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Pastor "Chick's" Prayer Walk Across America

Why Pastor "Chick" is not affiliated with the SDA Church

Who Are Adventists -- An Encyclopedic Listing

A Source of Biblical Truth -- Make Your Choice

Liberty Petition -- Preserving Religious Liberty in America

The Creation Seventh Day Adventist Church Home Page

CSDA Internet Radio

CSDA Academy of Sanctification

Natural Health Site

The Adventistry -- A Biblical Way to Healing

Association of Creation 7th Day Adventists

Creation SDA Relief Projects of Uganda

Binary Angel Library

My Open Letter to Ted N. C. Wilson, President, SDA Church

August 24, 2012

Ted N. C. Wilson, President

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

12501 Old Columbia Pike

Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600

Mr. Wilson, 

     An open letter from my desk was sent to you on November 19, 2010, detailing my dismay at Mr. Orville D. Parchment’s apology to one senior lady, Ms. S. Hatch of Anza, California.  The subject matter of my objections concerned the faulty grounds stated for pursuing the protection of your church’s “good name” and corporate identity via the “strong arm of civil government.”  I received no acknowledgement of receipt, answer, or rebuttal from you or any of your staff.

     The nature of this open letter, addressed to you, though applicable to your world constituency, is intimately related to my initial letter.  Recently, I was inspired to write you a letter during my incarceration at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino, California for the conscientious exercise of my faith – Creation 7^th Day Adventism.  The Spirit of grace did not move me to compose it until now, and that, providentially prompted by your fine article published in Adventist World, NAD Edition, August 2012, bearing the title “Freedom of Conscience.”  I highly appreciated your views which I intend to develop further in this letter.

     You wrote the following on page 8:

Religious liberty and freedom of conscience are gifts from God –gifts centered in free choice.  These gifts are important for everyone in the world, and they are integral to our sharing the good news of the ultimate gift of Jesus Himself.

This paragraph is powerful in its scope and could not have been said any better.  Oh, that every professed Christian in the world would internalize and live by these simple and eternal concepts.

     Continuing on page 8, you state:  “Seventh-day Adventists have always embraced religious liberty as an integral part of their beliefs, history, and mission.  Religious liberty is in the very DNA of our church.”  In declaring this, you bring the matter home and close to the heart of Creation 7^th Day Adventists who find themselves persecuted in America for their conscientious exercise of “the faith of Jesus” and implicit trust in and obedience to God’s divine mandates.

     The next paragraph says, “Religious freedom is a fundamental freedom –a basic human right.” You have emphasized this sentence with the following foot note: 

See “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.  Even ostensibly secular organizations have recognized and enshrined this right.

Logically, if “religious liberty is in the very DNA of the church,” and “even ostensibly secular organizations have recognized and enshrined this right,” one would think the Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders and legal experts would be extremely sensitive to the principles involved whenever the church employs the state to sustain her religious institutions and identity.

     Turning to page 9, you write, “History has shown the disastrous effects on religious freedom when church and state become united.”  Of course, this truth has been repeated time and time again within the ranks of Seventh-day Adventism and inherited by Creation 7^th Day Adventism. In fact, the “image of the beast” prophesied in Revelation 13 is formed by this unholy union of the world with the church.  Just as the beast (or papacy) was formed by the marriage of Pagan Rome to the apostate Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventists (and Creation 7^th Day Adventists alike) have expected apostate Protestantism to marry the United States government to the degree that sabbath-keepers will have their liberty of conscience restricted.  Religious persecution ultimately ensues as we have seen in our instant controversy over the SDA trademark name.

     Under the section titled “A Fundamental Freedom,” you make your personal preference known.  “My choice must always be for a state where religious freedom is described as a fundamental freedom and has the status of a protected human right.”  I perceive that you must endorse the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993 which was an attempt by Congress to protect this fundamental human right in America.  I recall the Seventh-day Adventist Church being one of the leading sponsors of this land-mark legislation.  But, was the RFRA to be applied only when the government was a party to a lawsuit?  Would this law not apply equally to lawsuits where a private-party plaintiff invokes federal law to restrict the liberty of conscience of a private-party defendant?  We know from legal research that the appellate courts are split on this question.  The General Conference legal team opted out when faced head on with that question in General Conference, et al v. McGill, et al while objecting to McGill’s writ of certiorari at the U. S. Supreme Court.  It was an unfortunate self-serving counter strategy wrought out by your legal team, endeavoring to salvage a General Conference victory.  You and your constituency should be embarrassed and ashamed at this cowardly and hypocritical legal maneuver.

     I thoroughly agree with your relevant application of principle in the next paragraph.

A secular state can be supported by believers so long as it doesn’t oppose the values of their faith.  Christians are called to obey authorities and to respect the state.  But when there is a conflict between the faith of Jesus and the claims of the state, we have a higher mandate:  “We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:29, KJV).

This is the standard I have applied consistently respecting my personal response to the civil sanctions imposed on me by your legal team via United States federal magistrates.  I cannot alter my course of action in light of my conscientious convictions.  I am bound by my conscience to obey “a higher mandate” from the Almighty God of the living and the dead.  Why do you have difficulty understanding my motives?  Why do you not support me in my convictions?  Why are you taking the stand of an adversary to “Freedom of Conscience” in America?

     These questions may be skirted and answered with purely legalistic jargon or worldly ideals of “corporate policy,” but I appeal to you—take a moment to consider my questions with a soft Christian “heart of flesh,” applying Scripture and Scripture alone.

     Then, take another step that requires you to advocate for the immutable principles of Seventh-day Adventism under the advisement of the Spirit of Prophecy.  “Some will be honest when it costs nothing; but when policy will pay best, honesty is forgotten.  Honesty and policy will not work together in the same mind.  In time, either policy will be expelled, and truth and honesty reign supreme, or, if policy is cherished, honesty will be forgotten.  They are never in agreement; they have nothing in common.  One is the prophet of Baal, the other is the true prophet of God.”  (Lift Him Up, p. 287)

     On the last page of your article (page 10), under “Tension Brings Opportunities,” I quote your words, “If intolerant, ideological secularism attacks our religious faith, we must stand up for our faith with conviction.  We should not be intimidated or give up.  But we must face the challenge with the Christian weapons of hope, endurance, perseverance, kindness, and love.”  Mr. Wilson, I have followed your counsel precisely when faced with the civil and “secular sanctions” decreed against me under color of trademark law, resulting in my incarceration at your hands.

     In the very next paragraph we read these words of challenge:

Let’s be fully engaged in our strong commitment and personal actions to live lives that promote religious liberty and freedom of conscience.  Let’s speak and advocate our positions in a winsome manner with grace, conviction, and passion.  Let’s seek wisdom from heaven to accomplish the great task of championing religious freedom, enlisting support from government and civic leaders, as well as the general public.

I offer my resounding “Amen” to your appeal to the Seventh-day Adventist Church constituency.  I further appeal to your legal counselors who make important decisions in connection with your perceived need to “protect [your] good name” and denominational identity in this secular world.  Had the church not been “married to the world,” this appeal would not have been necessary.  Had your church not chosen Caesar as her protector, this open letter would not have been written.  If you had “fulfill[ed] the law of God” according to the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy, Creation 7^th Day Adventists would never have separated from your communion.  You would not now be our “former brethren.”

The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity, she will have to do in a terrible crisis, under most discouraging, forbidding, circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld, must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith, and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren, and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone.  (Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 463)

     Mr. Wilson, I have recently completed a 40-day fast for you and your SDA constituents.  I make my formal appeal to you and those precious souls in covenant with you.  Please allow Creation 7^th Day Adventists in America and the world the blessing of “freedom of conscience” which is by your own words, “a fundamental freedom—a basic human right.”

In the work of “preparing a people to stand in the day of the LORD,” I remain

Your faithful servant in the voluntary bonds of Jesus Christ,

Walter "Chick" McGill, Pastor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For all  who love and support "liberty of conscience," there is a Liberty Petition available to sign online. You may access the portal at http://libertypetition.com/.  May God's best be yours as you stand for freedom in America.

My Official Prison Release Statement

 

OFFICIAL PRISON RELEASE STATEMENT

Sabbath, August 11, 2012

1) First and foremost— I love my neighbors, and I love my enemies, for this fulfills the law of God written in my heart. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me with your prayers during my incarceration.

2) My 30-day incarceration was the experience of a lifetime for which I thank my Father in Heaven – it was truly the proving of my faith which shall never falter.

3) During my jail term, I overcame excruciating pain inflicted by shackles, chains, hand cuffs, and discomfort from other sources. I turned the other cheek while suffering physical assault for my conscientious Sabbath observance; I endured false accusations, along with occasional humiliation and ridicule from both inmates and staff; and lastly, I was supernaturally spared serious bodily harm on two occasions as purported “gangsters” threatened my safety. All of the foregoing served to empower me to press on toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

4) While fasting for the 30 days, I cleansed my flesh and spirit from all filthiness as I perfected holiness in the fear of God. I intend to extend the fast 10 additional days for a total of 40, emulating the wilderness fast of my Lord and Savior. I was asked by one reporter at the beginning if I was making a “statement” by fasting in jail. Without intending to, I have made a significant statement—that is, if I can, by the enabling power of God Almighty, overcome the natural drive of hunger for 30 days and beyond, surely any penitent, believing soul can break the chains of substance addiction or habituation. Christ has made ample provision for all to become free from their besetting sins, and I pray for all who struggle against the flesh to achieve the victory God desires for them.

5) One matter needs to be made clear, and I appeal to the media to comply with my request. The public needs to understand that all court-ordered sanctions against me have originated from the Plaintiff church attorneys. This is a civil lawsuit, and the court relies on all lawful suggestions and demands from the plaintiffs in order to compose a contempt order. It was truly the Seventh-day Adventist Church that required my incarceration, though their spokespersons consistently deny any accountability in this regard.

6) I am willing to endure whatever the adversary designs for me in the future—I cannot and will not recant the exercise of my faith and religious practice as long as I remain a free man. Should I be forced by conscience to violate future court orders, let it be well understood—I must answer to the Supreme Court of Heaven which will ultimately decide my eternal destiny. I cannot fear what man will do to my body here on earth.

7) In conclusion, I will, by the grace and mercy of the Most High God, break the jaws of the prophetic dragon beast, and that, NOT by human might, nor by physical power, but by the Spirit of the Living God.

And finally—I wish to extend my heart-felt appreciation to a couple of precious souls working inside the Central Detention Center. First is a nurse named Jonas, who served as an angel ministering to me in my darkest hours. And second is the prison chaplain who gave me a special NKJV Study Bible for my personal devotions and a source to share my faith with the other inmates.

This is a wonderful day to be a “free-man” again, but soon, none know how soon, I may be in bonds once again for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your time,
Pastor “Chick” McGill
San Bernardino, CA

My Last Days of Freedom

It was July 5th when I discovered a warrant is outstanding for my arrest.  America had barely finished her Independence Day celebrations--rather ironic since the nation has repudiated every principle of the United States Constitution.

It was revealed to me that the Honorable J. Daniel Breen had ordered my arrest back on May 2nd.  This order was precipitated by my refusal to comply with any of the District Court mandates respecting my "religious observances and missionary services."

My wife called the US Marshals Service in Jackson, TN, and they informed her that I am wanted, though I am guilty of civil disobedience only.  They recommended that I return to TN and turn myself in there.

My current plan is to turn myself over to the authorities July 15th on the campus of Loma Linda University in Southern California. Loma Linda is a famous Seventh-day Adventist institution.  Consequently, today is my last Sabbath with the Church with which I am contemned.  The following Sabbath, July 14th, I shall be symbolically "in the heart of the earth" at the Loma Linda campus.

My Last Days of Freedom now amount to about one week.  I do not know how long I shall be detained in the California jail before being extradited to Tennessee.  I do not know if they will give me "time served" for my detention in California.  What I do know is that I must serve time for my faith--hated of all men for His name's sake. Also, I shall begin "the fast" on Friday, the 13th of July, taking no food until my eventual release.

It is important for all to know that I am not seeking death, for I love life, and that, more abundant than ever before. I live in "the atmosphere of Heaven" and enjoy every breath I take in.  The fast I have chosen is strictly mandated by the Creator of heaven and earth, my Maker--YAHWEH.  I do always those things that please my Father in Heaven.  He has instructed me to consume only liquids such as water, fruit juices, vegetable juices, or other liquid health drinks during my incarceration.  I refuse all medical treatment and force-feeding.  What I will be doing is symbolic of what every soul should be doing in these last days of earth's history.  Every soul on this planet should be afflicting their souls in contrition for sin, practicing self-denial.  God's people are being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, being fitted for translation at the soon coming of YAHSHUA, the Messiah (known as Jesus Christ).  In order to be prepared for Christ's coming, you must be totally innocent of sin and reflecting the character of the Savior perfectly.  That is my goal in the last days of my existence.

I pray that all who read this short message will take some quality time to evaluate their soul's condition and make things right with God before time expires--before the close of human probation. 

May the best YAHWEH has to offer be yours, as I contemplate My Last Days of Freedom.

My Source Code

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

Recently, I encountered an unusual problem on a web page.  The title of the article was visible when loading the page in Firefox browser.  However, the whole text of the article was not visible. This was very puzzling to me. When viewing the "source code" of the page, all of the relevant text was there.

This experience led me to examine "my source code" more closely.  Obviously, something in the code was not sufficient to display the text of the article.  And, of course, the article is useless with a title only.  So, I went to prayer.

As I prayed over the matter, YAHWEH showed me how a "P tag" was not "closed."  It was a matter of two dashes not being inserted at a critical point in the coding. The missing dashes in "my source code" hindered the viewing of all the text of the article.  After I included the "--" in the necessary location of the code, all of the text of the article was clearly displayed when loading the page in my Firefox browser.

During the night, as I was sleeping, YAH showed me the significance of this experience.  Here is the key text from the Scriptures.

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Cor. 10:5)

The "chain of character" begins with thoughts -- the very "building blocks of character." My Source Code is the way I am programed. My program is made up of my thoughts and feelings.  If one thought is not in agreement with the mind of Christ, my light cannot "shine before men" or "glorify [my] Father which is in heaven." My character cannot perfectly reflect the character of Christ so long as one faulty thought or core belief exists in my heart.  In the event "my source code" is lacking the relevant placement of truth, all of the "good" beliefs and motives (spiritual text of my life) will not be visible to those around me -- souls within the sphere of my influence. My title (or  profession of faith) may be clearly declared and visible for all to see, but the essence of my testimony will not be effectual.

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:" (2 Cor. 3:2)

Let us strive to process every thought, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." For IF we fail to properly program our source code, our heart-felt beliefs will never be useful to the community with which we associate.

Persecution Revived in Adventism

Creation 7th Day Adventists to be jailed / RFRA diluted by the courts

On April 5, 2012, notice was received by the Defendant from the U.S. District Court for Western Tennessee that arrest warrants will be issued by the U.S. Marshal Service for Pastor Walter "Chick" McGill and Bro. Lucan Chartier's refusal to comply with a court injunction resulting from a trademark lawsuit initiated by the General Conference Corp. of Seventh-day Adventists and the Seventh-day Adventist Church (all SDA members included as Plaintiffs).

The permanent injunction forbade their use of the names "Creation Seventh Day Adventist," "SDA," "Seventh-day Adventist," "Seventh-day" OR "Adventist" in conjunction with Church services, signs, Internet pages, advertising, books, fliers, etc.

District Judge Breen, in his ruling, decided that all claims to the protection of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) are void because it is a case between "private parties;" essentially, because it is not the government itself initiating the lawsuit but rather the Seventh-day Adventist Church organizations.

The Marshals are expected to issue warrants April 20th on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This action marks the first time an Adventist believer has been incarcerated by the General Conference over the name "Seventh-day Adventist" since Pastor John Marik of Hawaii was jailed in the late 1980s.

You may find the relevant Court order at www.csda-adventistchurch.to/PDF/Order%20Adopting%20R%20and%20R.pdf

The pastor, Walter McGill, was  interviewed by WBBJ Eye-witness News 7.
www.wbbjtv.com/news/local/Church-Faces-New-Court-Order-146740825.html
 
Other links of interest on this subject:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creation_Seventh_Day_Adventist_Church
www.pastorwalterchickmcgilllawsuit.net/