruiting some of the brightest minds in cancer to pushing current treatments further than ever imagined, everything they do is for the betterment of their patients.

 

To find our more about the GOSHEN CENTER FOR CANCER CARE, click at these links:

 

CONTACT: http://www.cancermidwest.com/contact/contact.asp

WEBSITE: http://www.cancermidwest.com/

MORE ABOUT DR. GULEC: http://www.cancermidwest.com/main.asp?id=217

 

 

POPULAR BELIEFS:  ARE THEY BIBLICAL?  AN UPDATE

 

                           The research and writing of the new book Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical?  is proceeding well, as you can tell from this newsletter, where I am posting the last part of chapter 7 on ÒMariology.Ó This is the longest chapter of the book (about 50 pages), and has required much more research and reflection than I had anticipated, because there are a cluster of dogmas and teachings about Mary that need to be examined. The cult of Mary is at the heart of Catholic worship and deserves a close examination.

 

                           In many ways the progressive Catholic glorification of Mary represents also, as we shall see, the progressive consolidation of papal power.  ÒAs the invisible maternal supervisor of the Church becomes equal to God—or as ÔpureÕ as the Second Person of the Trinity—so her visible paternal counterpart [the Pope] makes a commensurate advance.Ó   In researching this chapter I came to the conclusion that the old saying ÒAs Mary goes so goes the Church,Ó should be modified to say ÒAs the papacy goes so goes Mary.Ó

 

                           Another serious implication of the veneration of Mary highlighted in this chapter, is that it detracts from the majesty of Christ and the honor due to Him alone. We shall see that every magnification of Mary ultimately results in the denigration of Christ. By exalting the human Mother of Jesus to a heavenly channel of intercession and redemption, the Catholic Church is obstructing and rendering needless, the immediate access of believers to ChristÕs redemptive ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

 

                           Researching this chapter has truly been a learning experience for me. It has help me to understand more fully not only the ecumenical role of Mary in bringing together Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims, but also the progressive glorification of Mary from being sinless to being immaculately conceived, to being bodily assumed into heaven, and being venerated as the Mediatrix, the dispenser of grace and salvation.

 

                           Due to the length of this chapter, I decided to post it in two installments. The last newsletter No. 191, contained the first half of the chapter, dealing with the two dogmas of the perpetual virginity of Mary and her immaculate conception. This newsletter is taken from the second part of the chapter which examines the dogma of MaryÕs bodily assumption to heaven, her heavenly role as Mediator, Co-redeemer, and her growing veneration.

 

                           In view of the growing popularity of the veneration and worship of Mary, it is imperative to thoroughly examine this development from a biblical perspective. The study shows that Catholic Marian dogmas are Scripturally baseless, historically unjustified, and doctrinally unsound.

 

PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER OF POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL

 

                           Having completed 7 of the 10 chapters of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical, I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.  By GodÕs grace, I plan to complete the remaining three chapters within the next two months.  They will deal with SPEAKING IN TONGUES, ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED, and INFANT BAPTISM. These chapters will NOT be posted in our Endtime Issues newsletters. The reason is obvious.  Posting all the chapters, diminishes the interest to buy the book when it comes out. 

                           The book, consisting of about 400 pages with a nice four colors, laminated cover.  Its released is scheduled for the end of March or the beginning of April 2008.

           

                           At this time I would like to offer our readers the opportunity to place an order at the special pre-publication price by mailing your order a check postdated March 31, 2008. If you prefer to pay by credit card, feel free to email me your name, address, and credit card number. 

 

                           PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CHECK OR CREDIT CARD WILL BE PROCESSED UNTIL THE SHIPMENT OF THE BOOK EXPECTED FOR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL. This means that your check or credit card information will be placed in a special folder, awaiting the release of the book. As soon as the book is out your check will be deposited or your credit card will be processed.

 

                           Your advanced order will offer me, not only the encouragement needed to complete this very demanding project, but also an approximate idea of how many copies we should print. Thank you for your encouragement and support.

 

THESE ARE THE SPECIAL PRE-PUBLICATION PRICES FOR QUANTITY ORDERS OF POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

 

10 copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $10.00 per copy, postage paid, instead of the regular price of $30.00. ($100.00 for 10 copies)

 

30 copies (one case) of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $5.00 per copy, postage paid.  ($150.00 for 30 copies)

 

100 copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $4.00 per copy, postage paid. ($400.00 for 100 copies).

 

NOTE: These special prices are for shipments to USA destinations.  To AIMAIL the book overseas, add $5.00 per book.  The US Postal Service no longer offers surfice mail, which took several months for overseas delivery. All overseas shipments are now done by airmail, which is expensive, but fast and reliable.

 

            THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT

 

                           In previous newsletters I shared with you my inclination to shelf this project because the funds needed for an initial printing of 100,000 copies, have not been received yet. Many of you emailed me very encouraging messages which rekindled my enthusiasm for this project.

 

                           You urged me to proceed without delay because this book Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? is urgently needed to help many sincere believers to understand why their popular beliefs are unbiblical and why the Adventist beliefs are biblical. I believe that after reading this study about the exaltation of Mary to heavenly roles that belong to Christ alone, you will sense more than ever before the need share this timely book with people who are sincere, but sincerely wrong.

 

                           Some of you have sent in contributions toward this project, which will make it possible to discount substantially the price of the book.If the Lord impresses you to contribute to this project, I am pleased to inform you that now we can offer you a tax deductable receipt, because our son, Daniel, an Architech,  has just received a non-profit status for his MASTERÕS BUILDERS INC.  He has established this organization to channel funds to build churches and schools in developing countries.   Your contribution should be sent to this mail and address:

 

MASTERÕS BUILDERS INC.

4990 APPIAN WAY

BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN 49103

 

                           Your prayers and financial support for this new book is greatly appreciated.  If sufficient funds come in to cover the cost of printing it, our plan is to charge only for the cost of mailing. Note, however, that the cost of mailing a 400 pages book by Priority Mail is $4.95.  This means tha the special pre-publication prices for quantity orders are already incredibly low.

 

COVER DESIGN FOR POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

 

                           If you are a gifted graphic designer and would like to try to design the cover of my forthcoming book Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?  feel free to submit a rough sketch.  If I like the idea, I will give you the go-ahead and send you a compensation of $250.00.

 

                           The cover of my book The Sabbath Under Crossfire was designed by a student missionary in China.  He did a magnificent job in encircling the Fourth Commandment with flames.

 

                           Among our 40,000 readers of this newsletter, there might be gifted artists who could design a modern appealing cover.  If you are one of them, and have the time and interest  to design the cover, feel free to contact me by email or phone at 269-471-2915.  I look forward to hear from you.

 

THE SABBATH SEMINAR WITH WORDS AND SONGS

 

                           After weeks of preparation, the SABBATH SEMINAR WITH WORDS AND SONGS was presented and recorded on November 16-17, 2007, at the Avon Park SDA Church, a 900 members congregation near Orlando, Florida. The church was packed with visitors from the surrounding churches. The response surpassed our fondest expectations.

 

                           In the past I  presented my Sabbath, Advent, and Lifestyle Seminars by myself with my broken Italian accent. But now, providentially the Lord has brought to my ministry a most gifted Brazilian lady, Cristina Piccardi, who touches the hearts of people with her powerful and passionate singing.

 

                           During the past five Sabbaths, Cristina has sung at rallies in Avon Park (near Orlando), Loma Linda, Hinsdale (Chicago),  San Antonio, (Texas), and Lexington (Kentucky).  In Lexington we ministered to about 400 non-SDA sabbatarians, who came from different parts of the USA and Canada.  Everywhere our seminars with words and songs, were warmly received.

 

                           This is what Pastor Paul Boling, the Senior Pastor of the Avon Park SDA Church, wrote about  our SABBATH SEMINAR WITH WORDS AND SONGS, that was recorded at his church on November 16-17, 2007.

 

ÒNovember 18-2007

 

                           Over the past years I have had the privilege of inviting Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi to speak at 2 churches that I  have pastored. So, I was eager to again host his seminar in the Avon Park SDA Church, of Florida Conference. 

 

                           However, the weekend visit of November 16-17, 2007 was slated to be different, because he was bringing his own guest singer, Cristina Piccardi.  This gifted vocalist added immeasurably to Dr. Bacchiocchis timely lectures.  She is extremely well trained, and she graciously brought to our congregation the most beautiful music we have ever heard, coupled with her love for God.  Our congregation was so overjoyed with her concert, and they want the team of Bacchiocchi and Piccardi to return soon!Ó

 

Pastor Paul Boling

Senior Pastor

Avon Park Seventh-day Adventist Church

 

Who is Cristina Piccardi?

 

                           Truly I can say that Cristina is by far the best Adventist soprano I have heard in my life. Surprisingly she is a slim, only 118 pounds, 5.6 feet high—not the typical heavy-set soprano. When my wife asked her: ÒHow can you project such a powerful voice when you are so slim?Ó  She replied: ÒIt is GodÕs gift.Ó

 

            Cristina was born in Brazil 26 years ago and came to Andrews University two years ago to accompany her husband who is studying at the seminary. She has earned degrees in voice performance both in Brazil and at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she received full scholarship during the two years of her studies, graduating in December of 2005.  

 

                           In the same year she performed in a leading role with symphonic orchestras in the USA and overseas. At the annual 2005 International Competition for Opera Singers she won the first prize as the best soprano singer of the year. Now that Pavarotti has passed away, it is encouraging to know that one of the best soprano in the world belongs to the Adventist Church.

           

                           I officially met Cristina on October 6, 2007 at Andrews University Pioneer Memorial Church. I was spellbound by the three sacred songs  she sung during the communion service led by Pastor Dwight Nelson. When we met after the communion service, we both immediately felt that the Lord was bringing us together in a providential way to proclaim with words and songs our timely Adventist Message. She told me that after singing for five years in a leading role with various symphonic orchestras, she felt the call of God to leave glitzy world of the opera stage, in order to dedicate the gift of her voice to sing sacred music. This means that now we are presenting together with words and songs my powerpoint seminars on the SABBATH, SECOND  ADVENT, and CHRISTIAN LIFE STYLE.

 

                           You can enjoy a preview of CristinaÕs outstanding singing by clicking at this link:  http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cristina/   She sings the first stanza of THE HOLY CITY.

 

SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER of the New DVD Album on the SABBATH WITH WORDS AND SONGS

 

                           To make it possible for many fellow believers and especially small churches, to benefit from the newly released  DVD Album on the SABBATH WITH WORDS AND SONGS recorded on November 16-17, 2007, we are pleased to offer you the Album as a HOLYDAY SPECIAL for only $30.00, instead of the regular price of $100.00. The price is valid until January 31, 2008, and includes the airmail cost to any oversea destination.

 

                           The DVD Album consists of 3 DVD disks containing a total of 6 hours of recording, that is, the Cristina singing and my preaching done on Friday evening, Sabbath morning, and Sabbath afternoon.  

 

                           The Friday evening program begins with CristinaÕs mini Sacred Concert, and is followed by my testimony entitled ÒMy Search for the Sabbath at a Vatican University. This is a gripping testimony delivered with 100 powerpoint slides. I share how the Lord opened the door for me to research and publish my dissertation From Sabbath to Sunday at a Vatican University in Rome and since then to share the message of the Sabbath in many countries.

 

                           On Sabbath morning Cristina leads the Praise Songs and then she sings ÒThe LordÕs PrayerÓ before my sermon.  My powerpoint sermon ÒThe Sabbath as a Time for Service,Ó offers practical principles on how to keep the Sabbath to gain a greater blessing out of it. 

 

                           The Sabbath afternoon program is divided into two parts. In the first part Cristina offers a sacred concert and in the second part I deliver my final lecture entitled ÒThe Sabbath Under Crossfire.Ó This lecture offers an update report on the latest Sabbath/Sunday developments.  

 

                           You can enjoy this informative and inspiring 6 hours seminar in the privacy of your home or church, without having to travel long distances or investing money to fly us in.

 

How to Order the New DVD Album on THE SABBATH WITH WORDS AND SONGS at the SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER of only $30.00 (instead of $100.00) until December 31, 2007.

 

        (1) Online by clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=104

        (2) By calling us at (269) 471-2915

        (3) By emailing us your address and credit card information

        (4) By mailing a check for $30.00 to  BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990  Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 4990, USA.

 

                           We guarantee to AIRMAIL the DVD album immediately to ensure that it will reach you in time for Christmas.

 

WOULD YOU LIKE US TO PRESENT A SEMINAR WITH WORDS AND SONGS AT YOUR CHURCH?

 

                           Would you like us to present a SABBATH, or ADVENT, or LIFESTYLE SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS at your church? Every weekend is already taken until the end of April 2008, but we have openings in the latter part of the year.

 

                           If you are interested to invite Cristina Piccardi and myself for a special seminar with Words and Songs, feel free to contact us by eamil <sbacchiocchi@biblicalperspectives.com> or by phone (269) 471-2915. We will be glad to give you the details and the open dates.