I am going to mainly use EGW in this, not because her writings are any more valuable than the bible, however, this sermon is aimed to end the debate among Adventists who have doubts on this topic. For those who wish to have the Godhead explained directly from the bible, I suggest these sermons:

• Is Jesus Christ, Michael the Archangel? – mp3 – youtube
• Is Jesus God? – mp3 – youtube
• Who is the Holy Spirit – mp3 – youtube

Why does this topic matter?

There are many walking around stating that we are in the omega of apostasy. Can we ever get through to people if they believe we are in the omega of apostasy? No. Is it important then to get through to people? What is the point of our existence other than to teach people truth so that we can all be changed by it and go home?

It is also claimed that if we get this wrong, and that anyone who speaks “error” on this topic is Satan’s helper. Is that they case? I believe this issue, like all doctrine, is important, sure. And as a teacher of Bible truth, we are judged 10 times harder.

Does this scare me? Only when the answers are formed from the vague association of quotes and theories that are not clear. For the genuine seeker, the clarity of Spirit of Prophecy on this topic will probably surprise them, as it did me.

What are the different interpretations of the Godhead?

The most prevalent is the trinity. “There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.”

These vary widely, but they all centre around the concept:
Ice, water, steam or parent, manager, courier

Sounds moderately logical, but:

I am instructed to say, The sentiments of those who are searching for advanced scientific ideas are not to be trusted. Such representations as the following are made: “The Father is as the light invisible: the Son is as the light embodied; the Spirit is the light shed abroad.” “The Father is like the dew, invisible vapor; the Son is like the dew gathered in beauteous form; the Spirit is like the dew fallen to the seat of life.” Another representation: “The Father is like the invisible vapor; the Son is like the leaden cloud; the Spirit is rain fallen and working in refreshing power.” – {Ev 614.1}

All these spiritualistic representations are simply nothingness. They are imperfect, untrue. They weaken and diminish the Majesty which no earthly likeness can be compared to. God cannot be compared with the things His hands have made. These are mere earthly things, suffering under the curse of God because of the sins of man. The Father cannot be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight. – {Ev 614.2}

The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be “the express image of His person.” “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Here is shown the personality of the Father. – {Ev 614.3}

Now does this mean the “trinity” word in the 28 fundamentals of belief prove the SDA church is Babylon now, because they are teaching Catholic doctrine? No
In saying it they define what it means:

“There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons.”

This is actually correct. We aren’t to get caught up in one word and ignore, the intention of a statement but rather meaning. Does that mean the main teaching of the Modern Adventist Church is correct? Let’s look into it, and I will let you decide.

The Second Understanding is Arianism

Arianism is the theological teaching attributed to Arius (ca. AD 250–336), a Christian presbyter in Alexandria, Egypt, concerning the relationship of God to the Son of God (Jesus of Nazareth). Arius asserted that the Son of God was a subordinate entity to God the Father. Deemed a heretic by the Ecumenical First Council of Nicaea of 325, Arius was later exonerated in 335 at the regional First Synod of Tyre,[1] and then, after his death, pronounced a heretic again at the Ecumenical First Council of Constantinople of 381.[2] The Roman Emperors Constantius II (337–361) and Valens (364–378) were Arians or Semi-Arians.

Another element of Arianism is that the Holy Spirit was not a being, but rather a force.

Many of the SDA pioneers took this view initially, though it is such a difficult topic to explain, it is not completely certain what the view of a number of them was. Especially when you consider it is true that the Holy Spirit is a force, and the spirit of God and the son, and it is also true that He is a person.

But whatever the pioneers say, power of veto always lies with Ellen White, we have very clear statements that show us the truth on this topic.

The Living Temple

I am instructed to speak plainly. “Meet it,” is the word spoken to me. “Meet it firmly, and without delay.” But it is not to be met by our taking our working forces from the field to investigate doctrines and points of difference. We have no such investigation to make. In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given. {1SM 200.1}

“‘The teaching regarding God that is presented in ‘Living Temple’ is not such as our students need. Those who seek to define God are on forbidden ground. We are to enter into no controversy regarding God,–what He is and what He is not. He, the Omniscient One, is above discussion. Those who express such sentiments regarding Him show that they are departing from the faith.’ . . . {PH095 39.3}

Arthur Daniels conversation:

“Ever since the council closed I have felt that I should write you confidentially regarding Dr Kellogg’s plans for revising and republishing ‘The Living Temple’…. He (Kellogg) said that some days before coming to the council, he had been thinking the matter over, and began to see that he had made a slight mistake in expressing his views. He said that all the way along he had been troubled to know how to state the character of God and his relation to his creation works… He then stated that his former views regarding the trinity had stood in his way of making a clear and absolutely correct statement; but that within a short time he had come to believe in the trinity and could now see pretty clearly where all the difficulty was, and believed that he could clear the matter up satisfactorily.

“He told me that he now believed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and his view was that it was God the Holy Ghost, and not God the Father, that filled all space, and every living thing. He said if he had believed this before writing the book, he could have expressed his views without giving the wrong impression the book now gives.

“I placed before him the objections I found in the teaching, and tried to show him that the teaching was so utterly contrary to the gospel that I did not see how it could be revised by changing a few expressions.

“We argued the matter at some length in a friendly way; but I felt sure that when we parted, the doctor did not understand himself, nor the character of his teaching. And I could not see how it would be possible for him to flop over, and in the course of a few days fix the books up so that it would be all right.”

(Letter: A G Daniells to W C White. Oct 29. 1903 page 1.2.)
Letter from Kellogg to GI Butler.
As far as I can fathom, the difficulty which is found in ‘The Living Temple’, the whole thing may be simmered down to the question: Is the Holy Ghost a person? You say no. I had supposed the Bible said this for the reason that the personal pronoun ‘he’ is used in speaking of the Holy Ghost. Sister White uses the pronoun ‘he’ and has said in so many words that the Holy Ghost is the third person of the Godhead. How the Holy Ghost can be the third person and not be a person at all is difficult for me to see.” Letter: J H Kellogg to G. I. Butler . Oct 28. 1903.

“I believe this Spirit of God to be a personality you don’t. But this is purely a question of definition. I believe the Spirit of God is a personality; you say, No, it is not a personality. Now the only reason why we differ is because we differ in our ideas as to what a personality is. Your idea of personality is perhaps that of semblance to a person or a human being. (Letter from J. H. Kellogg to G. I. Butler, February 21, 1904)

He said he would rewrite it. He thought the trinity was the issue, but was it the issue?

EGW response

I am given a message to bear to you and the rest of our physicians who are connected with the Medical Missionary Association. Separate from the influence exerted by the book Living Temple; [A 568-PAGE BOOK ISSUED IN 1903 BY DR. J. H. KELLOGG IN WHICH PANTHEISTIC PHILOSOPHIES WERE PROMULGATED.--COMPILERS.] for it contains specious sentiments. There are in it sentiments that are entirely true, but these are mingled with error. Scriptures are taken out of their connection, and are used to uphold erroneous theories. {1SM 199.1}

The thought of the errors contained in this book has given me great distress, and the experience that I have passed through in connection with the matter has nearly cost me my life. {1SM 199.2}

It will be said that Living Temple has been revised. But the Lord has shown me that the writer has not changed, and that there can be no unity between him and the ministers of the gospel while he continues to cherish his present sentiments. I am bidden to lift my voice in warning to our people, saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). {1SM 199.3}

You have had access to Testimonies for the Church, volumes 7 and 8. In these Testimonies the danger signal is raised. But the light so clear and plain to minds that have not been influenced by deceptive theories, has not been discerned by some. While the misleading theories of this book are entertained by our physicians, there cannot be union between them and the ministers who are bearing the gospel message. There should be no union until there is a change. {1SM 199.4}

In the doctrine of the 3 person Godhead, is the holy spirit the person who is everywhere present? Yes.
Is God everywhere present? Yes
So is it not a far stretch to take the pantheistic view “God is in everything”. Yes… but would that be a deception. Absolutely.
Not only that, but if we go too far in defining God, that is the issue. We can take it only so far, Kellogg dug into areas that are not specifically revealed by inspiration.

But what is the truth? Ellen White said it was stated in plain ways, so rather than dig around with unclear statements an illusions, let’s look for statements that are blindingly clear. Let’s see exactly what Inspiration says on the issue:

In summary:

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three holy dignitaries of heaven, have declared that they will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness. All the facilities of heaven are pledged to those who by their baptismal vows have entered into a covenant with God (Manuscript 92, 1901). – {5BC 1110.8}

Definition: Dignitaries:
A person considered to be important because of high rank or office.

The 3 Members of the Godhead:

God the Father

All the quotes cover the father, as in Adventism, there at least seems to be little dispute as to if the father exists.

There is no place for gods in the heaven above. God is the only true God. He fills all heaven. Those who now submit to his will shall see his face; and his name will be in the foreheads of all who are pure and holy. {1888 1633.2}

From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character. {YI, December 16, 1897 par. 5}

1Jn 5:7-8 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Jesus Christ / The Son

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?” Hebrews 1:1-5. {8T 268.2}

God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son. {8T 268.3}

So this could be taken a number of ways. That Christ was at some stage in history taken to be equal with the father when he previously was not. That he was made, therefore he had a beginning? But is this the intention of the statement? We need to find another statement that is clear. Interpret the unclear with the clear.

Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator’s will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in nature, in character, and in purpose,—the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ, the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By him were all things created, that are in Heaven, . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers;” [Colossians 1:16.] and to Christ, equally with the Father, all Heaven gave allegiance. {GC88 493.1}

So the Father worked through Christ to Create. But we still need to look further as to Christ’s beginning. So this doesn’t quite answer it. It is only talking at a time before the fall.

The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption. In order fully to carry out this plan, it was decided that Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, should give Himself an offering for sin.– {CH 222.2}

Our policy is, Do not make prominent the objectionable features of our faith, which strike most decidedly against the practices and customs of the people, until the Lord shall give the people a fair chance to know that we are believers in Christ, that we do believe in the divinity of Christ, and in His pre-existence.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 253 (1895). – {Ev 613.2}

But what does pre existence mean? existing previously or before something. Still not a clear answer.

The Pre-existent, Self-existent Son of God—Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God…. In speaking of his pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with God as one brought up with Him.—The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1900. – {Ev 615.2}

He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent…. He is the eternal, self-existent Son.—Manuscript 101, 1897. – {Ev 615.3}

So if they both were around for eternity, why is one seemingly subservient in title to the other? what does it mean to begotten?

Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

So by decree Christ received the title of Son, in order to work the salvation of men.

The apparently weak soul, who with a contrite, trusting spirit takes God at His word, and with a sense of his unworthiness asks for help, will be given grace to win victory after victory, and to gain the eternal weight of glory in the future life. The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is truly God in infinity, but not in personality. He has wrought out the righteousness that enables human beings to overcome every assault of Satan. He will impute His righteousness to the believing saint who walks as He walked when on earth. {UL 367.4}

So now, there is one God, we know that. But does that mean one individual? Are we doing what Ellen White said “making room for more than one God”? No. This statement shows What Ellen White means by one God.

Christ is one with the Father, but Christ and God are two distinct personages. Read the prayer of Christ in the seventeenth chapter of John, and you will find this point clearly brought out.

John 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Will we all be of the same substance? Of course not. Will we all be of identical personalities? No. But when we are one, will we have the same Character? Absolutely.

How earnestly the Saviour prayed that his disciples might be one with him as he is one with the Father. But the unity that is to exist between Christ and his followers does not destroy the personality of either. They are to be one with him as he is one with the Father. By this unity they are to make it plain to the world that God sent his Son to save sinners. The oneness of Christ’s followers with him is to be the great, unmistakable proof that God did indeed send his Son into the world to save sinners. But a loose, lax religion leaves the world bewildered and confused. {RH, June 1, 1905 par. 14}

So that is it right? We figured out Christ… we have defined God? Absolutely not. This definition is no better than a shadow. You can see that there is a person casting the shadow, but do you really know what the person looks like from the shadow?

There is no one who can explain the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Yet we know that He came to this earth and lived as a man among men. The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty, yet Christ and the Father are one. The Deity did not sink under the agonizing torture of Calvary, yet it is nonetheless true that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” {LHU 235.3}

The Holy Spirit

Now here is where things get harder for people. The Holy Spirit is subject of much confusion and debate from the beginning of the Christian church, let alone the advent movement. Why is that?

Christ says, speaking of the Comforter, “He shall not speak of himself;” “he shall testify of me;” “he shall glorify me.” Mrs. E. G. White. {RH, December 23, 1890 par. 22}

So the Holy Spirit will not speak of himself. Is it any wonder that we know very little of him? Not only that, to define the Holy Spirit is beyond analogy, so is it any wonder there is confusion on this matter? But thankfully the Holy Spirit revealed himself enough for us to be at least clear enough to know He exists, and is a “He” not an “It”. Beyond that, I don’t dare define Him.

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” “And Jesus increased his wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Let the brightest example the world has yet seen be your example, rather than the greatest and most learned men of the age, who know not God, nor Jesus Christ whom he has sent. The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted. {YI, July 7, 1898 par. 2}

So people say, therefore the Holy Spirit doesn’t exist. But think about it: Why can’t I exult the Holy Spirit? Because the flesh is enmity against God. If I exult God it can only be from the part of my brain that the Holy Spirit is controlling… so in essense the Holy Spirit would be exult himself. It doesn’t make any sense.

Let’s look at another one used to say he isn’t a person:

The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit in all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, pp. 62, 63. (1905). – {Ev 615.1}

So this sounds like the Holy Spirit is simply a manifestation of Christ and the Father?

Let’s keep searching:

Who is Melchisedec? He is the one that fills all the specifications the Bible gives of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 7:1-5 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

1. He was a man “Consider how great the man was.” Hebrews 7:4.
2. He was a king. “King of righteousness.” & “King of Peace”. Verse 2.
3. He “was priest of the most high God.” Verse 1.
4. He “abideth a priest continually.” Verse 3.
5. He was greater than Abraham, for Abraham paid tithes to him, “and without contradiction the less is blessed of the greater.” Verses 4-7.
6. Abraham received the promises, therefore Melchisedec was greater than the one who received the promises of God.
7. He is the one “of whom it is witnessed that He liveth.” Verse 8.
8. He was made “like unto the Son of God,” and therefore was not the Son of God.” Verse 3.
9. He was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” Verse 3.

Is he Christ?

It was Christ that spoke through Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. Melchizedek was not Christ, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representative of the Father. And all through the generations of the past, Christ has spoken; Christ has led His people, and has been the light of the world. {1SM 409.3}

Is it an angel? No all angels are created, therefore they have a beginning.

The Holy Spirit is the only possible option.

We need to recognize the Holy Spirit as our enlightener. That Spirit loves to address the children and discover to them the treasures and beauties of the Word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul of the child with a spiritual power that is divine. There will grow in the receptive mind a familiarity with divine things which will be as a barricade against the temptations of the enemy. [9] – {CG 495.4}

So, can something without a personality love?

Personality of the Holy Spirit—We need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is walking through these grounds.—Manuscript 66, 1899 (From a talk to the students at the Avondale School.). – {Ev 616.5}

The Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are the children of God…. – {Ev 616.6}

The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God. “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”—Manuscript 20, 1906. – {Ev 617.1}

So to finish. God has told us he is beyond definition. He has told us we cannot fully comprehend him. He has given us a few clues. Let us now leave it to rest, and do what he says, and leave this topic where it needs to be. This is not the Omega of Apostasy… Apostasy only comes from ignoring clear statements of God, and to continually try to define or rationalise away the Holy Spirit is doing just that. So let us take the advice of this statement I will read in its full now:

Christ says, speaking of the Comforter, “He shall not speak of himself;” “he shall testify of me;” “he shall glorify me.” How little has Christ been preached! The laborers have presented theories, plenty of them, but little of Christ and his love. As the Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of his love, so the Spirit came to glorify Christ by revealing to the world the riches of his love and grace. If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, our work will testify to the fact, we shall lift up Jesus. Not one can afford to be silent now; the burden of the work is to present Christ to the world. All who venture to have their own way, who do not join the angels who are sent from heaven with a message to fill the whole earth with its glory, will be passed by. The work will go forward to victory without them, and they will have no part in its triumph. Mrs. E. G. White. {RH, December 23, 1890 par. 22}

Amen.

audio: mp3
video: youtube

Scripture Reading:

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

John 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death;

Is it possible that you may never taste death?

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

What did Jesus to when He died on the cross that allows us to have eternal life, and is it just?

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

How does the cross of Christ work to make this proper and legal? The second part of this verse is the key to understanding what actually happened on the cross. Was Calvary just a mere someone good taking the place of someone bad. Did Jesus die instead of me? Is that true? Or did Jesus die as me? What does it mean for Jesus to have been put to death in the flesh?

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

What does it mean that death passed upon all? Sin actually changed the make up of our bodies. There was a genetic reality taking place, that every son and daughter of Adam received broken genetics.

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.   Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sin is the breaking up of God’s original design of the human life. Death is the taking away of that life that God originally built. The DNA structure was faultless before sin. After, the DNA structure had problems.

Isaiah 1:4-6 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Through sin the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted. Sin has degraded the faculties of the soul. Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart, and the feet turn imperceptibly toward evil.  {8T 312.2}

Romans 3:10-19 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.   They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:  Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:  Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:  Destruction and misery [are] in their ways:   And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

According to this scripture, all have the capacity to be just as bad as each other, if given the opportunity. So doesn’t humanity have one problem, not many? Sin. One problem, manifested in many variations in different people.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Not everybody has manifested these outward actions, but all these things are able to be manifested through the flesh. If you have sinful flesh, you have these things in you that can be manifested if you allow them to.

Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Those who are Christians will have killed the flesh, with the affections and lusts. These things will be mortified. If not, they will come up in various manifestations.

When Jesus died, was it just a good person dying for evil people? What did Christ actually bear?

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Sin, singular.  Jesus didn’t just take the punishment for evil people. He was destroying and taking away something – the sin of the world.

Is it just for Jesus to die and we receive life from  him?

Hebrews 10:4-5 For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

It wasn’t possible for the innocent lamb could take a way the guilt of the sinner. When Jesus came, a body was prepared for him. It wasn’t just, here is someone who didn’t sin, lets kill him. A body had to be prepared, so that there could be a just substitute for man. An angel couldn’t have died for mankind. What sort of body was prepared for Jesus?

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

It’s much more than just a righteous person dying for the sinner.

Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Your sufferings, anguish, pain and experiences were part of the body that was prepared for Christ. His body had to house the sin of the world. It had to be there, so He could kill it.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

What did Jesus come to destroy? The body of sin. The character he developed had to fault, yet the body he had had the broken genetics.

1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

When Jesus died, what part of him died? His body. He was laid in the grace, but when he rose again, he was different. He wasn’t a different person, but he had a different body. It was one that would last forever. Christ actually destroyed the sinful body. What does that mean for you and I if we accept Christ as our savior? It’s not just a free ticket.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

If Christ is truly in me, I cannot pursue my body.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The life we live now is to deny all the feelings of the body.

Colossians 3:1-5 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Ephesians 5:25-31 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Now the work is to purify his members. What would happen if a member of the body refused to be connected or purified?

Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off,…

I was pointed to the providence of God among His people and was shown that every trial made by the refining, purifying process upon professed Christians proves some to be dross. The fine gold does not always appear. In every religious crisis some fall under temptation. The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves. Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church. As a class, their spirits are not steadfast with God. They go out from us because they are not of us; for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, many are offended.  {4T 89.2}

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

What caused David to fall into sin?

2 Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I [am] with child.

2 Samuel 11:14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent [it] by the hand of Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men [were]. 17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell [some] of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

It was the spirit of self-confidence and self-exaltation that prepared the way for David’s fall. Flattery and the subtle allurements of power and luxury were not without effect upon him. Intercourse with surrounding nations also exerted an influence for evil. According to the customs prevailing among Eastern rulers, crimes not to be tolerated in subjects were uncondemned in the king; the monarch was not under obligation to exercise the same self-restraint as the subject. All this tended to lessen David’s sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. And instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he began to trust to his own wisdom and might. As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man’s carnal nature. The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It begins in apparently small things–the neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him wholly, the disposition to follow the customs and practices of the world. {PP 717.2}

2 Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

Idle hands folly – doesn’t exist

Isaiah 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Very many, reading the history of David’s fall, have inquired, “Why has this record been made public? Why did God see fit to throw open to the world this dark passage in the life of one so highly honored of Heaven?” The prophet, in his reproof to David, had declared concerning his sin, “By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.” Through successive generations infidels have pointed to the character of David, bearing this dark stain, and have exclaimed in triumph and derision, “This is the man after God’s own heart!” Thus a reproach has been brought upon religion, God and His word have been blasphemed, souls have been hardened in unbelief, and many, under a cloak of piety, have become bold in sin. {PP 722.4}

But the history of David furnishes no countenance to sin. It was when he was walking in the counsel of God that he was called a man after God’s own heart. When he sinned, this ceased to be true of him until by repentance he had returned to the Lord. The word of God plainly declares, “The thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27, margin. … {PP 723.1}

God intended the history of David’s fall to serve as a warning that even those whom He has greatly blessed and favored are not to feel secure and neglect watchfulness and prayer. And thus it has proved to those who in humility have sought to learn the lesson that God designed to teach. From generation to generation thousands have thus been led to realize their own danger from the tempter’s power. The fall of David, one so greatly honored by the Lord, has awakened in them distrust of self. They have felt that God alone could keep them by His power through faith. Knowing that in Him was their strength and safety, they have feared to take the first step on Satan’s ground. {PP 724.1}

Psalm 32:1 [A Psalm] of David, Maschil. Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered. 2 Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.

Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.  Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth. 6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

David’s repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his transgression against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. David did not in despair give over the struggle. In the promises of God to repentant sinners he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance.

“For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:

Thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”

Psalm 51:16, 17. {PP 725.2}

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Psalm 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit. 13 [Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Acts 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

1 Samuel 17:41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was [but] a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, [Am] I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

It is impossible for us in our own strength to maintain the conflict; and whatever diverts the mind from God, whatever leads to self-exaltation or to self-dependence, is surely preparing the way for our overthrow. The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power. {PP 717.1}

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

This passage in David’s history is full of significance to the repenting sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through all the ages it has proved a source of encouragement to souls that, having fallen into sin, were struggling under the burden of their guilt. Thousands of the children of God, who have been betrayed into sin, when ready to give up to despair have remembered how David’s sincere repentance and confession were accepted by God, notwithstanding he suffered for his transgression; and they also have taken courage to repent and try again to walk in the way of God’s commandments. {PP 726.3}

Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him. Whoever will in faith accept God’s promises, will find pardon. The Lord will never cast away one truly repentant soul. He has given this promise: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7. {PP 726.4}

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Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Description: Where is your name written?

Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.  But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].  7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  9 And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.  28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.

Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Daniel 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit.  {DA 509. 4}

Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.  For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation.  These are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken.  Submission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented.  To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love.  And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation.  {DA 599. 3}

As we come nearer to God we shall be conscious of our own nothingness and learn to depend more upon Jesus Christ and then we shall obtain clear evidence of the love of Jesus.  We shall see the goodness and mercy of God displayed in the orderings of His providence.  {TDG 173. 5}

The L_____s are good-spirited boys, but have great deficiencies– no order, neglect the simplest duties in care-taking, leave things undone right before their faces.  It is a time now for them to obtain a fitness for the work or give it up and take up that part of their education which has received no attention, until they develop a well-balanced character.  Until this is done they will never be fit to go alone and do anything.  We all need more of the Spirit of God, more earnest faith, more constant, earnest prayer that we may discern the grievous imperfections of our best works and our entire inability of ourselves to meet the divine standard.  {TDG 173. 3}

He permits temptations, trials, and afflictions to come to His loved ones.  They are His providences, visitations of mercy to bring them back when they stray from His side, and give them a deeper sense of His presence and providential care.  The peace that passeth understanding is not for those who shrink from trials, from struggles, and from self-denial.  .  .  .  {OHC 327. 2}

Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him.  ”Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house. ” “Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord. ” 1 Peter 2:5, R. V. ; Ephesians 2:21, R. V.  The stones became one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all.  That building no tempest can overthrow; for – “That which shares the life of God, With Him surviveth all. ” {MB 150. 2}

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure.  Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love.  Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if He would join the church triumphant.  {FE 179. 3}

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Amen!

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Transcript:

Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem.
And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he
did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not
with a perfect heart. – 2 Chronicles 25:1-2

The scriptures tell us that King Amaziah did all that was
pleasing in the sight of the Lord but that he did this
without a perfect heart. And so our contemplation this
morning is to examine ourselves as to whether we are in the
faith, whether all that we are doing in our Christian walk
is done also with a perfect heart because from this text we
understand that it is very possible to do what is right in
God’s sight and yet it is very wrong.

The first thing we need to understand of course is what
do the scriptures mean by a perfect heart? Let us compare
scripture with scripture to gain an understanding.

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father,
and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind:
for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all
the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will
be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast
thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen
thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do
it. – 1 Chronicles 28:9-10

O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers,
keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of
the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy
commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do
all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I
have made provision. – 1 Chronicles 29:18-19

King David obviously saw it an important thing for his son
Solomon to obtain a perfect heart. From these texts we
gather that a perfect heart has something to do with the
imagination and the thoughts, with a continual seeking of
the Lord and a doing of his Law. David also connects this

with Solomon’s obligation to build an house, a sanctuary
unto the Lord. David’s desire for his son however as
scriptures reveal did not come to fruition.

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives
turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was
not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of
David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the
goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination
of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the
LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his
father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh,
the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before
Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children
of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives,
which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the
LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned
from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him
twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he
should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which
the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon,
Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept
my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee,
I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give
it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not
do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out
of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all
the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David
my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have
chosen. – 1 Kings 11:4-13

Scripture reveals that unlike his father King David,
Solomon’s heart was not perfect in that he sought after
other gods and unlike King David he did not go fully after
the Lord. Not only so but he built up an high place for
these false gods. Thus an imperfect heart is a divided
heart, serving God and serving other gods. Let us confirm
this further with scripture.

But the high places were not taken away out of Israel:
nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. – 2
Chronicles 15:17

Now King Asa was a king whose heart was undivided, he did
not seek other gods but went fully after the Lord. This is
revealed in what he did as king.

And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded
the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable
idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out
of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and
renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of
the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the
strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of
Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance,
when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. So they
gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third
month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. And they
offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which
they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand
sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD
God of their fathers with all their heart and with all
their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of
Israel should be put to death, whether small or great,
whether man or woman. And they sware unto the LORD with a
loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with
cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had
sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole
desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them
rest round about. And also concerning Maachah the mother
of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because
she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol,
and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. – 2
Chronicles 15:8-16

It is clear then that a perfect heart is one that is after
God and God alone, it is a heart that has removed all idols
and false gods. A hearth that is complete and undivided in
its devotion.

Is your heart perfect? Is this a question you have taken
deep consideration over? Have you removed the idols and
false God’s from your hearts devotion? You may answer yes
the god and idols of music, or fashion, of fleshly lust are
far from me now, family, friends and worldly aspirations no
longer sway my devotion. I am wholly for the Lord alone.
If you are unsure then contemplate this: is your life
completely stable?

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. – James
1:8

What is it to be double minded? Is it to have a divided
mind, a divided heart? With God sometimes and the world
at other times. The marker of a perfect heart is perfect
stability, that doesn’t mean perfect circumstances but it
is stability not withstanding circumstances. And how common
is this problem?

Why the Christian life is so difficult to many is that they
have a divided heart. They are double-minded, which makes
them unstable in all their ways. – {2T 234.2}

Was King Amaziah stable? Certainly not let us read the
sacred record to see the instability a divided heart
creates.

And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people,
and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children
of Seir ten thousand. And other ten thousand left alive
did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought
them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the
top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces. But
the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they
should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of
Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three
thousand of them, and took much spoil. Now it came to pass,
after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the
Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir,
and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself
before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the
anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he
sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast
thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not
deliver their own people out of thine hand? – 2 Chronicles
25:11-15

Does that sound like the workings of someone unstable?
To have utterly destroyed the children of Seir and then
worship their gods who could not deliver them from his own
hand? It’s laughable isn’t it but are we any different?
Do we serve God one day and denounce him the next? The
question to consider again is whether or not we have
removed all idols from our heart? What is an idol?

An idol is anything that human beings love and trust
in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their

Maker…Whatever divides the affections, or takes away from
the soul the supreme love of God, or interposes to prevent
unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the
character and takes the form of an idol in the soul temple.
– {3SM 330.2}

Divides the affections, takes away from the soul the
supreme love of God, interposes to prevent unlimited
confidence and entire trust in God. Have you removed all
idols?

We may flatter ourselves that we are free from many things
of which others are guilty; but if we have some strong
points of character, and but one weak point, there is yet a
communion between sin and the soul. The heart is divided in
its service, and says, “Some of self and some of Thee.” The
child of God must search out the sin which he has petted
and indulged himself in, and permit God to cut it out of
his heart. He must overcome that one sin; for it is not a
trifling matter in the sight of God. – {MYP 91.1}

It is often easy to externalize our idols; we remove the
music, the fashion, the sports, the emulation of movie
stars, the television, family, friends, worldly amusements
etc. There is however an idol that we often overlook one
that utterly interposes between us and God preventing
unlimited confidence and trust in Him, one that divides our
affections and prevents us from supreme love for God. Yes
there are many idols we have to face but this one we all
have in common and often it is the one we don’t want to
give up more then any other.

In the heart of Christ, where reigned perfect harmony
with God, there was perfect peace. He was never elated by
applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment. Amid
the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment, He
was still of good courage. But many who profess to be His
followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they
are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make
a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the
consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless
they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace. – {DA
330.3}

Are you afraid to give God your unlimited confidence and
entire trust? Then it is your very heart that you have made

an idol of. Be very honest with yourself, are you afraid to
trust in God completely, to give over the control of your
heart, to be utterly vulnerable to Him? We may answer no
but our lives say otherwise don’t they. To give my heart
without reserve what does it mean?

The heart is the citadel of the being. – {18MR 119.5}

A citadel is a fortress protecting what is in its keep,
it is intended for defense. Thus the citadel that is our
heart protects us from vulnerability. To give over my
heart is to give over my self, my entire being. This is a
difficult thing to do isn’t it? It is to open the gates of
the citadel, to put down all the walls I have created to
protect me, being vulnerable to attack, being vulnerable
to hurt, to be utterly exposed, to feel utterly naked and
to give over all control. It is easy to see why this idol
is the one we don’t want to give up. But how can I give it
up? Many people, people who claimed to love me, have hurt
me before. I have had my heart broken and torn to pieces; I
have been disappointed, trodden on, attacked. I have built
up this citadel because I don’t want to hurt again. How can
I trust this Jesus? How do I know he isn’t going to hurt me
too? How can I give him complete control?

Can you feel your heart almost quiver with fear; does it
feel uncomfortable to even think about this subject? It
does for me; you see these questions are all questions I
have asked too. To be vulnerable is such a hard thing to
ask, to give over control, just how can I? I can take in
all the truth and practice it, I can love Jesus and see
him making miraculous changes in my life and all the while
I am giving Him my heart but there’s this little pocket I
am keeping to myself, you know just in case, just in case
this doesn’t work out, just in case I am hurt, just in case
so that I am not utterly shattered and heart broken if it
doesn’t work out. Is there a little pocket in your citadel
that is still guarded and walled up? Really think about it,
oh but I don’t want to think about it, why have you touched
on this, it is too dear to me, I’m not ready.

Idols must be given up, the conscience must become more
tender, the meditations of the heart must be spiritual,
and the entire character must become symmetrical. Those
who really desire to glorify God will be thankful for the
exposure of every idol and every sin, that they may see
these evils and put them away; but the divided heart will

plead for indulgence rather than denial. – {4T 354.2}

Do you feel exposed? Has everything you have done thus
far been done with a divided heart? Like King Amaziah,
outwardly everything seems right but is your heart
imperfect in its devotion to God? Are you going through
dark experiences and depression and wonder why? Does peace
seem so far from attainable? Are you fearful and anxious?

But many of His followers have an anxious, troubled heart,
because they are afraid to trust God. They shrink from the
consequences of complete surrender to Him. But unless they
make this surrender, they cannot find peace. – {HLv 221.2}

In order that the will of God may be done in you, you
must trust your heavenly Father as a child trusts its
parent. But you have an anxious, troubled heart; you are
actually afraid to trust yourself with God, afraid of the
consequences that such a surrender may involve. Do not,
I beseech you, mar your own Christian experience. – {UL
314.3}

There is a question our loving Saviour asks of you who are
in this very predicament:

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it
that ye have no faith? – Mark 4:40

Christ equates fear with what? A lack of faith. But wait a
second I have faith; you’re out of line to suggest I don’t.

Faith is a very simple matter; it is confidence in God. –
{YI August 30, 1894 Par. 1}

Is your confidence unlimited and entire? Then is it
confidence at all, is it faith at all?

If you much longer pursue the course you are now following,
you will become infidel in regard to the truth and in
regard to the word of God. Watch and pray always. Dedicate
yourself unreservedly to the Lord, and it will not then be
difficult to serve Him. You have a divided heart. This is
the reason that darkness, instead of light, encircles you.
The last message of mercy is now going forth. It is a token
of the long-suffering and compassion of God. Come, is the

invitation now given. Come, for all things are now ready.
This is mercy’s last call. Next will come the vengeance of
an offended God. – {2T 225.1}

So God is asking me to step out in faith, to entirely trust
in Him knowing that everything I have done so far like
Amaziah has been done with an imperfect heart. I almost
feel as though what’s the point, I’ve made a mess of it
so far. It’s like all your life you have been journeying
to Tarshish and you have absolutely loved it and now you
realize it has been all wrong and God has decided you need
to go to Nineveh instead. But what if I don’t want to, what
if I don’t enjoy it or feel like it. If I just go because I
know I have to isn’t that fake not faith? The divided heart
pleads for indulgence rather then for denial doesn’t it?
Often we will concoct some reason to not step out in faith
by consulting our feelings, but feelings are not faith. In
honestly the reason we do this is because we are sorely
afraid. To walk by faith I can only scarcely describe it as
though you have been asked to walk a narrow plank, being
guided step by step by a voice ahead of you. Below you
is an endless abyss and all the while you are walking in
complete darkness. That is the best way I can describe what
it is to allow the heart to be vulnerable and to give God
full rein.

Now faith walks the narrow plank, and walks till it comes
to the end, then steps right off onto nothing, as it were.
Yet it is everything. It is a mighty upholder. You walk
the plank of faith and you cannot see another step to go.
You need not consult how you feel. Feeling has nothing to
do with it. Do I believe in God, that He is my God, and
that His promises will be verified to me? Then I go right
about my work. I never look or examine whether I have
feeling or have no feeling. I know what my duty is from the
expressed will of God, and it is for me to do it and do it
intelligently. – {10MR 309.3}

King David was a man of faith; his heart was perfect before
God though his actions did not always please him.

Great had been David’s fall, but deep was his repentance,
ardent his love, and strong his faith. The psalms of David
pass from the depths of guilt and self-condemnation to the
most exalted communing with God. His life record declares
that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that God’s love
and mercy can reach to the deepest depths. – {EP 548.1}

Faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption
of the sons of God! – {EP 548.2}

I love the psalms of David because they tell the human
experience so well, the ups and downs, the discouragements
and encouragements, they are so relatable.

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let
them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding
joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

David exercises faith; he sees that he must walk that
narrow plank; he sees the exceeding joy set before him. And
yet he says:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou
disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise
him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. -
Psalm 43:3-5

David does not harken to his feelings any longer. Although
he may have much rather gone to Tarshish he understands
that God wants Him to go to Nineveh and he unreservedly
hopes in God, following the voice of duty.

I had great freedom in talking upon faith, that faith
and feeling should not be confounded together. They are
distinct as the east is from the west. In the darkest hours
it is then we should exercise faith, and not suffer our
feelings to govern us, but press our faith through the
dark clouds to the throne of God and claim the blessing
of heaven. When our faith grasps the blessing, then the
blessing is ours, for our faith has got hold of it, and
when our faith brings the blessing down to us—when the dark
clouds scatter and divine rays of light from Jesus illumine
our darkness—then it is no more faith, it is feeling. The
evidence has come and it is feeling that has swallowed up
the faith. – {5MR 206.3}

Faith is ours to exercise and feelings are God’s to give.
When our faith walks and talks and the blessing of complete
trust are daily realized then the feelings are to be had,
not before. See David realized this he saw that exceeding
joy would afterward be the result of him being led to the
tabernacle of God though presently he was cast down in his
soul. David realized that he had abundantly more to gain

then to lose; by opening the Citadel and being vulnerable.

The exchange we make in the denial of selfish desires and
inclinations is an exchange of the worthless and transitory
for the precious and enduring. This is not sacrifice, but
infinite gain. {Ed 296.2}

There are blessings on the way to Nineveh and I tell you it
is a beautiful place to go to figuratively speaking.

When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united
with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind
becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into
captivity to Him; we live His life. – {COL 311.4}

Can one even describe such a transformation? Yes

Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an
inexpressible love for God, and had the witness of His
Spirit that my sins were pardoned. My views of the Father
were changed. I now looked upon Him as a kind and tender
parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling men to a
blind obedience. My heart went out toward Him in a deep and
fervent love. Obedience to His will seemed a joy; it was a
pleasure to be in His service. No shadow clouded the light
that revealed to me the perfect will of God. I felt the
assurance of an indwelling Saviour, and realized the truth
of what Christ had said: “He that followeth Me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John
8:12. – {CET 31.1}
My peace and happiness were in such marked contrast with my
former gloom and anguish that it seemed to me as if I had
been rescued from hell and transported to heaven. I could
even praise God for the misfortune that had been the trial
of my life, for it had been the means of fixing my thoughts
upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious, I might not
have been inclined to give my heart to Jesus had it not
been for the sore affliction that had cut me off, in a
manner, from the triumphs and vanities of the world. – {CET
31.2}

Christ longs for you to have the same experience. Can I
trust Him you ask? Did he not die for you? Will he hurt
me you ask? Watch Him, as a he went to Calvary as a lamb
to the slaughter how he did not resist them. Instability
causes us to do many strange things as it did Amaziah but
don’t allow it to take your eyes of the loving Saviour.

See him, by the eye of faith, bending over you in love,
saying with compassion, “My son, my daughter, give me
thy heart.” Make the surrender to Jesus, and then with
grateful hearts you can say, “I know that my Redeemer
liveth.” Your faith in Jesus will give strength to every
purpose, consistency to the character. All your happiness,
peace, joy, and success in this life are dependent upon
genuine, trusting faith in God. This faith will prompt true
obedience to the commandments of God. Your knowledge and
faith in God is the strongest restraint from every evil
practice, and the motive to all good. Believe in Jesus as
one who pardons your sins, one who wants you to be happy in
the mansions he has gone to prepare for you. He wants you
to live in his presence; to have eternal life and a crown
of glory. – {YI January 5, 1887 Par. 9}

Why are you fighting him? Why are you resisting him? Do
you long for a peace that surpasses all understand, do you
desire boundless happiness. Then open your heart, open all
of it, and spare no pockets just in case. Give it all to
Him.

The trouble with too many is that they look for peace
without surrendering. They expect God to give them
peace while they are still in arms against him. This is
impossibility. If he were fighting against us, then he
could give us peace, by ceasing to fight us. But since the
fighting is all on our part, the matter of peace rests with
us. God has opened the way for us to surrender; our part is
to lay hold of the peace which he offers us. Peace is ours
whenever we will cease our rebellion. – E, J Waggoner, The
Signs of the Times : January 26, 1891

Do you desire to be a son or daughter of God, do you desire
to be part of the remnant that have the faith of Jesus and
keep the commandments of God? Then give him your heart,
if you would keep the commandments then you must heed the
first and greatest of them. Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy…heart.

And now, Israel, what doth
thee, but to fear the LORD
ways, and to love him, and
all thy heart and with all

the LORD thy God require of
thy God, to walk in all his
to serve the LORD thy God with
thy soul, – Deuteronomy 10:12

Do you desire to walk in newness of life? Give him your
heart.

Until the heart is surrendered unconditionally, the
blessing of God cannot flow into the soul; the sunshine of
His righteousness does not illuminate the chambers of the
mind or the soul temple, and a new life does not begin. –
{18MR 277.3}

I cannot force nor persuade you to do this; I can only tell
you it is something that experience will show you is well
worth doing. Will you experience it for yourself? Will you
be willing to let go and let God? Be vulnerable

The heart is the citadel of the being, and until that is
wholly on the Lord’s side the enemy will gain constant
victories over us through his subtle temptations….

Full and abundant is the provision that has been made that
we may have mercy, grace, and peace. Why, then, do human
beings act as if they entertained the idea that the truth
is a yoke of bondage? It is because the heart has never
tasted and seen that the Lord is good. – {HP 140.2-3}

Did you catch that? If Christ does not take full possession
of the heart who will? You see the Word of God tells us
that our hearts are deceitful. We do everything we can to
protect our hearts, to keep hurt out, to prevent others
from knowing our inner self, we keep up our strong walls
and resist even the Lord for fear of hurt, for fear of
vulnerability but how we deceive ourselves. We are deluded
to think we have control at all. You see even if we wanted
to give Christ our heart we are incapable of doing that.
If we are incapable of giving our heart, of opening the
citadel gates and putting down the walls then just how much
control do we actually have? The heart is deceitful.

No outward observances can take the place of simple
faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can
empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to
accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will
be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy
property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save
me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me,
fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where
the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. –

{COL 159.3}

Brethren we cannot give our hearts over, we can but
consent. Why is that we have no control to give something
that belongs to us? Because it does not belong to us.

God requires the whole heart. He has purchased it. It is
his property. Withhold not from Christ that which belongs
to him. Are our affections divided? Let them be so no
more. Let our words and actions tell for God. We are
seeking for glory, honor, immortality, eternal life. What
a glorious hope is ours! Salvation is what we must have.
Life, spiritual life, pray for it, wrestle for it. It is
our privilege to enjoy it. We cannot glorify God with a
dead faith. I have made my mark high for heaven and eternal
life.” – {2SG 216.1}

We may be fearful to open our hearts but if we delay it
Satan will force his way in or perhaps he already has? Then
do not delay to go to Jesus.

Do not let Satan accomplish his purpose to keep you in the
chamber of darkness and shadow, where the bright beams of
the Sun of Righteousness do not penetrate. Dwelling in
the darkness, your beliefs will be tinged with gloom and
your hopes buried in the night. The Lord bids you look up,
saying, O God, here I am; do unto me as seemeth good to
Thee. Use me in Thy service. I will no longer make my life
an affliction to myself and to others. I will not shun the
cross, or refuse to take up the work that Thou hast bidden
me do. I am Thine. I will no longer sit in sackcloth and
ashes. I will come out of the darkened chamber of death
into the upper room, which is filled with the bright beams
of the Sun of Righteousness. – {ST February 14, 1906 Par.
8}

Every time you fail to open the door of your heart to
Christ, you become more and more unwilling to listen to
the voice of Him that speaketh. You diminish your chance
of responding to the last appeal of mercy. Let it not be
written of you, as of ancient Israel, “Ephraim is joined to
idols; let him alone.” Hosea 4:17. Let not Christ weep over
you as He wept over Jerusalem, saying, “How often would I
have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather
her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your
house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34, 35. – {COL

237.1}
We are living in a time when the last message of mercy, the
last invitation, is sounding to the children of men. The
command, “Go out into the highways and hedges,” is reaching
its final fulfillment. To every soul Christ’s invitation
will be given. The messengers are saying, “Come; for all
things are now ready.” Heavenly angels are still working
in co-operation with human agencies. The Holy Spirit is
presenting every inducement to constrain you to come.
Christ is watching for some sign that will betoken the
removing of the bolts and the opening of the door of your
heart for His entrance. Angels are waiting to bear the
tidings to heaven that another lost sinner has been found.
The hosts of heaven are waiting, ready to strike their
harps and to sing a song of rejoicing that another soul has
accepted the invitation to the gospel feast. – {COL 237.2}

It is my prayer that we like David may serve God with a
perfect heart. May God remove all our idols that we may
find for him a tabernacle in which to dwell. May the song
of our heart, our entire heart ever be:

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in
him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him. – Psalm 28:7

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  ¹⁵And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

What does unity mean? It means the state of being one, concord, agreement.

So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this happy state. …{PP 35.1}

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! ¹³For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: ¹⁴I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Satan wanted preeminence, but he was not called to that position. But what was Satan breaking in attempt to exalt himself above God?

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. … ⁷Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. … ¹³Thou shalt not kill. … ¹⁵Thou shalt not steal. … ¹⁷Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour’s.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ⁵Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Love is a very unselfish reality; it is not about ‘me’. It is contrary to the selfish and prideful character of Satan.

“We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.” {TM 475.2}

Do we hold our ways and experience so precious in our minds that we don’t allow the unity to be carried out? A childish mentality is “if it is not my way, then it will be no way”.

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life’s cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections–to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.  {SC 71.2}

Why is there a gulf between myself and Christ? Because Satan has diverted our attention and prevented this. Sin separates us from the Lord, and Christ came to this world to save us from sin, bridging the gulf between him and us.

Satan did not commit himself to God, but wanted to be in the position of Christ. His pride prevented him from acknowledging his wrongs and repenting.

Proverbs 16:18  Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Do we want to hold ourselves from heaven with the same thinking?

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²²Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ²³Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: ²⁴Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. ²⁵For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

This is why we are called to be Christians. We are those who follow Christ and His example.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are to live by His faith, not our own.

What are the necessary steps to follow Jesus?

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Unity should begin with ‘I’ because it is about what I can do through Christ to impact unity. If my connection with Christ is stable, then the rest of the unity will follow automatically. Only through being in unity with Christ first can we be unified with our brethren.

1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? ¹⁸But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ¹⁹And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? ²⁰But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. ²¹And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. ²²Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ²³And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness. ²⁴For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: ²⁵That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another. ²⁶And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

As we are all separate members; branches of the vine; we may be growing in different directions but as long as we are all connected to the same root stock, we are one. Those among us who may seem feeble now, shall be given more abundant honour.

If we are all united with Christ, we will all work for the same purpose: to spread the gospel to every kindred, tongue and people. We won’t be distracted by Satan and the faults of others.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Not I, but Christ is to have preeminence. This is where Satan fell. We must put Christ first.

JOY song.

Romans  14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. ¹⁸For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men. ¹⁹Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Only when selfishness is dead, when strife for supremacy is banished, when gratitude fills the heart, and love makes fragrant the life–it is only then that Christ is abiding in the soul, and we are recognized as laborers together with God.  {COL 402.4}

If we die to self and fill our hearts with love, then Jesus will be abiding in our hearts.

The exchange we make in the denial of selfish desires and inclinations is an exchange of the worthless and transitory for the precious and enduring. This is not sacrifice, but infinite gain.  {Ed 296.2}

Everything that I want produces death.

1 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: ¹⁵And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Christ wants us to live an unselfish life for him, not for ourselves. To deny ourselves and follow his example.

mp3 only this time.

• 01 – John Thiel – Meeting the Enemies Attack - mp3
• Worship – Steven Caurana - mp3
• 02 – John Thiel – Personal Adjustments for Unity - mp3
• 03 – John Thiel – God’s Unifying Overtures - mp3
• 04 – John Thiel – The Harmony of Heaven - mp3
• 05 – Manuel Bellina – As in the Family so in the Church - mp3
• 06 – John Thiel – Guarding the Others Reputation - mp3
• 07 – Camron Schofiled Patience, Longsuffering, Courtesy - mp3
• 08 – John Thiel – Team Work - mp3

Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 4:11-15  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Books to read – The Great Second Advent Movement(http://www.godslastwarning.com/audiobooks/) and First Selected Messages

Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. {1SM 32.2}

Luke 24:25-26 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?–Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word “prophet” signifies.  {1SM 32.4}

There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. {RH, December 20, 1892 par. 1}

In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?– Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.  {CW 53.2}

This is a time when the question with all propriety may be asked, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).  {1SM 15.1}

Spiritual darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness the people. There are in many churches skepticism and infidelity in the interpretation of the Scriptures. Many, very many, are questioning the verity and truth of the Scriptures. Human reasoning and the imaginings of the human heart are undermining the inspiration of the Word of God, and that which should be received as granted, is surrounded with a cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out in clear and distinct lines, upon rock bottom. This is one of the marked signs of the last days.  {1SM 15.2}

I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an entire Bible. Men arise who think they find something to criticize in God’s Word. They lay it bare before others as evidence of superior wisdom. These men are, many of them, smart men, learned men, they have eloquence and talent, the whole lifework [of whom] is to unsettle minds in regard to the inspiration of the Scriptures. They influence many to see as they do. And the same work is passed on from one to another, just as Satan designed it should be, until we may see the full meaning of the words of Christ, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).  {1SM 17.3}

Brethren, let not a mind or hand be engaged in criticizing the Bible. It is a work that Satan delights to have any of you do, but it is not a work the Lord has pointed out for you to do.  {1SM 17.4}

Human minds vary. The minds of different education and thought receive different impressions of the same words, and it is difficult for one mind to give to one of a different temperament, education, and habits of thought by language exactly the same idea as that which is clear and distinct in his own mind. Yet to honest men, right-minded men, he can be so simple and plain as to convey his meaning for all practical purposes. If the man he communicates with is not honest and will not want to see and understand the truth, he will turn his words and language in everything to suit his own purposes. He will misconstrue his words, play upon his imagination, wrest them from their true meaning, and then entrench himself in unbelief, claiming that the sentiments are all wrong.  {1SM 19.1}

This is the way my writings are treated by those who wish to misunderstand and pervert them. They turn the truth of God into a lie. In the very same way that they treat the writings in my published articles and in my books, so do skeptics and infidels treat the Bible. They read it according to their desire to pervert, to misapply, to willfully wrest the utterances from their true meaning. They declare that the Bible can prove anything and everything, that every sect proves their doctrines right, and that the most diverse doctrines are proved from the Bible.  {1SM 19.2}

The writers of the Bible had to express their ideas in human language. It was written by human men. These men were inspired of the Holy Spirit. Because of the imperfections of human understanding of language, or the perversity of the human mind, ingenious in evading truth, many read and understand the Bible to please themselves. It is not that the difficulty is in the Bible. Opposing politicians argue points of law in the statute book, and take opposite views in their application and in these laws.  {1SM 19.3}

Both in the [Battle Creek] Tabernacle and in the college the subject of inspiration has been taught, and finite men have taken it upon themselves to say that some things in the Scriptures were inspired and some were not. I was shown that the Lord did not inspire the articles on inspiration published in the Review, [REFERENCE HERE IS TO A SERIES OF ARTICLES THE WRITER OF WHICH ADVOCATED THAT THERE WERE "DIFFERENCES IN DEGREES" OF INSPIRATION. SEE THE REVIEW AND HERALD, JAN. 15, 1884.--COMPILERS.] neither did He approve their endorsement before our youth in the college. When men venture to criticize the Word of God, they venture on sacred, holy ground, and had better fear and tremble and hide their wisdom as foolishness. God sets no man to pronounce judgment on His Word, selecting some things as inspired and discrediting others as uninspired. The testimonies have been treated in the same way; but God is not in this.–Letter 22, 1889.  {1SM 23.1}

But now I must respond to the letters received from you and others. In your letter you speak of your early training to have implicit faith in the testimonies and say, “I was led to conclude and most firmly believe that every word that you ever spoke in public or private, that every letter you wrote under any and all circumstances, was as inspired as the Ten Commandments.”  {1SM 24.2}

My brother, you have studied my writings diligently, and you have never found that I have made any such claims, neither will you find that the pioneers in our cause ever made such claims.  {1SM 24.3}

In my introduction to The Great Controversy you have no doubt read my statement regarding the Ten Commandments and the Bible, which should have helped you to a correct understanding of the matter under consideration. Here is the statement:  {1SM 24.4}

“The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all ‘given by inspiration of God’ (2 Timothy 3:16); yet they are expressed in the words of men. The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, symbols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed, have themselves embodied the thought in human language.  {1SM 25.1}

“The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that ‘the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14).  {1SM 25.2}

“Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony.  {1SM 25.3}

“As presented through different individuals, the truth is brought out in its varied aspects. One writer is more strongly impressed with one phase of the subject; he grasps those points that harmonize with his experience or with his power of perception and appreciation; another seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind–a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life.  {1SM 25.4}

While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending out of the messages that were given to me. We traveled extensively. Sometimes light would be given to me in the night season, sometimes in the daytime before large congregations. The instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and strength for the work. Afterward we examined the matter together, my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating needless repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed, or for the printer.  {1SM 50.2}

As the work grew, others assisted me in the preparation of matter for publication. After my husband’s death, faithful helpers joined me, who labored untiringly in the work of copying the testimonies and preparing articles for publication.  {1SM 50.3}

But the reports that are circulated, that any of my helpers are permitted to add matter or change the meaning of the messages I write out, are not true.  {1SM 50.4}

“Many excused their disregard of the testimonies by saying, ‘Sister White is influenced by her husband; the testimonies are molded by his spirit and judgment.’ Others were seeking to gain something from me which they could construe to justify their course or to give them influence. It was then I decided that nothing more should go from my pen until the converting power of God was seen in the church. But the Lord placed the burden upon my soul. I labored for you earnestly. How much this cost both my husband and myself, eternity will tell. Have I not a knowledge of the state of the church, when the Lord has presented their case before me again and again for years? Repeated warnings have been given, yet there has been no decided change….  {1SM 26.4}

“Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God. You know how the Lord has manifested Himself through the Spirit of prophecy. Past, present, and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I had never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of subjects previously presented to my mind and I have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent, and arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I had not thought of. Is this work of the last thirty-six years from above or from beneath? …  {1SM 27.1}

“It pains me to say, my brethren, that your sinful neglect to walk in the light has enshrouded you in darkness. You may now be honest in not recognizing and obeying the light; the doubts you have entertained, your neglect to heed the requirements of God, have blinded your perception so that darkness is now to you light, and light is darkness. God has bidden you to go forward to perfection. Christianity is a religion of progress. Light from God is full and ample, waiting our demand upon it. Whatever blessings the Lord may give, He has an infinite supply beyond, an inexhaustible store from which we may draw. Skepticism may treat the sacred claims of the gospel with jests, scoffing, and denial. The spirit of worldliness may contaminate the many and control the few; the cause of God may hold its ground only by great exertion and continual sacrifice, yet it will triumph finally.  {1SM 28.2}

Soon every possible effort will be made to discount and pervert the truth of the testimonies of God’s Spirit. We must have in readiness the clear, straight messages that since 1846 have been coming to God’s people.  {1SM 41.2}

There will be those once united with us in the faith who will search for new, strange doctrines, for something odd and sensational to present to the people. They will bring in all conceivable fallacies, and will present them as coming from Mrs. White, that they may beguile souls….  {1SM 41.3}

Those who have treated the light that the Lord has given as a common thing will not be benefited by the instruction presented.  {1SM 41.4}

There are those who will misinterpret the messages that God has given, in accordance with their spiritual blindness.  {1SM 41.5}

Some will yield their faith, and will deny the truth of the messages, pointing to them as falsehoods.  {1SM 41.6}

Some will hold them up to ridicule, working against the light that God has been giving for years, and some who are weak in the faith will thus be led astray.  {1SM 42.1}

But others will be greatly helped by the messages. Though not personally addressed, they will be corrected, and will be led to shun the evils specified…. The Spirit of the Lord will be in the instruction, and doubts existing in many minds will be swept away. The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture. Many will read with eagerness the messages reproving wrong, that they may learn what they may do to be saved. . . . Light will dawn upon the understanding, and the Spirit will make an impression on minds, as Bible truth is clearly and simply presented in the messages that since 1846 God has been sending His people. These messages are to find their place in hearts, and transformations will take place.– Letter 73, 1903.  {1SM 42.2}

READ THE GREAT SECOND ADVENT MOVEMENT!!

Some sit in judgment on the Scriptures, declaring that this or that passage is not inspired, because it does not strike their minds favorably. They cannot harmonize it with their ideas of philosophy and science, “falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20). Others for different reasons question portions of the Word of God. Thus many walk blindly where the enemy prepares the way. Now, it is not the province of any man to pronounce sentence upon the Scriptures, to judge or condemn any portion of God’s Word. When one presumes to do this, Satan will create an atmosphere for him to breathe which will dwarf spiritual growth. When a man feels so very wise that he dares to dissect God’s Word, his wisdom is, with God, counted foolishness. When he knows more, he will feel that he has everything to learn. And his very first lesson is to become teachable. “Learn of me,” says the Great Teacher; “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).  {1SM 42.3}

You who have been educating yourselves and others in a spirit of criticism and accusing, remember that you are imitating the example of Satan. When it suits your purpose, you treat the Testimonies as if you believed them, quoting from them to strengthen any statement you wish to have prevail. But how is it when light is given to correct your errors? Do you then accept the light? When the Testimonies speak contrary to your ideas, you treat them very lightly.  {1SM 42.4}

There is in error and unbelief that which bewilders and bewitches the mind. To question and doubt and cherish unbelief in order to excuse ourselves in stepping aside from the straight path is a far easier matter than to purify the soul through a belief of the truth, and obedience thereto. But when better influences lead one to desire to return, he finds himself entangled in such a network of Satan, like a fly in a spider’s web, that it seems a hopeless task to him, and he seldom recovers himself from the snare laid for him by the wily foe.  {1SM 46.1}

Satan is . . . constantly pressing in the spurious–to lead away from the truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony.– Letter 12, 1890.  {1SM 48.3}

READ THE GREAT SECOND ADVENT MOVEMENT! http://www.godslastwarning.com/audiobooks/

And First Selected Messages (especially the first 4 chapters)

And the Testimonies(http://www.godslastwarning.com/audiobooks/)

Psalms 118:8      [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Amen.

Audio: mp3

Scripture Reading: James 5:16 …The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace, from light to a greater light. {1SM 367.1}

Effectual, a. having adequate power or force to produce the effect.

Fervent, a. Hot; boiling;

Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life. {SC 93.1}

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. {SC 93.2}

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us. {SC 93.3}

Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. {SC 93.4}

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence. {SC 94.1}

James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. ¹⁸And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. {SC 94.2}

Proverbs 16:18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received. {SC 95.1}

Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. {SC 95.2}

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions of acceptance. {SC 95.3}

Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word? {SC 96.1}

The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers. We are so erring and short-sighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good–that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. … {SC 96.2}

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” {SC 96.2}

Faith is not feeling. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. {GW 260.2}

If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness. {SC 96.3}

When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven. {SC 97.1}

Jesus is our Saviour today. He is pleading for us in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and he will forgive our sins. It makes all the difference in the world with us spiritually whether we rely upon God without doubt, as upon a sure foundation, or whether we are seeking to find some righteousness in ourselves before we come to him. Look away from self to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. It is a sin to doubt. The least unbelief, if cherished, involves the soul in guilt, and brings great darkness and discouragement. It is saying that the Lord is false, that he will not do as he has promised; and he is greatly dishonored. {GW92 426.3}

Some have cherished doubts, discontent, and a disposition to be on the wrong side, until they are in an atmosphere of doubt, and seem to think it praise-worthy to be on the side of the doubting. But when the believing ones shall receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls, the doubting ones, who have sowed unbelief, will reap that which they have sown, and an undesirable harvest it will be. {GW92 427.1}

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21. Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. {SC 97.2}

There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven. {SC 98.1}

We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul.{SC 98.2}

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. {SC 98.3}

What does this mean?  Is it a sign of the end?  Some would like to say so.  Personally I see no prophecy this is fulfilling.  Time will tell what the reality is though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis

By Paul Godfrey, Audio: mp3, youtube

Hebrews 12:12-13 (KJV)
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; [13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Will God perfect us in a twinkling of an eye when Jesus returns, or will Jesus perfect us in this present world?

Synopsis

Numbers 13:27-32 (KJV)
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. [28] Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. [29] The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. [30] And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. [31] But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. [32] And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

Is it discouraging to have to be perfect. Are there giants of sin we need to overcome.

If we give up, and go back to Egypt or just wander around in the wilderness, is it less discouraging.

Deuteronomy 1:22-32 (KJV)
And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. [23] And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: [24] And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. [25] And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us. [26] Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: [27] And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. [28] Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. [29] Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. [30] The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; [31] And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. [32] Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God,

God is pleased when we search out the way to get to heaven… But in finding the way, we have to count the cost… Or idols, all this world… Some will say it is too high.

Basically it comes down to one thing: unbelief.

Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing “more abundantly” to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial…. – {FLB 156.5}

The Lord commanded Moses to send men to search the land of Canaan, which He would give unto the children of Israel…. After they had spoken of the fertility of the land, all but two spoke very discouragingly of their ability to possess it…. As the people listened to this report, they gave vent to their disappointment in bitter reproaches and wailing. They did not wait to reflect and reason that God, who had brought them out thus far, would certainly give them the land…. – {CC 106.2}
Caleb urged his way to the front, and his clear, ringing voice was heard above all the clamor of the multitude. He opposed the cowardly views of his fellow spies, which had weakened the faith and courage of all Israel. He commanded the attention of the people, and they hushed their complaints for a moment to listen to him…. But as he spoke, the unfaithful spies interrupted him, crying: “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” – {CC 106.3}

Here in the leadership there was a conflict in views.

Because of this, people are discourage and fall into discouragement.

Hebrews 4:1-10 (KJV)
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. [2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it . [3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. [4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. [5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. [6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: [7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. [8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. [9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

Be very careful not to let go of the promises of God.

Sabbath keeping in this text is equated with the heavenly Canan. Sabbath is a token and sign to relying on God to accomplish what he said he would do. He will do what he says as surely as he created this world.

Carnally we can’t do it, but here are some promises that God has given us.

Forget the giants, and the walled cities.. Lets gain courage from the promises. The dos and don’ts can be very discouraging … But this is the giants… We are not to worry about having the strength, but to depend on what God has said.

Promises:

John 1:29 (KJV)
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Titus 2:14 (KJV)
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 John 3:4-5 (KJV)
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. [5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Christ has the responsibility to take our sins.

Ephesians 5:24-27 (KJV)
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Luke 1:67-75 (KJV)
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, [68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, [69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; [70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: [71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; [72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; [73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, [74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, [75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

We are not to be afraid of the giants of sin in our lives.

1 John 5:10 (KJV)
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Romans 3:3-4 (KJV)
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? [4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;

Does it matter if people say we can’t overcome? If we say that we are calling God a liar.

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. – {AA 531.2}

It is impossible for God to lie, so the only way to not overcome is unbelief.

Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help. – {AA 532.1}

God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. – {DA 311.2}

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV)
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Galatians 3:16 (KJV)
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

That land was promised to Abraham and his seed. (Singular) Christ.

Jesus overcame by the promises.. The same way we are to.

Galatians 3:29 (KJV)
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4:1-3 (KJV)
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; [2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. [3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

Hebrews 12:11-14 (KJV)
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. [12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; [13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. [14] Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter. – {DA 679.2}

Are you relying on your position in a church for salvation?  What is Babylon?  This sermon covers how the modern church is repeating history.  This is not designed to make people leave any organisation, but rather for them to leave what Babylon actually is… in some cases people may be forced to leave their churches, however this is not the purpose of this sermon.  This is for every Adventist no matter what strand… be it Reform / IMS / liberal SDA / conservative SDA / Independant: we need to stop squabbling and name calling and learn from the past.  We need to look at ourselves and see if we be in the faith.

1 Corinthians 10:10-12 (KJV)

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. [12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Synopsis

The church is Babylon is a dangerous thing. But what is the church? The institution? Can an institution become Babylon?

Jesus was not a leader in the Jewish church. He started a ministry that shook the foundation of the Jewish church.

He preached in his home church… Remembering the Jewish people were God’s people. They were the chosen church of God.

Luke 4:15-29 (KJV)
And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. [16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. [17] And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, [18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, [19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [20] And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. [22] And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son? [23] And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. [24] And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. [25] But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; [26] But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. [27] And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. [28] And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, [29] And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Christ told them that they were going to miss out on the promises of God.
They tried to kill him.

They loved Christ until he challenged the church organisation. This is written for us to take heed to.

Then there was the sermon on the mount:

He showed them they were not keeping the law.

He later goes into the temple and throws the tables down and physically cleans the temple. He wasn’t even a priest. What would happen today if we smashed an abomination that was in our churches? They would say he wasn’t Christ like.

It is replayed today.

John 8:31-34 (KJV)
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [33] They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

He said: If you continue in action to follow the words of Christ, you will be free.
They couldn’t accept that when they knew they were God’s remnant people. But we’re they in bondage? Yes. To the Romans, the the Medes, etc, but they did not believe they were bound by sin. If you are sinning, you are in bondage. Doesn’t matter what church you are in. That is what he was saying.

John 8:36-42 (KJV)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. [37] I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. [38] I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. [39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. [40] But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. [41] Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. [42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Essentially he was saying there is no merit in being a part of the church. There is only merit in turning from sin. Christ was loved as a preacher, until this time. Their patriotism was welled up, just as it is today in the SDA church. But do we get offended the same about the sins we commit? In the flesh the Jews were Abraham’s children… But did that make them Jews? No… Their works determine who’s they are. Same goes for us.

John 8:44-45 (KJV)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. [45] And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Today if we dare say the SDA Church is Babylon, what does it bring on? Hatred? Hatred is what? Murder. Jesus did that to the Jewish church, and they killed him for it.

Many liked him, so they couldn’t kill him. But no one would stand up for him for fear of the Jews. He gave them this parable:

Matthew 21:33-46 (KJV)
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: [34] And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. [35] And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. [36] Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. [37] But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. [38] But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. [39] And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him . [40] When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? [41] They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. [42] Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? [43] Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. [44] And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. [45] And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. [46] But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

So would God ever cast his people away? Did this parable make them upset?
Is it wrong to examine myself if I am in the faith? No, but people take it personally, and don’t act on the message. Would the Jews have been God’s people to day if they accepted the message? Yes.

Christ’s purpose was to destroy sin, but people don’t like their sin being exposed. People love sin, so loyalty to an organisation becomes a sorry substitute for piety.

The truth, if we follow it, will make us free… But if we reject it, it cannot.

When the fruits of the spirit come, then God can come get us.

Me being a part of God’s people depends on us allowing God to change us. If we don’t do this then we are not God’s people.

Matthew 23:37-39 (KJV)
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! [38] Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. [39] For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

At this point, with great sadness, He rejected their church.

Luke 19:42-44 (KJV)
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. [43] For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, [44] And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

They didn’t understand the prophecies.

They didn’t listen to all the prophet has said. Has Adventism done the same thing? Have they read all the convenient prophecies, but not all the hard sayings?

Matthew 23:29-36 (KJV)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, [30] And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. [31] Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. [32] Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. [33] Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? [34] Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: [35] That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. [36] Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Basically, He was saying they will receive the old time prophets, but they wouldn’t trust the modern ones, which showed they didn’t really trust the older ones.

Would we like it if Jeremiah came here today, and bashed the church in the same way he did in the past? Would we accept his reproof? How does the church take Ellen White?
When Ellen White says they church of God is not Babylon, we love that? But are there other parts we are missing … Or perhaps ignoring?

The Jews were told the temple would be destroyed. But did they believe Jesus.

The Jewish forces, pursuing after Cestius and his army, fell upon their rear with such fierceness as to threaten them with total destruction. It was with great difficulty that the Romans succeeded in making their retreat. The Jews escaped almost without loss, and with their spoils returned in triumph to Jerusalem. Yet this apparent success brought them only evil. It inspired them with that spirit of stubborn resistance to the Romans which speedily brought unutterable woe upon the doomed city. – {GC 31.1}

See, God is for us… Jesus was wrong? The church is clean of the heretics, which was a prophecy fulfilment. But did they get it wrong? Yes, it was wrong.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (KJV)
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Be careful with our crusades and all the wonders being produced that we don’t miss the reality.

The destruction of Jerusalem is a fearful and solemn warning to all who are trifling with the offers of divine grace and resisting the pleadings of divine mercy. Never was there given a more decisive testimony to God’s hatred of sin and to the certain punishment that will fall upon the guilty. – {GC 36.1}

God hates sin. If we are willing to let sin go, we need reproving… And to take it.

The Saviour’s prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow. In the fate of the chosen city we may behold the doom of a world that has rejected God’s mercy and trampled upon His law. Dark are the records of human misery that earth has witnessed during its long centuries of crime. The heart sickens, and the mind grows faint in contemplation. Terrible have been the results of rejecting the authority of Heaven. But a scene yet darker is presented in the revelations of the future. The records of the past,—the long procession of tumults, conflicts, and revolutions, the “battle of the warrior … with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood” (Isaiah 9:5),—what are these, in contrast with the terrors of that day when the restraining Spirit of God shall be wholly withdrawn from the wicked, no longer to hold in check the outburst of human passion and satanic wrath! The world will then behold, as never before, the results of Satan’s rule. – {GC 36.2}

Would a Jew think he was trampling on God’s law… But didn’t they keep the sabbath? Is the modern church any different?

Luke 24:25 (KJV)
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Not some … All the prophets have spoken.

Do we believe the church will be cleansed, and the church will be revived… All that aren’t loyal will be gone… Then the loud cry will happen?

The old standard-bearers knew what it was to wrestle with God in prayer, and to enjoy the out-pouring of his Spirit. But these are passing off from the stage of action; and who are coming up to fill their places? How is it with the rising generation? are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly Sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come. – {RH March 22, 1887 Par. 2}

Could it be we have false hope in prophecy in our church. Could we have it all wrong?

Here is another prophecy:

Ezekiel 9:1-7 (KJV)
He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. [2] And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. [3] And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; [4] And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. [5] And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: [6] Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. [7] And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

Should we be afraid? The people who sigh, don’t the get kicked out of the church? But just because you complain, doesn’t mean you are saved. Sometimes people are just whiners and have pride about it. We need to be careful.

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” – {5T 211.1}
Here we see that the church—the Lord’s sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. – {5T 211.2}

This will be a dark day. The church is the first to be judged.

We need to trust all the prophets have spoken.

James 4:4 (KJV)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Could I personally be a part of Babylon, and still be a part of the church? What does Babylon mean? An adulterer and adulteress … It is not mystical. When we include the world into the church.

1 John 2:15-16 (KJV)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

What are the w orks of the flesh:
Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these ; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Will the churches heed the Laodicean message? Will they repent, or will they, notwithstanding that the most solemn message of truth—the third angel’s message—is being proclaimed to the world, go on in sin? This is the last message of mercy, the last warning to a fallen world. If the church of God becomes lukewarm, it does not stand in favor with God any more than do the churches that are represented as having fallen and become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Those who have had opportunities to hear and receive the truth and who have united with the Seventh-day Adventist church, calling themselves the commandment-keeping people of God, and yet possess no more vitality and consecration to God than do the nominal churches, will receive of the plagues of God just as verily as the churches who oppose the law of God. Only those that are sanctified through the truth will compose the royal family in the heavenly mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him and keep His commandments. – {19MR 176.1}

Do we want to hear this? It is hard to hear.
The world must not be introduced into the church and married to the church. Through union with the world the church will become corrupt,—“a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The customs of the world must not have a place; for they will be open doors through which the prince of darkness will find access, and the line of demarkation will become indistinguishable between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Jesus presented a parable to his followers concerning a field in which it was supposed there was nothing sown but good wheat. But those to whom the field had been intrusted looked upon it with disappointment, for with the wheat came up also a crop of tares. They inquired of the owner, “Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?” The owner of the field replied, “An enemy hath done this.” – {RH February 26, 1895 Par. 4}

Can we tell the difference between a SDA and a worldling?
This prophecy has happened.

Revelation 18:1-5 (KJV)
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. [2] And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [3] For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. [5] For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

This prophecy is not about the church, it is about sin. People who hang onto sin, they will fail. The name of the church is irrelevant, it is if we cherish sin and continue in it.

If you are called Babylon and are not… Why do you care? But if you are, then maybe that is why it hurts.

Revelation 3:12,16-17 (KJV)
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Because we are blind we will be spewed out. We need to stop being blind and trust everything the prophets say.

Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God, and murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! These, unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work, and holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of all the wicked, represented by the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done” in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying. Read Ezekiel, chapter nine. – {RH September 23, 1873 Par. 5}

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God’s professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet’s illustration of the last work under the figure of the men, each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” – {RH September 23, 1873 Par. 4}

We are to save people from sin, not bring them into the church.

The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. – {5T 209.3}

In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect. – {5T 210.3}

There is a little company. Are you part of that little company or are you cloaking the iniquity in the church.

Revelation 22:17 (KJV)
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

We must be out, to call out… Of sin, not any church.

John 8:47-48 (KJV)
He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. [48] Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

John 10:27-28 (KJV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Do not be loyal to a church at the expense of the truth.

Revelation 14:4 (KJV)
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Audio: mp3, youtube

Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth [it] swept and garnished.
11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

The garnished house represents the self-righteous soul. Satan is driven out by Christ. But he returns, in the hope of finding entrance. He finds the house empty, swept, and garnished. Only self-righteousness is abiding there. “Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Self-righteousness is a curse, a human embellishment, which Satan uses for his glory. Those who garnish the soul with self-praise and flattery, prepare the way for the seven other spirits more wicked than the first. In their very reception of the truth these souls deceive themselves. They are building upon a foundation of self-righteousness. {RH December 12, 1899, Art. A, par. 6}

The prayers of congregations may be offered to God with a round of ceremonies; but if they are offered in self-righteousness, God is not honored by them. The Lord declares, “I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.” In spite of all their display, Satan comes in with a troop of evil angels, and takes possession of the garnished habitation. {RH December 12, 1899, Art. A, par. 7}

John 7:12-13 (KJV)
12[And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.] 13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

John 9:20-22 (KJV)
20[His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:] 21[But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.] 22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

John 19:38-39 (KJV)
38And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

“The opposition which Christ received came from his own nation, who would have been greatly blessed had they accepted him. In like manner the remnant church receive opposition from those who profess to be their brethren.” RH Aug 28 1883

As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience.

Luke 9:49-50 (KJV)
49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50[And Jesus said unto him, ] Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Romans 2:22-29 (KJV)
22[Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?] 23[Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?] 24[For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.] 25[For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.] 26[Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?] 27[And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?] 28[For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither ] is that[ circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:] 29[But he ] is[ a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision ] is that[ of the heart, in the spirit, ] and[ not in the letter; whose praise ] is[ not of men, but of God.]

This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest. The work will grow deeper and become more earnest to the very close of time. And all who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with its glory. Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God. The only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages. The truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in these days of error. . . . {2SM 114}

“I was shown three steps–the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.’ I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan.” –Early Writings, pp. 258, 259, 256.

“Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary….
“In like manner those who have had no experience in the first and second angels’ messages must receive them from others who had an experience and followed down through the messages.” –Early Writings, pp. 256, 188.

“To William Miller and his co-laborers it was given to preach the warning in America. This country became the center of the great advent movement. It was here that the prophecy of the first angel’s message had its most direct fulfillment…. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel: ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.’ “The testimony of the prophecies which seemed to point to the coming of Christ in the spring of 1844 took deep hold of the minds of the people.” –The Great Controversy, p. 368.

“The simple, direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able wholly to resist.” –The Great Controversy, p. 369.

Jonah 3:3-5 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

“Wherever the message was given, it moved the people. Sinners repented, wept, and prayed for forgiveness, and those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution. Parents felt the deepest solicitude for their children.” –Early Writings, pp. 232, 233.
“Sinners inquired with weeping: ‘What must I do to be saved?’ Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of pride and reserve were swept away. Heartfelt confessions were made, and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep anguish pleading with God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or neighbors.” –The Great Controversy, p. 369.

“With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the coming of their Saviour. The time when they expected to meet Him was at hand. They approached this hour with a calm solemnity. They rested in sweet communion with God, and earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can forget those precious hours of waiting. For some weeks preceding the time, worldly business was for the most part laid aside. The sincere believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their deathbeds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes.” The Great Controversy, p. 373.

Revelation 14:8-9 (KJV)
8And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Babylon is said to be “the mother of harlots.” By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God’s people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith.

“Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; Early Writings, pp. 256, 188.

The time has come when things must be called by their right names. The truth is to triumph gloriously, and those who have long been halting between two opinions must take their stand decidedly for or against the law of God. Some will take up with theories that misinterpret the Word of God, and undermine the foundation of the truth that has been firmly established, point by point, and sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The old truths are to be revived, in order that the false theories that have been brought in by the enemy may be intelligently met. There can be no unity between truth and error. We can unite with those who have been led into deception only when they are converted. UL p 88 2 June 1905

In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years. Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.

A great reformation is needed among the people of God. Many sapless and unfruitful branches are to be removed from the parent vine. Everything will be shaken that can be shaken, that that which can not be shaken may remain. The enemy has worked upon the minds of some, and has led them to do violence to our past experience by mingling with the truth erroneous and false theories. He has led ministers and teachers to weave into their doctrines some pleasing figures of his own invention. Every deviation from the truth as we have advocated it in the past is a departure from truth that has been witnessed by the Holy Spirit, and upon which God has placed His seal. Truth must stand in its own order, linked only with truth. Unbelief disturbs the balance of the system of truth, and tends to destroy the whole. {BTS, March 1, 1915 par. 2}

“Those who have a hold of the truth theoretically, with their finger tips as it were, who have not brought its principles into the inner sanctuary of the soul, but have kept the vital truth in the outer court, will see nothing sacred in the past history of this people, which has made them what they are, and has established them as earnest, determined missionary workers in the world. The truth for this time is precious; but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith, and replacing them with pillars they have devised. “This will continue to be as long as time shall last. LS 430.3, 4

“The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall
be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every
truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed
to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organisation, for this would mean apostasy from the truth.” Manuscript 129, 1905.

The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3}

In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any… They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph.
God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect. {5T 210.3}

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.”
Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary–was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. 5T 211

These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God.
Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}

My brethren, take your position where God bids you. Leave alone those who, after light has been repeatedly given them, have taken a stand on the opposite side. . . . Take up the work which has been given us. With the Word of God as your message, stand on the platform of truth and proclaim the soon coming of Christ. Truth, eternal truth, will prevail. {UL 199.3}

It may be at morn
536

By Paul Godfrey, Audio: mp3

1 Timothy 6:3-8 (KJV)
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Synopsis:

The truth is to produce contentment with godliness.

Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV)
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

2 problems:
1. We are not going to God to supply our needs.
2. They went and hewed out cistern (looking for something to fulfil their needs) … But it can’t hold water. In other words, the world never provides satisfaction.

Day after day He taught the people, until the last, “that great day of the feast.” The morning of this day found the people wearied from the long season of festivity. Suddenly Jesus lifted up His voice, in tones that rang through the courts of the temple: – {DA 453.3}
“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The condition of the people made this appeal very forcible. They had been engaged in a continued scene of pomp and festivity, their eyes had been dazzled with light and color, and their ears regaled with the richest music; but there had been nothing in all this round of ceremonies to meet the wants of the spirit, nothing to satisfy the thirst of the soul for that which perishes not. Jesus invited them to come and drink of the fountain of life, of that which would be in them a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. – {DA 453.4}

Jesus knew the wants of the soul. Pomp, riches, and honor cannot satisfy the heart. “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me.” The rich, the poor, the high, the low, are alike welcome. He promises to relieve the burdened mind, to comfort the sorrowing, and to give hope to the despondent. Many of those who heard Jesus were mourners over disappointed hopes, many were nourishing a secret grief, many were seeking to satisfy their restless longing with the things of the world and the praise of men; but when all was gained, they found that they had toiled only to reach a broken cistern, from which they could not quench their thirst. Amid the glitter of the joyous scene they stood, dissatisfied and sad. That sudden cry, “If any man thirst,” startled them from their sorrowful meditation, and as they listened to the words that followed, their minds kindled with a new hope. The Holy Spirit presented the symbol before them until they saw in it the offer of the priceless gift of salvation. – {DA 454.2}

The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth, and it appeals to us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple on that last day of the feast. The fountain is open for all. The weary and exhausted ones are offered the refreshing draught of eternal life. Jesus is still crying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Revelation 22:17; John 4:14. – {DA 454.3}

Two sons … One wanted to spend his inheritance. He pursued the “broken cistern” and realised it is of no benefit. He returns.

The other brother didn’t leave… But did he have a broken cistern? Yes.
When the son returned and he killed the fatted calf, the other son want happy, but jealous.
The father said “everything I have is yours”. He had the well of water, but didn’t know how to use it.

We have everything that God has to offer, but we don’t know how to use them and be satisfied.

Jesus had a need… He came to Jacob’s well and he asked for some water. The Samaritan was shocked.

John 4:5-14 (KJV)
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. [7] There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. [8] (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) [9] Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. [10] Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. [11] The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? [12] Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? [13] Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: [14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 4:15-19 (KJV)
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. [16] Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. [17] The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: [18] For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. [19] The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

She had many husbands, trying to fulfil her need. She makes 5 mistakes… All broken cisterns.
She is thirsty to be satisfied… But they never satisfy. Jesus comes to her when she knows full well she will be thirsty again.
The she changes the topic to Jews vs Samaritans.

Which is the right church?
John 4:23 (KJV)
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 4:25-26 (KJV)
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. [26] Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Then she goes to the city and she said she found a man that knows my past.

John 4:31-32 (KJV)
In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. [32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

God’s main will is the salvation of other people. If we follow this will, we will gain a satisfaction that you can get in no other way.

Revelation 22:17 (KJV)
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

We need spiritual refreshment. And the world can’t give it. We need to be totally satisfied with Jesus alone.

Every human and object is a broken cistern. We can follow Solomon down his path just to work out all is vanity, the ok. But why not just trust God, and our past.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

4 times patients are mentioned here referring to love.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 (KJV)
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Romans 12:12 (KJV)
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

You can’t be patient if you are not happy. You have to be happy in something you don’t have yet. The joy that is set before us.

Then there is trust. You cannot be patient if you don’t trust God.

James 5:11 (KJV)
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Romans 10:4 (KJV)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

This means the purpose of… Not the end of.

How big was jobs trust? Thou he slay me, yet will I trust him.

Ingredients of patience:
Contentment
Trust
Joy

If you have them, you will have patience.

Colossians 1:9-11 (KJV)
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it , do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

The whole point of knowing God, is to give us patience, and contentment. If you aren’t gaining joy, we are missing something. Don’t despair, blessed are they this hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Revelation 14:12 (KJV)
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Luke 21:16-19 (KJV)
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. [17] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. [18] But there shall not an hair of your head perish. [19] In your patience possess ye your souls.

In other words, hold yourself together with patience.

If we don’t have it we won’t survive.

There is only one thing we can lean on… One cistern that won’t leak. Jesus.

Amen.

** broken links are now fixed **
Paul Godfrey – Time of Temptation – mp3, text, youtube
Paul Godfrey – Faculties of the Mind – mp3, text, youtube
Paul Godfrey – The Devil’s Wrath part 1 – mp3, youtube
Paul Godfrey – The Devil’s Wrath part 2 - mp3, youtube
Paul Godfrey – Mind Cure – mp3, texts, youtube
Paul Godfrey – Overcoming the Hour (failed rec) similar message: mp3 - youtube

Worships (short sermons):

2012-12-21 – Stuart Kinnon – The Snow Flake – mp3 (link fixed)
2012-12-22 – Steven Caruana – The Circumstantial Christian – mp3 (powerful testimony)
2012-12-24 – Michael Cudmore – Malachi 3-16 – mp3
2012-12-25 – Peter Dakire – Ending Caanan’s Curse – mp3 (how God will unify all people)
2012-12-26 – Peter Dakire – Intermission – mp3

A number of great free audio books have been added from the EGW Estate (hosted on their servers).  Go to the audiobooks section to start downloading now

mp3

Last sermon for 2012 by our brother from Papua New Guinea who is visiting our church.

Matthew 24:1-4 (KJV)
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

John 8:32 (KJV)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:36 (KJV)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The church has to be under truth.

Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Steven was murdered for the truth.
What if 99% truth? Still darkness.

Church has to have 100% truth.

Jesus was no longer a part of the Jewish church because he departed from the temple.

Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord , Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Luke 3:38 (KJV)
Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Matthew 19:3-12 (KJV)
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? [4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. [7] They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? [8] He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. [9] And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. [10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. [11] But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. [12] For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it , let him receive it.

Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Revelation 3:14 (KJV)
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Begins when Jesus went into the most holy place in 1844. Our sins must be blotted out.

Song of Solomon 6:8-10 (KJV)
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. [9] My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea , the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. [10] Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

There are many sabbath churches today, but God has only one.

Isaiah 4:1 (KJV)
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

If we are kicked out for presenting truth and living truth… We need to keep searching.

Song of Solomon 6:9 (KJV)
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea , the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

John 10:16 (KJV)
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Revelation 12:17 (KJV)
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:12 (KJV)
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 12:1 (KJV)
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

Revelation 7:1-3 (KJV)
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. [2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, [3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 7:4 (KJV)
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

If there is a church in prophecy, there must be a prophet.

Hymn 581 – 1941 hymnal

 mp3

Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Synopsis:

Are we prepared for the great day of Christ’s return? Our father in heaven is very merciful. He has done so much for us all.

We are not many, just like back at home.

Matthew 24:13 (KJV)
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

My little boy is the only faithful boy left in our church. Many left, but The Lord provided another group.
A great day is before us.

Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Why do children go to school? In PNG we go to learn English… Where there is a school there is a teacher. Who is our teacher? Jesus.

His yoke is easy. What is a yoke for? To carry a burden. The yoke makes it possible to lift large burdens that are otherwise impossible.

Numbers 12:3 (KJV)
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Meekness means to be gentle, kind, not easily provoked, ready to yield.

True education is the inculcation of those ideas that will impress the mind and heart with the knowledge of God the Creator and Jesus Christ the Redeemer. Such an education will renew the mind and transform the character. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against the deceptive whisperings of the adversary of souls, and enable us to understand the voice of God. It will fit the learned to become a co-worker with Christ. – {MYP 171.1}

If our youth gain this knowledge, they will be able to gain all the rest that is essential; but if not, all the knowledge they may acquire from the world will not place them in the ranks of the Lord. They may gather all the knowledge that books can give, and yet be ignorant of the first principles of that righteousness which could give them a character approved of God. – {MYP 171.2}

Those who are seeking to acquire knowledge in the schools of earth should remember that another school also claims them as students,—the school of Christ. From this school the students are never graduated. Among the pupils are both old and young. Those who give heed to the instructions of the divine Teacher are constantly gaining more wisdom and nobility of soul, and thus they are prepared to enter that higher school, where advancement will continue throughout eternity. – {MYP 171.3}

Proverbs 2:4-6 (KJV)
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; [5] Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord , and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

2 Peter 2:20 (KJV)
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

We escape the world through the knowledge of Christ.

Having entered the school of Christ, the student is prepared to engage in the pursuit of knowledge without becoming dizzy from the height to which he is climbing. As he goes on from truth to truth, obtaining clearer and brighter views of the wonderful laws of science and of nature, he becomes enraptured with the amazing exhibitions of God’s love to man. He sees with intelligent eyes the perfection, knowledge, and wisdom of God stretching beyond into infinity. As his mind enlarges and expands, pure streams of light pour into his soul. The more he drinks from the fountain of knowledge, the purer and happier his contemplation of God’s infinity, and the greater his longing for wisdom sufficient to comprehend the deep things of God. – {4T 413.3}

Dressing, eating, working all are spiritual lessons.

We will keep learning in heaven.

Onward and upward.

There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world’s standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an additional burden of remorse. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. – {DA 330.1}

It is hard to reach people, but we need to rest in Christ.

The followers of Jesus will not be popular, but will be like their Master, meek and lowly of heart. You are seeking to climb to the highest seat, but will find yourselves at last in the lowest. If you seek to deal justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with God, you will be partakers with Christ of His sufferings and sharers with Him of His glory in His kingdom. The Lord has blessed you, but how little have you appreciated His loving-kindness! How little praise He has received from your lips! You may do a good work for the Master, but not with your ideas as supreme. You must learn in the school of Christ, else you can never be qualified to enter the higher grade, receive the seal of the living God, enter in through the gates into the city of God, and be crowned with glory, honor, and immortality. – {5T 501.2}

Deuteronomy 5:1 (KJV)
And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

First learn, the keep, then do.

Psalm 119:71 (KJV)
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Don’t be discouraged when affliction comes.

Proverbs 1:5 (KJV)
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Even if you have a masters in theology? Of course.

Proverbs 9:9-10 (KJV)
Give instruction to a wise man , and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man , and he will increase in learning. [10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

We have to esteem others higher than ourselves.

Daniel 1:4,17 (KJV)
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [17] As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

The scripture will make us wise unto salvation.

Amen.

Romans 7:21-25 (KJV)

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. [22] For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [24] O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? [25] I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us, but in our hearts and characters.—Letter 406, 1906. – {7ABC 464.2}

1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

A little profit is still some profit.

1 Corinthians 9:25 (KJV)
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

When invalids have nothing to occupy their time and attention, their thoughts become centered upon themselves, and they grow morbid and irritable. Many times they dwell upon their bad feelings until they think themselves much worse than they really are and wholly unable to do anything. – {MH 239.1}
In all these cases well-directed physical exercise would prove an effective remedial agent. In some cases it is indispensable to the recovery of health. The will goes with the labor of the hands; and what these invalids need is to have the will aroused. When the will is dormant, the imagination becomes abnormal, and it is impossible to resist disease. – {MH 239.2}

It was God’s purpose to alleviate by toil the evil brought into the world by man’s disobedience. By toil the temptations of Satan might be made ineffectual, and the tide of evil stayed. And though attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, labor is still a source of happiness and development, and a safeguard against temptation. Its discipline places a check on self-indulgence, and promotes industry, purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God’s great plan for our recovery from the fall. – {MYP 213.1}

Judicious labor is a healthful tonic for the human race. It makes the feeble strong, the poor rich, the wretched happy. Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those whose leisure gives him opportunity to approach them under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours. – {MYP 215.1}

The brain is the organ and instrument of the mind, and controls the whole body. In order for the other parts of the system to be healthy, the brain must be healthy. And in order for the brain to be healthy, the blood must be pure. If by correct habits of eating and drinking the blood is kept pure, the brain will be properly nourished. – {SpTB15 18.2}

John 3:3,5 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 14:17 (KJV)
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1 John 5:4 (KJV)
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 2:16-17 (KJV)
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Romans 8:1 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:9 (KJV)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:15-16 (KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the joy of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see, creates a new being in the image of God. – {RH November 19, 1908 Par. 9}

Conversion Does Not Create New Faculties—The Spirit of God does not create new faculties in the converted man but works a decided change in the employment of those faculties. When mind and heart and soul are changed, man is not given a new conscience, but his will is submitted to a conscience renewed, a conscience whose dormant sensibilities are aroused by the working of the Holy Spirit.—Lt 44, 1899. (HC 104.) – {2MCP 692.3}

Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan. – {COL 408.3}

John 5:39-40 (KJV)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. [40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 16:13-15 (KJV)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. [15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. – {AA 531.2}

Matthew 16:21,23 (KJV)
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

John 12:20-26 (KJV)
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: [21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. [22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. [23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. [24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. [26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

John 12:27-28 (KJV)
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. [28] Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying , I have both glorified it , and will glorify it again.

The message of the Greeks, foreshadowing as it did the gathering in of the Gentiles, brought to the mind of Jesus His entire mission. The work of redemption passed before Him, from the time when in heaven the plan was laid, to the death that was now so near at hand. A mysterious cloud seemed to enshroud the Son of God. Its gloom was felt by those near Him. He sat rapt in thought. At last the silence was broken by His mournful voice, “Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour?” In anticipation Christ was already drinking the cup of bitterness. His humanity shrank from the hour of abandonment, when to all appearance He would be deserted even by God, when all would see Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He shrank from public exposure, from being treated as the worst of criminals, from a shameful and dishonored death. A foreboding of His conflict with the powers of darkness, a sense of the awful burden of human transgression, and the Father’s wrath because of sin caused the spirit of Jesus to faint, and the pallor of death to overspread His countenance. – {DA 624.3}

Then came divine submission to His Father’s will. “For this cause,” He said, “came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy name.” Only through the death of Christ could Satan’s kingdom be overthrown. Only thus could man be redeemed, and God be glorified. Jesus consented to the agony, He accepted the sacrifice. The Majesty of heaven consented to suffer as the Sin Bearer. “Father, glorify Thy name,” He said. As Christ spoke these words, a response came from the cloud which hovered above His head: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Christ’s whole life, from the manger to the time when these words were spoken, had glorified God; and in the coming trial His divine-human sufferings would indeed glorify His Father’s name. – {DA 624.4}

As the voice was heard, a light darted from the cloud, and encircled Christ, as if the arms of Infinite Power were thrown about Him like a wall of fire. The people beheld this scene with terror and amazement. No one dared to speak. With silent lips and bated breath all stood with eyes fixed upon Jesus. The testimony of the Father having been given, the cloud lifted, and scattered in the heavens. For the time the visible communion between the Father and the Son was ended. – {DA 625.1}

The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved. – {DA 693.3}

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man. – {DA 694.1}

Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise. – {EW 72.1}

Isaiah 45:22 (KJV)
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee : because he trusteth in thee.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (KJV)
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Matthew 13:45-46 (KJV)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

This parable has a double significance, and applies not only to man seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ seeking His lost inheritance. Through transgression man lost his holy innocence, and mortgaged himself to Satan. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, pledged Himself for the redemption of man, and paid the price of his ransom on the cross of Calvary. He left the worlds unfallen, the society of holy angels in the universe of heaven, for He could not be satisfied while humanity was alienated from Him. The heavenly Merchantman lays aside His royal robe and crown. Though the Prince and Commander of all heaven, He takes upon Him the garb of humanity, and comes to a world that is marred and seared with the curse, to seek for the one lost pearl, to seek for man fallen through disobedience…. – {TMK 84.3}

He finds His pearl buried in rubbish. Selfishness encrusts the human heart, and it is bound by the tyranny of Satan. But He lifts the soul out of its darkness to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are brought into covenant relationship with God, and receive pardon and find peace. Jesus finds the pearl of lost humanity, and resets it in His own diadem…. – {TMK 84.4}
He would inspire the most sinful, the most debased, with hope. He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). When a soul finds the Saviour, the Saviour rejoices as a merchantman that has found his goodly pearl. By His grace He will work upon the soul until it will be like a jewel polished for the heavenly kingdom. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [25] – {TMK 84.5}

Hebrews 11:39-40 (KJV)
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: [40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

John 10:16 (KJV)
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Isaiah 11:11-12 (KJV)
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. [12] And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 (KJV)
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord . [2] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord . [3] And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. [4] And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord . [5] Behold, the days come, saith the Lord , that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. [6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Micah 4:6-8 (KJV)
In that day, saith the Lord , will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; [7] And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. [8] And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

Revelation 18:1-4 (KJV)
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. [2] And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [3] For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Zechariah 2:6-8 (KJV)
Ho, ho, come forth , and flee from the land of the north, saith the Lord : for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the Lord . [7] Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. [8] For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Zephaniah 2:1-3 (KJV)
Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; [2] Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. [3] Seek ye the Lord , all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.

Isaiah 43:4-7 (KJV)
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. [5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; [6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; [7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Malachi 3:16-18 (KJV)
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it , and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord , and that thought upon his name. [17] And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. [18] Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Zechariah 9:16 (KJV)
And the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Daniel 12:3 (KJV)
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

John 17:21-23 (KJV)
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: [23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Thus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord. – {6T 401.1}

Jewels Everywhere—God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth. He who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself, will be a light in the world. Those who have a knowledge of the truth are to communicate the same. They are to lift up Jesus, the world’s Redeemer; they are to hold forth the Word of life (The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893). – {4BC 1184.4}

Let everyone bear in mind that we are in no case to invite persecution. We are not to use harsh and cutting words. Keep them out of every article written, drop them out of every address given. Let the word of God do the cutting, the rebuking: let finite men hide and abide in Jesus Christ. Let the spirit of Christ appear. Let all be guarded in their words, lest they place those not of our faith in deadly opposition against us, and give Satan an opportunity to use the unadvised words to hedge up our way. – {CW 64.1}
There is to be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Our work is to study to weed out of all our discourses everything that savors of retaliation and defiance and making a drive against churches and individuals, because this is not Christ’s way and method.—Testimonies for the Church 9:239-244 (1909). – {CW 64.2}

No Condemnatory Articles—The light which I have to give to our people is, Let no condemnatory speeches be printed in our papers. A large number of precious souls are groping in darkness, yet longing and weeping and praying for light. Thus it is in churches everywhere.—Manuscript 46, 1900. – {CW 65.2}
No Gall.—Every article you write may be all truth, but one drop of gall in it will be poison to the reader. One reader will discard all your good and acceptable words because of that drop of poison. Another will feed on the poison, for he loves such harsh words.—Letter 91, 1899. – {CW 65.3}

The ideas expressed in your articles savor so strongly of antagonism that you will do harm, more than you can possibly conceive. Remember that if by the injudicious use of your pen you close the door to even one soul, that soul will confront you in the judgment. O, how much has been said that has turned souls to bitterness and gall against the truth. Words that should have been a savor of life unto life have been made a savor of death unto death by the spirit which accompanied them.—Letter 17, 1900. – {CW 66.2}
In the Spirit of Christ—We cannot help the Christless by finding fault with them. We have not been given the work of reproving or giving personal thrusts in our periodicals. This attitude is misleading, We are to be “not easily provoked.” We are to remember that by our spiritual attitude we are to show that we are feeding on Christ, the bread of life. By our words, our tempers, and our works, we may testify to those with whom we come in contact, that the Spirit of Christ dwells in us.—Manuscript 46, 1898. – {CW 66.3}

Amos 5:13 (KJV)
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.
Caution is to be prayerfully exercised by everyone who believes the truth. There are trying scenes before us, and we need to exercise great caution, keeping the door of our lips while the wicked are before us. We shall have to meet in our experience with men having fanatical zeal which will provoke those who hate the truth and it will be necessary to preserve a calm attitude and not state all we do know, for impressions will be made upon human minds that will, under the influence of Satan, grow to large proportions. – {TDG 250.2}
There is need of watching unto prayer. The evils we shall meet have long been gathering and like a storm, will come upon many when they least expect it. While they cannot be charged with originating the evil, they precipitated it. Charges will be made which believers cannot refute, because they have not shown wisdom in the use of either the pen or the voice. – {TDG 250.3}
Many laws will be enacted for the government of nations, calculated to oppress; and old laws that have practically become of none effect, will be resurrected. We need to move forward in our work understandingly and in faith, under the wise generalship of Jesus Christ. A great work is to be done for the Master in proclaiming the last message of mercy to our world, and we are dependent upon authorities and powers to find passage from one end of the world to another, and as long as we are dependent upon the powers that be, we must not divorce ourselves from them, for this is a worldwide message. – {TDG 250.4}
We are to go forward quietly, and when our way is apparently blocked in one direction we are to make no condemnation of the powers that be, for in thus doing we are teaching other powers how to work to hedge up our way. We are not to stir up opposing elements or provoke retaliation or revenge. The climax will come soon enough. It is already stealing on as a thief in the night. And we can speak Bible truth which will not set opposing influences at work.—Manuscript 90, August 29, 1893, “Our Attitude Toward the ‘Powers That Be.’” – {TDG 250.5}

1 Peter 5:7-8 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Satan uses his influence to drown the voice of God and the voice of conscience, and the world acts as if under his control. Men have chosen him as their leader. They stand under his banner. They will not come to Christ that they might have life. Infatuated with schemes for pleasure and amusement, they are striving for that which will perish with the using.— Manuscript 161, 1897. – {1MCP 320.3}

When, by rejecting the light that God has given, men abuse and trample upon the conscience, they are in fearful danger. Their future eternal welfare is imperiled.— Letter 162, 1903. – {1MCP 320.2}

Gross and stimulating food fevers the blood, excites the nervous system, and too often dulls the moral perceptions, so that reason and conscience are overborne by the sensual impulses. – {CTBH 134.1}

Jude 1:18-19 (KJV)
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. [19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

James 3:14-15 (KJV)
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. [15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Romans 6:12-13 (KJV)
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. [13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

The power of the truth should be sufficient to sustain and console in every adversity. It is in enabling its possessor to triumph over affliction that the religion of Christ reveals its true value. It brings the appetites, the passions, and the emotions under the control of reason and conscience, and disciplines the thoughts to flow in a healthful channel. And then the tongue will not be left to dishonor God by expressions of sinful repining. – {5T 314.3}

Galatians 5:14-17 (KJV)
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [15] But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. [16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men, but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by their influence. – {TMK 140.2}

By wrong habits he loses his power of self-appreciation. He loses self-control. He cannot reason correctly about matters that concern him most closely. He is reckless and irrational in his treatment of mind and body. By wrong habits he makes of himself a wreck. Happiness he cannot have; for his neglect to cultivate pure, healthful principles places him under the control of habits that ruin his peace. – {COL 108.2}

We need to beware of self-pity. Never indulge the feeling that you are not esteemed as you should be, that your efforts are not appreciated, that your work is too difficult. Let the memory of what Christ has endured for us silence every murmuring thought. We are treated better than was our Lord. “Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not.” Jeremiah 45:5. – {MH 476.2}

From what the Lord has shown me, the women of this class have had their imaginations perverted by novel reading, daydreaming, and castle-building, living in an imaginary world. They do not bring their own ideas down to the common, useful duties of life. They do not take up the life burdens which lie in their path, and seek to make a happy, cheerful home for their husbands. They rest their whole weight upon them, not bearing their own burden. They expect others to anticipate their wants and do for them, while they are at liberty to find fault and to question as they please. These women have a lovesick sentimentalism, constantly thinking they are not appreciated, that their husbands do not give them all the attention they deserve. They imagine themselves martyrs. – {2T 463.1}

You are extremely sensitive, and if a word is spoken favoring an opposite course from that which you have been pursuing, you are hurt. You feel that you are blamed, and that you must defend yourself, save your life; and in your earnest effort to save your life, you lose it. You have a work to do to die to self and to cultivate a spirit of forbearance and patience. Get over the idea that you are not used right, that you are wronged, that somebody wants to crowd or harm you. You see through false eyes. Satan leads you to take these distorted views of things. – {2T 424.2}

Those who indulge in such language will experience shame, loss of self-respect, loss of self-confidence, and will have bitter remorse and regret that they allowed themselves to lose self-control and speak in this way. How much better would it be if words of this character were never spoken. How much better to have the oil of grace in the heart, to be able to pass by all provocation, and bear all things with Christlike meekness and forbearance. – {RH February 27, 1913 Par. 3}

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Let not one word of fretfulness, harshness or passion escape your lips. The grace of Christ awaits your demand. His Spirit will take control of your heart and conscience, presiding over your words and deeds. Never forfeit your self-respect by hasty, thoughtless words. See that your words are pure, your conversation holy. Give your children an example of that which you wish them to be.—Letter 28, 1890. (To Sister V., July 1, 1890.) – {8MR 437.3}

Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. – {MH 241.1}

Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness.—Testimonies for the Church 1:702. – {HL 66.1}

Intoxicated With Wrath—How Satan exults when he is enabled to set the soul into a white heat of anger! A glance, a gesture, an intonation, may be seized upon and used as the arrow of Satan to wound and poison the heart that is open to receive it.—The Signs of the Times, September 21, 1888 – {2MCP 520.1}
When one once gives place to an angry spirit, he is just as much intoxicated as the man who has put the glass to his lips.—MS 6, 1893 – {2MCP 520.2}

Christ treats anger as murder… Passionate words are a savor of death unto death. He who utters them is not cooperating with God to save his fellowman. In heaven this wicked railing is placed in the same list as common swearing. While hatred is cherished in the soul there is not one iota of the love of God there.—Lt 102, 1901. (HC 235.) – {2MCP 520.3}

The holy inhabitants of other worlds were watching with the deepest interest the events taking place on the earth. In the condition of the world that existed before the Flood they saw illustrated the results of the administration which Lucifer had endeavored to establish in heaven, in rejecting the authority of Christ and casting aside the law of God. In those high-handed sinners of the antediluvian world they saw the subjects over whom Satan held sway. The thoughts of men’s hearts were only evil continually. Genesis 6:5. Every emotion, every impulse and imagination, was at war with the divine principles of purity and peace and love. It was an example of the awful depravity resulting from Satan’s policy to remove from God’s creatures the restraint of His holy law. – {PP 78.4}

When Cain saw that his offering was rejected, he was angry with the Lord and with Abel; he was angry that God did not accept man’s substitute in place of the sacrifice divinely ordained, and angry with his brother for choosing to obey God instead of joining in rebellion against Him. Notwithstanding Cain’s disregard of the divine command, God did not leave him to himself; but He condescended to reason with the man who had shown himself so unreasonable. {PP 73.3}

But instead of acknowledging his sin, Cain continued to complain of the injustice of God and to cherish jealousy and hatred of Abel. He angrily reproached his brother, and attempted to draw him into controversy concerning God’s dealings with them. In meekness, yet fearlessly and firmly, Abel defended the justice and goodness of God. He pointed out Cain’s error, and tried to convince him that the wrong was in himself. He pointed to the compassion of God in sparing the life of their parents when He might have punished them with instant death, and urged that God loved them, or He would not have given His Son, innocent and holy, to suffer the penalty which they had incurred. All this caused Cain’s anger to burn the hotter. Reason and conscience told him that Abel was in the right; but he was enraged that one who had been wont to heed his counsel should now presume to disagree with him, and that he could gain no sympathy in his rebellion. In the fury of his passion he slew his brother. – {PP 74.1}

Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time. – {PP 72.5}

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Romans 7:21-25 (KJV)
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. [22] For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [24] O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? [25] I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. – {ST November 22, 1905 Par. 5}

The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us, but in our hearts and characters.—Letter 406, 1906. – {7ABC 464.2}

Revelation 12:12 (KJV)
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

If Gabriel struggles to prevail against Lucifer… How will we go?

Satan comes to man with his temptations as an angel of light, as he came to Christ. He has been working to bring man into a condition of physical and moral weakness, that he may overcome him with his temptations, and then triumph over his ruin. And he has been successful in tempting man to indulge appetite, regardless of the result. He well knows that it is impossible for man to discharge his obligations to God, and to his fellow-men, while he impairs the faculties God has given him. The brain is the capital of the body. If the perceptive faculties become benumbed through intemperance of any kind, eternal things are not discerned. – {RH September 8, 1874 Par. 1}

1 Peter 2:11 (KJV)
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“And pleasures of this life.” There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11. – {COL 53.1}

Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longings of the soul for divine knowledge, for a growth in grace, are wanting. – {1T 496.1}

The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ. His countenance was mild, expressive of happiness like the other angels. His forehead was high and broad, and showed great intelligence. His form was perfect. He had a noble, majestic bearing. And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man. He was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred. He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. – {1SG 17.1}

I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to evil that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible. – {EW 152.3}

Through appetite, Satan controls the mind and the whole being. Thousands who might have lived, have passed into the grave, physical, mental, and moral wrecks, because they sacrificed all their powers to the indulgence of appetite. The necessity for the men of this generation to call to their aid the power of the will, strengthened by the grace of God, in order to withstand the temptations of Satan, and resist the least indulgence of perverted appetite, is far greater than it was several generations ago. But the present generation have less power of self-control than had those who lived then. Those who indulged in these stimulants transmitted their depraved appetites and passions to their children, and greater moral power is now required to resist intemperance in all its forms. The only perfectly safe course is to stand firm, observing strict temperance in all things, and never venturing into the path of danger. – {CTBH 37.1}

The principles of temperance must be carried further than the mere use of spirituous liquors. The use of stimulating and indigestible food is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the seeds of drunkenness. True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body. – {PP 562.1}

The intellectual, the moral, and the physical powers are depreciated by the habitual use of flesh meats. Meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities. – {2T 63.3}

Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the after-effect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened. – {CTBH 34.4}

“Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” is the language of the apostle Peter. Many regard this warning as applicable only to the licentious; but is has a broader meaning. It guards against every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. It is a most forcible warning against the use of such stimulants and narcotics as tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, and morphine. These indulgences may well be classed among the lusts that exert a pernicious influence upon moral character. The earlier these hurtful habits are formed, the more firmly will they hold their victim in slavery to lust, and the more certainly will they lower the standard of spirituality. – {RH January 25, 1881 Par. 24}

(Science quotes)

Many a mother sets a table that is a snare to her family. Flesh-meats, butter, cheese, rich pastry, spiced foods, and condiments are freely partaken of by both old and young. These things do their work in deranging the stomach, exciting the nerves, and enfeebling the intellect. The blood-making organs cannot convert such things into good blood. The grease cooked in the food renders it difficult of digestion. The effect of cheese is deleterious. Fine-flour bread does not impart to the system the nourishment that is to be found in unbolted wheat bread. Its common use will not keep the system in the best condition. Spices at first irritate the tender coating of the stomach, but finally destroy the natural sensitiveness of this delicate membrane. The blood becomes fevered, the animal propensities are aroused, while the moral and intellectual powers are weakened, and become servants to the baser passions. The mother should study to set a simple yet nutritious diet before her family. – {CTBH 46.3}

Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have a prostrating influence upon the system and will blunt the keener and holier emotions. Strict temperance in eating and drinking is highly essential for the healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the functions of the body. – {2MCP 389.2}

Satan tempted the first Adam in Eden, and Adam reasoned with the enemy, thus giving him the advantage. Satan exercised his power of hypnotism over Adam and Eve, and this power he strove to exercise over Christ. But after the word of Scripture was quoted, Satan knew that he had no chance of triumphing (Letter 159, 1903). – {5BC 1081.4}

(Dictionary quote)

Men and women are not to study the science of how to take captive the minds of those who associate with them. This is the science that Satan teaches. We are to resist everything of the kind. We are not to tamper with mesmerism and hypnotism—the science of the one who lost his first estate and was cast out of the heavenly courts.—Manuscript 86, 1905. (Medical Ministry, 110, 111). – {2MCP 713.2}

States of mind:
Beta – active, awake brain
Alpha – slow brainwaves, relaxed, conscious, not thinking, no critical reasoning
Theta – asleep, dreaming
Delta – deep sleep

Hypnotism is putting brain in alpha state.

(Science quote dr t Jennings)

Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness. [12] – {AH 403.3}

Satan has no objection to music, if he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind from God, and engage the time which should be devoted to His service. He works through the means which will exert the strongest influence to hold the largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are paralyzed by his power. When turned to good account, music is a blessing, but it is often made one of Satan’s most attractive agencies to ensnare souls. When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse. Young persons assemble to sing and, although professed Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Sacred music is not congenial to their taste. I was directed to the plain teachings of God’s word, which had been passed by unnoticed. In the judgment all these words of inspiration will condemn those who have not heeded them.—Testimonies for the Church 1:506.

There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drinks strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement. – {4T 652.3}

An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. – {Ed 260.2}

2 Corinthians 5:1,21 (KJV)
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The robe of Christ’s righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, can never cover him. He who once wore the richest purple, the finest linen, is reduced to nakedness. His probation is ended. He brought nothing into the world, and he can take nothing out of it. – {COL 267.1}

Matthew 16:24-26 (KJV)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 13:44-46 (KJV)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

This parable has a double significance, and applies not only to man seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ seeking His lost inheritance. Through transgression man lost his holy innocence, and mortgaged himself to Satan. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, pledged Himself for the redemption of man, and paid the price of his ransom on the cross of Calvary. He left the worlds unfallen, the society of holy angels in the universe of heaven, for He could not be satisfied while humanity was alienated from Him. The heavenly Merchantman lays aside His royal robe and crown. Though the Prince and Commander of all heaven, He takes upon Him the garb of humanity, and comes to a world that is marred and seared with the curse, to seek for the one lost pearl, to seek for man fallen through disobedience…. – {TMK 84.3}
He finds His pearl buried in rubbish. Selfishness encrusts the human heart, and it is bound by the tyranny of Satan. But He lifts the soul out of its darkness to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are brought into covenant relationship with God, and receive pardon and find peace. Jesus finds the pearl of lost humanity, and resets it in His own diadem…. – {TMK 84.4}

Colossians 2:9 (KJV)
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Hebrews 2:14-15 (KJV)
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Acts 2:24 (KJV)
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Hosea 13:14 (KJV)
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Isaiah 26:19 (KJV)
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (KJV)
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 5:11-12 (KJV)
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls has a double significance: it applies not only to men as seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ as seeking His lost inheritance. Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man, defiled and ruined by sin, He saw the possibilities of redemption. Hearts that have been the battleground of the conflict with Satan, and that have been rescued by the power of love, are more precious to the Redeemer than are those who have never fallen. God looked upon humanity, not as vile and worthless; He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as it might become through redeeming love. He collected all the riches of the universe, and laid them down in order to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having found it, resets it in His own diadem. “For they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land.” Zechariah 9:16. “They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.” Malachi 3:17. – {COL 118.2}

John 1:9 (KJV)
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Romans 2:14-15 (KJV)
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: [15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God. – {DA 638.2}

Zechariah 13:6 (KJV)
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

The lost coin, in the Saviour’s parable, though lying in the dirt and rubbish, was a piece of silver still. Its owner sought it because it was of value. So every soul, however degraded by sin, is in God’s sight accounted precious. As the coin bore the image and superscription of the reigning power, so man at his creation bore the image and superscription of God. Though now marred and dim through the influence of sin, the traces of this inscription remain upon every soul. God desires to recover that soul and to retrace upon it His own image in righteousness and holiness. – {MH 163.1}

Isaiah 56:6-8 (KJV)
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord , to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord , to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; [7] Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. [8] The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

Isaiah 43:1 (KJV)
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Isaiah 43:4-7 (KJV)
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. [5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; [6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; [7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Psalm 135:4 (KJV)
For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Isaiah 13:12 (KJV)
I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Galatians 3:27-29 (KJV)
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4:26-28 (KJV)
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. [27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. [28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Malachi 3:2-3 (KJV)
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: [3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

Isaiah 48:10 (KJV)
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. – {COL 69.1}

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 (KJV)
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Matthew 13:45-46 (KJV)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

We need to see the value before we give up everything, and then it will be a natural progression.

Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer. Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, lost, to “the Lamb of God.” Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say to all who hear, Come to Him who “hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.” Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Bring nothing into your preaching to supplement Christ, the wisdom and power of God. Hold forth the word of life, presenting Jesus as the hope of the penitent and the stronghold of every believer. Reveal the way of peace to the troubled and the despondent, and show forth the grace and completeness of the Saviour.—Gospel Workers, 159, 160 (1915). – {Ev 185.3}

Let us gather together that which our own experience has revealed to us of the preciousness of Christ, and present it to others as a precious gem that sparkles and shines. Thus will the sinner be attracted to Him who is represented as the Chief among ten thousand and the One altogether lovely. The cross of Calvary is a pledge to us of everlasting life. Faith in Christ means everything to the sincere believer. The merits of Jesus blot out transgressions, and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven. The crown of life is presented before us as the honor to be given at the end of the conflict. These precious truths are to be set forth in living characters.—The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895. – {Ev 186.3}

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Beholding Christ means studying His life as given in His Word. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix our eyes upon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives us boldness to approach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed, morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being (Manuscript 148, 1897). – {6BC 1098.1}

All the philosophies of human nature have led to confusion and shame when God has not been recognized as all in all. But the precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the perception of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with God through the study of His Word. Truth is so large, so far-reaching, so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened and subdued into humility, kindness, and love. – {FLB 223.3}

The world is to be warned of its coming doom. The slumbers of those who are lying in sin and error are so deep, so deathlike, that the voice of God through a wide-awake minister is needed to awaken them.

Unless the ministers are converted

, the people will not be. The cold formalism that is now prevailing among us must give place to the living energy of experimental godliness. There is no fault with the theory of the truth; it is perfectly clear and harmonious. But young ministers may speak the truth fluently, and yet have no real sense of the words they utter. They do not appreciate the value of the truth they present, and little realize what it has cost those, who, with prayers and tears, through trial and opposition, have sought for it as for hid treasures. Every new link in the chain of truth was to them as precious as tried gold. These links are now united in a perfect whole. Truths have been dug out of the rubbish of superstition and error, by earnest prayer for light and knowledge, and have been presented to the people as precious pearls of priceless value. – {4T 445.1}

Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts of all men to Himself. He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing of the love of Christ. God sends message after message to men, entreating them to repentance, that He may forgive, and write pardon against their names. Shall there be no repentance? Shall His appeals be unheeded? Shall His overtures of mercy be ignored, and His love utterly rejected? Oh, then man will cut himself off from the medium through which he may gain life eternal; for God only pardons the penitent! By the manifestation of His love, by the entreating of His Spirit, He woos men to repentance; for repentance is the gift of God, and whom He pardons He first makes penitent. The sweetest joy comes to man through his sincere repentance toward God for the transgression of His law, and through faith in Christ as the sinner’s Redeemer and Advocate. It is that men may understand the joy of forgiveness, the peace of God, that Christ draws them through the manifestation of His love. If they respond to His drawing, yielding their hearts to His grace, He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge of Himself, and this is life eternal. – {1SM 323.2}

Then to that company of attentive hearers the apostle preached Christ—His life, His miracles, His betrayal and crucifixion, His resurrection and ascension, and His work in heaven as man’s representative and advocate. As Peter pointed those present to Jesus as the sinner’s only hope, he himself understood more fully the meaning of the vision he had seen, and his heart glowed with the spirit of the truth that he was presenting. – {AA 138.5}

Isaiah 53:11-12 (KJV)
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God’s sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father’s love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” – {DA 685.2}

Lamentations 1:12-14 (KJV)
Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. [13] From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day. [14] The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.

Psalm 40:12 (KJV)
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

In His humanity Christ was tried with as much greater temptation, with as much more persevering energy than man is tried by the evil one, as His nature was greater than man’s. This is a deep mysterious truth, that Christ is bound to humanity by the most sensitive sympathies. The evil works, the evil thoughts, the evil words of every son and daughter of Adam press upon His divine soul. The sins of men called for retribution upon Himself, for He had become man’s substitute, and took upon Him the sins of the world. He bore the sins of every sinner, for all transgressions were imputed unto Him…. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). – {OFC 119.5}

Psalm 88:3-7 (KJV)
For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. [4] I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: [5] Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand. [6] Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. [7] Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor. – {DA 756.3}

Psalm 16:1,8-10 (KJV)
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. [8] I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. [10] For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Psalm 40:1-4 (KJV)
I waited patiently for the Lord ; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. [2] He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. [3] And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it , and fear, and shall trust in the Lord . [4] Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How He fences about the soul from Satan’s fierce attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not turn from us and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour. Christ prayed for us. He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to succor those who are tempted. – {7BC 948.2}

The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are back-slidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God’s right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf. Hear His prayer before His betrayal and trial. Listen to His prayer for us; for He had us in remembrance. – {7BC 948.5}

This goodly pearl represents the priceless treasure of Christ, as does the gold hid in the field. In Christ we have everything that is needful for us in this life, and that which will make up the joy of the world to come. … – {TMK 83.2}
Then what is it to buy the eternal treasure? It is simply to give back to Jesus His own, to receive Him into the heart by faith. It is cooperation with God; it is bearing the yoke with Christ; it is lifting His burdens…. The Lord Jesus laid aside His royal crown, He left His high command, He clothed His divinity with humanity, in order that through humanity He might uplift the human race. He so appreciated the possibility of the human race that He became man’s substitute and surety. He places upon man His own merit, and thus elevates him in the scale of moral value with God. – {TMK 83.3}
Christ is the atoning sacrifice. He left the glory of heaven, He parted with His riches, He laid aside His honor, not in order to create love and interest for man in the heart of God, but to be an exponent of the love that existed in the heart of the Father…. Jesus paid the price of all His riches, He assumed humanity, He condescended to a life of poverty and humiliation, in order that He might seek and save that which was lost. – {TMK 83.4}
Through the grace of Christ we may be strengthened and matured, so that though now imperfect we may become complete in Him. We have mortgaged ourselves to Satan, but Christ came to ransom and redeem us. We cannot purchase anything from God. It is only by grace, the free gift of God in Christ, that we are saved. [24] – {TMK 83.5}

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] 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;

A good character is a capital of more value than gold or silver. It is unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day when earthly possessions shall be swept away it will bring rich returns. Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible,—a power which makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity. – {MYP 415.3}

The mental and moral powers which God has given us do not constitute character. They are talents, which we are to improve, and which, if properly improved, will form a right character. A man may have precious seed in his hand, but that seed is not an orchard. The seed must be planted before it can become a tree. The mind is the garden, the character is the fruit. God has given us our faculties to cultivate and develop. Our own course determines our character. In training these powers so that they shall harmonize and form a valuable character, we have a work which no one but ourselves can do. – {4T 606.2}

It is agreeable, but not most profitable, to exercise those faculties which are naturally the strongest, while we neglect those that are weak, but which need to be strengthened. The feeblest faculties should have careful attention, that all the powers of the intellect may be nicely balanced and all do their part like well-regulated machinery. We are dependent upon God for the preservation of all our faculties. Christians are under obligation to Him to so train the mind that all the faculties may be strengthened and more fully developed. If we neglect to do this, they will never accomplish the purpose for which they were designed. We have no right to neglect any one of the powers that God has given us. We see monomaniacs all over the country. They are frequently sane upon every subject but one. The reason of this is that one organ of the mind was specially exercised while the others were permitted to lie dormant. The one that was in constant use became worn and diseased, and the man became a wreck. God was not glorified by his pursuing this course. Had he exercised all the organs equally, all would have had a healthy development; all the labor would not have been thrown upon one, therefore no one would have broken down. – {3T 33.2}

Faculties

- will
- reason
- conscience
- imagination
- perception
- intuition
- memory

Satan comes to man with his temptations as an angel of light, as he came to Christ. He has been working to bring man into a condition of physical and moral weakness, that he may overcome him with his temptations, and then triumph over his ruin. And he has been successful in tempting man to indulge appetite, regardless of the result. He well knows that it is impossible for man to discharge his obligations to God, and to his fellow-men, while he impairs the faculties God has given him. The brain is the capital of the body. If the perceptive faculties become benumbed through intemperance of any kind, eternal things are not discerned. – {RH September 8, 1874 Par. 1}

The Will

The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto disobedience. – {5T 513.1}

Alexander the Great:
Daniel 11:2-3 (KJV)
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. [3] And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

When Satan is permitted to mold the will, he uses it to accomplish his ends. He often works under cover as an angel of light. He has synagogues for worship, and an immense number of followers. But with all his high professions, he is at enmity with God. He instigates theories of unbelief, and stirs up the human heart to war against the word of God. With persistent, persevering effort, he seeks to inspire men with his own energies of hate and antagonism to God, and to array them in opposition to the institutions and requirements of Heaven and the operations of the Holy Spirit. He enlists under his standard all evil agencies, and brings them into the battle-field under his generalship to oppose evil against good. – {RH August 25, 1896 Par. 2}

The Will to Be Directed, Not Broken—A child may be so trained as to have, like the beast, no will of his own. Even his individuality may be merged in the one who superintends his training; his will, to all intents and purposes, is subject to the will of the teacher. Children who are thus educated will ever be deficient in moral energy and individual responsibility. They have not been taught to move from reason and principle; their wills have been controlled by another, and the mind has not been called out that it might expand and strengthen by exercise. They have not been directed and disciplined with respect to their peculiar constitutions and capabilities of mind to put forth their strongest powers when required. – {2MCP 687.3}

The Conscience

Inward peace and a conscience void of offense toward God will quicken and invigorate the intellect like dew distilled upon the tender plants. The will is then rightly directed and controlled, and is more decided, and yet free from perverseness. – {2T 327.1}

The idea is entertained by many that a man may practice anything that he conscientiously believes to be right. But the question is, Has the man a well-instructed, good conscience, or is it biased and warped by his own preconceived opinions? Conscience is not to take the place of “Thus saith the Lord.” Consciences do not all harmonize and are not all inspired alike. Some consciences are dead, seared as with a hot iron. Men may be conscientiously wrong as well as conscientiously right. Paul did not believe in Jesus of Nazareth, and he hunted the Christians from city to city, verily believing that he was doing service to God.— Letter 4, 1889. – {1MCP 322.4}

Misdirected conscience:

John 16:1-3 (KJV)
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. [2] They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. [3] And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Matthew 6:22-23 (KJV)
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

These words have a first and second sense, a literal and a figurative meaning. They are full of truth in regard to the bodily eye, with which we see external objects. And they are true also in regard to the spiritual eye, the conscience, with which we estimate good and evil. If the eye of the soul, the conscience, is perfectly healthy, the soul will be taught aright. – {1MCP 323.1}
But when the conscience is guided by human perceptions, which are not subdued and softened by the grace of Christ, the mind is in a diseased condition. Things are not seen in their true bearings. The imagination is wrought upon, and the eye of the mind sees things in a false, distorted light. – {1MCP 323.2}

Perception

Pride, self-love, selfishness, hatred, envy, and jealousy have beclouded the perceptive powers. – {2T 605.3}

The lower passions are to be strictly guarded. The perceptive faculties are abused, terribly abused, when the passions are allowed to run riot. When the passions are indulged, the blood, instead of circulating to all parts of the body, thereby relieving the heart and clearing the mind, is called in undue amount to the internal organs. Disease comes as the result. The man cannot be healthy until the evil is seen and remedied. – {CH 587.3}

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this was what led to her fall. In the judgment men will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning what is truth. Notwithstanding the sophistry of Satan to the contrary, it is always disastrous to disobey God. We must set our hearts to know what is truth. – {PP 55.2}

John 8:31-32 (KJV)
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The Imagination

But when the conscience is guided by human perceptions, which are not subdued and softened by the grace of Christ, the mind is in a diseased condition. Things are not seen in their true bearings. The imagination is wrought upon, and the eye of the mind sees things in a false, distorted light. – {1MCP 323.2}

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
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;

The first work of those who would reform is to purify the imagination. If the mind is led out in a vicious direction, it must be restrained to dwell only upon pure and elevated subjects. When tempted to yield to a corrupt imagination, then flee to the throne of grace and pray for strength from Heaven. In the strength of God the imagination can be disciplined to dwell upon things which are pure and heavenly.—Und MS 93. – {2MCP 595.3}

Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,—with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ’s illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. – {DA 254.2}

If the imagination is constantly overfed and stimulated by fictitious literature, it soon becomes a tyrant, controlling all the other faculties of the mind and causing the taste to become fitful and the tendencies perverse. – {4T 497.2}

mp3 (full series here)

Revelation 3:10-11 (KJV)
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

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synopsis (just quotes)

“These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” {RH, June 19, 1900 par. 13}

Revelation 12:12 (KJV)

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in heaven exclaiming: “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12. Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. – {GC 623.3}

Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity and subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit of his power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him. Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power. Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer. – {5T 293.4}

If the thoughts are wrong the feelings will be wrong, and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character. When you decide that as Christians you are not required to restrain your thoughts and feelings you are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control. If you yield to your impressions and allow your thoughts to run in a channel of suspicion, doubt, and repining you will be among the most unhappy of mortals, and your lives will prove a failure. – {5T 310.1}

Is happiness a feeling? We want to be happy. But what we think makes us happy, usually makes us miserable. Certain thought processes, create certain feelings.

If you have a random thought, it is not your character. But if you dwell on if, then that becomes a part of your character.

So satan can change your feelings, which result in changing your character.

There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by their influence. Oh, that we each might become a savor of life unto life to those around us!.—The Review and Herald, March 27, 1888. – {2MCP 432.2}

Revelation 3:10-11 (KJV)
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

The long-expected day of God will soon test every man’s work. “The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” As fire reveals the difference between gold, silver, and precious stones, and wood, hay, and stubble, so the day of judgment will test characters, showing the difference between characters formed after Christ’s likeness, and characters formed after the likeness of the selfish heart. All selfishness, all false religion, will then appear as it is. The worthless material will be consumed; but the gold of true, simple, humble faith will never lose its value. It can never be consumed; for it is imperishable. One hour of transgression will be seen to be a great loss, while the fear of the Lord will be seen to be the beginning of wisdom. The pleasure of self-indulgence will perish as stubble, while the gold of steadfast principle, maintained at any cost, will endure forever. – {RH December 11, 1900 Par. 18}

What was lucifer like? I will be like the most high.

James 1:2-3 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this , that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:12-15 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. [13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Lust = something your carnal nature / flesh craves.
Drawn away = taken from God’s path
Sin = anything contrary to the thoughts of God

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

3 science quotes..

Genesis 2:15-17 (KJV)
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. [16] And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: [17] But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:1 (KJV)
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:2-7 (KJV)
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. [6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. [7] And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

After his transgression, Adam at first imagined himself entering upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin filled him with terror. The love and peace which had been theirs was gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future, a nakedness of soul. The robe of light which had enshrouded them disappeared, and to supply its place they endeavored to fashion for themselves a covering. They could not, while unclothed, meet the eye of God and holy angels. – {EP 26.1}

Romans 5:12-13 (KJV)
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Through sin the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted. Sin has degraded the faculties of the soul. Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart, and the feet turn imperceptibly toward evil. – {MH 451.2}

Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. – {DA 336.4}

Revelation 3:10-11 (KJV)
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of character; but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness and nobility of the man is measured by his powers to subdue his feelings, not by the power of his feelings to subdue him. The strongest man is he who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion and forgive his enemies. [4] – {CG 161.4}

Amen

mp3 (full series here)

Synopsis:

Is temptation of value?

1 Peter 1:5-7 (KJV)
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

Yes. It is a trial that will make us precious.
The people who become holy, get there by trial.

James 1:12 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this , that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

You come to the point where you have a want of nothing… How do we get there? Diverse  temptations. Here is the patients of the saints. How can you get this, unless you are tempted.

Romans 5:3-5 (KJV)
And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Remember that when were are being annoyed… It is good for me… If we rejoice. If we continue on our path of selfishness, we will never make it.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

“This shouldn’t be happening to me!”… Yes it should. There is something else there: that we are to enjoy a repast with Christ… Christ’s sufferings.

Hebrews 5:7-9 (KJV)
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; [8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; [9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Here it is. Jesus came and supped with us, crying and pleading to save us from sin.
Did Jesus have to learn obedience? On earth he did. In his sinful flesh there was a terrible struggle, just like we have.

Christ in the hour of his temptation is there to help me in my hour of temptation.

The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw. In Christ are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. He is “made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in comparison all things else may be accounted loss. – {COL 115.1}

We experience what he experienced. The pearl arrived in the days of his flesh. How is a pearl formed? A little grain of sand, slips in as the clam opens its mouth to feed. Then it irritates the flesh. In response the clam excretes a mucus, and the covering makes it bigger. Layer after layer it gets bigger, the someone finds a beautiful pearl, which comes from what? Irritation.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they were comfortable when they left God’s presence. God’s presence is irritating to the flesh.

Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

What had God just put there? An irritant. Without it man would have been happy with satan.
God was a farmer of pearls. Pearl farmers deliberately put the irritant in the clam.

John 1:9 (KJV)
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Every man has a predisposition to disobedience. But he is also born with a light, which is Jesus Christ. Within every sinner is an irritant.

Christ is the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. As through Christ every human being has life, so also through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only intellectual but spiritual power, a perception of right, a desire for goodness, exists in every heart. But against these principles there is struggling an antagonistic power. The result of the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is manifest in every man’s experience. There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That power is Christ. Co-operation with that power is man’s greatest need. In all educational effort should not this co-operation be the highest aim? – {Ed 29.1}

People really thing they shouldn’t go through these hard times… But they should. Jesus went through the same.

Galatians 5:17 (KJV)
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

We want to follow the spirit and the flesh says, yuck. And vica versa.
This is the irritant. The enmity.

Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The “Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God. – {COL 385.1}

Every person has got it, but does not heed.

1 Peter 4:1-2 (KJV)
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for

he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin

; [2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

We are told to rejoice in suffering, because it will produce a pearl. A sinless life. If I don’t suffer, there is no pearl.

Our conference here is to explore the pearl. This is present truth that comes from a different angel. There is a danger of seeing only truth, this conference is to see action. The doctrines are there for practice purposes, not only to defend.  Hopefully this will help us to live through these trials.

In the time of confusion and trouble before us, a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation, the uplifted Saviour will be presented to the people in all lands, that all who look to Him in faith may live. – {8T 50.3}

This means us, now.  We need present truth to cope with the time we are in. We must see Jesus the pearl of great price. We must uplift him so we can receive benefit, and so others can.

The kingdom of heaven is represented as being like unto a merchantman “seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” – {TMK 84.2}
This parable has a double significance, and applies not only to man seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ seeking His lost inheritance. Through transgression man lost his holy innocence, and mortgaged himself to Satan. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, pledged Himself for the redemption of man, and paid the price of his ransom on the cross of Calvary. He left the worlds unfallen, the society of holy angels in the universe of heaven, for He could not be satisfied while humanity was alienated from Him. The heavenly Merchantman lays aside His royal robe and crown. Though the Prince and Commander of all heaven, He takes upon Him the garb of humanity, and comes to a world that is marred and seared with the curse, to seek for the one lost pearl, to seek for man fallen through disobedience…. – {TMK 84.3}

Are you are pearl? Do you want to be a pearl?

He finds His pearl buried in rubbish. Selfishness encrusts the human heart, and it is bound by the tyranny of Satan. But He lifts the soul out of its darkness to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are brought into covenant relationship with God, and receive pardon and find peace. Jesus finds the pearl of lost humanity, and resets it in His own diadem…. – {TMK 84.4}
He would inspire the most sinful, the most debased, with hope. He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). When a soul finds the Saviour, the Saviour rejoices as a merchantman that has found his goodly pearl. By His grace He will work upon the soul until it will be like a jewel polished for the heavenly kingdom. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [25] – {TMK 84.5}

Does this conference interest you? If you and I know so well our sinfulness, and our incapacity to correct them, then this conference is for you. The merchant man has paid everything for you.

Amen

2012-12-08 – Peter Dakire – Ending Emnity – mp3

Romans 8:6-7 (KJV)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Romans 8:8 (KJV)
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

where did the enmity come from?

Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

God put it there. But what is enmity? Hostility, hatred, ill will.

How can we please God.

Hebrews 10:20 (KJV)
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Ephesians 2:13-15 (KJV)
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 2:16 (KJV)
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Any man can be saved. It is a struggle to be in Christ. You need to be all in or all out.

Galatians 6:15 (KJV)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

The closer we come to Christ, the more we lean on him.

Genesis 3:24 (KJV)
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

2012-12-01- Paul Godfrey – The Lamb & The Beast - mp3 - youtube

synopsis

Revelation 7:13-15 (KJV)
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Where do you want to end up? Selfish or submissive? Beast or Lamb?

This concept of a robe or garment is important to consider.

Revelation 19:8 (KJV)
8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints

This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. (COL 311.4)

The robe represents Christ’s character.

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he, so Christ is imploring us to get correct thoughts and feelings so we too can be lamb like.

Revelation 19:7-8 (KJV)
7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Isaiah 64:6-7 (KJV)
6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

The thoughts and feelings behind everything we do is sin.

By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.(COL 311.4)

We need to have the perfect robe, the perfect character, perfect thoughts and feelings. Note the parable in Matthew.

Matthew 22:11-13 (KJV)
11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Bride is the group as a collective. The guests are the individuals. If we do not have

In the parable of Matthew 22 the judgment takes place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see if all the guests are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14. All who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted and accounted worthy of a share in God’s kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character is the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above. – {HF 265.1}
Hebrews 4:12-13 (KJV)
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

God can come in an inspect the guests. Do they or do they not have the character or Christ? Do not be discouraged though. Let us read:
Malachi 3:1-4 (KJV)
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. 2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:[] 3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. 4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

If you do something good for God but the thoughts and feelings that have generated that action are not from God, it is not acceptable before Him. God is proposing to do your laundry, to wash your dirty garment. He will wash you in the blood of the Lamb. If we acknowledge our filthy garments and reach out to God, asking Him for His righteousness, then He clean us.
Revelation 7:13-14 (KJV)
13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?[] 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

This class is not the Great Multitude, but rather the 144 000. The time period between Philedelphia and Laodecia

Zechariah 3:1-3 (KJV)
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

When you pull a brand out of the fire do you expect it to be white or black? Black! It’s dirty. The world burns you. You will struggle with thoughts and feelings, but God says you are plucked out of the fire. Never think that God doesn’t want you. Jesus will never resist you. If you ever think that, it’s the suggestion of Satan.

Zechariah 3:4 (KJV
4And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Perfection of character is perfection of thinking. The Gospel is a mind-cure. Are you willing to forsake your thoughts? God can take them away, but only if you want Him to. The way the Laodecian thinks is wrong. He doesn’t know that he doesn’t think right.

Zechariah 3:5
5And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.

It makes every difference what material is used in the character building. The long-expected day of God will soon test every man’s work. “The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” As fire reveals the difference between gold, silver, and precious stones, and wood, hay, and stubble, so the day of judgment will test characters, showing the difference between characters formed after Christ’s likeness and characters formed after the likeness of the selfish heart. All selfishness, all false religion, will then appear as it is. The worthless material will be consumed; but the gold of true, simple, humble faith will never lose its value. It can never be consumed; for it is imperishable. One hour of transgression will be seen to be a great loss, while the fear of the Lord will be seen to be the beginning of wisdom. The pleasure of self-indulgence will perish as stubble, while the gold of steadfast principle, maintained at any cost, will endure forever (The Review and Herald, December 11, 1900). – {6BC 1087.9}

The day of trouble will test the thoughts and feelings that you cherish. See the thinking of the antideluvian world:

Genesis 6:5-6 (KJV)
5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

You are responsible for what you think and feel, and there are certain practices that will corrupt us.

This is an age when corruption is teeming everywhere. The lust of the eye and corrupt passions are aroused by beholding and by reading. The heart is corrupted through the imagination. The mind takes pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken the lower and baser passions. These vile images, seen through defiled imagination, corrupt the morals and prepare the deluded, infatuated beings to give loose rein to lustful passions. Then follow sins and crimes which drag beings formed in the image of God down to a level with the beasts, sinking them at last in perdition. – {2MCP 591.4}
Avoid reading and seeing things which will suggest impure thoughts. Cultivate the moral and intellectual powers. Let not these noble powers become enfeebled and perverted by much reading of even storybooks. I know of strong minds that have been unbalanced and partially benumbed, or paralyzed, by intemperance in reading.—Testimonies for the Church 2:410 (1870). – {2MCP 591.5}

It doesn’t matter how great your stain is, God’s stain remover removes them all. It’s pretty hard to avoid seeing these things if you’re living in the city, and God has council on leaving the cities.

Theater Depraves the Imagination—Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. – {2MCP 590.2}
There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.—Testimonies for the Church 4:652, 653 (1881). – {2MCP 590.3}

As Christians can we watch television? Can we engage in theatrical pursuits or entertainment? No! We need to engage in tranquil pleasures – time in nature, time of recreation, walking.

Masturbation and the Imagination—When persons are addicted to the habit of self-abuse, it is impossible to arouse their moral sensibilities to appreciate eternal things or to delight in spiritual exercises. Impure thoughts seize and control the imagination and fascinate the mind, and next follows an almost uncontrollable desire for the performance of impure actions. If the mind were educated to contemplate elevating subjects, the imagination trained to reflect upon pure and holy things, it would be fortified against this terrible, debasing, soul-and-body-destroying indulgence. It would, by training, become accustomed to linger upon the high, the heavenly, the pure, and the sacred, and could not be attracted to this base, corrupt, and vile indulgence.—Testimonies for the Church 2:470 (1870). – {2MCP 592.1}

In other words come out of her my people! Get rid of the lifestyle that the world offers. You need to be singular entirely. No just getting out of a fallen church.

Fiction Creates an Imaginary World—You have indulged in novel and story reading until you live in an imaginary world. The influence of such reading is injurious to both the mind and the body; it weakens the intellect and brings a fearful tax upon the physical strength. At times your mind is scarcely sane because the imagination has been overexcited and diseased by reading fictitious stories. The mind should be so disciplined that all its powers will be symmetrically developed…. – {2MCP 591.1}
If the imagination is constantly overfed and stimulated by fictitious literature, it soon becomes a tyrant, controlling all the other faculties of the mind and causing the taste to become fitful and the tendencies perverse.—Testimonies for the Church 4:497 (1881). – {2MCP 591.2}

If you want God to clean your stains we must remove the cause of the stain, otherwise you’ll never get to the point of character perfection.

Satan has been multiplying his snares in—–; and professed Christians who are superficial in character and religious experience are used by the tempter as his decoys. This class are always ready for the gatherings for pleasure or sport, and their influence attracts others. Young men and women who have tried to be Bible Christians are persuaded to join the party, and they are drawn into the ring. They do not prayerfully consult the divine standard, to learn what Christ has said in regard to the fruit to be borne on the Christian tree. They do not discern that these entertainments are really Satan’s banquet, prepared to keep souls from accepting the call to the marriage supper of the Lamb and preventing them from receiving the white robe of character, which is the righteousness of Christ. They become confused as to what it is right for them as Christians to do. They do not want to be thought singular, and naturally incline to follow the example of others. Thus they come under the influence of those who have never had the divine touch on heart or mind…. – {CT 340.3}

Sports, pleasure gatherings, novels, pornogrphy all prevent you from receiving a white robe.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (KJV)
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

You can be doctrinally correct, you can be a martyr, but still be lost because you don’t have love. Some people say “We shouldn’t worry about perfection, we should just love”, but love rejoices in the truth, love is having the mind of God. The white raiment God is offering us permeates us entirely, it does not just hang on the outside.

Matthew 5:38-48 (KJV)
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Aren’t we able to defend ourselves as Christians? No. What did Christ do?

40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

It’s a way of thinking isn’t it? This way of thinking is Christ’s righteousness, the white robe, the character of God. How can you be perfect in your thinking.
Those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ will be dwelling upon the themes of the great salvation. The Bible is the storehouse that supplies their souls with nourishing food. They meditate upon the incarnation of Christ, they contemplate the great sacrifice made to save them from perdition, to bring in pardon, peace, and everlasting righteousness. The soul is aglow with these grand and elevating themes. Holiness and truth, grace and righteousness, occupy the thoughts. Self dies, and Christ lives in His servants. In contemplation of the word their hearts burn within them as did the hearts of the two disciples while they went to Emmaus and Christ walked with them by the way and opened to them the scriptures concerning Himself. – {CT 341.2}

Who has your thoughts? Who has your warmest affections? We can work and still have our minds dwell on Him.

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross. – {DA 83.4}
As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ’s broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us. – {DA 661.1}

This is a healthy imagination. Christ’s blood is washing your thoughts as ou contemplate the life of Christ, especially the last years of His life.

I pray that we can be among these people who have washed their robes, their thoughts in the blood of the Lamb.

Our annual conference is soon to start on Wednesday 20th to the 26th of December 2012.

VENUE: Camp Obadiah 20190 Pacific Hwy, Johns River 40 Km south of Port Macquarie.

SPEAKERS: Paul Godfrey, John Theil and others.

MEETING TIMES:
9.30 am and 7.30 pm with an afternoon discussion time.
Children’s meeting 11 – 12.00 pm
ACCOMMODATION
$20.00 per night – children under 5 free.
RESERVATIONS
Call Jenny Nalder Ph: 0414 482 959 or 6583 2200
DAY VISITORS MOST WELCOME
FOOD
Vegan vegetarian menu—covered by freewill donations.

Many people are getting the impression that it is him doing the posting.  If people want to hate me for the presentation of what I believe to be truth, I can handle that, but it is not fair for Mark’s name to be on something that he hasn’t the opportunity to agree with.  Sadly, he is dead, so I cannot talk to him and ask him for his advice as I used to.

** update ** I have disabled comments on the articles now.  I have appreciated the positive and encouraging comments about Leo and his family, and the understanding comments about his bitter end, however the majority of the comments seem to have become less than constructive.

I apologize for the confusion and the inconvenience.   I wished this to be a positive forum, but it seems to have degenerated into an excuse to direct anger towards me or Leo.  I understand this is a difficult time, and people are grieving, which is why I will likely open up the comments in a few weeks when the dust has settled.

I also apologize to anyone who felt my comments came across harsh or un-Christlike.

It seems the German church is up to its old tricks again.  First in 1940s they had their people sent to prison and killed on the war issue (no, I am not a part of the Reform, but no one can deny this historical fact), and now they are distancing themselves from Walter.  Very disappointing to see, however not overly surprising.  Please pray for their leaders, that they will reconsider and learn from the past, and also please pray for Walter, that he can stay strong in his faith and convictions.

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 [**note this means people who do not speak against sin**], 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. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges.–Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 463.  {ChS 158.1}

Full Article here

Character is a combination of thoughts and feelings.

This is the study referred to in this prayer meeting: youtube

But not so when the great controversy shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemption having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God’s love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law. – {DA 764.3}

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. – {AA 531.2}

Thoughts and feelings of both Satan and God will be revealed at the end of time.

Feelings are not character. Christ was constantly resisting evil thoughts and feelings.

This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. “All our righteousness are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God “was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.” Sin is defined to be “the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:5, 4. But Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. He said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. When on earth, He said to His disciples, “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” John 15:10. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. – {COL 311.4}

Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

John 14:27 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Matthew 16:21-23 (KJV)
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. [22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

human thinking was expressed by Peter, and it was offensive to God because his physical nature agreed, but his spiritual nature loved it.

He cut it off.

This disparity is what caused the temptation of depression at gethssmany.

John 12:20-21,23-26 (KJV)
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: [21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. [23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. [24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. [26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

His humanity shrinks from it… And his divine mind takes over.

John 12:27 (KJV)
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:28 (KJV)
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying , I have both glorified it , and will glorify it again.

The message of the Greeks, foreshadowing as it did the gathering in of the Gentiles, brought to the mind of Jesus His entire mission. The work of redemption passed before Him, from the time when in heaven the plan was laid, to the death that was now so near at hand. A mysterious cloud seemed to enshroud the Son of God. Its gloom was felt by those near Him. He sat rapt in thought. At last the silence was broken by His mournful voice, “Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour?” In anticipation Christ was already drinking the cup of bitterness. His humanity shrank from the hour of abandonment, when to all appearance He would be deserted even by God, when all would see Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He shrank from public exposure, from being treated as the worst of criminals, from a shameful and dishonored death. A foreboding of His conflict with the powers of darkness, a sense of the awful burden of human transgression, and the Father’s wrath because of sin caused the spirit of Jesus to faint, and the pallor of death to overspread His countenance. – {DA 624.3}

Then came divine submission to His Father’s will. “For this cause,” He said, “came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy name.” Only through the death of Christ could Satan’s kingdom be overthrown. Only thus could man be redeemed, and God be glorified. Jesus consented to the agony, He accepted the sacrifice. The Majesty of heaven consented to suffer as the Sin Bearer. “Father, glorify Thy name,” He said. As Christ spoke these words, a response came from the cloud which hovered above His head: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Christ’s whole life, from the manger to the time when these words were spoken, had glorified God; and in the coming trial His divine-human sufferings would indeed glorify His Father’s name. – {DA 624.4}

As the voice was heard, a light darted from the cloud, and encircled Christ, as if the arms of Infinite Power were thrown about Him like a wall of fire. The people beheld this scene with terror and amazement. No one dared to speak. With silent lips and bated breath all stood with eyes fixed upon Jesus. The testimony of the Father having been given, the cloud lifted, and scattered in the heavens. For the time the visible communion between the Father and the Son was ended. – {DA 625.1}
“The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to Him.” But the inquiring Greeks saw the cloud, heard the voice, comprehended its meaning, and discerned Christ indeed; to them He was revealed as the Sent of God. – {DA 625.2}

The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved. – {DA 693.3}

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man. – {DA 694.1}

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

At the end of time we will see how we will react.  Like a beast or a lamb.  We can’t act this, we have to live it.

Talk about an emotional roller coaster.  Learning of Leo’s unexpected passing and Angus t Jones and his conversion and this.  Spirit of Prophecy said the last moves will be rapid ones, and things are going crazy.  The worst part is, the attack against Walter is only the beginning of what will be a broad censorship of the truth.  It is high time for us to get right with God and learn the truth while we still can.

This is what Walter was charged with:

• The usage of the words  “little yellow cloth” [German “gelbes Tüchlein”] in reference to the markings the Jewish people had to wear during the post Napoleonic era and during Hitler’s regime.  
• The usage of the word “herded” when referring to the situation of the Jews after the end of the war as a result of Hitler’s persecution and their transference to the newly formed State of Israel, as well as the lack of compassion on the part of many countries, including Canada, the UK, and others who refused entrance to Jews that had escaped the Nazi totalitarian regime.
• The use of quotes from the book Facts are Facts by the Jewish author Benjamin Freedman, as evidence that most Jews aren’t really of Jewish descent, because Freedman is considered an anti-Semitic.

For more: http://amazingdiscoveries.org/12.12.03-special-report-statement-on-the-allegations-of-anti-semitism-charges-against-walter-veith-in-germany-november-2012

My best friend from high school was incredibly intelligent, always getting top grades. Once he graduated, he completed his micro-electronic engineering degree, with top grades again. He was very patient to the extent of being quite content to sit for days on end making chain mail for his hobby of medieval re-enactments.  He had an Anglican faith, and went to a Pentecostal church with his wife.

I lost track of him for a number of years, but our friendship was always such that whenever we saw each other again it was as though we had never separated. We could always talk and share what we’d been going through and what we were learning in our faith and lives. After a time  he began to gain an interest in medical science and anatomy.  He and his wife had 2 young children by this point, and he decided on a career change.  He went to University to study medicine.

Sadly never heard the other side of his story until after the sad event of his suicide, but during his time back at University he became more and more depressed.  To all outsiders he was the same cheerful guy that could never be moved, but one day he snapped.

Like all events there are many angles to consider, but since I cannot verify them all I will only write what I know for certain. It had been verified by the police earlier that my friend had hit his wife, for what reason, I am unsure, but it was provoked. However, there is never an excuse to hit your wife or to use violence in anyway towards another, and he knew this.  In utter shame and despair he called the police.  His wife was unconscious for a while, but eventually woke up.  The police took him into custody, and eventually released him to his parents.

The next day I was in conversation with my wife and brother in law, when I received the phone call.  I was told that my friend was hit by a car and that he was dead.  Shocked and dismayed we talked to his wife and found what actually happened to him. That night he had climbed out his window, and run down to the nearest 100km/hr (60mph) zone and walked out in front of a car.

It was possibly the saddest day of my life.  Up until then, I had only known the loss of my Grandfather, who was in his 90s and had lived a good life. This was sad, but nothing in comparison to the death of someone your own age (29 years old), leaving a young wife and 2 little children.

I pondered his salvation for so long, and I hoped so much that he would be saved.  I had previously wrestled with the concept of suicide for many years, and after hearing of his death I struggled to come to grips with it.  At the time I regularly wrote songs and this is what came out of my sadness:

8 March 2008

Gone

want to write, want to know what I can find
want to sleep, don’t tell me it’s alright
feel alone on a limb that I can climb
don’t believe I’ll never see you again

Thought I was over this
thought there was nothing left
probably just wishful thinking
so tired but my heart is sinking

 

CHORUS:
you are gone now
hope I’ll see you again
never thought I’d lose you this way… my friend
you are gone now
there’s no sense in this
you had it all together
what did I miss.

 

couldn’t figure, why you didn’t call me
but I know you too well
you didn’t want forgivness
you couldn’t forgive yourself

one mistake, one day it’s over
one blink, life’s passed you by
I guess we’ll know the answers… soon.

 

[CHORUS]
some days I hope it’s just a dream
that way was supposed to be for me
but you lead me free, from my broken mind .. and I know
I could have done the same
but I won’t take the blame
nothing left to say, it’s over now

 

CHORUS 2:
you are gone now
hope I’ll see you again
we had a life together, I will never forget
you are gone now
it’s time for this to end…

so goodbye.. my friend.

The question I asked myself over and over was “Why did this happen? Why didn’t he call me?  Why didn’t God stop this?”  Only recently has God answered these questions for me.  The answers were not what my flesh wanted to hear, but they helped me understand and knowing the answers has brought me some comfort.  God answered my questions in a way which I never expected.

My brother in law had a friend who was an ardent Evolutionist.  Some would even dare to say that he was an evangelist in his own sphere.  By his own admission his life goal was to remove people’s faith in the biblical God. To this end he was successful a number of times.  My brother in law was a new convert (following the study of some Creation vs Evolution information I had given him) and his atheist friend was out to destroy his new-found faith.  His friend was then ‘referred’ to me, as I had studied the topic of origins extensively from both the evolutionary and the creation standpoints.

So, our first conversation started with his question “How could a loving God torture people forever and ever?” to which I replied “He couldn’t.”  After a surprised look, our conversation continued.  Everything he asked on the topic of creation was answered. Every doubt, every seeming contradiction, answered. His faith in Evolution was being shaken.

Our new atheist friend came back again for another night of ‘creation vs evolution questions and answers’ with me, but then I didn’t see him again for a few months.  Every now and then, completely unexpected, he would drop in and we would talk til midnight, always answering his questions, and always having an enjoyable time together answering his questions.

The last I had heard from him he had joined the army.

Then about 2 years later his mother arrived at our place.  Leah (my wife) had been his sister’s singing teacher a few years ago and had been friendly with his mother. After sharing some music her daughter had recently recorded, Leah asked about her son, wondering where the ardent Evolutionist had ended up. With great sadness, his mother shared the experience of the past two years, with her son unsuccessfully attempting  suicide twice, but how his miraculous survival had converted him to Christianity. You can imagine my shock and joy at hearing this!! And, she added, he was wanting to get back in touch with us.

Mingled with my excitement however was some skepticism. After we met up again, once more our conversation continued to midnight, but this time instead of debating the origin of the universe we were discussing biblical doctrines. I was able to clear up a lot of doctrinal issues he had, and then he related his testimony to us. We were blown away.

Amongst a number of other trials in his life his girlfriend has cheated and left him, and in his distressed state he took a knife and stabbed himself twice in the region of his heart.  His aim was good.  A part of the heart is covered by a lung. This is where he stabbed. If the knife missed the heart, it should have punctured his lung. However, the knife pushed the heart AND lung aside, and instead lodged in-between the two.  This is anatomically impossible,  which the doctors later commented. In the stabbed area there were many veins and arteries so although he missed the vital organs, he should have bled out. BUT…his chest cramped.  He sat there, waiting to die, and what seemed like 30 minutes later, he realised he wasn’t going to die and that he needed to call for help.  The ambulance came, and he was taken promptly to the emergency room.  As soon as he arrived he started bleeding profusely, as he should from the start. One of the nurses commented “I think God wants this one alive”.

For whatever reason, as he shared this with us my memories of all the different things that he had learnt from me in our discussions and that he had learnt from other people who had tried to help him along the way, were brought back to my mind.  And at that point he accepted God was real.

He is now a baptised member of our church and is recovering well from his self -destructive lifestyle.  Like all of us, he isn’t perfect yet, but he is certainly on the path.

So what did I learn from this?

We are in perilous times, Satan is trying to erase us before we get the chance to make a decision for or against God.  It seems my friend from high school had already made his decision.  He was going to follow his own inclination, his own feelings –  ”Do What Thou Wilt, that is the whole of the law.”  He had rejected the Sabbath, even though he believed it to be logical and true, and instead he followed the dictates of his own mind.

But by brother in law’s friend, now a good friend of mine too, had not been given his opportunity.  He had grown up in a nice family, but without any real faith.  At his school, he had continually questioned his Religious Instruction (RE) teachers, but sadly they continually either ignored his questions or gave unsatisfactory answers like “You just have to have faith,”  proving this statement to be very much fact:

The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel.  {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 3}

God is loving and just. If people reject Him and His council, He will allow them to make a choice to end their life, if that is what they would prefer.

and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn.”  {8T 72.2}

We are in that time my friends. The end time.  We are not here to point the finger at Leo, He was was obviously a tortured soul, we are simply thankful that we have a loving and just God. We all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, praying for strength to pull us through the clouds of despair that will come as we journey through our lives.

Regardless of where Leo or my friend end up, we need to pray with all our heart that we don’t give up.  Which ever way his fate is sealed, we need to consider our own future now.  Where can we go to avoid this kind of ending.

For a start, we need to look at our own life, and choose to come out of the world by following the steps that God has given us in His Word:

2 Peter 1:4-8 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How does God fix us? By these steps:
1. Faith (see Living Faith)
2. Virtue
3. Knowledge
4. Temperance
5. Patience
6. Godliness
7. Brotherly Kindness
8. Charity (brotherly love, love your neighbor as yourself)

In other words, without faith you can never be fully patient, and without temperance we can never have true love for our fellow man.  We can have self-interested versions of all these points, but the real deal will evade us.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And the key is having the fruit of the spirit.  We can gain none of these without yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  So we need to pray fervently for the Holy Spirit to abide in us and in our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I apologise to you that I don’t have the answers, but I can direct you to the remedy of our grief. No one can comfort us like Jesus through the comforter, the Holy Spirit.  All I can offer you is advice. If you are going through feelings like these and are thinking about ending life as Leo did, please don’t. The Lord is here to help you in a very real way. I pray the following sermons will be a help to you all.

2011-08-13 – Paul Godfrey – DS – Dealing With Feeling – mp3 - youtube
2012-10-20- Paul Godfrey – Fear and Revere – mp3 - youtube – synopsis 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

This is a horrible circumstance, but if we have faith, we have to believe it is for God’s purpose, even if that purpose is just to test if we can rely on God when man fails us.  Leo was a good man, clearly tormented in a way that only those close to him knew.   If we needed to pray for his family before, we need to pray more fervently now.  Here is the confirmation I received in response to an email today from www.allpowerministry.com.

Many have asked about the tragic passing of Leo Schreven. Tamara and Cierra along with the Schreven family are very grateful for the outpouring of concern and support in their time of loss and bereavement. It is not possible for them to respond to each individual message or phone call. The family is intensely grieving the loss of Leo and your prayers for them during this difficult time are most helpful as they navigate so many difficult and new realities.
1. Leo took his own life in the early morning hours of Dec 1. Unknown to most people, for many years Leo suffered from a complex mental health disorder. Every possible effort was made by Tamara, his family and very close friends encouraging him to get help. Even to the very last, the family repeatedly assured him and let him know he was loved and appreciated. This year he spiraled downward and particularly in the past few months, weeks and days, it was increasingly evident he was experiencing serious complications.
2. It is important to know that Leo’s family; his parents, his two brothers and his sister are extremely supportive of Tamara. In light of Leo’s mental health challenges over the years, Leo’s family has supported the decisions that Tamara has had to make in the best interests of herself and Cierra.
3. It is the wish of Tamara and the family that focus be on the dignity of Leo’s life by remembering how effective his ministry was in spite of the very personal, private, and real challenges he struggled with.
All Power ministry will continue. There will be growth in new directions so the ministry can continue to make available practical materials to assist people in biblical principles for daily living.

http://www.allpowerministry.com/

When I see a title “Living Faith” or “Lessons on Faith”, I automatically tune out. Satan has so perverted the concept of faith, that people generally ignore this vital topic.  Most of the info written on it is either outright false, or just pointless.  This is not one of those series.

We know that “without faith it is impossible to please God”, but what is faith?  People often think faith is a mindless accepting of something for which there is no evidence.  This series shows how wrong this concept (and even dictionary definition) is.

Either way, this is a very misunderstood topic and one that most certainly warrants our full attention.

Living Faith

• 01 – Defining the Terms – mp3 - youtube
• 02 – The Author of Our Faith – mp3 - youtube
• 03 – The Ground Work of Faith – mp3 - youtube
• 04 – Planting of Faith – mp3 - youtube
• 05 – The Fight of Faith – mp3 - youtube
• 06 – The Harvest – mp3 - youtube

For further study (amazing):

Lessons on Faith
pdf, mp3 zip
by AT Jones & EJ Waggoner

Do you want to know what the latter rain is? Are you still waiting for the loud cry of the forth angel?  Do you want the latter rain? Well, here it is (the message this audio book puts across is the latter rain.  Are you ready?):

• 01 – Living By Faith – mp3
• 02 – Lessons on Faith – AT Jones – mp3
• 03 – For our Sake Also – mp3
• 04 – Creation or Evolution-Which – mp3
• 05 – Saving Faith – mp3
• 06 – Christ the End of the Law – mp3
• 07 – The Unconquerable Life – mp3
• 08 – Faith – mp3
• 09 – Boundless Grace Free to All – mp3
• 10 – Shall it be Grace or Sin - mp3
• 11 – Receive not the Grace of God in Vain – mp3
• 12 – Sinful Flesh – mp3
• 13 – A Dead Formalism part 1 – mp3
• 14 – A Dead Formalism 2 – mp3
• 15 – Ministers of God – mp3
• 16 – Kept by the Word – mp3
• 17 – The Power of the Word - mp3
• 18 – The Power of the Word 2 – mp3
• 19 – Living by the Word – mp3
• 20 – Studies in Galatians 1v3to5 – mp3
• 21 – Galatians 2v20 – mp3
• 22 – Galatians 3v10to12 – mp3
• 23 – Galatians 5v3 – mp3
• 24 – Galatians5v16to18 – mp3
• 25 – Galatians 5v22to26 – mp3
• 26 – Christian Perfection – mp3

This is a small book put together by J.N. Loughborough – one of the prominent advent pioneers.  He finishes it with a quote that really answers the question once and for all.  Everyone should read this book… and the best part is, it is very small… and in audio

Questions on the Sealing Message
Narrated by Michael Cudmore

• 01- Intro.mp3
• 02 – Preface.mp3
• 03 – First Question.mp3
• 04 – Second Question.mp3
• 05 – Third Question.mp3
• 06 – The Number Sealed.mp3
• 07 – An Impressive Dream.mp3
• 08 – Time Of The Plagues.mp3
• 09 – A Tribulum.mp3

Read book -

Questions on the Sealing Message
Information about this Book

I
When did the Adventists obtain the light on the Sealing Message?

II
When did the Sealing Work begin?

III
Will any who have died in the faith since 1848, when that message was received, be reckoned with the 144,000
Also
An Impressive Dream
and a
Picture of a Tribulum
with explanation, etc.

1916

By
J. N. Loughborough

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE 3
THE SEALING MESSAGE– FIRST QUESTION 7
When did the Adventists obtain the light on the Sealing Message?
SECOND QUESTION 19
When Did the Sealing Work Begin ?
THIRD QUESTION 22
Will any who have died in the faith since 1848, when that message was received, be reckoned with the 144,000 ?
THE NUMBER OF THE SEALED 32
AN IMPRESSIVE DREAM 38
TIME OF THE PLAGUES 44
A TRIBULUM 46

PREFACE

The presentation of the following pages to our people, I deem to be in harmony with what is stated in “Testimonies for the Church,” volume 7, page 288: “As those who have spent their lives in the service of God draw near the close of their earthly history, they will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to recount the experience they have had in connection with His work. The record of His wonderful dealings with His people,” etc. {1916 JNL, QSM 3.1}
Of the benefit to be derived from the bringing of such things to the attention of our people, we read from the pen of Sister E. G. White, in the South African Missionary of February 20, 1911, “We have nothing to fear from the future, except we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teachings in our past history.” {1916 JNL, QSM 3.2}
In reference to the subject matter of this book – the sealed 144,000 – I have been greatly moved by the Spirit of God to write and publish the facts as to how the sealing message was obtained – not only from the Bible, but by direct instruction in visions of Sister E. G. White; also as to how the message was received and taught by our ministers and people down to the year 1894, when the “new light” theory found its advocate in one who afterwards apostatized from the faith, and died without seeing the fulfillment of his expectation that he would live to the end of time, and hence be one of the 144,000. His claim was that later testimonies of Sister White taught that all the 144,000 would be made up of those who had never died. {1916 JNL, QSM 3.3}
When I found that some were teaching that “all of the 144,000 who will be sealed are now living,” I thought it time that someone should speak, and show that it is not the manner of God’s prophets to make positive statements at one time, and afterwards teach entirely contrary to them. Such surely was not the course of Bible prophets. The whole of this “new light” is produced by taking words out of their connection, and away from the things of which they are spoken, and giving them a general application, as you will see when we come to the analysis of the matter. {1916 JNL, QSM 4.1}
I presented the substance of this tract in two discourses on the Stockton camp ground. Those who heard the discourses, requested that it might be published, so that they could have the reading of it. As the subject is one on which there is some controversy, I thought our publishers would not wish to print the matter in their papers, or take the responsibility of publishing it in any form. So I have decided to bring it out as a small book, to be obtained through the mail, from the author. I first thought I might get it into a five-cent pamphlet; but since revising for print, and enlarging, I find that five cents would not pay the expense of printing and postage. So I have placed the price at ten cents, with the promise to the Lord that all that may accrue from sales, after tithing, shall be divided between Eastern city work and foreign missions. May the Lord make the reading of the book a blessing, even as the searching out the copy for the same, in the past few months, has been to the author, J. N. Loughborough. Lodi, California, July 1, 1916. {1916 JNL, QSM 4.2}

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. . . . Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat.” – “Testimonies,” volume 5, page 81. {1916 JNL, QSM 6.1}

THE SEALING MESSAGE– FIRST QUESTION

When did the Adventists obtain the light on the Sealing Message?

Before me are three questions which I am requested to answer: {1916 JNL, QSM 7.1}
First: When did the Adventists obtain light on the sealing message? {1916 JNL, QSM 7.2}
Second: When did the sealing work begin? {1916 JNL, QSM 7.3}
Third: Will any of the people of God who have died since 1848, in the message, be reckoned with the 144,000? {1916 JNL, QSM 7.4}
AS TO the first question, we note that in 1845, some of the Adventists began the study of the third angel’s message of Rev.14:9-12. They saw clearly that the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath was included in the keeping of all the commandments, as set forth in that message. Of the study of the message, we read in a statement from Sister E. G. White, in “Testimonies for the Church,” volume 1, pages 78, 79. The statement relates to the situation in 1846, and onward, and reads: “When we began to present the light on the Sabbath question, we had no clearly defined idea of the third angel’s message of Rev.14:9-12. {1916 JNL, QSM 7.5}

The burden of our testimony as we came before the people was, that the great second advent movement was of God, that the first and second messages had gone forth, and that the third was to be given. We saw that the third message closed with the words: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ And we as clearly saw as we now see (the now was 1868, when volume 1 was first published), that these prophetic words suggested a Sabbath reform; but as to what the worship of the beast mentioned in the message was, or what the image and the mark of the beast were, we had no defined position. {1916 JNL, QSM 8.1}
“God by His Holy Spirit let light shine forth upon His servants, and the subject gradually opened to their minds. It required much study and anxious care to search it out, link after link. By care, anxiety, and incessant labor has the work moved on until the great truths of our message, a clear, connected, perfect whole, have been given to the world.” {1916 JNL, QSM 8.2}
Although, down to the year 1848, our people had clear light on the different features of the third angel’s message, their attention had not been especially called to the sealing message. {1916 JNL, QSM 8.3}
They did not believe that, according to Rev.14:1-5, there would be 144,000 to stand redeemed on Mount Zion. This company was also mentioned by Sister White in her first vision, recorded in “Experience and Views,” old edition, page 12. But they had not as yet studied the light on the sealing of the 144,000. {1916 JNL, QSM 8.4}
As we shall see, it was the time of the conflict of the nations of Europe, in the early months of 1848, that light came to this people respecting the sealing message. In a brief consideration of that conflict, its cause and development, we shall see how the light on the message was obtained. In the “Library of Universal Knowledge,” page 536, we read of that conflict in 1848: “That revolution was caused by the French people demanding a republican form of government from under Louis Philippe; and for a time, there was republican form, the revolution contagion spreading temporarily over most of the continent of Europe.” {1916 JNL, QSM 9.1}
From the time of the Reign of Terror in France, the desire of the masses was, to secure for the people a greater control of the government, and to satisfy the craving of the people for national life – in fact, to have a true government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Through the working of the papacy, a Bourbon, Louis Philippe, had been placed upon the throne, and it seemed to be an impossibility to induce the pope to submit to any government but that of his own devising. See Robinson’s “Western Europe.” {1916 JNL, QSM 9.2}
The situation caused animosity not only against Louis Philippe, but also against the pope, who was upholding the Bourbon ruler. At last, the pent up feelings burst forth in a conflict, as sudden in its developments as the bursting forth of a volcano. From facts stated in the public prints of the time, it would seem that Louis was not aware of the intensity of the feeling against his rule; for on the twenty-first of February, 1848, he said to his cabinet, “I was never more firmly seated in the empire of France than I am to-night.” The next day, he had a review of his soldiers. After the parade, the soldiers, with guns stacked, were resting on the ground, when a little lad with a tricolored flag in his hand climbed upon a cannon. He waved the flag in the air, shouting: “Down with the pope! DOWN WITH THE POPE!” Probably this was what he had heard talked at home. The soldiers caught up the same, which, with increasing vigor, was passed up and down the line, and finally with the addition, “and down with the king.” {1916 JNL, QSM 10.1}
Concerning the sudden outbreak of that rebellion, we read in Robinson’s “Western Europe,” chapter forty: {1916 JNL, QSM 10.2}
“The gathering discontent, and demand for reform, suddenly showed their full strength and extent. It seemed for a time as if all western Europe was about to undergo as complete a revolution as France had experienced in 1789. With one accord, and as by obeying a preconcerted signal, the liberal parties in France, Italy, Germany, and Austria, during the earlier months of 1848, overthrew or gained control of the government, and proceeded to carry out their program of reform in the same thoroughgoing way in which the National Assembly in France had done its work in 1789. The general movement affected almost every state in central Europe. {1916 JNL, QSM 10.3}
“On February 24, 1848, a mob attacked the Tuileries. The king abdicated in favor of his grandson. But it was too late. He and his whole family were forced to leave the country. The mob invaded the assembly, as in the Reign of Terror, crying: ‘Down with the Bourbons, old and new! Long live the republic!’” {1916 JNL, QSM 11.1}
Of this revolution of 1848, and its sudden checking up, Horace Greeley said, in the New York Tribune, “It was a great wonder to us politicians what started so suddenly that great confusion in Europe; but a greater wonder still, what so suddenly stopped it.” {1916 JNL, QSM 11.2}
I have a copy of a testimony given to Sister White in 1852, in which reference is made to the war of 1848. This was found among Brother Bates’s papers, after his death. In it are these words: “That desire was, to dethrone kings; but that could not be, for kings must reign until Christ begins His reign. I saw in Europe, just as things were moving to accomplish their designs, there would be a slacking up once or twice. Thus the hearts of the wicked would be hardened. But the work will not settle down (only seem to), for the minds of their kings and rulers were intent on overthrowing each other, and the minds of the people to get the ascendancy. I saw all minds intently looking and stretching their thoughts on the impending crisis before them.” {1916 JNL, QSM 11.3}
There was one slacking up after the revolution of 1848. In the present war, beginning in 1914, is manifest on a still larger scale the determination to overthrow kings and rulers, and a still greater intensity in watching, than in that revolution of 1848. The testimony seems to indicate a second slacking up before the final conflict of the nations shall come. {1916 JNL, QSM 12.1}
Of that outbreak in Paris, we have read already that Louis Philippe and his entire family fled from France. The fury of the mob was such that he feared for their lives, and accomplished their escape by placing his family in a coach, while he disguised himself in the driver’s clothes, and in the twilight passed unrecognized through the gates of Paris, thus effecting his flight to England. {1916 JNL, QSM 12.2}
From a pamphlet entitled “The Seal of the Living God,” published by Elder Joseph Bates, dated January 1, 1849, we gain some facts as to that 1848 revolution, and the reception of the light on the sealing message. On page 45 we read, “The public journals have stated that on the twenty-second of February last, France became disorganized, deposed their king, and burned up his throne, and himself and family fled to England for safety.” On page 49, we read of the fury of that conflict: “See what a rushing and struggling has been and is going on among the people to overthrow the potentates of Europe; namely, Prussia, Hanover, Sicily, Naples, Venice, Lombardy, Tuscany, Rome, etc. See the account from the Boston Times of October 28, 1848, of the flight of the emperor of Austria from Vienna, the capital of his vast dominions, and of the insurrection and siege of that city for eight days, from the ninth of October; how they, in their work of slaughter, when they became victorious, tore up the railways, and demolished bridges, to stop all further intercourse. See also a similar state of things in Berlin under the king of Prussia.” This gives us some idea of the revolt which broke out on the continent of Europe on February 22, 1848. {1916 JNL, QSM 13.1}
In the month of March of the same year, in Hydesville, Wayne County, New York, spirit rappings began in the home of the Fox and Fish family, which was moved to Rochester, New York, for more public investigation. For a time, these rappings were called “the Rochester knockings.” The first-day Adventists then said, with great zeal: “This conflict in Europe will culminate in the battle of Armageddon, and the Lord is about to come. These spirit rappings are the spirits of devils, going forth to gather the nations to the battle of the great day of God Almighty.” As our people had the light of the third angel’s message and the Sabbath, and were confident that this truth must be proclaimed to the world, they could not accept the faith made by the first-day Adventists, that the Lord was about to come. Those people would say to the Sabbath keepers: “You had better give up your Sabbath message. You are too late with it. Join us in warning the world to get ready for the immediate coming of Christ.” {1916 JNL, QSM 14.1}
Such was the situation in the summer of 1848. This led the Seventh-day Adventists to earnest, prayerful study for light. The Lord led their minds to the holding of the winds (wars) and the sealing work, with a determination to find the meaning of the situation. They found, in their study of the Scriptures, that the Seventh-day Sabbath was the sign of the living God, and the seal of His law. This newly received light from the word of God gave still greater force to the Sabbath message, and doubly assured them that this, as the sealing message, must be proclaimed to the world before the actual coming of Christ. {1916 JNL, QSM 14.2}
In Brother Bates’s book, he refers to a meeting held in the home of Brother Otis Nichols, at Dorchester, near Boston, Massachusetts, on November 18, 1848, and says: “A small company of brethren and sisters were assembled in a meeting near Boston, Massachusetts. . . . We had made it (the manner of publishing the message) the subject of the prayer at the Topsham conference meeting a little previous, and the way to publish not appearing clear, we (now) therefore resolved unitedly to refer all to God. After some time spent in prayer for light and instruction, God gave Sister White a vision.” {1916 JNL, QSM 15.1}
Then he gives words which she spoke in the vision, which he copied down as she spoke them. From these words we quote the following: “He (God) was well pleased when His law began to come up in strength. That truth [the Sabbath truth] arises, and is on the increase, stronger and stronger. It’s the seal! It’s coming up! It arises, coming from the rising of the sun, like the sun, first cold, grows warmer, and sends its rays. When that truth arose, there was but little light in it; but it has been increasing. Oh, the power of these rays!” {1916 JNL, QSM 15.2}
Next came words that spoiled the claims of the first-day Adventists that “the angels were no longer holding the winds of war and strife, but were letting them blow.” The words spoken in vision were: “The angels are holding the winds. It is God that restrains the powers. The angels have not let go, for the saints are not all sealed. The time of trouble has commenced. It has begun. The reason why the four winds are not let go, is because the saints are not sealed. It (the trouble) is on the increase more and more: that trouble will never end until the earth is rid of the wicked. Why, they (the winds) are just ready to blow. There is a check put on because the saints are not all sealed. Yes, publish the things thou hast seen and heard, and the blessing of God will attend.” {1916 JNL, QSM 16.1}
After coming out of this vision, Sister White said to her husband: “James, I have a message for you. Begin to print a little paper, small at first. Send it out free. The readers will send you money to print it. It will be a success from the first. I saw from this small beginning it was like streams of light that went clear around the world.” {1916 JNL, QSM 16.2}
In a vision given to Sister White at Rocky Hill, Connecticut, January 5, 1859, she had another view of the sealing work. This view, written by herself, is in “Early Writings,” old edition, pages 29-31, and reads as follows: “I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands upward, and with a voice of deep pity cried, ‘My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood.’ Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, ‘Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.’” {1916 JNL, QSM 17.1}
The explanation made to her by her attending angel was “that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go, but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father, and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God.” {1916 JNL, QSM 17.2}
Being thus fortified with light from the Scriptures, and the testimony of the Spirit of God, those having the light of the third angel’s message were shielded from these claims of the first-day Adventists, with their “new time message,” and were filled with new energy to press forward with the third angel’s message, being confident that the God whom they trusted would clear the way for this, the last message to the world, to accomplish its purpose. {1916 JNL, QSM 18.1}

SECOND QUESTION

When Did the Sealing Work Begin ?

THE testimonies already quoted as to the reception of the sealing message by the Seventh-day Adventists is also good proof as to the time when the sealing began. The four winds of war were about to blow when that commotion among the nations of Europe broke out. The four angels had their commission to hold those winds of war, that the work of sealing be not hindered. “A check was put on,” so that the sealing might advance. {1916 JNL, QSM 19.1}
We will note other testimonies showing that the sealing work was going on at that time. In “Experience and Views,” “Early Writings,” old edition, page 35, speaking of what was then occurring, we read: “Satan is now using ever device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth, and cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.” {1916 JNL, QSM 19.2}

From the same testimony, page 36, we read: “I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s people, just now in this sealing time. . . . Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God’s people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter.” {1916 JNL, QSM 20.1}
I will quote from a tract published in 1852, a vision given to Sister White, at the home of Brother Harris, at Centerport, New York, August 24, 1850: “I saw that Satan will work now more powerfully than ever before, for he knows that his time is short, and that the sealing will soon be over. And he will now work in every insinuation to get the saints off their guard, and get them to sleep upon present truth, and doubting it, so as to prevent their being sealed with the seal of the living God.” We read in “Early Writings,” “Experience and Views,” page 49, old edition: “The sealing time is very short, and soon will be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure.” {1916 JNL, QSM 20.2}
It was because of these plain statements, that our people and ministers, down to 1894, believed and taught that the sealing work had been going on since 1848, and that the 144,000 were being sealed. I do not see how we could draw any other idea, from the testimonies we have quoted, than that the sealing work had begun in 1848-1850. {1916 JNL, QSM 21.1}

THIRD QUESTION

Will any who have died in the faith since 1848, when that message was received, be reckoned with the 144,000 ?

SOME persons, more especially since 1894, have claimed that none will be reckoned among the 144,000 but those who lived until the second coming of Christ; and that this must be so, for according to Rev.14:3,4, they are “redeemed from among men,” and “from the earth.” According to Daniel 12, there is a partial resurrection in the “time of trouble,” just before Christ’s second coming. We read: “At that time shall Michael stand up, . . . And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Surely those who awake to everlasting life will be alive and “among men,” when Christ comes. {1916 JNL, QSM 22.1}
If, in 1848-1850, persons were being sealed, we would naturally expect they would be of those wakened to everlasting life, and so be with the 144,000. Of this resurrection we read in “Early Writings,” “Spiritual Gifts,” old edition, page 145: “There was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law.” {1916 JNL, QSM 22.2}
In “Spiritual Gifts,” pages 145, 146, we read: “As God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upwards, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. It was awfully solemn. At the end of every sentence the saints shouted, Glory! Hallelujah! Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God, and they shone with glory as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai (glorified). The wicked could not look upon them for the glory. And when the never-ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God, in keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image.” {1916 JNL, QSM 23.1}
Of the same we read in “Testimonies for the Church,” volume 1, page 59: “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number (remember that the resurrected Sabbath keepers are then among the living saints), knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spake the time, He poured upon us the Holy Spirit, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai. {1916 JNL, QSM 24.1}
“The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads were the words ‘God.’ ‘New Jerusalem,’ and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground.” {1916 JNL, QSM 24.2}
If it be claimed that none will be numbered among the 144,000 but those who live until Christ’s second coming, without tasting death, what about those Sabbath keepers who in 1848 to 1850 were being sealed? There are not a half dozen of those now alive who were then keeping the Sabbath. If they were then sealed, they will be among those resurrected to eternal life at the voice of God. {1916 JNL, QSM 24.3}
There are some things connected with the case of Sister White that have a bearing on the matter of the 144,000. She is now at rest. But as reported in her first vision, “Experience and Views,” is an account of what is to take place in the kingdom: “Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. . . . As we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, ‘Only the 144,000 enter this place,’ and we shouted, “Alleluia.” It seems, however, that in this view of things to occur in the new earth, she entered that temple; for she said: “This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw, I cannot describe. . . . I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold. After we beheld the glory of the temple we went out, and Jesus left us, and went to the city.” From this we would surely conclude that in the new earth, Sister White would be one of the 144,000. 1 {1916 JNL, QSM 25.1}
On page 33 of “Experience and Views,” old edition, she speaks of what the angel told her while she was viewing Saturn: “I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again. Then the angel said, ‘You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.’” That surely looks like some of the 144,000 being of those who will have been raised from the dead. {1916 JNL, QSM 25.2}
Notwithstanding these facts in the testimonies presented, it is still urged by some, that what is said in “Great Controversy,” page 649, shows that the 144,000 will be composed wholly of those who have never died. Let us see what is said, and the condition under which the said statement occurs. Here it is: “These having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as ‘the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.’ (The Sabbath keepers resurrected to eternal life will surely be among the living at Christ’s second coming.) ‘These are they which came out of great tribulation;’ they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” That trouble of the nations will be under the sixth plague; and it is at that time, according to Dan.12:1, that the partial resurrection will take place, bringing up the sealed Sabbath keepers. This will be when the seventh plague is yet to come. Of the situation at that time, we read in “Experience and Views,” page 29: “These plagues enrage the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God.” We have already seen that this glorification takes place with the resurrected Sabbath keepers, as well as those who had not died, when God delivers the everlasting covenant on those who had honored Him by keeping His Sabbath. {1916 JNL, QSM 26.1}
Of this scene we read in “Spiritual Gifts,” page 143: “I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. . . . Satan wished to have the privilege of destroying the saints of the Most High; but Jesus bade His angels watch over them. God would be honored by making a covenant with those who had kept His law, in the sight of the heathen round about them; and Jesus would be honored by translating, without their seeing death, the faithful, waiting ones who had so long expected Him.” Keeping the law “in the sight of the heathen” was in the sight of these inquisitors who had the decree to put them to death, and not to death in an ordinary sense, under calm conditions. {1916 JNL, QSM 27.1}
It is from this testimony, “translating, without seeing death,” that the claim has been made that none will be among the sealed 144,000 but those who live until Christ’s actual second coming. We see that the death they are saved from is the death permitted by the “papers circulated.” Bear in mind that the resurrected Sabbath keepers are included among the covenantees. So they are to be translated at Christ’s coming, without suffering the threatened death. By this decree, they are brought into “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” His trouble was the news that Esau was coming with four hundred armed men. Unless the Lord should aid him, it looked like death to him and his whole family. {1916 JNL, QSM 28.1}
There is another testimony from “Great Controversy,” page 649, used by those who claim that none who have died in the message will be among the 144,000: “They have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God’s judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have ‘washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’ . . . They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst.” This is what is said of the whole of 144,000, and in part will be true of the resurrected Sabbath keepers; for they endure the time of Jacob’s trouble. They are raised under the sixth plague, and see the final outpouring of God’s judgments under the seventh plague, and are among those delivered from this decree of death. {1916 JNL, QSM 29.1}
In “Spiritual Gifts,” pages 146, 147, we read still further of what will take place with the living resurrected and living Sabbath keepers, after the voice of God declaring the everlasting covenant, when the wicked were enraged against them: “Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. . . . His countenance was as bright as the noonday sun, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and His feet had the appearance of fine brass. His voice sounded like many musical instruments. The earth trembled before Him, the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. . . . Those who a short time before would have destroyed God’s faithful children from the earth, now witness the glory of God which rested upon them. And amid all their terror they heard the voices of the saints in joyful strains, saying, ‘Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him, and He will save us.’ The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call, and came forth clothed with glorious immortality, crying, Victory, victory, over death and the grave! O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Then the living saints and the resurrected ones raised their voices in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and death, came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the resurrected ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated, were united, never more to part.” {1916 JNL, QSM 29.2}
If there is still a doubt of the resurrected Sabbath keepers’ being numbered with the 144,000, consider the following from Sister White’s words in 1909. At the general Conference in 1909, Elder Irwin had a stenographer accompany him in a call upon Sister White. He wished to ask her some questions, and have an exact copy of the words of the questions, and the exact words of the replies. Among other questions was this one: “Will those who have died in the message be among the 144,000?” In reply, Sister White said: “Oh, yes, those who have died in the faith will be among the 144,000. I am clear on that matter.” These were the exact words of question and answer, as Brother Irwin permitted me to copy from his stenographer’s report. {1916 JNL, QSM 31.1}

THE NUMBER OF THE SEALED

THE query may now arise: “If the sealing message is to go to all the world with a Pentecostal power, and the earth to be lighted with its glory, and if, as recently stated by Brother Blank, it is to result in ‘millions’ being prepared for Christ’s second coming, is not 144,000 a small number to be sealed? It is only a fraction of one million.” In His word the Lord has spoken of those to be saved at His coming as a “little flock.” Luke 12:32. They are also a people who have been subject to a very rigid test. The prophet Daniel speaks of them: “Many shall be purified, and made white and tried.” Dan.12:10. Some translate this “thoroughly tested.” It may be true in this case, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matt.22:14. In “Testimonies,” volume 5, page 136, published in 1881, we read, “The great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal.” On pages 213, 214, we read: “Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads.. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. . . . By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. . . . Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.” On page 136 of the same volume we read: “Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers.” {1916 JNL, QSM 32.1}
In “Spirit of Prophecy,” volume 4, page 426, we read: “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third message, but have not been sanctified through it, abandon their position, and take refuge under the banner of the powers of darkness. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls.” The same is in “Great Controversy,” page 609. {1916 JNL, QSM 33.1}
In “Testimonies,” volume 5, page 216, we read: “The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of . . . the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God – candidates for heaven.” On page 81 we read: “Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat.” {1916 JNL, QSM 34.1}
In volume 6, pages 400, 401, we read: “As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare, will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improve them, will, under one pretext or another, go out from us. Not having received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and will depart from the faith.” {1916 JNL, QSM 34.2}
Whatever may be true of the millions that will hear the third angel’s message, the 144,000 seem to be a peculiar group, with peculiar characteristics, gathered in groups of 12,000 each, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of spiritual Israel, “without guile in their mouths,” “without fault before the throne of God.” They are not all Americans, nor all users of the English language; but they are “without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” {1916 JNL, QSM 35.1}
If, as lately expressed by Elder Blank, the preaching of the message “prepares millions to be saved at the coming of Christ,” and the Lord in compassion pardons the sins of ignorance in converted heathen who have not had the opportunities of those more enlightened, praise to His name. That does not excuse us who have had greater light, and might attain to one of the twelve groups of the sealed 144,000. {1916 JNL, QSM 35.2}
In the Review of May 22, 1889, Sister White said: “In a little while, every one who is a child of God will have His seal placed upon him. O that it may be placed upon our foreheads! Who can bear the thought of being forever passed by when the angel goes forth to seal the servants of God in their foreheads?” {1916 JNL, QSM 35.3}
Among the lacks on the part of professed Sabbath keepers, we read in “Special Testimonies for Ministers,” No. 7, written September 10, 1896: “A curse is pronounced upon all who withhold their tithe from God. He says: ‘Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.’ . . . God help us to repent. ‘Return unto Me,’ He says, ‘and I will return unto you.’ Men who have a desire to do their duty, have it laid down in clear lines in this chapter. No one can excuse himself from paying his tithes and offerings to the Lord.” Of non-tithe-payers we read in volume 2, page 199: “They are withholding, and robbing God. . . . This is one reason that, as a people, we are so sickly, and so many are falling into their graves. The covetous are among us.” In volume 3, page 398, we read: “There are but few who consider the binding claims that God has upon them to make it their first business to meet the necessities of His cause, and let their own desires be served last. There are but few who invest in God’s cause in proportion to their means.” {1916 JNL, QSM 36.1}
“But,” you may say, “it is some time since those testimonies were written. Have not matters improved since that time?” During the year 1915, when the church treasurers were asked, “What proportion of your members pay tithes?” Now are we to conclude that the half do not have anything during the whole year, or are they like a wealthy farmer who said to me, “When I have boarded and paid my farm hands, met the expense of my family, bought a new reaper and a new threshing machine, there is not much left on which to pay tithes”? In response to this, a brother who had embraced the truth from infidelity, and who thought the tithing system “fine,” said: “You farmers will work a farm for one half or one third the crop for the use of the land. Now when you have life, land, and all, from the Lord, to whom yourself and all things belong, you think one tenth of your income a heavy tax. You must be very poor renters.” Do we expect those who withhold the tithes, who the Lord says are “robbers,” to have the seal of the living God placed upon them? {1916 JNL, QSM 37.1}

AN IMPRESSIVE DREAM

THE first work of Elder D. T. Bourdeau and me in California, in 1868 and 1869, was in Petaluma, Windsor, and Piner District, five miles west of Santa Rosa. The ministers preached against us in all these places. Finally a noted Christian minister defiantly challenged us for a debate on the Sabbath question. This debate came off on March 29, 1869, at Piner. {1916 JNL, QSM 38.1}
We had been very anxious to start the work in Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County, and we prayed earnestly that the debate might open the way. The first day of the debate, there was a fair attendance from the city; but on the second day, as stated by the editor of the Sonoma Democrat, “everything that could go on wheels went to the debate.” After the first day of the debate, Brother Bordeau and I had an earnest season of prayer that the Lord would make the next day tell mightily for His cause in California. And so it did. On the night of the twenty-ninth, the Lord was pleased to give me a very impressive dream. In the dream, we seemed to be endeavoring to get over a mountain,
39
and were making some progress in the ascent. Having gone a few hundred feet from the valley, we were confronted with an abrupt rise of high rocks before us, apparently fifty feet high, and as straight up as the side of a house. We saw at once that there was no way we could scale the obstruction. We looked to the left. There was a slanting slope up, but so smooth and glassy we concluded that to attempt to go that way would be a hard undertaking, and a failure. Just then a messenger appeared, and informed us that we had reached the height we were to ascend, and we would find a pathway around this difficulty and down into the valley to which we wished to go. {1916 JNL, QSM 38.2}
We followed the directions, and found that the perpendicular rock was like a high wall at our left, extending around the rock, and that on our right was a deep chasm. The path on which we were to go, while gradually descending, grew narrower and still narrower as we advanced, requiring constant care and watchfulness that no misstep be made, and we thus be plunged into the abyss at our right. There seemed also to be a foggy cloud before us, which prevented our seeing more than fifty feet ahead. As we advanced, the cloud moved on, so that our immediate pathway was clear and our progress undisturbed. {1916 JNL, QSM 39.1}

By and by, as is often the case in a dream, there was a sudden change in the scenery. We were down in the valley, and the misty cloud was up the hill on the pathway by which we had come. When and how we got through the cloud, I did not know; but the interpretation given to us was, that the Lord had come, and His people had been resurrected. There was a vast company of people in the valley, and they were getting aboard a long train of cars, on which all the framework seemed to be of the brightest nickel plate, more beautiful than any millionaire’s car I ever saw. {1916 JNL, QSM 40.1}
Our train glided gently out of the valley with its happy load of passengers. We had gone only a short distance when we came into a broader valley, where seemed to be a railroad with four tracks. On three of these tracks were trains of cars which extended as far as the eye could reach, loaded with people whose faces shone with the glory of the Lord. The trains were so near together that one could step from one train to another as they passed along, for they all kept exactly even with each other. I saw Brother and Sister White passing from one train to another, greeting the redeemed saints from different states. As our train swung around onto the fourth track, and in line with the others, Brother White exclaimed: “And here comes the California train! We are all going to the city!” At this time I awoke, thrilled from head to foot by the thought that this was a token of victory for California. Not only was that debate the turning point in our first efforts in California, but since the infirmities of age creep on me, there has been much thought as to what was meant by Brother Bordeau and me going unconscious through that cloud, and coming out on the resurrection side. {1916 JNL, QSM 40.2}
Now a little history of my case: Two years ago, I was under doctor and nurse five days with pneumonia; last year, with pneumonia again, under doctor and nurse eleven days; this year, with a severe attack of la grippe, under doctor and nurse five weeks, and left in so feeble a condition that I venture to attend only one camp meeting this year, the one just past, at Stockton. {1916 JNL, QSM 41.1}
One day on the camp, a sister came to me, saying: “You will live till the Lord comes; for a sister told me that on one occasion, when Sister White was speaking in the Tabernacle in Battle Creek, Michigan, a number of ministers were on the platform, and you among them, when Sister White said, ‘Some of you ministers will live until the Lord comes,’ and pointing to you, said, ‘And you, Brother Loughborough, will be one of them.’” I replied to the sister, “It is the first I ever heard of it.” She turned away, saying, “Oh, these hearsays!” {1916 JNL, QSM 41.2}
Words frequently come to mind that Sister White did speak to me in the winter of 1858. Brother White had a two-seated carriage and a span of horses that he used in visiting the churches in Michigan. He was necessarily detained by duties in the office of the Review and Herald, and he said to me, “You take the horses and carriage, and your wife and my wife, and visit the churches in Michigan.” As we traveled from place to place, there was opportunity for much religious conversation. At one time, the conversation was on the situation when war against the Sabbath keepers would be so that they would have to hide away in desolate places. She looked at me most earnestly for a minute or more, and then said, “Brother John, the Lord has shown me that these early workers (meaning the ministers) who have labored and sacrificed for the building up of the cause will all be laid away before that time when the people will have to flee,” or words to that effect. All the ministers then (1858) preaching the message are laid in their graves, except J. N. Loughborough. When I think that “all” does not mean all but one, and think of the earnest look she gave me when she spoke those words, it seems to cut off the idea that I will live through all the decrees that will be passed against Sabbath keepers. Nevertheless, I hope to be among those who will be raised to everlasting life (Dan.12:2), and see the Lord come, as set forth in this little book. {1916 JNL, QSM 42.1}

TIME OF THE PLAGUES

THE question is asked, “How much time is occupied by the seven last plagues?” The faith and teaching of the Seventh-day Adventists has ever been that it would be the space of one year. They based their faith on such texts as Rev.14:19,20, where this is likened to the treading of the wine press, comparing this with the wine press as set forth in Isa.61:2; 63:3,4. It is there called “the day of vengeance” and the year of the redeemed. Taking the acknowledged rule, the day would be one year. Some persons take the position that the pouring out of the plagues cover a period of many years. This seems to be refuted by the fact that under the fifth plague, the people are still suffering from the sores of the first plague. Rev.16:10,11. {1916 JNL, QSM 44.1}
During the time of these plagues, according to Rev.15:6-8, there is no intercessor in the heavenly temple. The condition of the people of God in that time is thus set forth in “Great Controversy,” page 620: “In the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they would not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment.” It would hardly seem like the Lord’s merciful dealing with His people to subject them to such a state for a series of years. Sister White does connect this period of no intercessor with those texts which speak of it as day and year; and often, in her exhortations to us, she has spoken of the year that we should stand without an intercessor. {1916 JNL, QSM 44.2}

A TRIBULUM

WE ARE told that the word “tribulation” is derived from the word “tribulum,” an instrument for threshing grain, something like a flail. When II have heard the word “flail” used in connection with such texts as 2Cor.1:3,4, “The God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God,” and connect it with the knocking of a man down with a flail, I have wished I knew just what a tribulum was. On the twenty-fourth day of August, 1909, I saw two of these ancient instruments. I was attending the French camp meeting at Vergese, fifteen miles west of Nimes, France. {1916 JNL, QSM 46.1}
As Brother Bond and I were walking toward the side of the village, we came to a very smooth, round piece of land, some fifty feet in diameter. He said, “That is an ancient threshing floor, still preserved, but not used.” By the side of the floor lay a stone, like granite, some four feet in length, perfectly round the whole length. One end was about two feet in diameter, the other end probably three inches less in size. Brother Bond said, “That is a tribulum .” There was a deep hole in each end of the stone, wherein had been attached the irons connecting with the tongue for drawing it around the threshing floor, as shown in the picture. One end of the stone being larger than the other would cause the stone to turn the circle when passing over the ground. Going to another part of the outskirts of the town, we saw a second stone, similar to the first; but the old threshing floor was cultivated ground. So I no longer think of the Lord as going after Christian men as with a flail. A man might be caught hand or foot, as under the tribulum, and not be smitten down by one stroke with a flail. {1916 JNL, QSM 47.1}

Please pray for Leo’s family.   I am still in shock, I can’t imagine how they are feeling.

**UPDATE**

Here is the official statement (updated):

 

Leo was born to Leonardus and Johanna Schreven, May 19, 1961 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Leo married Tamara Fields Schreven in 1983 and they made their home in KettleFalls for the past 23 years.

Leo served as an evangelist in the Seventh-dayAdventistChurch for 30 years. His ministry touched the lives of countless thousands around the world and he will be remembered as a dynamic preacher who helped people find Jesus as their Savior. His All Power seminars have blessed multitudes and his DVDs and sermons will continue to benefit future generations.

Leo loved camping, boating, hiking, reading, horses and time with his family.

Leo is survived by his wife Tamara, daughter Cierra, parents Leonardus and Johanna, brothers John, Herman, sister Nellie, their spouses and children.

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in Leo’s name be made out to All Power Ministries, PO Box 1158, Kettle Falls, WA  99141.  You can mark it for a memorial fund for Cierra or for Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

Website:  www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org

 

updated:
Leo Schreven, 51, of Kettle Falls, WA, unexpectedly passed way on Saturday, December 1.

Leo was born to Leonardus and Johanna Schreven, May 19, 1961 in Phoenix, Arizona. Leo married Tamara Fields Schreven in 1983 and they made their home in Kettle Falls for the past 23 years.

Leo served as an evangelist in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 30 years. His ministry touched the lives of countless thousands around the world and he will be remembered as a dynamic preacher who helped people find Jesus as their Savior. His All Power seminars have blessed multitudes and his DVDs and sermons will continue to benefit future generations.

Leo loved camping, boating, hiking, reading, and time with his family.

Leo is survived by his wife Tamara, daughter Cierra, parents, brothers John and Herman, sister Ella, and their spouses and children.

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in Leo’s name be made to… (this can be a memorial fund for Cierra, or some cause that Leo was passionate about).

https://www.facebook.com/leo.schreven.1

2012-11-24 – Paul Godfrey – God’s Heros – mp3 - youtube

Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Daniel stood up for God regardless of his own peril.  Can we be like Daniel?  What is it like in our day:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

To be incontinent is to lack self control.

The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who can stand unmoved amid a storm of abuse is one of God’s heroes. To rule the spirit is to keep self under discipline; to resist evil; to regulate every word and deed by God’s great standard of righteousness. He who has learned to rule his spirit will rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and these will cease to cast a gloom over his spirit. – {AG 256.2}

Annoyances won’t go away, but we will have the capacity to deal with it.  Circumstances are not the problem, our thoughts are.  Think of Paul and Silas:  they were strung up, and were singing.

2 Corinthians 10:3-7 (KJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds [5] 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; [6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. [7] Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.

 

Alexander the Great controlled many, but he couldn’t control himself.  Self control is the capacity to control your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:7-9 (KJV)
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord , and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord . [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

When we assume our thinking is above the bible, we place ourselves above God.  This is pure imagination.

If the thoughts are wrong the feelings will be wrong, and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character. When you decide that as Christians you are not required to restrain your thoughts and feelings you are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control. If you yield to your impressions and allow your thoughts to run in a channel of suspicion, doubt, and repining you will be among the most unhappy of mortals, and your lives will prove a failure. – {5T 310.1}

 

Our character is wrong because our thoughts are wrong.

Every faculty in man is a workman that is building for time and for eternity. Day by day the structure is going up, although the possessor is not aware of it. It is a building which must stand either as a beacon of warning because of its deformity or as a structure which God and angels will admire for its harmony with the Divine Model. – {2MCP 545.2}

 

The mental powers are no our character. Imagination, will and conscience are not the character but they will build the character.  For example, we can ignore our conscience, with our will, and by doing so damage our character.  Eventually we lose self respect, and cannot follow the law (love your neighbor as yourself).

Thoughts and feelings combine make up our character.

John 8:32 (KJV)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

We must go to the word and allow it to dictate our conscience.

It is God’s purpose that the kingly power of sanctified reason, controlled by divine grace, shall bear sway in the lives of human beings. He who rules his spirit is in possession of this power. – {AG 256.3}

 

God gave us reason.  Faith is to be reasonable and make sense.

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

 

Many doctrines that “Christianity” holds are unreasonable.

You should control your thoughts. This will not be an easy task; you cannot accomplish it without close and even severe effort. Yet God requires this of you; it is a duty resting upon every accountable being. You are responsible to God for your thoughts. If you indulge in vain imaginations, permitting your mind to dwell upon impure subjects, you are, in a degree, as guilty before God as if your thoughts were carried into action. All that prevents the action is the lack of opportunity. – {2MCP 661.1}

 

If we don’t control our thoughts, we are not Christian.  A christian is a follower of Christ and Christ controlled his thoughts.

When the mind has been long permitted to dwell only on earthly things, it is a difficult matter to change the habits of thought. That which the eye sees and the ear hears too often attracts the attention and absorbs the interest. But if we would enter the city of God and look upon Jesus and His glory, we must become accustomed to beholding Him with the eye of faith here. The words and the character of Christ should be often the subject of our thoughts and of our conversation, and each day some time should be especially devoted to prayerful meditation upon these sacred themes.—The Review and Herald, May 3, 1881. (The Sanctified Life, 91, 92.) – {2MCP 662.3}

 

This is not an easy task.  But with Christ’s strength it is possible.

desire of ages talks a out how Jesus overcame depression.  Search it out.  Read the book to find out how: here

We need to know how God thinks.

One bad way of thinking is all or nothing.  Extreme thinking.  Giving up because you don’t get what you want?

Another is over generalization.  Racism (Peter had that).  Elijah said he was the only one left.  Don’t get your mind go beyond what you actually know.  Are we the only ones preaching this message?  We don’t know.  That’s all we know.

Judges 14:1-3 (KJV)
And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. [2] And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. [3] Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

Was Samson reasonable?  No.

Another wrong process is trying to read people’s minds.  Abraham assumed abimalek would kill him for his wife.  He did the same to pharaoh.

Reason requires evidence.

Judas thought he could predict Jesus actions, and create them by betraying him.

Don’t jump to conclusions.  I don’t know is better than making something up.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
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;

Magnification and minimization are bad thought processes.

Personalization.  When people reject you for Christ, they are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Christ.

If I don’t feel so, therefore it is not so.  This is a bad thought process.  Faith is  to feeling.

These are all lies we tell ourselves.  This is not Christian thinking.

John 8:32-34 (KJV)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [33] They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

 

Philippians 4:4-9 (KJV)
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

John 14:27 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

God has made every provision whereby our thoughts may become purified, elevated, refined, and ennobled. He has not only promised to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but he has made an actual provision for the supply of the grace that will lift our thoughts toward him, and enable us to appreciate his holiness. We may realize that we are Christ’s possession, and that we are to manifest his character to the world. Prepared by heavenly grace, we become clothed with the righteousness of Christ, in the wedding garment, and are fitted to sit down at the marriage supper. We become one with Christ, partakers of the divine nature, purified, refined, elevated, and acknowledged to be the children of God,—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. – {YI October 28, 1897 Par. 2}

 

Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of character; but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness and nobility of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he subdues, not by the power of the feelings that subdue him. The strongest man is he, who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion and forgive his enemies. Such men are true heroes. – {CCh 198.5}

 

Amen.

 

 

**UPDATE** Please be advized that Amazing Discoveries is issuing an official statement and full details of the situation shortly. Please stay tuned. The statement will be available on our website and facebook soon. Note: Walter Veith is NOT in jail.

Thank you for your prayers. They are surely needed at this time.

- Amazing Discoveries

* update 2 added from the parties who are doing the suing (I do not agree with or support their statements, this is simply for your information.  Thank you to the poster)… I have added it to the end of at this article.

Please pray for Walter. While I don’t necessarily agree with him on all his theology, he certainly is not a anti-Semitic in his teaching. I am unsure on the details, beyond these two letters:

Message from Pastor Veith – From: DC Spencer <dcspencer@sdachurch.co.za>
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:03:48 +0200
Subject: Feedback after SMS re Walter Veith

Walter Veith wrote (28 Nov, 2012)
Concerning legal proceedings against myself in Germany:

A case of sedition (incitement against the government) has been lodged against me for apparent anti Semitic statements in my lecture on Daniel 11 (see my response below). It is probable that the people who lodged the complaint are the group from EANN (the German equivalent of SPECTRUM MAGAZINE) because they propagated such action immediately after the lecture. “Spectrum” is our liberal magazine whose first editor claimed that the visions that Ellen White received were as a result of epileptic attacks so the rest of their theology can be deduced from sentiments such as these.

There is no court case as yet, only the charge has been lodged. The police have made their enquiries, and it is up to the government now to decide whether they have a case and this will take until January — then we will know. Ellen White predicted that such things would happen so I am of good spirits because it proves the Spirit of Prophecy right. I have accepted that the matter is now in the hands of the Government and trust that God is in control. Below a few ‘epileptic attacks’ to give us hope and courage.
Dear Brethren in Germany

I wish to briefly respond to the allegations of anti Semitism during my recent visit to Germany.

Let me assure you brethren that I am not by any stretch of the imagination an Anti Semite. Indeed, any form of racism is abhorrent to me and having grown up in South Africa I have firsthand experience regarding this issue and have been an ardent campaigner against racist injustice all my life. Also, as South African, I was probably not attuned to the hypersensitivity of the current German nation regarding the injustices perpetrated on the Jews by the N a z i regime and my comments have thus been misinterpreted. As you well know, German is not my first language and I believe that some of the supposed statements regarding belittling remarks such as “gelbes Tuechlein” stem from my linguistic inadequacy in this department and certainly not from malicious intent as some hope to surmise. Moreover, the treatment the Jews received in Germany and for that matter from many other nations as well can only be described as diabolical and there was certainly historic ‘herding’ involved to the shame of all who practiced it. Moreover, ‘herding’ is the modus operandi of Christ’s adversary, who is herding the whole world into a collective mindset which will result in the final persecution of God’s antitypical Israel. This is not a conspiracy theory but a prophetic reality and the Spirit of Prophecy warns that if we associate with those who war against Christ we will soon come to see matters in the same light as they and lose our discernment. I plead with you dear brethren to note the serious times we are living in and heed the warnings that God has so graciously given us through the Spirit of Prophecy.

The purpose of the lecture was to show that literal Israel (both physically and theologically) can in no way represent the ‘Spiritual Israel’ of the Bible and that any theological gymnastics to the contrary cannot negate this fact. Indeed this is the Advent position and stands contrary to most modern theological views held by other evangelicals. My purpose was not to attack the Jews but to defend the Advent position. Of necessity the Advent position will create controversy as it stands in juxtaposition to all other views. It is my sincere wish that that all people, including the Jews, will accept the Advent position which glorifies Christ and firmly establishes Him as Saviour and Ruler of the ‘Israel of God’.

Since it is obvious that some misconstrued my comments as derogatory to the Jews I again wish to reiterate that that was not my intent and I sincerely apologize if it came across that way.

Hopefully this matter can now be laid to rest.

Your brother in Christ,
Walter Veith

**update 2**

These are the charges and an official statement of the Free Church on the subject.  It is a translation from German, so some of it may sound strange.  I assuming they are saying an interpretation of the 3 frogs of Rev 16 is not important.  I believe Uriah Smith has the same interpretation (click on the shop to download the free PDF and go revelation 16).  It seems the Adventist pioneers would be up on the same charges that Walter is on.  Signs of the times indeed.  Here is their statement:

[Collonges-sous-Salève Cedex / France (APD)] The heads of the Free Church leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany (North and South German federation), Austria and German-speaking Switzerland have, during a session at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Collonges / France together near Geneva, a “Re-statement of the Seventh-day Adventist to every form of anti-Semitism” was adopted. The boards consist of the President, his deputy and also Secretary (CEO) and the Treasurer.

 

The opinion of the “Declaration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany and Austria 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II “in May in the 2005 reference. Is the Adventist church leaders known in both countries their failure during the Nazi dictatorship.

 

In the Declaration of 2005 was “deeply deplored” that it had during the Nazi era in Adventist publications statements given to the Jewish people that “the racist ideology of anti-Semitism gave expression in a way that unbelievable from today’s perspective” is. Apart from some positive exceptions, “many Seventh-day Adventists to the plight and the suffering of their fellow Jews do not share” would have taken. They are “marginalized and excluded, left to itself, and so delivered imprisonment, banishment or death” was. Known why the church leaders, “that we have become to the Jewish people … guilty.” They wanted to continue, “strongly” to enter, “that no one is excluded because of race, religion, nationality or gender and disadvantaged.” Should also “the past is not forgotten,” advised “but as a lasting memorial to us today before our eyes” stand.

“These words make clear,” it says in a new statement that “we firmly reject as Seventh-day Adventists do not tolerate any anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic remarks in our communities.”

 

Reason is the opinion of the lecture “king of the north”, Part 2, by Dr. Walter Veith, an Adventist from South Africa, on 20 October 2012 in Nuremberg held and was also webcast. “In it, he defended the thesis that Freemasons and Jesuits had used the Nazi era, the Jews finally get to Palestine to Christianity get distracted from the real biblical statements and misled,” said the statement. Embedded in this “conspiracy theory” approach using the speaker terms, such as “Verherdung” of the Jews in the sense of cooperation and bustle. He also plays down the Star of David as a “yellow handkerchief”. “We believe that such designations antisemitic discriminatory and get a criminal trivializing the Nazi reign of terror, very close.”

 

The Adventist church leaders emphasize: “We dissociate decided by such statements and conspiracy. We see this as not our mission to evangelize. Here is a speculative worldview is widespread, there is no basis in the Bible and the real purpose of the gospel distracting. Moreover, that the manner of the presentation is not an ethically justifiable dealing with other religions. “The Adventist departments and municipalities will encouraged to ensure” that such events take place either in our name nor in our premises. ”

 

Walter Veith, born in 1949, received his Ph.D. in 1979 from the University of Cape Town about the diet of the fish clip Clinus superciliosus in the embryonic state. At South African universities he held for a time as a professor lectures in zoology and physiology. Mid-1980s he joined in South Africa at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Veith, who speaks German, developed lectures on creationism (belief in creation), nutrition and biblical end-time prophecy, which he holds in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He works closely with the private, independent of the Free Church Association “Amazing Discoveries” together, offering to buy recordings of his lectures.

 

The following is the text of the statement:

Renewed opinion of the Seventh-day Adventist to every form of anti-Semitism

 

As church leaders, we recall the “Declaration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany and Austria for the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II “in May 2005. Is the Adventist church leaders admit their failure in Germany and Austria during the Nazi dictatorship.

The statement deeply laments that at that time in Adventist publications gave statements to the Jewish people that “the racist ideology of anti-Semitism gave expression in a way that unbelievable from today’s perspective” is. Apart from some positive exceptions, took “many Seventh-day Adventists to the plight and the suffering of their Jewish fellow citizens no part.” They were “marginalized and excluded, be left alone and so delivered imprisonment, banishment or death.” Known why the church leaders, “that we have become to the Jewish people … guilty.” They announced their intention, “strongly” to enter, “that no one is excluded because of race, religion, nationality or gender and disadvantaged.” Also to “the past is not forgotten,” advised, “but as a lasting memorial to us today before our eyes” stand.

 

These words make it clear that we as Seventh-day Adventists strongly oppose any anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic comments not tolerate in our communities.

Walter Veith held on 20.10.2012 in Nuremberg the talk “king of the north (2)”, which was also broadcast on the Internet. In it, he defended the thesis that Freemasons and Jesuits had used the Nazi era, to bring the Jews to finally to Palestine so that the Christians get distracted from the real biblical statements and misled.

 

Embedded in this conspiracy theory approach the speaker terms, such as “Verherdung” the Jews used in the sense of cooperation and bustle. He also played down the Star of David as a “yellow handkerchief”. We believe that such designations are anti-Semitic, discriminatory or view a criminal trivializing the Nazi reign of terror is very close.

We dissociate decided by such statements and conspiracy. We see this as not our mission to evangelize. Here is a speculative worldview is widespread, there is no basis in the Bible and the real purpose of the gospel distracting. Moreover, that the manner of the presentation is not an ethically justifiable dealing with other religions. For this reason we encourage our departments and municipalities to ensure that such events take place either in our name nor in our premises.

 

Collonges / France, 07.11.2012

The boards of
Free Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Germany, North and South German Association
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Austria
Free Church of Seventh-day Adventists, German Swiss Association

 

http://www.eann.de/erneute-stellungnahme-der-adventisten-zu-jeder-form-des-antisemitismus/14647/

youtube, mp3 (1, 2)

[PT 1 of 9]

We’re going to be discussing the structure of prophecy. Like we looked at in the previous lectures, prophecy is very, very important. In the bible, prophecy has been given to us for a number of reasons, which I’ll get into a couple of minutes. But prophecy is possibly the most powerful but the most misunderstood aspect of the word of God. God has sealed up His truth in prophetic language and He’s done so that only diligent study is able to unlock it. More and more as we enter the final times of the world, those that are truly diligent about the word of God are the ones that are able to unlock and explain prophecy. The reason God locked prophecy in prophetic in language is so that He could protect it from corruption from outside fingers as it were; from people that would influence the bible and prophecy to mean something else so that Satan once he understood prophecy would adjust it. But because it’s locked up in prophetic language, it can only be encoded and decoded by the bible. The only way to unlock or decode prophecy is to learn the language of prophecy from the bible and apply that language to the information. So, you get a type of prophetic stencil which when you look at the prophecy through the stencil it makes sense. Prophecy was given to us as it explains in Amos 3:7 to give us security in our knowledge about what’s coming in future.

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.

So, the prophets in the sense have got a very, very important task. It’s the way of being able to help Israel or help the people of God not only identify where they are in the stream of time but cope with that which is lying in wait for them. The Lord will allow nothing to take place until He has revealed it to His prophets. One of the aspects we are going to be looking at later on this lecture series is prophecy itself. Right at the end will be looking at the gift of prophecy. Before that, we’ll be looking at false prophecy and how false prophecy has filtered in today where almost everyone can prophesy or be some sort of a prophet: But, biblical prophecy is different. It has been given to us for 5 reasons.

1. It has been given to us to prove that Jesus is God – We did that when I lectured who is God.
2. It proves that the bible is divinely inspired – this is one of the biggest arguments and attacks on the word about men wrote the bible. Well, prophecy is able to defend that and show that the bible is truly divinely inspired.
3. Through prophecy, we can identify where we are in the stream of time, how far we are, how close we are etcetera, etcetera.
4. It’s also able to assist mankind to escape deception. When the disciple came to Jesus they asked Him “Lord tell us what must we look for. What will be the sign of your coming at the end of the world”? Jesus said “be careful that no man deceives you” Prophecy helps us makes sure that we are not trapped by satanic deception.
5. It gives us the confidence that even though when we look around and there’s confusion in the world and boy there’s a lot more coming, we often think where God is? Prophecy gives us the confidence that even though it might not seem like it God is actually always in control.

Satan is a created being.  He was a fallen angel that fell out of heaven in the war between God and the dragon, between Michael and the dragon and this created being, because he’s a created being like you and I, does not have the ability to see into the future. This is a very important topic, very important point. We’ve just shown how God who lives outside of the timeline can see past present and future at the same time, that’s why He’s God:  But, anybody including the angels, the fallen angels all live inside the timeline along with us. So, they can’t see, just like I and you can’t see into the future neither can Satan and funny enough just as we have to Satan has to study the same prophecy as we have to, to understand what is going to happen in the future. From here on, the lectures are going to be more and more graphic about the deceptions and the traps that Satan has got plans for us, but, I would like to give you a hint of what’s coming down the line.

In order to understand biblical prophecy we’re going to look inside the bible but then I’m going to show you the contrast from extra biblical sources. This is a book written by a gentleman by the name Roger Morneau, who was at that time a demon worshipper.  Those are people that worship the fallen angels which I was also involved in. I wasn’t involved in the worship of them as much as such but this is a gentleman got involve with satanic occult practices of demon worship at the highest levels. Not only was he involved with them, he was involved with people who were communicating directly with Satan himself. In other words, the satanic high priest would be in communication with Satan and would have certain discussions. When Roger Morneau turned around and became a Christian, he wrote a book and in there he wrote down what had been said at the satanic discussions. This that I’m going to read to you now is a demon worshipper in communication and conversation with a satanic high priest in the book A Trip into the Supernatural;

“At the beginning of the 18^th century,” he said, “Satan and his spirit counsellors held a great general council to prepare for the industrial age that would soon break upon the world. Satan foresaw that an age of scientific discovery and intellectual enlightenment would immediately follow upon its heels.  It would usher in the end- times, the close of the struggle between the forces of good and evil.”  Now listen to this,

“Since Satan had been studying the prophecies of the bible, he understood the meaning of Daniel 12:4 that described the time of the end how, many shall run to and fro and how knowledge would be increased”. – A Trip into the Supernatural

This is a satanic high priest let me remind you. This is a satanic high priest saying that his boss Lucifer or now Satan has to study the bible to see into the future. Wonderful, wonderful knowledge; we’ve got the same ability to defend ourselves as what he has to deceive us.

The satanic priest continues and he says

“after lengthy deliberations,” this is now at the satanic general council where Satan pulled all his generals and all his fallen angels together after lengthy deliberations he said, returning to the subject of Satan’s general council, “it closed after having produced plans for deceptions that would disqualify vast numbers of people from Christ’s kingdom. They would then automatically become part of Satan’s kingdom. This planned course of action would require all demon spirits to carefully counsel humans to live in a way that would disqualify themselves from becoming members of Christ’s kingdom,” now listen to this, Satanic high priest says, “the spirits,” these are demons, fallen angels, “would encourage people to listen to their feelings instead to the word of Christ and His prophets. In no surer way could the spirits obtain control of people’s lives without the individuals realizing what was happening. The spirit would suggest all kinds of erroneous doctrines and ideas, and humanity would readily accept them,” why? Because, they felt strongly about them”.

Satan is in the Garden of Eden where Eve saw that the food was good for food and would make her wise. Once she was deceived by the feelings, he had her. Now as regarding the end-time, Satan understands that there’s a time coming. He’s going to develop certain mechanism by which he can mislead people by following their feelings rather that the prophets of Christ. This is the reason why the Lord has given us prophecy so that we do not get deceived. Sadly today most Christians, understanding of the bible is limited. They rely on their feelings in coordination with the experiences that they have to identify and to recognize God and specifically to determine their relationship with God. Very, very few Christians today are able to say in defence to their faith , ‘no, no, no, it is written so and so, so and so, so and so.’ Today,

[Pt. 2 of 9]

Today Christianity and the closeness in the relationship that we have to God is all too often determined by the feelings we have, which as we’ve just read is the fulfilment of satanic prophecy which is what his plan is.

God gives us prophecy to guide us away from Satan’s deceptions but Satan is bargaining on us not putting in the time to study these prophecies. He makes our lives busier and busier and busier that we don’t have the time to spend the time or the effort to delve into these things with diligent study and therefore Satan closes the door on us and our ability to defend ourselves. That’s why I’m doing this entire lecture, the Structure of Prophecy that you can look into the system of the bible, the systematic structure of the bible and can have your faith distinction to understand that God is truly in control.

It’s also said “oh, the bible is very difficult to understand. It contradicts itself, etcetera, and etcetera “. But, it’s beautifully stated in 2 Corinthians 11:3.

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your mind should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

From what? From the simplicity that is in Christ. Just as the Old Testament in its simplicity is fulfilled in the New Testament, today, we can fulfil our understanding from the simplicity that is in Christ and more specifically the prophecies in the bible and in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

So, let’s look into this topic of Prophecy.

Prophecy

Prophecy is a very, very serious matter and Revelations end off with a very stern warning. Read it in your own bibles.

Revelations 22:18 If any man shall add into these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

That’s a very, very serious warning. Fiddle with this and you’re in trouble. Today, I will be looking at this in the later lecture. Revelations 22:14 in the new bible is completely different to Revelation 22:14 in the older bibles. That’s just a hint for coming up lectures.

Revelation often today is called a sealed book. ‘You’re not supposed to understand it; it’s difficult. It’s got beasts and dragons and all types of things in it. We’re not supposed to understand it.’ We’ll the word Revelation means to reveal. Revelation is not meant to be a sealed book. It’s meant to reveal what’s coming in future.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that he that readeth, and hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein…

That’s simple. Don’t think it’s a closed book. Blessed is he that hear, that read, that understand and keep the writings that are written. Wonderful! In order to understand how prophecy is structured in this books, we need to look a couple of basic concepts. We’re going to look at interpretations of symbols; we’re going to look at Kayastic structure of writing, etc. Let’s just start off for the moment with symbols and how to interpret symbols.

Symbols and Interpretation of Symbols

Symbols in prophecy are critical elements because like it says in 2 Peter 1:20.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretations.

It’s important to understand that when in prophetic language God is speaking about beasts and dragons and wars or seas and wings, we cannot take that and interpret it according to our life at the moment because just like with Benny Hinn nuclear bombs today wouldn’t have made sense 100 years ago; Wouldn’t have made sense 2000 years ago.  So, we’ve got to ask the bible what the bible means when it says certain things. Symbols are also the chastity belt of prophecy. They allow prophecy to remain pure and uncorrupted for the period of time until Jesus comes to fetch His own. The interpretation of prophecy can be split into 2 categories pretty much: easy and difficult.

Easy example: 3 text words: Revelation 12:13, Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 13:4.

Revelation 12:13 The dragon persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Here we have our first representation or indication of a dragon. Who is this dragon?

Revelation 12:17  that the dragon went forth to make war with the remnant of her seed.

Revelation 13:4 The dragon that gave power unto the beast.

So, there’s this dragon, dragon, dragon; who is this dragon? In the easy category it’s quite simple to find out because you ask the bible to tell you who the dragon is. I can’t tell you it is such a character from the lord of the rings or it’s such character from this movie because it wouldn’t make sense. We’ve got to go into the bible and say, ‘excuse me Mr Bible please could you tell me who’s the dragon in Revelation 13:4?’

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan which deceiveth the whole world.

You see it’s very simple. If you allow the bible to unlock the bible, when you speak about dragons and this and that the bible will tell you who the dragon is; it’s the Devil and Satan. Let’s go into a little bit of a more difficult example. Let’s look at wings found in Daniel 7.

Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like leopard which had upon back of its four wings of a fowl; and also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Here is some sort of an animal or a beast. It was similar to a leopard but on its back it had four wings of a fowl. I can’t tell what four wings of a fowl means or are there four wing of a fowl or how does it work. So, we will have to look at the bible and say “excuse me bible could you tell me what wings are?” Well, obviously that the wings are important but even when you read through the rest of Daniel, you don’t quite understand what wings might mean. So, if you can’t find it in the same book like we did in Revelation with the dragon, like we can’t find it in Daniel, we look outside Daniel for more answers.

Ezekiel 1:9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

Now, it sounds a bit weird. So in Ezekiel, in this example in Ezekiel 1:9, wings describe a type of determination or motion as if nothing can stop it. There’s some momentum that went straight forward that didn’t bend at all. Let’s have a look at another example Ezekiel 1:24.

Ezekiel 1:24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, … when they stood, they let down their wings.

So, that’s got to do with motion and motionless. When they stood, they let down their wings and when they went their wings were moving. Try Ezekiel 10:16.

Ezekiel 10:16 … and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth.

It’s a very powerful thing to mount up from the earth. The cherubims, who are the angels, lifted their wings to mount up from the earth. It’s got to do again with movement. It’s got to do with power. It’s got to do with strength. There’s some indication here about movement, power strength, etc. Let’s try one more.

Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight; when they went out…

Again, another element of the whole wings story, it’s got to do with motions. It appears when we’re reading in Ezekiel which is just one book the wings symbolizes determination, action, momentum, movement, etc. Looking again outside of that into Isaiah and Job, we see the same word, which in the strongest concordance tells you that the word in Hebrew is something like [0:09:40]. The word for wings that’s the word which they translated to wings has been translated into a different English word. So even though they’re using wings as [0:09:52] in Ezekiel, when you get to Isaiah and Job the word [0:09:56] in Hebrew has been translated into different words.

[Pt. 3 of 9]

Things as Konnof in Ezekiel, when you get to Isaiah and Job the work Konorf in Hebrew has been translated into different words. Has been translated into an edge or an extremity, specifity of an army, or a wing of a bird or a flab of clothing, it has got to do with outcasts, it has got to do with extremities.

It could also have something to do with armies. When you do a theme study of the Bible and you look for Kornof, the word for wing s in Daniel and Ezekiel starts to make sense.

Isaiah 11: 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

The word corner is the original Hebrew ‘kornof’. So, when you are looking at corners can you imagine it was translated into wings? It couldn’t make sense. And gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four ‘wings’ of the earth!

So, it is corners, it has got to do with distance, stretching, it has got to do with motion and size etc.

Job 37:3 He directed it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

Job 38: 13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

Now you start to put this puzzle together. This is why prophecy takes diligent study. It is not something that we can just read and say oh! It must mean the following. No, it takes diligent study, it takes understanding what the original writing is. And that is not rocket science today. You just go to any religious book store, get yourself a concordance of the bible, all the original words are in there, all the translations and you can do the study yourself. If you are really interested in prophecy, this will be an easy study for you.

I am going to get into this a little bit later.

The wings as noted in Daniel 7: 6 indicates power, strength, movement, motion, momentum, the ends of the earth, extremities, etc. When we look at Daniel 7: 6 with the leopard with the four wings, we will see just now the kingdom that is represented  by that leopard with wings went further South and further East, than any of the previous kingdoms. It is a representation of the speed at which the kingdom expanded.

Now we start to see how the Bible unlocks the Bible when it comes to prophecy. This is the chastity belt of the word of God. We can look at all of these specific examples that we have given form Isaiah, Ezekiel and Job and we can see that when we look at the kingdom in Daniel 7:6 we can see that our deduction was in fact correct. Wings appear to symbolise speed and determination and this is the type of study that we will have to do. We will always have to check with the scripture, is aligned with scripture before we make any conclusion.

That way we will always ensure that the Lord is guiding us through our understanding, that no personal influence about our current understanding of the world comes in when we are trying to understand the word of God.

This manner of interpretation goes a very long way in assisting us to understand the books of prophecy, but it takes a while and it leads and leans itself to diligent study. That’s a symbol, that is the one aspect that we are going to look at.

Recapitulation

Recapitulation is just a big word to mean to repeat itself every time adding on more information. It is like when you are studying for your exams you recap your work, you go through it one more time hoping that something else will be absorbed. This is exactly the same as what happens in the Bible with prophecy. The Lord gives us an example and then He gives us the same example but in a different way adding a little bit of information each time so that it can enhance our understanding.

Daniel 2

It is a description in the Bible about a King that is having a dream. He is having a dream that disturbs him and when he wakes up in the morning and he is very confused because the dream has stirred up his somehow and King Nebuchadnezzar  says;

Daniel 2:3 … I have had a dream and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.

The Chaldeans and the soothsayers and all the wise men of his Kingdom come to him and say

Daniel 2:4 …O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give you the interpretation.

King Nebuchadnezzar says

Daniel 2:5 …my decision is firm; If you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap.

The king couldn’t remember what he has dreamt; but he knows that it has disturbed him, so he calls in his soothsayer and he says ‘come here, tell me what I dreamed and tell me the meaning, otherwise you are going to be cut into pieces and you houses will be burnt.

Daniel 2:6 …however, if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honour. Therefore, tell me the dream and its interpretation

So, there is a reward.

Daniel 2:10 …The Chaldeans answered the King and said, ‘There is not a man on earth who can tell the King’s matter; therefore no king, lord or ruler has ever asked such things of any magicians, astrologer, or Chaldean

Daniel 2: 10 …there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh

I agree with him. If you exist inside the time line, you cannot determine the dream or what it means. You have to be influenced by some body that lives outside the time line that can look back into the time line, bring that information out and give it to you to say right, this is what he dreamt. So, you have to be associated to a god that is living outside of the timeline. These soothsayers and the Chaldeans and all these magicians, are dealing with gods that live inside the timeline. This is why prophecy is so important.

So, King Nebuchadnezzar sends out the decree ’execute them, kill them all’. Daniel however hears about this because he is also one of the wise men of the kingdom and he says, ‘hold on a second, let me see if my God can help bring this dream to light’. He prays to the Lord and the Lord gives him a dream. But the Lord allows Daniel to remember the dream.

Daniel 2:24 … do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king and I will interpret his dream for him.

Daniel is then put in front of the king and he starts to explain to the king what he had dreamt.

Daniel 2:26 …The secret which the King has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king.

They can’t because their god lives inside the time line.

Daniel 2:27 … But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days

Here is another representation of a vision about the end time. Daniel starts to explain to King Nebuchadnezzar the goings on in his dream.

Daniel 2:29 … As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you and what will be

Daniel 2:30 You, O King, were watching; and behold a great image! This great image, whose splendour was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome

Daniel 2:32-33 This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay

Daniel 2: 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

Daniel 2: 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors;

Daniel 2: 36 The wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Daniel in one or two sentences is able to put the entire dream down in front of King Nebuchadnezzar. He explains to the king about this magnificent image that he has seen; the head of gold and the chest and arms of silver, the hips of bronze and the legs of iron and the feet of iron and clay.

What actually happened here is that God has given both to King Nebuchadnezzar and to Daniel, an indication of what is going to take place from then which was 606 BC into eternity. He is showing the king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar what is going to take place after his kingdom and after that and into the future.

So, Daniel starts to expound; he says

Daniel 2: 38 … you are this head of gold

[Pt. 4 of 9]

That is a wonderful thing because King Nebuchadnezzar knows that his kingdom is the most powerful, wealthiest kingdom in the world. And Daniels says;

Daniel 2: 39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours

This is a major blow to king Nebuchadnezzar. He says;

Daniel 4:32 The king spoke saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honour of my majesty?

Isn’t this going to last forever? I am of the opinion as the King that my kingdom will never fall. Daniel said well, the Lord is telling me it will. Because after you is going to come a kingdom inferior. You are the kingdom of gold, but there will be a kingdom that will have two parts – the arms of silver that will be inferior to your kingdom. Exactly what he was hinting to there is King Belshazzar.

Lets just pop quickly to Daniel 5.

King Belshazzar is having a party with his women and his wine and they are drinking and having merry and out of the blue, a hand starts to write on the wall. You remember the writings on the wall? The King Belshazzar is having a party and the hand starts to write on the wall.

Daniel 5:5 The king watched the hand as it wrote

Daniel 5:5 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way

So this hand starts to write on the wall and what does it write?

‘Mene, Mene, Tekel , Peres’

What that means is;

Daniel 5:26 MENE – God has numbered your kingdom and finished it

Daniel 5: 27 – TEKEL – You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting

Daniel 5: 28 PERES – Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians

From King Belshazzar’s time onwards, the head of gold would stop and the two elements, the chest of silver would take over. Daniel is pointing to a time in the future explained in Daniel 5 of the Medes and the Persians taking over from the head of gold.

If you look into history you will see that from about 539 BC till about 331 BC was the time of the Medes and the Persians, the Medes and the Persians being two separate entities the one always being slightly stronger than the other. The one rise up on the one side.

Daniel 2: 39 … Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth,

This is a prophecy about a third kingdom that is going to come after the king of Babylon and if we look outside the Bible, pure history, we read a book called ‘ Historical Library’ book 17 chapter 12 by Arian he says;

  “I am persuaded that there was no nation, city nor people….where his name did not reach..there seems to me to have been some divine hand presiding both over his birth and action” Arian

What he is referring to here is the king of Greece. This is King Alexander the great, the first king of Greece. He started in the west and with startling speed he conquered nation after nation going East and South. This is the representation of the leopard with the wings, which we will get into just now. Within ten years, this king had conquered the world, the known world at that time. At the age of thirty two, he broke into tears because he had no one else that he could conquer. And he died at a very young age and Greece was then ruled by the four most influential generals of Alexander’s army – a perfect fulfilment of prophecy.

From the history of Rome book three chapter ten it is written

“on June 22, 168 BC at the Battle of Pydna, … perished the empire of Alexander the Great,….one hundred and forty four years after his death.” History of Rome.

The empire of Alexander the Great came to an end a hundred and forty years after his death. Exactly as prophesised when this would happen.

Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron…

This has got to do with Rome and I will show you now why: But this kingdom will be as strong as iron. Just for interest sake if you look into history and you look at the weaponry, the outfits, the armour of Greece you will see that it was mostly bronze and if you look at the armour of Rome you will see that it was interestingly, mostly iron. These are two images from that time, one from Greece on from Rome depicting the layout of  their defences.

The legs of iron which precede from the hips of Greece/bronze, King Alexander the Great  are the legs of Rome from approximately 168 BC to 478 AD – a very long period in time, a very powerful kingdom.

Let’s look for a moment again outside the Bible and check whether extra Biblical information supports what the Bible says.

Edward Gibbon who was a historian, writes in the book The history and decline of the fall of the Roman Empire;

“The images of gold, or silver or brass that might serve to represent the nations and their kings, were successively broken by the IRON MONARCHY OF ROME.” Edward Gitton

History supporting Daniel and the word of God.

Second century this is approximately a hundred to two hundred years after the birth of Christ Hypolitus who is one of the anti messianic fathers wrote the following that was written in volume five page twelve and ten.

“Rejoice blessed Daniel thou has not been in error …ALREADY THE IRON RULES”

So in his (Hypolitus) time, he can see that iron is ruling and he can see that the fulfilment of Daniel’s prophecy of the legs of iron have come to fruition. Fantastic! How you can identify where you are in the stream of time and the Roman kingdom continued from about 168 BC to 476 AD. Very powerful kingdom, very scary kingdom, a lot of things that took place which we will get into later lectures, but what a phenomenal to see how the Lord identified what was going to happen  in future.

Daniel 2:41 continues. We are not at the bottom of the statue yet. Remember we have got the head of gold (Babylon), the chest of silver (Medes and Persians), the hips of gold (Greece through the Alexandar the great), the legs (Rome) and we are now into the feet.

Daniel 2:41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom …

After the legs of Rome are finished, will come a divided kingdom.

Question: What has the kingdom of Rome if you look at the map, developed into today? It is Europe.

In Rome at the time, there were ten kingdoms. You had the Anglo Saxons, the French,  the Alamani. The Lampards, the Astragals, the heruli, the Bagandis, the Vendis, the physigads and the suevis. Those were the ten  kingdoms. Those are the ten toes of the statute. Incredible!

Just like Rome its two legs will break up into ten toes and be the divided, the Roman kingdom had the same thing. It would be the power of Rome that would split up into ten sub kingdoms. This is a perfect fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. Today if we take this a little bit further, where are we? We are today looking at the map you will see a divided Europe, because the Bible said in Daniel 2:42

Daniel 2:42 And so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile

Daniel 2:43  As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men: but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay

This is one of the most powerful quotations in the Bible. In the King James Version the words used are “they shall not cliff.” Through out History, man has been trying to unify these separated kingdoms but the word of God has said it will not happen. Forever, those kingdoms will remain separated and the some of it strong and some of it weak. Today we look at exactly the same thing.

Daniel 2:43 … and more than iron mixes with clay,

One of it strong and one will be weak. Through out history we can see that this has happened where even using blood lines, they have tried to combine and unify Europe. Just look into history and you will see Queen Diana and King Fredrick using their blood lines of the monarchs to try and get the monarchs get together

[Pt. 5 of 9]

Daniel 2:42-43 so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken, … they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 

Just look at the map of Europe and tell me: Is it a united Europe and one country or are we seeing a fulfilment of prophecy according to Daniel? Even today, they are still trying to unify Europe through the European Union and we’ll get into that in the lecture much later in the series called ‘A New World Order.’

Napoleon said in the watchman in 1941:

“I wanted to found a European System, a European Code of laws, a European Court of appeal; there would have but one people through out Europe..Europe would soon have become one nation” Napoleon – The watchman 1941

This was Napoleon’s goal. He wanted Europe to unify and to have basically what we now see as the European Union, where the borders would be dropped and this divided kingdom would come together.

Thirty years after water loo, Doctor Thomas Arnold said;

“The deliverance of Europe from the dominion of Napoleon was affected neither by Russia, neither by Germany nor by England but by the hand of God” – Arnold

What happened to stop Napoleon, do you remember? It was the weather. He wasn’t stopped by any country; he wasn’t blocked by any national force. What happened with Hitler? Hitler said the same thing. With his forces stamping all over Germany and putting up these big symbols of the sun-god raw which was his symbol, the [0:01:51] with the eagles and arms outstretched, he once wrote that he will build the kingdom that will rule for a thousand years. In Paris he even went to the grave of Napoleon and at the grave he said “Napoleon you are a fool, I will succeed where you have failed. Hitler was ready to make his final strike. Remember, across the English Channel and in the morning when he was to attack, what happened? A thick mist engulfed the area and allied forces had time to escape. A fulfilment of prophecy? Why don’t you just read what it says in Daniel they shall not cliff.

Charlemagne tried to unify Europe and was defeated. Charles v tried and he was defeated. Louis XIV was defeated trying to do it, Napoleon tried and was defeated, Kaiser Wilhelm tried and was defeated, and Hitler tried and was defeated. The European Union is trying today, what do you think is going to happen? Still today they are trying to unify Europe and still do not read ‘they shall not cliff’

Daniel 2:44 In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

This is the rock that was cut out not by human hands.

Daniel 2:45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands, a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy.

Daniel who has given himself over to the risk if you like of telling the king what this vision is all about, this dream he has had, explains that from the head of gold, right through to the toes and to the kingdom we are starting at 668 BC and going forward to the end of time. But the rock hits where?  It hits the toes. Where are we today in the stream of time according to the statute? Are we still with the Medes and Persians? Have we seen Greece come and go? Have we seen the Roman Empire come and go? Have we seen the ten kingdoms? Have we seen the divided Europe? We are in the toe nails of the statute. Where does the rock hit? It hits the feet.

Jesus is coming to fulfil His kingdom, to destroy the kingdoms that have been built up on this earth.

Revelation 11:15 The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord … and He shall reign forever and ever.

Not a united Europe, not the United Nations, not a United Africa, He shall reign forever and ever.  Prophecy is a profound way to prove to us that no matter what happens in these catalytic events that are about to take place in this world, God is in control.

With this revelation, King Nebuchadnezzar probably sat down in shock and in Daniel 2:47 he says;

Daniel 2:47 …Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings and the revealer of secrets …

From the head of gold which was Babylon to Persia the chest and arms of silver, to Greece the thighs of bronze to Rome the legs of iron, into the toes of the divided ten kingdoms of Europe, into the sectionalised and split up weak and strong sections of Europe today, it spans the history from the 606 BC right into eternity.

We are busy covering the structure of prophecy at the moment, we have looked at symbols and we are in the middle of recapitulation.

Join me for part 2 where the Lord will add new information as you recap Daniel 2 as we go into the rest of Daniel in different depictions of the same information and he gives us more about the end of time.

[Pt. 6 of 9]

We have been looking into a structure of prophecy, looking at how the prophetic word of God has been written in a way that only the Bible can unlock the Bible. We looked into symbols and we realized that Symbols of the chastity Belts of prophecy allowing that the interpretations of the prophecy remain pure throughout the span of history.

We looked at symbols then we started going into recapitulation which like when you are studying and you recap your work, it is just going over the information, every time repeating the same information but then adding a little bit more.

We looked at Daniel 2 and we went through the statute, which we looked at various elements. We started off with the head of gold; this was in the dream, king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the head of gold, the chest of silver, the thighs of bronze and the legs of iron. Each one of them was representing a different kingdom which would follow on from the next: The head of gold being Babylon, the chest of silver and the arms being Medes and Persia, the thighs or hips being Greece and the king of Greece being King Alexander the great and then the legs of iron being Iron Monarchy of Rome. This spanned from a period of time being 606 BC into eternity.

Daniel 7

Let’s turn now for a moment to Daniel 7. We are going to look at versus two to verse 14. Interestingly enough here Daniel has a vision and he sees four animals. These four animals describe something which is wonderful to look at and how prophecy is unlocked through the use of symbolism.

Daniel is having a dream;

Daniel 7:2 I saw in my vision by night and behold the four winds of the heavens was stirring up the great sea.

7:3 and four great beasts came up from the sea, each on different from the other.

We just need to pause here for a moment and have a look at some of the words used and some of the symbols used because he says I saw in my vision by night and behold the four winds of the heavens were stirring up the great sea. We can’t go and say those are four winds and that’s the Atlantic ocean, we’ve got to look and say, Bible can you please tell us, what are the beasts and what is the sea, what does it mean? This is when we are going to Revelation;

Revelation 17:15 The waters which you saw … are people, multitudes, nations and tongues.

Here Revelation 17 unlocks Daniel’s 7 for us and we are able to determine from Revelation 17 that what Daniel saw as the great sea is a place of nations, multitudes, people and tongues. What about these four beasts?

 Daniel 7:17 those great beasts which are four are four kings which arise out of the earth.

It is amazing. It is wonderful to realize that only the Bible can tell you what the Bible means. Revelation tells us what the sea means, people, nations, tongues and population and Daniel 7:17 says the four beasts which arise there are four kings which arise out of the earth. So beast isn’t obviously a representation of a king.

Daniel 7:23 the fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth.

So beasts therefore can either represent a king or a kingdom and that is how the Bible unlocks the Bible.

Daniel 7:3 and four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.

Daniel sees similar to what was seen in Daniels 2, a vision of statute that had four main sections, now he gets the vision of four beasts each one slightly different from the other.

Daniel 7:4 the first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off. And it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.

You remember from understanding how we did the symbolism, we analyzed the symbolism what wings meant? It meant power, movement, certain velocity or momentum and it also had to do with size and distance. So a lion with eagle’s wings has to represent a powerful kingdom, the beast, the kingdom with a certain area of coverage, of magnitude and power.

The lion with eagle’s wings is a typology of another way of explaining the head of gold. It is the same time period and the lion with eagle’s wings represents Babylon the head of gold.

The next beast that Daniel sees will obviously if you’re going down the statute, has to represent the chest of silver with two separate items and this was Mede of Persia which was a kingdom that reined approximately 539 BC up to about 331 BC.

Daniel 7:5 it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it.

Here Daniel sees a type of bear with the one side slightly raised up and he says inside the teeth of it were three ribs. Interesting symbolism, we will look at it later. But here is a very strong kingdom, very powerful and it is slightly raised up on one side just as the arms would have been raised up on the chest of silver.

Daniel 7:6 Lo, another like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four hands; and dominion was given to it.

Do you remember the analysis we did in the beginning when we looked at Ezekiel, Isaiah and Job? We said, what do wings mean? We saw that it had to do with speed, momentum and area coverage to the edge of the earth. The word in Hebrew that was used was Kornof. Well here is a fast kingdom, in other words it is like a leopard, it has got speed and it has got four wings meaning it would spread with ultimate speed. This represented the same period as the hips of the first statute – Greece, which was the King Alexander the great.

The four kingdoms which it speaks about in Daniel 8:22 it says;

Daniel 8:22 … four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation. 

Again this is a perfect recapitulation of what happened with King Alexander the great which when he died four of his generals took over his kingdom.

Daniel 8:22 … four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

This is a beautiful fulfilment of prophecy  because history says that these four generals took over from king Alexander the great, but they didn’t have the same power as he did in one person. The four generals of Alexander  were; Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy and Seleucus.

If we look at Theodor Mounson who was an historian, he writes in Alexandar the great on page 494;

“Each one whetted the sword against the other and the empire went down in a tangle of strife.” - Theodor Mounson

Daniel then has a vision about a new beast, another beast. If you remember, as we went down the statute we looked at the legs of Rome which was a period of 168 BC to 476 AD. This beast Daniel has certain emotions about.

Daniel 7:7 after  this I saw in the night, visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly, and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it; and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Very interesting to see how Daniel has this vision of this powerful beast that he calls terrible and strong exceedingly. Something that he hadn’t seen before is that it has got iron teeth again representing

[Pt. 7 of 9]

The iron teeth again representing similar recapitulation of the iron legs, iron teeth pointing towards Rome and saying that this kingdom would have ten kings or ten horns. We will look at that a bit later.

Daniel 7:24 ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.

When I speak about the horns of the kingdom, immediately the Bible will tell us what the Bible means and Daniel 7:24 says, don’t think that the horns are horns, the horns are actually kings. Here is a powerful kingdom that arises, and ten kings that arise out of this powerful kingdom and each one is represented in this vision as a horn. Again, as the feet split up into the ten toes, we will have to look at this in a little later, how these all fit in together.  But Rome itself when it was taken over, it was split up into ten kingdoms. Very beautiful symbolism and a recapitulation take hold and makes absolutely clear what the Lord is trying to tell us.

Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots…in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit…and the visions of my head troubled me.

7:21 the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them

This little horn that Daniel sees troubles him exceedingly.

7:25 and he shall speak great words against the most high, and shall wear out the saints of the most high, and think to exchange times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

7:28 I….was deeply troubled by my thoughts and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.

What Daniel is seeing  here is a recapitulation of the information given in the statute , he now has in four separate beasts except that Lord starts to expand especially on the fourth beast, the power of Rome, saying not only will there be ten horns but they will come up among them  another little horn.

Daniel 8

Understand for a moment though that this little horn is the little horn that we are going to look at in lecture number five. This is the antichrist power, something that we are going to have to understand in order not to be part of his deceptions.

Daniel has another vision, but interestingly enough, this time he only sees three beasts not four.

Question: If the Lord was trying to show recapitulation, why would there be only three beasts and not four?

Daniel had this vision at the time when Babylon had already been fallen.  So, at that point in history, there was no reason for the Lord to expound on the idea of there being a fourth kingdom, or the first kingdom. The first kingdom at that stage was the kingdom where Daniel was which was automatically what would have been in the initial statute the chest with the arms of Mede of Persia.

Daniel 8:20 the two horned rams that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.

8:21 the shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.

Here, you have an identifier confirming what you had in the first statute of Greece in the hips and the Media Persians, the shoulders and the arms, Daniel 8 reaffirmed that and quite openly he says the two horned rams that you saw represents the king of Media and Persia. This is again the recapitulate of what you saw in the statute and what you saw in the beast in Daniel 7. Daniel 8:20 say the same thing. Then in Daniel 8:21 it recaps that information and says that the following king, it says the shaggy goat this time is the king of Greece.  Remember, this was King Alexander the great.  A large horn will grow and will be between the eyes of the first king. Here is the clash in Daniel’s vision between a shaggy goat and a type of beast with a large horn between his eyes.

Daniel 8:7 the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him and none could rescue the ram from his power.

8:8 The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up towards the four wind of heaven.

Daniel 8:22 The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

Isn’t that beautiful, how the Lord again realizing what will happen in Greece that four generals will take over from Alexander the great, repeats that in Daniel 7 and says four will take over but they will not have the same power. Again in Daniel 8 says four will take over  but they will not have the same power.

Daniel 8:9 out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the beautiful land.

Do you remember when we were looking into the symbols and we saw wings meaning, power and distance and momentum? Here Daniel 8:9 says exactly that. I saw another horn, and this is the same as Daniel 7 saw, and this started small but it grew in power towards the south and towards the east and towards the beautiful land. Wonderful how the Lord recaps it and to make sure that we do not misunderstand these prophecies.

Daniel 2 fits in Daniel 7 and 8

These graphics explains the head of gold being the same as the lion with the eagle’s wings. The chest and arms of silver being the same as the bear, one side lifted up slightly and the ram with two horns again having two separate elements which it relies on. The hips in this statute referring to Greece, being also represented in Daniel’s other vision by the leopard with four wings and then later on in Daniel 8 by this powerful ram with a horn between his eyes. The legs of iron being this dragon type figure, this type of terrible and powerful exceeding, that’s the way Daniel tries to explain this vision that he has, also pointing towards ten other kings out of which would come a little horn which we will look at later.

Time doesn’t allow us to go into much more detail on that, but it is quite clear how God uses recapitulation to re-emphasize and to make it clear what He is trying to depict in His word and each vision or version that Daniel has.

In Revelation’s 777 in the next lecture, we will be showing how the first half of Revelation explains in a similar way the 777 of Revelation, which will be the seven churches, seven seals and seven trumpets. It is a wonderful way that the Lord uses different methods to describe the same things in an identical writing style but adding information every time.

I get very excited when I get the opportunity to present this portion of the lecture The Chiasm. This  is the point where God again puts His foot on the accelerator  and not only does He take prophecy and point out that He is God but He uses chiastic style writing in the word to prove that the Bible is divinely inspired.

When I was involved in all these occult things and the new edge movement, I had a type of bitter taste in my mouth when I realized the Christians were so deceived, thinking that the Bible was inspired, while it was written by man. They are lost in the silly ideology of believing that something which is written by man can be inspired by God. Until I bumped into the chiasm, and I stopped at the Chiasm and I realized for a moment that there might be something which I didn’t know. As I analysed and I studied the Chiasm, I realized this is God’s signature within prophecy. The entire bible is written in chiastic style. You could go into tremendous depths analyzing this but let us just look at an example.

[Pt. 8 of 9]

Daniel 12:4-9 but thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.

Looking at Revelation which is almost a stencil by which you can understand Daniel and Daniel is a stencil by which you can understand Revelation.

Revelation 22: and he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand

So, where the lord tells Daniel to seal it up, in Revelation we are told to uncover. And so the chiastic structure of the Bible starts to come to light. This is probably and I believe it is the most profound style of writing used in the prophetic books. It comes from the word chiasmus which is a noun, it is a technique used in writing thousand speeches where things are repeated but in the middle it is repeated in reverse order.

This comes from Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary of the 7^th Edition. It is just a fact of the way certain things are written. Today if you were to read a book and we were to pick up the book and read the last chapter, we would basically spoil the story because we would know what the punch line was all about. This wasn’t the case in those days. When they wrote a word, the most important punch line period was in the middle of the book. So, if you read the beginning and the end, you still wouldn’t have understood the story, because the key elements were in the middle. This is God’s signature I believe within prophecy. It confirms critics and non believers like me, at this point I realized I was out of my depth. There is no way that any human being could have put this together without divine inspiration.

The Chiasm explains and shows that the Bible itself is beyond any doubt divinely inspired. Let’s look at some other examples.  Revelation in itself, just by itself is written in a chiastic style.

 Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth..and keep these things which are written therein: for the time is at hand

There are two elements to this, Blessed is he that readeth..and keep these things which are written therein and the second element is : for the time is at hand

Revelation 22:7 behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book.

And so Revelation 1:3, the first chapter 3^rd verse points towards the last chapter the 7^th verse.

Revelation 1:3

Blessed is he that readeth..and

Keep those things which are written

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book.

Therein: for the time is at hand

One points towards the other.  The Bible itself is written in this form an example of this is Genesis 1&2, which speak about the world of paradise before sin. This points towards Revelation 21&22. The first two chapters of the Bible pointing towards the last two chapters of the Bible.

The last two chapters of the Bible tell of a New Jerusalem and paradise restored. If you go back to the beginning of the Bible, we have spoken about chapter 1&2, what about chapter 3? It tells of Satan bringing sin into this world, and you go back to the third last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 20, it speaks about Satan being punished for sin and the abolishment of sin. 1 speaking to 22, 2 speaking to 21, and 3 speaking to chapter 20 of Revelation and so the bible starts to work itself towards the middle. This is the area called the Great Controversy.  Let’s look just inside the book of Revelation, the most profound vision I believe of all time where Apostle John is receiving the Revelation of Jesus Christ, revealing what would happen as we move towards the end time.

Revelation

Revelation is split into two parts, it is split first into a historical part speaking about what things are going to take place and then secondly into an eschatological part. Eschatology, having to do with judgement, having to do with identifying what will take place at judgement, before judgement, in judgement.

Each one of the Historical half and the Eschatological half are split into five sections, I call them for arguments sake, A, B, C, D &E.

When you look at the Historical half you have got A, B, C, D & E and when you look at the Eschatological half of Revelation, you’ve got A, B, C, E &D. Very interesting that those two are swapped around. Everything in the Bible has got a reason for being there.

Lets look at E in the beginning of revelation and A at the end of Revelation. What you’ll see is that A is a type of interlude. Revelation 1:1-8 is an introduction into revelation. Introduction into how to understand, basically it is starting one off in the visions of Revelation. At the end of the book in chapter 22:6-21, it is an epilogue. This is a type of conclusion, shutting down the word, the one pointing to the other.

Examples

Revelation 1:1 speaks about things that might shortly come to pass. Revelation22:6 speak about things that must shortly come to pass. Testimony of Jesus Christ in chapter 1:2 is pointing to the testimony of Jesus Christ in chapter 22:17. In chapter 1:3, blessed is he that readeth and keepeth the word, in chapter 22: 7, blessed is he that keepeth the words.

Here you’ve got chapter 1:7 of revelation, behold he cometh in the cloud. In revelation 22:12,& 20, behold I come quickly. In chapter 1:8 he says behold I am the alpha and omega, and in 22:30, he says, I am the alpha and omega.

Can you see how just in those two chapters alone, one is pointing to the other, even to the extent of using the same words.

Let’s go from A inwards, come towards the centre of it which is the great controversy or the conflict of all time. From A we move inwards towards section B. Section B points in the beginning parts of the revelation towards the Seven churches. In the last parts of revelation it speaks about the New Jerusalem. Here in the beginning parts Christ admonishes His Church and there is war and He speaks about seven Cities. Here at the end Christ rewards His church and there is peace in one city.

In chapter 2:1, the lord says Christ between the seven candle sticks. Here in chapter 21:23, Christ the eternal lamb.

In Chapter 2:7, the tree of life. 22:2, the tree of life.

3:8, the open door, 21:25, gates are open

3:21 Christ upon his fathers throne. 22:1&3, the throne of God and the lamb.

Jesus the New Jerusalem descending from heaven is explained in chapter 3:12, it points to chapter 21:2, the New Jerusalem descends from heaven.

And most importantly of all, Chapter 3:11 speaks about I come quickly, this is repeated in Chapter 22:7 it says I come quickly.

A pointing to A, B pointing to B.

Lets go over to C. Number C speaks about the seven seals. This is Christ protecting His Children, towards the end of the Revelation in Chapter 19 speaks about Christ crowning His children, one pointing to the other.

Chapter 4:1 speaking about the heavens open.  19:11, the heavens open.

4:2,4,6 and 5:6 speaks about the thrones, the twenty four elders, the four living creatures and the lamb. This is repeated in chapter 19 where it speaks about the thrones, the twenty four elders, the four living creatures and the lamb. Isn’t this magnificent?

2:6-8 speaks about the rider on a white horse followed by riders on coloured horses.

19:11-16 speaks about rider on a white horse followed by riders on coloured horses.

Chapter 6: Souls of martyrs under the altar begs for Gods judgement, souls of martyrs resurrected crowned as judges, this is fulfilled in chapter 20:46

Chapter 6 &7, white clothes are explained, white clothes are also explained in chapter 19.

[Pt. 9 of 9]

Kings, chief captains, the rich will beg to die, according to Revelation 6:15-16. And kings, chief captains, the rich are slain in chapters 19:17-21. A pointing to A coming together, B pointing to B coming together, C pointing to C, but now what about D? This D is over here; we skip one and put D in the middle. See this is where the Lord starts to put His signature to confound the critics. And people like me that say the Bible is not inspired.

Section D, which I call it, speaks about the 7 trumpets. This is chapter 8 to chapter 11. This is a serious judgment; these are warnings to the world. This will be covered all in the next lecture. The section D of the other half of Revelation speaks about the 7 plagues, serious judgments and punishments to the world, one fulfilling the other. Have a look with me in Revelation 8:7, 8:8-9, and 8:10-11. You’ll see there that Revelation speaks about the earth, the sea, the rivers and the fountains. In Revelation 16:2, 16:3 and 16:4, Revelation speaks about the earth, the sea, and the rivers and the fountains, one pointing towards the other. Sun, moon and stars covered in Revelation 8:12. Darkness, abyss also in Revelation 9:1-11. This is covered in Revelation 16:10-11, darkness on the throne of the beast, and the river Euphrates mentioned in Revelation 9 is fulfilled in Revelation 16, river Euphrates. Can you see how we’re starting to get closer to the middle here? Loud voices in the Kingdom of Christ, spoken of in Revelation 11 is fulfilled in Revelation 16:17-21, Loud voices and thunder, saying “It is done”.

It swaps over then and E is now on the inside and on this side. E is basically an explanation of the great controversy. This is where this whole section of the end time starts to make sense. Even though we read the Bible and Revelation included from start to finish, if you don’t understand the signature of God within prophecy, and the crossover of the chiastic style in writing, it won’t make sense.

You see Revelation 11, 19:14-20 speaks about the trials of the righteous, and the woman and her children. This is fulfilled in Revelation 17:1 and 9, all the way up to 19:3, where the unrighteous woman’s defeat is discussed. Her children keep the commandments of God in Revelation 12:17; this is fulfilled in the opposite way, her children are prostitutes in 17:5. Revelation 12:14 speaks about the woman in the desert, Revelation 17:3 speaks about the woman in the desert. The beast with 7 heads and 10 horns is fulfilled, the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns, one exactly pointing to the other. Babylon has fallen, Revelation 14:8; Babylon has fallen, Revelation 18:12.

Look at how the Lord now starts to piece this together. A pointing to A, B pointing to B, C pointing to C, and then this magnificent crossover of D and E. You see how the Lord has put a crossover signature within Scripture. This chiastic style could in no way have been calculated by man. It makes even more sense now why Revelation has such a stern warning. It says;

Revelation 22:18 If any man shall add unto those things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book;

22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

If you were to take one word out of Revelation, the chiasm would no longer make sense. If you were to take a chapter or a verse away, you would destroy the chiasm. This is where the word “X marks the spot” comes from. This is where hidden treasures always drawn on the map, “X marks the spot”; well this comes from Revelation, the chiastic style of writing. X marks the point which we have to look into, the great controversy. How do we understand this conflict on earth that is continued as a continuation of the war that was in heaven? This is also the reason why I’m doing these lectures and travel as I do, speaking whenever I get the opportunity to help people understand not only as the Bible is written through inspiration by God, but today as we live our lives in this rushed world, we can still rely on it. Revelation 1:1 says the following;

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass

You see the Lord gives us information ahead of time so that we can sure of where we are in the stream of time.

Isaiah 46:9-10 I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done.

You see there is none like God. He lives outside the timeline. He’s the only Being in the universe to be able to look past, present and future all at the same time. And then He speaks through His prophets and He says;

Amos 3:7 I will do nothing unless I share it and I speak it to My prophets; My servants are prophets.

There is none like Me declaring the end from the beginning, all before it happens. We’re going to expand on this idea of coming down the chiasm into the great controversy in the next lecture, Revelation’s 777 in contrast to Revelation’s 666. Join me as we come down the one side of the chiasm into the great controversy.

Thank you.

Forerunner speaks on the controversy (amazing personal testimony):

Full Interview with Forerunner:

part 2:

Some TV Spots:

and another:
abc news video

mp3

Scripture reading :

1 Corinthians 3:18      Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Us

Rental? Do our best to keep the place immaculate? Very general, but most will look after other peoples things better than their own. Or when you borrow something from a friend, give back as it was or in better condition. Doesn’t always happen.

Why is this? What about our own things? How well do you look after your car, phone, clothing? If we bought it we tend to look after it as we appreciate how much it cost.

What about something you were given? Friend given ipod destroyed it in less than a year, why,  he had no appreciation for its value. Then again I know people who if they save up for something that they have really been waiting for they will cherish it and look after it so much more. This is very general. Thankfully not everyone is like this.

God

Thankfully God is definitely not like this. God needed to borrow, I am sure he would look after it to the uttermost. The things that are His he looks after, He didn’t just leave the creation after he made it but we are told that “by him all things consist.”(Col 1:17)

Does God respect the gifts that are given to Him?

 The Lord looks with pleasure upon the little children who deny themselves that they may make an offering to Him. He was pleased with the widow who put her two mites into the treasury, because she gave with a willing heart. {Counsels on Stewardship 293.4}

What has God given to us and do we appreciate and respect it?

 Job 33:4                The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

1 John 5:11-12  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

 

Ephesians  4:7    But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

 

Hebrews  10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

 

2 Peter 1:3-4          According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Food, Land, Clothing, Wisdom, Power, Prophecy, The Sabbath…etc

He has truly given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness

 1 Corinthians 3:16-17   Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile(destroys) the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.  (DEFILE, To make unclean; to render foul or dirty;) Strongs – Spoil, ruin, corrupt

1 Corinthians  6:19-20           What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

God has given us everything. But do we treat what He gives us like the gifts that we receive from those around us? Do we destroy the things that he gives us? Or do we glorify God in our bodies??

All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being**. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord’s property. All are called to do service for Him, and for the manner in which they have met this claim, all will be required to render an account at the great judgment day.  {COL 326.1}

 

Since the laws of nature are the laws of God, it is plainly our duty to give these laws careful study. We should study their requirements in regard to our own bodies and conform to them. Ignorance in these things is sin.  {6T 369.1}

 

“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?” “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:15, 19, 20. Our bodies are Christ’s purchased property, and we are not at liberty to do with them as we please. Man has done this. He has treated his body as if its laws had no penalty. Through perverted appetite its organs and powers have become enfeebled, diseased, and crippled. And these results which Satan has brought about by his own specious temptations he uses to taunt God with. He presents before God the human body that Christ has purchased as His property, and what an unsightly representation of his Maker man is! Because man has sinned against his body and has corrupted his ways, God is dishonored.  {6T 369.2}

When men and women are truly converted, they will conscientiously regard the laws of life that God has established in their being, thus seeking to avoid physical, mental, and moral feebleness**. Obedience to these laws must be made a matter of personal duty.

 

We ourselves must suffer+ the ills of violated law. We must answer to God for our habits and practices. Therefore the question for us is not, “What will the world say?” but, “How shall I, claiming to be a Christian, treat the habitation God has given me? Shall I work for my highest temporal and spiritual good by keeping my body as a temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or shall I sacrifice myself to the world’s ideas and practices?”  {6T 369.3}

What is the underlying idea that leads to this mentality. Do what thou wilt without consequence. 

But the beings formed in the image of God fail to honor Him by obeying the laws of nature. By disregarding the laws that govern the human organism, they disqualify themselves for serving God. He sends them warnings to beware how they break His law in breaking the laws of life; but habit is strong, and they will not heed. The days are filled with pain of body and disquietude of mind because they are determined to follow wrong habits and practices. They will not reason from cause to effect, and they sacrifice health, peace, and happiness to their ignorance and selfishness.  {CT 189.3}

 

The wise man addresses the indolent in the words: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8. The habitations that the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders.  {CT 190.1}

 

Solomon points to the industry of the ant as a reproach to those who waste their hours in idleness or in practices that corrupt soul and body. The ant prepares for future seasons; but many gifted with reasoning powers fail to prepare for the future immortal life.   {Counsels to Parents Teachers and Students 190.2}

 

1 Corinthians  6:9-10     Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Those who destroy themselves by their own acts will never have eternal life. They that will continue to abuse the health and life given them of God in this world, would not make a right use of health and immortal life were it granted them in God’s everlasting kingdom. {ApM 27.2}
The practice of secret habits surely destroys the vital forces of the system. All unnecessary vital action will be followed by corresponding depression. Among the young, the vital capital, the brain, is so severely taxed at an early age, that there is a deficiency, and great exhaustion, which leaves the system exposed to disease of various kinds. But the most common of these is consumption. None can live when their vital energies are used up. They must die. God hates everything impure, and his frown is upon all who give themselves up to gradual and sure decay. {ApM 28.1}

 

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” {ApM 29.1}
Those who corrupt their own bodies cannot enjoy the favor of God, until they sincerely repent, make an entire reform, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. None can be Christians and indulge in habits which debilitate the system, and bring on a state of prostration of the vital forces, which end in making a complete wreck of beings formed in the image of God. This moral pollution will certainly bring its reward. The cause must bring the results. Those who profess to be disciples of Christ should be elevated in all their thoughts and acts, and should ever realize that they are fitting for immortality, and that if saved, they must be without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Their Christian character must be without a blemish, or they will be pronounced unfit to be taken to a holy heaven, to dwell with pure, sinless beings in God’s everlasting kingdom. {ApM 29.2}
It is the special work of Satan in these last days to take possession of the minds of youth, to corrupt their thoughts, and inflame their passions, knowing that by thus doing he can lead them to moral pollution, and then all the noble faculties of the mind will become debased, and he can control them to suit his own purposes. All are free moral agents. And as such they must bring their thoughts to run in the right channel. Their meditations should be of that nature which will elevate their minds, and make Jesus and heaven the subjects of their thoughts. Here is a wide field in which the mind can safely range. If Satan seeks to divert the mind from this to low and sensual things, bring it back again, and place it on eternal things; and when the Lord sees the determined effort made to retain only pure thoughts, he will attract the mind, like the magnet, and purify the thoughts, and enable them to cleanse themselves from every secret sin. “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.” The first work for those who would reform, is to purify the imagination. If the mind is led out in a vicious direction, it must be restrained to dwell only upon pure and elevated subjects. When tempted to yield to a corrupt imagination, then flee to the throne of grace and pray for strength from Heaven. In the strength of God the imagination can be restricted to dwell upon things which are pure and heavenly. {ApM 29.3}
Some young persons who have knowledge in the vile practices of the world, seek to awaken the curiosity of other inquisitive minds, and impart to them that secret knowledge which ignorance of would be bliss. They are not content with practising themselves the vice they have learned. They are hurried on by the Devil, to whisper their evil communications to other minds, to corrupt their good manners. And unless the youth have fixed religious principles, they will be corrupted. A heavy penalty will rest upon those who suffered Satan to use them as mediums to lead astray, and corrupt the minds of others. A heavy curse rested upon the Serpent in Eden, because he was the medium Satan used to tempt our first parents to transgress. And whoever yields themselves to subvert others, a heavy curse from God will follow them. And although those who permit themselves to be led astray, and learn vile habits, will suffer for their sin, yet those guilty of instructing them, will also suffer for their own sins, and the sins they led others to commit. It were better for such if they had never been born. {ApM 30.1}
Those who would have that wisdom which is from God, must become fools in the sinful knowledge of this age, in order to be wise. They should shut their eyes that they may see and learn no evil. They should close their ears lest they hear that which is evil, and obtain that knowledge which would stain their purity of thoughts and acts; and guard their tongues lest they utter corrupt communications, and guile be found in their mouths. {ApM 31.1}
All are accountable for their actions while in this world upon probation. All have power to control their actions, if they will. If they are weak in virtue and purity of thoughts, and acts, they can obtain help from the Friend of the helpless. Jesus is acquainted with all the weaknesses of human nature, and if entreated, will give strength to overcome the most powerful temptations. All can obtain this strength if they seek for it in humility. Jesus gives all a blessed invitation who are burdened, and laden with sin, to come to him, the sinner’s friend. “Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” {ApM 31.2}
Here the most inquisitive may safely learn in the school of Christ that which will prove for their present and everlasting good. The uneasy and dissatisfied will here find rest. With their thoughts and affections centered in Christ, they will obtain true wisdom, which will be worth more to them than the richest earthly treasures. {ApM 32.1}
Many professed Christians do not labor perseveringly. They make too little effort, and are not ready and willing to deny self. The prayer of the living Christian will be “to be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding, that they may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness.” “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” {ApM 32.2}
Here is the true knowledge which should be desired, and possessed by every Christian. This knowledge will not lead to ungodliness. It will not break down the constitution, or bring a gloomy cloud over the mind; but will impart substantial joys, and true happiness. This wisdom is divine, and flows ceaselessly from a pure fountain which gives peace, joy and health. {ApM 32.3}
Even many professed Christians seem to have no earnest desire for this heavenly knowledge, and remain in willing ignorance of this divine grace which it is their privilege to obtain. The only safety for the youth is to seek this precious wisdom which will assuredly destroy all desire for corrupt knowledge. And when they have acquired a relish for the pure, calm, satisfying joys of faith and holiness, every feeling of their being will rise in abhorrence to corrupting pleasures. All can choose life if they will. They can resist sin, take pleasure in the ways of righteousness and true holiness, and be rewarded with eternal life in God’s everlasting kingdom. If they choose to corrupt their ways before the Lord, defile their own bodies and commit self-murder, they can do so; but they should remember the judgment is to sit, and the books are to be opened, and they are to be judged out of those things which are written in the books, according to their works. What a fearful, spotted record will be opened before them, of their secret thoughts, and vile acts. Sentence is pronounced upon them, and they are shut out from the city of God, with the ungodly, and miserably perish with the wicked. {ApM 33.1}
Now is the time of preparation. None need to expect that God will do the work of preparing and fitting them up, without their efforts. It is for them to work the works of righteousness, and crowd all the right-doing they can into the little space of time allotted to them before probation closes, that they may have a clean record in Heaven. {ApM 33.2}

1 John  2:15-17         Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Proverbs  3:21-22   My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Luke  13:24          Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Proverbs  3:5-8      Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.       Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Amen

mp3

In the 1940s, the human race hailed the philosophical achievement of eugenics.
In the united states, people were routinely sterilized if they had birth defects, in an attempt to create a race free from disease.  Many atrocities were performed, but none took Darwinism more to its conclusion than Adolf Hitler.  He is often thought of as the epitome of evil… The worst of the worst, yet, even though he killed millions of Jews, and countless others, his methods for the Jews in particular, we’re oddly humane (not all of his methods, but a lot). He would march the people into a gas chamber, having them think they were going for a shower, and gassed them all.

Sure this was killing, and horrible in anyone’s language…

But let’s look at the Catholic Church.  In the 1260 years from 538 AD the Catholic Church, using some of the most horrendous torture methods that were ever invented, persecuted and killed over 100 million people.

But their inspiration was even worse. Their belief is, the being they worship, is currently torturing for eternity billions and billions of people, for the sole reason that they did not love him, or weren’t intellectually convinced of him, or maybe they just liked sin more than him.

Is it any wonder there are atheists? What I will show now, is: the God that came to die for us is not the unjust psychopath presented here, he is just and loving.

It is my purpose to vindicate God from this horrible slander that his professed church has leveled against him.

But there is the annialationism approach taught, that is equally slander.  Justice requires punishment for transgression of the law.

Let’s find out from the bible what actually happens to the wicked:

When Does Hell start?

In the bible there are many different references to Hell in which it cannot be disputed, the wicked will gain a punishment.  They will not get a one size fits all, torture chamber, rather they will be punished according to their works:

Revelation 18:5-6 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

 

Revelation 20:13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

So clearly someone who is a false teacher, or Hitler, will have far greater works to be punished for, than some hedonistic teenager who dies in a car accident.  They will be judged according to their works.

And 2. people are in hell before they are judged!

So is the. Punishment immediate?

So what then? Are their different stages of Hell as per Catholic doctrine.  No.

We will now clarify the final punishment of the wicked, so everyone is clear about where people go after the punishment.

Obadiah 1:15-16 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.
For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

And This one:

Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

 

2 Thessalonians 1:9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

So what is everlasting?  The destruction.

Luke 3:17  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

The chaff (the wicked) will be burned like chaff.   If anyone has seen a fire on a wheat field, there are two things that stand out.  1.  The fire is impossible to put out and 2. There is absolutely nothing left of the chaff.

Malachi 4:1  For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Again a reference to stubble, which burns rapidly and intensely and then becomes smoke, and becomes a part of the atmosphere.  Which brings to the next text that is commonly used to prove hell is a place of everlasting torment.

Revelation 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

To understand this text we must break it up into two parts.
1. The smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever
What does this mean?  To fully understand this, we need to understand the line up of prophecy… which is likely where most people go wrong.  With out a proper understanding of prophecy, this is a perplexing text even to people who don’t believe hell is biblical (based on the above texts).

First we will start at Isaiah 65

Isa 65:19-22 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Wait… does this mean there is death in heaven?
Clearly not.  So what is happening here?

Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

 

Revelation 20:7-9 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

So Satan is in the “bottomless pit” for 1000 years, but where are the saints at this time?

Revelation  20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

So after the 1000 years Satan goes to deceive the nations.  But aren’t they dead already?  The key is the next verse:

Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.

So the wicked are raised after the 1000 years, and Satan is loosed to deceive them for a “little season”.  But how long is a little season?

A normal season on earth is 90 days according to the biblical understanding of a year which is 360 days.  360 divide by 4 = 90.

So a little season is less than 90 days. Prophetically 1 day = 1 year (if you don’t agree with this, bear with me, I will do up a study on this also).

Now if we return to Isaiah 65 it says “for the child shall die an hundred years old”
How old is a child?  A child is between 8-12 years old according to a biblical understanding (before that is an infant, after that it is a man).  So if the child shall die at 100 years old, what killed them?

Revelation 20:9 … and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

So the time these Children were alive is between 100-8 and 100-12 years which is between 88 and 92 years.  Which correlates with the “little season” talked about in Revelation 20.

So in summary.  When Christ returns the first time, the believers are resurrected, and are taken up to meet Christ in the clouds.  These are with Christ in heaven for 1000 years (be it literal or day for year, it isn’t particularly relevant, as it is a very long time).   During this time, Satan is bound on earth.  After the 1000 years is up, the wicked are raised, and Satan is loosed to deceive them into taking the New Jerusalem, which is lowered after the 1000 years:

So what does this have to do with hell?

Well, the wicked people are tormented day and night for a long period of time (around 90 years), and the smoke of their torment (the smoke not the torment itself) goes up forever and ever.  And then

Revelation 20:9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

When you devour your food, does it remain?  The molecules do sure, but the food itself is gone.  This is when the torment ceases and the death and hell are cast into the lake of fire.  And what does fire do? It consumes them up, and they cease to exist.

So I’m guessing you are beginning to see that there is more to this hell question than just a few misunderstood words.

So far hell can’t be everlasting torment because:

1.  The dead know nothing
2.  The wicked will be as though they had never been
3.  The wicked are often called “chaff” or “straw” which burns up completely.
4. All mentions of the wicked being tormented are accounted for by the 90 years after the 1000 years mentioned in revelation.  Even if you don’t accept the 90 years, clearly there is a “little season” or period of time where the wicked are deceived.

The Different Words Translated Hell?

In the old testament, there is only one word translated hell:

H7585
שׁאל שׁאול
she’ôl she’ôl
sheh-ole’, sheh-ole’
From H7592; hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranian retreat), including its accessories and inmates: – grave, hell, pit.

Psalms 16:10-11 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

So, David is saying that God is going to send him to hell, but he won’t leave him there.

Proverbs 9:18  But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

The Dead are guests in hell.  If you move into a house that you own, are you a guest?  What if you were to rent a place, are you a guest? No you are a resident.  If hell was a place where people were burned continually, then wouldn’t it say, her “permanent residents” or simply “residents” are in the depths of hell.

So What about New Testament words for hell:

G1067
γέεννα
geenna
gheh’-en-nah
Of Hebrew origin ([H1516] and [H2011]); valley of (the son of) Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: – hell.

Mark 9:44-46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

 

Isaiah 66:22-24 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

This is again talking about the time after the 1000 years when the wicked are still alive, before they are destroyed.  There are also a number of texts using this word, that are just meaning the grave or the place were they dump the bodies in Jerusalem called “Gehenna”.

G86

ᾅδης
hadēs
hah’-dace
From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492; properly unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls: – grave, hell.

The translation of this word is clear.  It simply means the grave.

G5020
ταρταρόω
tartaroō
tar-tar-o’-o
From Τάρταρος Tartaros̄ (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: – cast down to hell.

2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

So where are the angels actually held?

Psalms 78:47-49 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.  He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

 

Mat 8:29-32 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

So where is hell then?  If the evil angels are in “tarturous” or “the deep abyss”, and they are actually on earth… what does that mean about this word translated hell?  It means the earth.  The earth is also where satan is also said to be bound for 1000 years.

So what are the consequences of this belief system?

Many Christians say that if their wasn’t hell, then people would have no reason to turn from sin.  To this I say, God knows better than anyone that a carrot leading a donkey is better than a cattle prod.  Fear creates robots.  If God wanted to instill fear in his believers, he would simply wipe out Satan and the fallen angels, without ever wasting his time trying to fix the problem in heaven.  Then the angels would truly fear him, and he would never be questioned.  However, he would never be loved either, and God is love, so that would not be something he would desire.

Besides that, for whatever human reason with think hell is great, the bible does not teach the “worse than Hitler  God that so many Christian’s love.  And praise the Lord for that.

So who will live in everlasting fire?  Would is surprise you to know it is the good, not the wicked:

Isaiah 33:14-15 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?  He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

So where did the common understanding of hell come from?

The same place the Sunday Sabbath came from.  The pagan cults in the time of Constantine, which previously got it from the Egyptian concept of “the underworld”.

But where did they get it from.  One place:

Gen 3:4-6 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The claim of most Christian churches is, that we will not die, we will infact live for ever, regardless of which road we choose:

2 Timothy 1:10  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

 

1 Corinthians 15:54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

And what is the penalty for sin?  ”immortality”?  No, clearly not:

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is one last thing that is often over looked.

For that matter, how do the just receive immortality?  The same way Adam and Eve did:

Genesis 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

So why was God so protective of the tree of life once Adam and Eve sinned?

Revelation 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

So if the just need the tree of life to live forever… then what is sustaining the wicked in hell?  Absolutely nothing, because after the 90 years, hell ceases to exist.  It is swallowed up:

1 Corinthians 15:53-58 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

So next time an Atheist ask you “how can a loving God torment people forever and ever in hell”, your answer can be “he doesn’t”. A brother in our church is here in part because of that answer.

Amen.

For more study on this topic (to clarify the concept of everlasting burning):
2012-06-02- Paul Godfrey – Hell Fire – mp3 - youtube (full sermon)
Paul Godfrey – Everlasting Fire – youtube (10 minute video) 

1. Whom did John see in vision singing the song of victory on the sea of glass mixed with fire?

Revelation 15:2, 3 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 14:1-3 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

2. What kind of war will the beast and its image wage against the 144,000?

Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

“The warfare against God’s law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every character will be fully developed; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty or that of rebellion.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 763.

“Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts.” –(MS 122, 1901) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1118.

SATAN’S CHALLENGE TO GOD’S LAW

3. Wanting to be equal with God, how did Satan challenge the Creator’s authority? How did Satan entice men to rebel against God?

Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Proverbs 28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

“From the first the great controversy had been upon the law of God. Satan had sought to prove that God was unjust, that His law was faulty, and that the good of the universe required it to be changed. In attacking the law he aimed to overthrow the authority of its Author.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 69.

“The detector of error having been removed, Satan worked according to his will. Prophecy had declared that the papacy was to ‘think to change times and laws.’ Daniel 7:25. This work it was not slow to attempt….

“Only by changing God’s law could the papacy exalt itself above God….” –The Great Controversy, pp. 51, 52, 446.

4. Although it is written that God’s law is not grievous, what is the constant deception of Satan?

Psalm 119:92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Proverbs 28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

“Satan had claimed that it was impossible for man to obey God’s commandments; and in our own strength it is true that we cannot obey them. But Christ came in the form of humanity, and by His perfect obedience He proved that humanity and divinity combined can obey every one of God’s precepts.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 314.

“In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 761.

5. Who in His life and teaching exposed this deception?

John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

“ ‘The prince of this world cometh,’ said Jesus, ‘and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 123.

“This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.’ Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God ‘was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.’ Sin is defined to be ‘the transgression of the law.’ 1 John 3:5, 4. But Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. He said of Himself, ‘I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.’ Psalm 40:8. When on earth, He said to His disciples, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments.’ John 15:10. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 311, 312.

CHRIST’S INCARNATION

6. What nature did Christ take when He came to this earth to save human beings? How did He prove that man can also keep the law?

John 1:14, first part And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us….

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

Hebrews 2:14, first part Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;…

“In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam’s failure. But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. He was surrounded with the glories of Eden, and was in daily communion with heavenly beings. It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan. For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity….

“Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam’s position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 117.

7. Why was it necessary for Christ to become man?

Hebrews 2:14, last part … That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

“Satan represents God’s law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts. The fall of our first parents, with all the woe that has resulted, he charges upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin, and suffering, and death. Jesus was to unveil this deception. As one of us He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences. ‘In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren.’ Hebrews 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was ‘in all points tempted like as we are.’ Hebrews 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God…. As He went about doing good, and healing all who were afflicted by Satan, He made plain to men the character of God’s law and the nature of His service. His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 24.

PERFECT EVIDENCE

8. Who will testify that the victory of Christ in human nature is evidence that one can perfectly obey God’s law?

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 15:2, 3 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

“But not so when the great controversy shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemption having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God’s love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 764.

“None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through cooperation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory….

“ ‘I saw … them that had gotten the victory … stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.’ Revelation 15:2, 3.” –The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 531, 589.

youtube, the rest of the series is here,
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mp3 - 1, 2

Part 1 of 9

Who is God? This is a question that has been plaguing mankind for eons.  Who is He?  How do we know Him?  How do we identify Him?  Is there such a thing as a God?  Is it as the New Age mentions or a universal energy or a collective conscious?  This is the question we’re going to be asking and answering today and we’re going to be challenging a God, the God.  God, we sing, who are you?  If you are there, come through, identify yourself and show us who you are.  Prove to us that you are God.

You see today in the world there are many, many gods available.  You’ve got the New Age Maitreya.  You’ve also got the Cosmic Christ, the Christ.  You’ve got – some people worship Lucifer, that’s their God.  You’ve got the Universal Energy.  You’ve got Buddha.  You’ve got Shiva for the Hindus.  You’ve got Allah for the Muslims.  You’ve got Jesus Christ, who is also God supposedly.  Who is God?  How do we know who He is?  Are they all the same thing? That’s what I used to believe.  How does it work?  Are Allah and Buddha and Shiva, the people that worship them worshipping the same as what we worship when we worship Jesus Christ just in a different form?  Well, this is a very difficult question and we’re going to have to get to the bottom of this before we can continue with the rest of the lectures.  That is the question today.  Who is God?

Jesus Christ said some pretty interesting things.  In fact, I call them arrogant.  In Exodus 34:14 there’s a reference to the God of the Israelites or the God of the Bible;

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, … is a jealous God.  

Deuteronomy 5:9 Thou shalt not bow thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.

So an identifying characteristic of the God of the Bible is what they call monotheism.  Where pagan religions have polytheisms – multiple gods, the Monastic religions have one God and he claims to be the one and only true God.

Jesus Himself said in John 6:38 said;

John 6:38  For I came down from heaven.

That’s not something I could say or something you could say, so this is where Jesus starts to assert His authority.

John 18:36 My kingdom is not of this world.

Again, something that can only be claimed by somebody that is not of this world.  In other words, somebody that’s got a certain element of supernaturalism to Him.

I remember reading about when speaking about Jesus, Peter and John said;

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – English Standard Version

No one else?  So, if I’m a Muslim can I not be saved through Allah?  This is a very, very hard subject. If this is true; Acts 8:42 No other name under heaven: then what about the Hindus who worship Shiva as one of their gods?  Jesus said;

John 14:6 … I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

That is a powerful statement.  That is calling yourself I am it.  No other way except through me.  Jesus is then claiming to be the only channel.  If this is a possibility, there are only two options.  Either He’s being arrogant or it’s the truth.  The reason why we have to look into this is we have to ask the question, Is Jesus Christ really the only savior? Why is this an important question?  Think about for a moment you’re running a marathon or you are watching the Tour de France which is on … I was thinking to myself this is a perfect example.  You’ve got the winner of the Tour de France claiming victory over the Tour de France, a cycle race or a marathon.

Question: If you have one winner how many other winners can there be?  If there’s one winner the others are by default false winners or losers, right?  So if there’s one true God, then, this is the hard part, by default all the other gods become false gods.  If you were to ask Jesus Christ the question, “Excuse me, sir, are you the God or are you God? Are you Christ the God? And if you are God then prove to us that you are God because if you’re going to be able to do that that means I have to come from my other religion into serving Jesus Christ because there is no other name under heaven by which man can be saved.  This is a very difficult discussion and we’re going to have to go into some pretty, pretty strong information to convince us of this subject.  The Bible gives us three solutions to this problem.  When I say the Bible the third solution is extra biblical, in other words, outside the Bible.  So we’ll take two from the Bible and then we’ll check and compare what the Bible says versus what science says.  Let’s look at the three options:

1)      Prophecy

2)      Time prophecy

3)      Science

1.     Prophecy

The first solution has to do with prophecy. Now why is prophecy so important?  Well, think about this concept for a moment. You and I live inside the time line. In other words we cannot see into the future from where we are at the moment but if you are God it means that you must live outside the timeline and you can see past, present and future all at the same time. Therefore you can tell someone something that will happen in future. That proves that you live outside the timeline – that automatically proves that you are God. All the other gods need to be able to do the same if they are truly gods.

Example: David who was writing psalms approximately a thousand years before Christ was born said the following;

Psalms: 22:1 …My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? …

I’d like to use the word risk because what the Psalmist is saying is; when God is on earth He will be saying the following words. Can you imagine taking the risk of trying to predict what someone will be saying? It was fulfilled a thousand years later in Matthew 27:46;

Matthew 27:46 …My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? – A thousand years later a fulfillment of those exact words

Psalms 33:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

It was written a thousand years before Christ, fulfilled in John 19:33

John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they broke not his legs:

This is interesting and we’ll be getting into that a bit later in this lecture where we’ll look at the Passover lamb. What happened here is that when people were crucified they were crucified on a Friday afternoon where from Friday evening to Saturday evening being the Sabbath they had to crucify people before the Sabbath and they weren’t allowed to work with these people on the Sabbath because the Sabbath was a day of rest. If a person was alive on the cross as they entered the Sabbath he might have 24 hours in which he could wriggle himself off the cross. So, if you were alive at the start of the Sabbath, somebody would come around with a big club and would break the knee cups of the people that had been crucified, that way causing them to suffocate as they hang on the cross, their lungs being crushed together. Obviously they wouldn’t be able to climb off the cross. This was predicted a thousand years before Jesus was crucified and at His crucifixion when they came to Him according to John 19:33. They saw that He was dead already and broke not His legs. Isn’t that amazing?

Psalm 41:9 …mine own familiar friend, …which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

People often think that it is only about Jesus Christ that certain prophecies were made. That is not the case. Even Judas had prophecies. There was a prophecy about Judas and guess what? It was fulfilled a thousand years later.

John 13:18 He that eaten bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

This was a perfect fulfillment. Three prophecies over a thousand years apart were fulfilled. Isaiah lived approximately 700 years before the birth of Christ and he wrote;

Isaiah 7:14 Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Here the bible is describing not only will we be able to predict what he will say, we’ll also be able to predict what His name will be.

Part 2 of 9

That’s a risk if you are inside the timeline.  If you’re outside the timeline it’s quite easy to see what His name will be and give that same information to somebody else along the timeline.  Matthew 1:23 explains that this was fulfilled in perfect accordance to the prophecy.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

God in the Bible has many names. He’s known as Yahweh; He’s known as Yeshua, Jesus, Emmanuel, each one identifying certain characteristics of that person.  In the Bible a name is a representation of the characteristics or the character of a certain individual like Jacob. That name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with the angel and overcame he became known as The Overcomer.  Micah, who also lived as a prophet 725 years before Christ wrote;

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, … yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; . . .

This is very specific, even pinpointing which Bethlehem Jesus will be born in.  This is fulfilled 700 odd years later.

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, …

A perfect fulfillment of prophecy.  One more, let’s try one more. Zechariah, 520 years approximately before the birth of Christ, he said … listen to this, if this is not phenomenal then I don’t know what is.

Zechariah 9:9 … O daughter of Zion; … behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is … lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

So I’m going to tell you what BMW he’s going to be in.  It’s not just going to be a green BMW.  It’s going to have a CD or MP3 player with leather seats.  That’s what Zachariah is doing here.  He’s able to even predict that the means of transport for Jesus is not only going to be not only an ass but the colt, the foal of an ass.  And guess what, perfect fulfillment.  Isn’t that incredible?

Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

Wonderful!  The place of Jesus’ birth was predicted.  The manner of His birth was predicted.  His betrayal was predicted.  The manner of His death was predicted and, guess what, every single one was fulfilled.  This is where God starts to put his foot on the accelerator and accelerate away from other gods.  He starts to prove himself to be the true God.

Historical Proofs

It’s all good and well that we look into the Bible and we say, “Well, the Bible proves the Bible, but we have to look outside the Bible and take an objective perspective on this.  Does the Bible stand when comparing it to history or science or archeology, et cetera?  So we look into history and we say does history confirm what the Bible says about Jesus Christ?  Well, Tacitus, who was a Roman historian around 115 Ana Domanais, he was speaking about Nero’s persecution.  Nero was an emperor who persecuted the Christians in a terrible way and he was speaking about those persecutions of the Christian in about A.D. 46, 46 years after the birth of Christ.

This historian wrote, “Christus, from whom their name is derived, the Christians, was executed at the hands of the procurator Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius,” history, pure secular history, proving that the Bible is accurate.  Another one, a guy by the name of Suetonius who was a Roman historian of the same period, he speaks about a guy named Chrestus.

“Since the Jews were continually making disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, Claudius expelled them from Rome.”  Suetonius – Roman historian AD 120

Again these were – this was the Commandment Jesus says go back into the lost house of Israel.  History determines and specifically acknowledges that this was the case that people were going back in and then even Claudius had to keep them out of Rome.  For some people that’s not enough and it certainly wasn’t enough for me.  So what?  Maybe that historian had his finger in the pie as well.  How do we know that this is actually true?  One of the questions which is often raised is Pontius Pilate.  You can prove Jesus, you can prove everything but Pontius Pilate never existed.  This is a claim especially put together by atheists.  And the Lord had this one covered as well because in 1961 they uncovered this block of stone and on it was an inscription which says, “Tiberius Pontius Prefective Judea”.  Written in stone was the name of the Prefect of Judea. This discovery proved beyond any doubt to shut up the critics about the biblical accuracy and the historic accuracy of the whole event surrounding Jesus Christ.  One time it wiped out all the discontent or maybe not the discontent but it certainly wiped out any preconceived ideas of trying to prove that Jesus wasn’t God.  There it was written in stone not by the biblical scholars but by history.

 2.       Time Prophecy

I’m specifically focusing on time prophecy because there’s a big difference between prophecy and time prophecy. Prophecy is a vast subject in itself but it’s the ability to stand outside the timeline and be able to say, “Well, over there so and so is going to happen so I’m going to give so and so that information over here so that they can predict it.”  But when you go to time prophecy the Lord changes gears and says, “Bomb!”  Let’s go to the next gear and prove that I am God.  Not only does he predict ahead of time that certain things are going to take place but now He tells us when they’re going to take place.

The question is raised while Daniel is in vision

Daniel 8:13 … How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

This is the question that is raised in Daniel’s heart.  The interesting thing to notice is that when you’re reading the King James Version Bible there are certain words in italic.  Those words were not in the translation.  So this would read, “How long the vision, the daily” meaning when they’ve added the words in to make sense for us.  It now reads, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily and what happened daily was the sacrifice and the transgression of desolation.  This is the question raised.

Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed. 

So what?  I hear people tell me, so what, two thousand three hundred days.  What does that mean?  Well, what it means is that the Lord has given us a period of two thousand three hundred days. Bomb!  Out of the timeline from start to finish two thousand three hundred days something special will happen in that period of time.  We don’t know when it starts, we don’t know when it ends.  We just know there is a period.  Now the question is in Verse 17, he then says:

Daniel 8:17 … he said unto me, understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

So don’t worry too much about understanding this at the moment just know that right at the end of time, where I believe we are at the moment, this prophecy of the two thousand three hundred days is going to come into full, flourishing fulfillment at the end of time.  So Daniel 9:24 says a wonderful thing.  It says, take that two thousand three hundred days and do something with it.

Daniel 9:24  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Wow!  Let’s stop for a second.  Two thousand three hundred days has been given to the prophet.  Out of that is a period of seventy weeks, right?  And that seventy weeks has to do with two things, thy people and thy holy city.  It then says to finish transgression make an end to sin and make conciliation for iniquity. According to Christianity today the only person who could have done that would be Jesus Christ.  So this seventy week prophecy has somehow to do with Jesus Christ.  Well, let’s look at it.

I just want to stop for a second and bring to mind an experience that I had when I was watching television a while ago.  I was watching one of the Christian channels and on this channel was Pastor Benny Hinn and there he had an interview with some of his pastors on the Isle of Patmos.  We’ll be going into Benn Hinn in a later lecture.  But he had his pastors around him and they were busy reading the revelation of Jesus Christ on the Isle of Patmos which is where John wrote the revelation of Jesus Christ, he penned it down.  And they awed that he was reading and he wrote about how the dragon with the tail of the dragon sweeping one-third of the stars out of heaven and his pastor said to him, “Pastor Hinn, Pastor Hinn, tell us what are those stars

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that are falling from heaven?”  And Benny Hinn said, “Those stars are the nuclear bombs that are going to fall on America.”  And I thought to myself, “Wow”, he obviously hasn’t read 2 Peter 1:20. Because 2 Peter 1 explicitly tells us in no uncertain terms:

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.

No prophecy is of any private interpretation.  You can’t get around this.  Don’t do it because it’s not for you to interpret.  When the Bible speaks in prophetic language the Bible has to tell us how to unlock prophecy.  That’s what the next lecture is about, understanding prophecy, the structure of prophecy.  How do we work through it.  We’ll get into that in the next lecture.  But just know that what was written about a thousand years before Christ has to mean the same thing two thousand years after Christ and I don’t think that at the time of Christ or just after Christ they had nuclear bombs.  So when he speaks about the stars from heaven at that time it has to mean the same as the stars from heaven in our time.  That’s why it cannot be interpreted in any private interpretation.  So the Bible says when you’re discussing prophecy and you’re specifically referring to time prophecy take each day that I give you and turn it into a year.

Ezekiel 4:6 I have appointed thee each day for a year.  This is confirmed then in

Numbers 14:34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

So when I’m speaking prophetic language I’m going to have the same wording as years but I’m going to use the word days.  So this is one of the keys to unlock prophecy – bible unlocking the bible.  Now, if the prophetic scale is one prophetic day equals one real year then one prophetic week equals seven physical, literal years.  So seventy weeks are determined upon two things, thy people and thy holy city.  So seventy weeks times seven days comes to four hundred ninety days.  You take one day for a year, one day for one year, so four hundred ninety days equals obviously four hundred ninety years. Now have I said that?  No.  The Bible has told us how to unlock prophecy in the Bible.  Here’s a period of two thousand three hundred days which later on we’ll work in a later lecture how that’s two thousand three hundred, one day equals one year, so that’s two thousand three hundred years.  Of that take four hundred ninety years for something specific to happen to thy people and thy holy city.  This has got to do with the Jews, Jerusalem and Jesus Christ.  A very sad truth is that the Jewish hierarchy didn’t really like the prediction of this Messiah because it blatantly shows some characteristics around who he is, where he is, when he is and when he’s going to come.  So what they did in the Talmudic Law, page 978, Section 2. Line 28, go and have a look at it.  There is what’s called the Rabbinic Curse.  It states the following:

“May the bones of the hands and the bones of the fingers decay and decompose, of him who turns the pages of the book of Daniel, to find out the time of Daniel 9:24-27.  These people don’t want you to read Daniel 9:24-27, “and may his memory rot from off the face of the earth forever.” – Rabbinic Curse

I remember reading a story about a gentleman who was lying in a hospital, a Jewish scholar, maybe not a scholar but a certain devout and he was fully aware of his blockage from reading Daniel 9:24.  He had a Bible next to his bed which he opened up and he was reading through his Bible and he was getting more and more nervous the closer he got to 9:24, Daniel 9:24.  And as he got there he closed the Bible and he said to himself ‘why can’t I read this?’ and he battled with it for some time and eventually thought I’m going to read this.  You know what it says?  Let’s have a look at it.

Daniel 9:25:  Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.

This man lying in the hospital bed got such a fright that he dropped the Bible.  The Old Testament, the scriptures is a holy book for the Jewish people and for him drop or throw the Bible, to drop it even is not something you want to do.  He got such a fright.  He said, “But this a prediction about the coming of the Messiah.  And then he went further and read it and he’s writing saying his life has been changed forever.

Daniel 9:25 says, Seven weeks and threescore and two weeks.  You’ve got two thousand three hundred days and out of that you’ve got seventy weeks.  And out of that you’ve got seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.  You see, threescore and two, all that means is sixty-two.  So let’s look at it.  Seven weeks equals forty-nine days.  You take one day for a year in prophecy so that’s forty-nine years; sixty-two weeks is four hundred thirty-four days, if you work it out.  Take one day for a year which equals four hundred thirty-four years.  So here’s two periods inside that four hundred ninety year period where the Lord says take the forty-nine years for something and take about four hundred thirty-four years for something.  So we still are not sure where it starts and where it ends but in Daniel 9:25 it gives you a specific command.  It says, “From the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and to the Messiah, the Prince.  So from there to there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.  Now it doesn’t take rocket science to go and check up whether this is fact or not. Wikipedica which is a free encyclopedia on the internet.  You can go and check it if you want to and I suggest you do.  You got to have a look in the – 450 is before Christ and you’ll see:

457 BC -  the Decree of Artaxerxes I to re-establish the city government of Jerusalem. 

Just pure historical fact.  When did the re-establishment of the city government and the restoration of Jerusalem take place?  When did it start?  In other words, when did the comrades or when did the comrades marathon start?  When did the race start?  When the trigger was pulled and that happened in 457 BC., plus forty-nine years plus 434 years.  This is going to be an interesting calculation.  So we’ve got the starting date of 457 BC and that is the starting gun of this race.  Artaxerxes, King of Persia, issues the decreed to restore Jerusalem in 457 BC.  Bam!  There you go.  You add it up, 457 plus 434 pus 49 years, considering that there’s no zero year because you’ve got minus 4, minus 3, minus 2, minus 1, one, two, three.  You count through the date of 27 AD. When you’re looking at the word Messiah because it says it will be such a period of time until Messiah the Prince.  The word Messiah means anointed one.  Would you dare to ask the question in which year was Jesus anointed or baptized, it’s just another word?  Would you like to guess which year He was baptized?  Let’s go and have a look at which year it was.

Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, 21 when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Which year did this take place?  According to Luke, the fifteenth year of reign of Tiberius.  And going to history to check which was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius?  27 AD. Wow!  Just the concept of this is phenomenal.  God isn’t only predicting what’s going to happen, He’s going to tell us when it’s going to happen.  If calculated, this prophecy would destroy Judaism.  Why?  Because what happens is the Jewish people are still waiting for their messiah, and if they had access to this prophecy they would realize that Jesus was the Messiah.  That’s what it’s there for.  That’s why Paul wrote:

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.

Question:  What fullness of time?  It’s said again in

Mark 1:15 And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Which fullness of time?  Obviously the fullness of time that’s spoken about in the Old Testament here.

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In the old testament in Daniel. Paul knew it, the writers of the Gospel knew it. 7 weeks and 62 weeks, threescore and 2 weeks. Initially we said 70 weeks right? Now he’s given us 7 weeks and 62 weeks. You add those together you get 69 weeks. We’re missing 1 week. See that we’re missing a week. What about the 70^th week. Well, the Lord doesn’t leave anything to chance.

Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. 27 and he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week: But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.

Here the Lord explains after that 69^th week there’s something is that is going to happen. He’s will be cut off but it’s not for himself. He’s going to die, He’s going to be shut down not for Himself and He will confirm a covenant with many for that one week and in the middle of that week He’ll bring an end to sacrifice and offering. Obviously in the Old Testament you had to bring a sacrifice and you had to slaughter your lamb etcetera to receive forgiveness and He’s going to bring an end to that in the middle of that 70^th week. How many days are there in a week? Obviously there are 7. So the half of 7 would be 3 and a half right? 3 and half years from the autumn of 27AD, you add on 3 and half years you come automatically to the spring of 31AD. What do you think happened in the spring of 31AD? What do you do you want to risk it? Well let’s have a look.

C. Mervyn Maxwell writes: [Jesus’ crucifixion] occurred three and a half years after His baptism, that is to say in the spring of AD 31.

Unbelievable to 100% perfection the fulfillment of these prophecies are taking place. The 70 week prophecy started in 457 BC. Jesus was baptized in 27 AD, He was crucified in 31 AD in the middle of the 3 and a half years. What about the end of the 3 and a half years after that? That’s approximately 34 AD what happened. You can’t leave it at 69 and a half weeks. It’s got to be at 100% fulfilled.

Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Jesus is telling His disciples to do what? He says I’m going to give you a commission to take this out into the world, this truth about Jesus Christ but first I want you to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. So go back into Judaism, go back into Israel and tell them about this truth. So Act 6:8-10 tells us the following story.

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among people. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

This is exactly the problem. According to the command of Jesus Christ they went back into Israel and the people were loving this truth. They were absolutely gobbling it up.

Act 7:58 And they cast him out of the city and stoned him: 

They stoned Stephen for preaching the Gospel and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet whose name was Saul. This is where the whole story takes a fantastic turn. Stephen is preaching back in the house of Israel in the Jewish nation and according to the commandment of God. Then they kill him. The people who were throwing the stones have to take off their jackets because they don’t want to get dusty and they lie their jackets down at the feet of the guy who’s persecuting the new Christians and his name was Saul. So here you have this interesting occurrence. Saul was consenting unto his death unto the stoning of Stephen and at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.

Acts 8:1 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women and committed them to prison.

The men who hated the church and persecuted them he’s holding on to the clothes of the people that are stoning Stephen.

Acts 8:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined around him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecute thou me? 5 And he said who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus who thou persecutes…

This was a bit of a turnaround moment in Saul’s life. Just like I had that in my life, this was his moment. Here he is. he’s just held on to the clothes of the people that stoned Stephen and now the Lord comes and stops him and  says why are you persecuting me?

Act 9:6 and he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, arise and go into the city and it shall be to told thee what thou must do.

One of the most important things today in Christianity is that people believed they receive commissions from God. Benny Hinn is another example. He said I saw God, that God told me what to do. Well God doesn’t work like that.

Acts 9:6 is a perfect example. Here Saul is in communication with God. God is speaking to him and he says God what do you want me to do, what do you want me to do? And God doesn’t say well I want you to go here and I want you to do that and I want you to do this. He says I tell you what go into the city and there in my church they will tell you what to do. God always works through His church. He always works through His church. Never does He work directly with an individual and when it comes to accepting a responsibility or a ministry. The submission to the church was the first thing that Saul had to do was to admit that those he had persecuted was those he had to work with. God never works outside His own structures. That is a very important point.

Acts 9:17 and Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 and immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

This is how the Lord works. He’ll stop you as He did with me but He’ll then send you to His system. He puts a system in place and He expects you to submit to the authority of that system and then accept your commission through that system. Because God is working inside that system and it felt like it had been scales from Saul’s eyes. Physical scales but also spiritual scales. He started to see things that he previously spiritually couldn’t have seen before. So mercy lingered with the Jews until they only not rejected Jesus Christ they crucified Christ AD 31 but not only did they reject Him they also rejected His followers and Stephen was stoned in AD 34. That was a perfect fulfillment of the 70 week prophecy, from 457 BC to 27 AD to 31 AD to 34 AD. 490 years have been cut off for thy people and thy city. Isn’t that incredible? Depicting the Messiah that’s going to come to save the last house of Israel 100% fulfillment according to the word of God. The sad part is that Luke 19 explains in verse 41-44;

Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,  42 saying, … 44 thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

It is a very sad story. Thou knewest not the time. I’ve given you everything you need to know. I’ve given you all the information you need to have. Not only must you look for signs of the end time but I’ve even given you … when I was going to be alive. The house of Israel I’ve given you prophecies to predict when I’m coming. According to the prophecies of Daniel, God’s covenant with the Jews ceased in 34 AD. This is a very difficult subject to discuss with a Jewish person because clinically this is what it says;

Matthew 23:38 Behold, your house is left to you what desolate.

Question: How much is left when something is desolate? This is a very hard message. The lost house of Israel

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of Israel where disciples had been sent back into was now left desolate as the gospel was turned to the gentiles.

Acts 13:46 … It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, … lo, we turn to the gentiles. 46 that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

This message was rejected by Israel, will now go to the gentiles. It wasn’t for this one statement in the bible I certainly couldn’t be preaching this gospel today.

The Rite of Circumcision

Galatians 6:15-16 speaks about the rite of circumcision because up to that point in time circumcision had been the requirement to become part of the house of Israel.

Galatians 6:15 [For in Christ Jesus] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything: what counts is a new creation.

New rules apply to the situation. Everything was fulfilled to absolute perfection. Both prophecy and time prophecy have been given to us to prove to us that Jesus is God.

 3.     Science

Is it possible that science can prove that Jesus is God? Is there a possibility? Some skeptics have suggested that the prophecies of Jesus were accepted coincidentally or were accidentally fulfilled by Jesus. [0:01:44] Evidence that demons are verdict by Josh Magdile has calculated what they call the science of probability. What is the chance of this happening? It is like working out your chances of winning a lottery. According to the science – this is a scientific mathematical calculations – the science of probability, the chance of any one human being up until the present fulfilling the selection of just eight of these prophecies. From then to today that we are on now including the one on the cross, one person to fulfill only eight prophecies is 1 x 10¹⁷. I don’t know if you know how big that is but have a look at that number; it is 1 with so many zeros behind it. They go a step further and say: What about the possibility of 48 prophecies? What would be the scientific calculations of somebody by chance fulfilling 48 of his prophecies? They work it out to 1×10¹⁵⁷ – that is 1 with so many zeros. To put this into context the scientists calculate that if you were to take all the furniture in your living room and put it together into a big bowl, then you take your car and the rest of your house and put it into a big bowl. Then you take all the houses in your neighborhood and you squeeze it into the bowl, then you take your city and you put it into the bowl. Then you take the continent and squeeze it into the bowl as well, you take the earth and squeeze it in there. Then you take all the planets; Satan, mars, Venus etc and squeeze them into the ball. Then you take the outer planets, the galaxies and squeeze them into a big ball, and then you take the entire universe and you squeeze it into the bowl. The weight of it would be approximately 1×10⁸⁰. How big is 1×10¹⁵⁷? This is like billions and billions of universes, the chance of this happening. I decided to go and do an elementary study and a strong exhaustive concordance to try and figure out how many messianic prophecies of predictions are there, specifically the messianic prophecies revolving around Jesus Christ or referring to Jesus Christ. There you have them throughout the bible. Eight prophecies in Genesis, three in Exodus, one in Leviticus, thirty four in Isaiah etc. I calculated 115 messianic prophecies. If 48 made 1×10¹⁵⁷ how many would 115 messianic prophecies take? Guess what! There are 115 foretold and 115 fulfilled. Incredible!

There are three solutions that are given to us about who is God. This is the question we are asking. Who is God? Prove to us that you are God. Jesus Christ in His word gives us three solutions; Prophecies, time prophecies and statistics/science. Prophecy proves that Jesus is God because He lives outside the timeline. Time prophecy double proves that because not only does He live outside the timeline He knows the dates and He tells you when certain things will happen. Time prophecy proves that Jesus is God. Science also proves that Jesus is God. There is no other God that has got prophecies like Jesus Christ.

I have been through Buddhist manuals, I have been through the ways of living and trying to get to Navanah, all the Buddhist’s manuals are ways to live. There is no prophecy in there. Go to Islamic documents. They are not prophetic. None of the other gods; Shiva, Metraiya, Sokkagala, Gainism, none of them have any prophecy. Jesus Christ gives prophecy and time prophecy.

Show me another god that can be predicted up to 100% accuracy, up to 1,000 years before He arrives. Show me another god whose time of arrival is foretold, the date of his baptism and what will happen before and after. Show me another god who can equal those statistics of probability. Which other god was baptized in 27 AD? Which other god has a timeline predicted and fulfilled. This is the question. This is when the Lord Jesus Christ comes into His home. He proves beyond any doubt that He is God. Until somebody can bring me those three challenges, show me a god that is predicted with 100% accuracy up to 1,000 years before he is borne, show me another one that is foretold about his arrival and when it will happen and the one that can fulfill just the same level of statistics I will consider changing my allegiance. Up to that point in time there is only one God and that is Jesus Christ.

I hope that you’ll join me for part two.

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In our previous section of this lecture we were discussing the idea of ‘Who Is God?’ Is it Jesus, is it Buddha, is it Brahma, Shiva, and we challenged God to tell us who He was and to prove to us that He is truly God? He gave us three solutions; Prophecy, Time Prophecy and Statistics/Science. Jesus Christ has shown through as the true God and in contrast to the other gods stands above them all and claims to be God and rightfully so because He is just proving Himself to be so.

John 3:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Jesus is referring to the scriptures in this text and He says you are search them because in them you think you have eternal life but actually what you are reading is in testifying of me.

Question: When Jesus was saying this which scriptures would you have been referring to, the New Testament or the Old Testament? As we know today it would have been the Old Testament. It would have been the books that had been assembled like the Prophet Isaiah which the [0:01:30] was studying, Daniel etc which are all books that make up the Old Testament. Interesting to realize that Jesus here is pointing at the Old Testament and saying that the Old Testament as we know today is speaking about me. How does this work? I’ve got two questions which I would like to propose.

Q1. Did the people have the gospel of Jesus Christ as we know today in the days before the cross?

Q2. Were the people in the Old Testament saved in a different way to what we are today?

This is the basis of what we are to study about God being God because in Malachi 3:6 He says;

Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not: …

If Jesus is saying the Old Testament refer to me and then He says in Malachi ‘but I don’t change’ then in the New Testament we need to wonder about did the Old Testament people have a different gospel to what we have today?

The Earthly Tabernacle/Sanctuary

The sanctuary is a fantastic structure which was assembled upon specific instructions of God. When the bible gives us some information and gives us added information to something that is already described the information in the scripture is not just there by the by. When the bible gives us information we have to stop, pick up our ears and take notice. There are chapters upon chapters in the bible that describes how to set up the tabernacle on earth. When you look at some interesting aspects of this it is interesting to notice that in this tabernacle there was only one entrance and it was an entrance on the east side. That is in the Old Testament. Today when we look at Jesus Christ in John 14:6 Jesus says;

John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life; no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

In the same way the Old Testament sanctuary had one entrance today in the New Testament sanctuary if you like Jesus Christ there is only one way towards the throne on God. As you walk through the entrance the first thing that you encountered inside the tabernacle/sanctuary was the pearl of ashes. That is very interesting. Everything in the temple had a reason of being there and the pearl of ashes were kept in view, and you’ll see on the graphics that the front of that underneath the brazen alter of burnt offering the front area was kept open. The reason for that is so that people entering the temple could recognize the end or the judgment of the wicked and it would bring them to repentance. When the Psalmist was writing Psalms 73 discussed this exact point. He says ‘I can’t understand the prosperity of the wicked.’ It is the same as today. How can the evil people or the people that do not understand and know and live according to God be so prosperous?

Psalms 73:17 … until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

When you walk into the sanctuary through one entrance the first thing you see is the end of the wicked, in other words the ashes. After that you’d come to the brazen alter of burnt offering where the innocent lamb of burying the repentance sinner’s sins would be offered. Another lovely factor [0:05:34] for intra-psychics to realize that the lamb was killed by the sinners themselves. This was to impress on that person the impact of their sin. Can you imagine taking a tiny beautiful little lamb and having to cut its throat? That would get you thinking. It would make you realize that this little thing did nothing to deserve that. He is dying on my behalf. After the brazen offer of burnt offering you come to the Levite which is right in front of the sanctuary tent. Outside the sanctuary tent there was the Levite’s dish. It was basically a dish with water in it. This was where the priest would go to wash his hands and his feet before he went in to the temple. Remember that every item in the sanctuary has a specific requirement or specific reason for being there. When you walk past the lava, you enter the sanctuary tent or what is known as the holy place. Inside the holy place was a quite place sheltered. It was a place where the priests could come in a closer personal relationship with God. Inside there were some very specific items.

1. Table of show bread
2. The lamp with seven lamp stands
3. The alter of incense.

These items were in the holy place. Once you had gone past the holy place there would be a thick curtain. They estimate the curtain was as high as 6 meters high and as thick as a man’s hand. That is like a brick wall today. Thick as a brick wall, 6 meters high was the curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place. If you were to go to the most holy place inside was the Ark of the Covenant. The arch of the covenant itself had some very fascinating aspects. The first thing to notice would be inside the Ark of the Covenant. If you were to open it up and look it inside, inside the arch of the covenant would be pot of manna. The port of manna represents God’s ability to provide for our every need. He says seek ye first the kingdom of God and all your worldly needs will be added to you. He has the ability to provide. This comes from Israel when He provided the manna for the Israelites in the desert. That is the first thing that we noted.

Secondly inside the arch of the covenant is Aaron’s rod. This is a dead walking stick which came to life and in one night it budded, produced leaves and brought forth omens. This dead walking stick represents God’s ability to take a sinner who is going through repentance and bring out of death a sinner back to life. Firstly He can provide for your needs and secondly He can take you from death to life.

Also inside the Ark of the Covenant in the center was the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 25:16 And thou shalt put [these] into the ark of the testimony which I shall give thee.

Exodus 31:18 And He gave unto Moses, … two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

These were items or laws, guidelines on how to live life which were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant and were written in stone signifying the eternal type of attitude that these laws would have in our lives. These Ten Commandments were written in stone and interestingly enough they are the core principles of the throne room because directly above the Ten Commandments you have the lid of the Ark of the Covenant. The lid of the Ark of the Covenant was made of solid gold and it was called the Mercy seat.

Once the Ark of the Covenant had been closed outside of the Ark of the Covenant was a little pocket with a scroll that had been written and was slid into the outside. This was called the ceremonial law.

[Pt. 7 of 9]

Deuteronomy 31:24 … when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, 25 Moses commanded the Levites, saying 31 take this book of the law and put it in the side of the Ark of the Covenant … that it may be there for a witness against thee.

There were two laws. One written by the finger of God on stone and placed inside the ark of the covenant and another law written by Moses – by man – on a type of porchman, skin or paper rolled out and put outside of the arch of the covenant in some sort of pocket. That was called the ceremonial law. These laws governed certain things about eating, festivals, Sabbath days and various other items which were strict instructions in those days. Above the Ark of the Covenant you had the two angels. Those two angels are called covering cherubs and these two angels represent the two angels in heaven that cover the throne of God in heaven. I was one day at the idea of Lucifer/Satan being called the covering cherubs because he was one of the two angels that covered the light of God in heaven. He was known as shekinah glory. You’ve got the arch of the covenant, the mercy seat which was made of solid gold which is above the Ten Commandments and then covering that with two covering cherubs. In between is what is known as shekinah glory. In the original writings the words for the shekinah glory is a word for light. There is no light source. It is just light. That is the very presence of God. In the holy of holies would be the shekinah glory. Were the high priests to enter into the holy of holies without having his sins cleansed before that he would immediately perish through the brightness of the presence of God. That is why all items within the sanctuary and every single one had a representation or a meaning.

New Testament’s Context

Let’s put this into context. That is all in the Old Testament. How does that refer to the New Testament? Like I showed you the single entrance into the sanctuary of the tabernacle of God pointed towards Jesus Christ being the one way which we can attain salvation.

John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Not by Allah, not by Buddha, not by anybody else but by me.

The Ashes – Ashes in the Old Testament sanctuary points towards Jesus’ judgment on the wicked in the end of time.

The Sacrifice of the Lamb – The sacrifice of the lamb in the Old Testament points towards Jesus’ death on our behalf in the New Testament.

The High Priest – a high priest represents Jesus Himself

Brazen Alter of burnt offering – represents Jesus becoming the Passover lamb

Laver – the laver for washing represents baptism into Jesus Christ.

Holy place – the holy place foretold the Christian life which is centered around Jesus Christ. It is focused on Jesus Christ. There was no Christ centered focus of life in the Old Testament because Christ hadn’t come yet but in the New Testament exactly the same as in the Old Testament each item foretold of absorbing the bread, being involved in taking out the light of Jesus Christ and prayer through to the shekinah glory in heaven through the power of Jesus Christ in the most holy place. A holy place shows in the Old Testament the power and the magnitude and the truthfulness of Jesus in the throne room of God. It is incredible to see that the Old Testament sanctuary as was displayed in Moses’ time and throughout history is exactly the same as the gospel we have today. Than in itself is mind boggling. The Old Testament sanctuary represents the New Testament gospel and the same gospel we have in the Old Testament is the same gospel as we have in the New Testament except of one or two things have changed. We no longer have to kill a lamb for our sacrifice because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb.

Question 1: If the Old Testament gospel is exactly the same as the New Testament gospel what changed when Jesus came? Something must have changed.

Remember outside of the arch of the covenant there was another law which was written by men called the ceremonial law. That law fell away.

Deuteronomy 31:24-26 speaks of Moses writing that law.

Deuteronomy 31:26 … Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God that it may be there for a witness against thee.

This is when Moses had to write down these states and these laws not put them inside the ark with the Ten Commandments but put them outside the ark. All these came to an end in Colossians 2:14-17. It explains that Jesus’ crucifixion was blotting out the handwriting of the ordinances that was against us.

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of the ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoilt principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: 17 which are a shadow of things come; but the body is of Christ.

This is the most well known text used to explain that you are no longer under the law, that the law has been abolished because it has been nailed to the cross, but the question needs to be asked: Which law was referred to in Colossians 2? Which law referred to meat? Was there any law in the moral law that referred to meat or to drink, or to a holyday? There is, is except that it didn’t mention new moons or Sabbath days. Sabbath days with a small ‘s’ is if you look in the New King James version, it is not the Sabbath days with a capital ‘s’ it is Sabbath days with a small ‘s’. There was all the festivals and the wheat sheave and the Passover etc. those were called sabbath days. Which law referred to meat, drink, holyday, new moon, sabbath days etc? it was the ceremonial law.

Question 2: Colossians tells us that these are a shadow of things to come. Where does this shadow stop?

Imagine you are standing in your garden, the sun is busy going down and you have a long shadow behind you. The shadow starts at your head and other distance over there and it comes to where you are. That is where it stops. These Sabbath laws, new moon festivals, various meat laws inside the ceremonial law were a shadow of who was nailed to the cross, Jesus Christ. They stopped at the cross. That is why when you look at the Jewish feasts in type and anti-type you can see that one Jewish year represents the entire Christian era.

Let me explain this: Every Jewish year would have various feasts. You would have the Passover feast which would be on Nisan 14 and the Passover field was the type in the Old Testament of the antitype in the New Testament. The Passover on Nisan 14 was fulfilled in the crucifixion. We know that happened on Friday. There is some contention about that but we’ll get to that now.

Exodus 12:3 … in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them … a lamb …

Exodus 12:5 … without blemish, a male of the first year: 6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Regarding the Passover lamb on the tenth day, Nisan 10 you’d take a male lamb without blemish, and you’d keep it in your home for four days.

Exodus 12:7 And they shall take of the blood and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 …it is the Lord’s Passover. 10 though shalt not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a borne thereof 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

Does this sound familiar? We’ve just been through the prophecies about

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no bone shall be broken.  The Passover lamb which was taken 4 days before Passover into the house will be killed on Nisan 14. It is the Lord’s Passover; you have to eat all the flesh; you have to take the blood and put over the door post and you’re not allowed to break any bones. That’s the type, the fulfillment of the antitype is incredible.  Four days before His death on the cross, the son Hedron met and they decided to condemn Jesus to death. Incredible! By their evil intentions, they had set Jesus aside at the same time as the Passover lamb was being set aside. So, because the sacrificial system, had not been done away with; the priest who was fulfilling his duties took the Passover lamb and put him inside on the same day that Jesus by the son Hadron had been condemned to death. At the ninth hour according to Mark;

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried … My God, my God, why thou hast forsaken me? 15 and Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the Ghost.

This is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. Every year at Passover, the Passover lamb was offered at 3pm. This ninth hour was 3pm. While the priests were preparing the Passover lamb in the sanctuary, Christ was being put to death outside on a cross. They were putting the true lamb of God to death but they didn’t even recognize their own prophecies because they were busy with the sanctuary lamb or with the Passover lamb and type was about to meet the antitype. Just as with the Passover lamb, none of Jesus’ bones were broken and He was pierced by a spear in the side just as the Passover lamb none of its bone were broken and it was pierced with a skewer to put it on a roast. Phenomenal! The Passover type was fulfilled in the antitype. It was a complete connection between the two. There was only four days; some people say ”Well, Jesus if you go according to the studies you’ll see that He was crucified on the Wednesday”. Well, that’s if you don’t understand the idea of inclusive reckoning which is the style of writing at the time where a day mentioned in the word is actually inclusive of any part or proportion of that day and if you were crucified on the Wednesday, it wouldn’t have been a full fulfillment of the Passover lamb. Type Passover lamb had met antitype in Jesus Christ. That was the one festival that they had, the one Sabbath day with the small ‘s’.

The Unleavened Bread (Nisan 15) – This is the very next day, Nisan 15. This was fulfilled with Christ in the grave.

First Fruit (Nisan 16) – The very next day, this was fulfilled through the resurrection.

Every single one was a type meeting an antitype.

Sivan 6^th which was the 4^th festival, which was the feast of weeks, was fulfilled in Pentecost. This was the harvest of souls that was to take place and just as the Old Testament festivals were a shadow of things to come in the New Testament, the crucifixion Christ in the grave, the resurrection and the Pentecost were a fulfillment of that shadow which came to be nailed at the cross. The Old Testament was a shadow of things to come; the New Testament is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

There were three other festivals which were left: trumpets, atonement and the tabernacle. We’ll be discussing those in a bit more depth in the later lecture.

Trumpets was an indication pointing towards also fulfillment in Jesus Christ but just not at that time. Trumpets points towards the second advent movement. The atonement refers to the pre advent judgment which takes place after 1844 and the Tabernacle which was Tishri 15, points towards the home going or the second advent of Christ. This is the day that we’re waiting for; this is the final fulfillment of all of these types are going to be fulfilled in the antitype and the Old Testament will then truly become the fulfillment of the New Testament. Just as in the Old Testament, things were a shadow: the information there, the tabernacle was the shadow of the things to come. In the New Testament, everything is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

If the New Testament gospel is the same as the Old Testament gospel, then what changed? We’ve discussed it just now. We’ve talked that ceremonial law outside the Ark of the Covenant and we spoke also about the veil between the holy and the most holy. If you enter into the holy, into the most holy place you will die. The Shekinah glory would overpower you; you wouldn’t be able to stand in the brightness. What happened at Jesus’ crucifixion as a ceremonial law came to an end? As the Passover lamb was about to be crucified, it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That’s why the earthquake took place. The sanctuary was split in half and the veil was rent in two. It was torn. Mark 15:38 tells us that this massive curtain, 6 meters high as thick as a brick, as thick as a man’s hand, was torn half from top to bottom. Now, I’m tall, I’m almost 2 meters tall but I wouldn’t be able to tear a 6 meter curtain that is as thick as my hand. Only one person in the universe could have done that and that would be God.  So the Lord is telling us that through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with the tearing open of the curtain, we can now see straight into the holy of the holies which was never done before. Prior to that we had to sacrifice lambs, we have to go through a certain ceremonial process but from there onwards Hebrews 4:16 makes sense.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

From then onwards, you can approach the throne of grace directly – the most wonderful promise. You no longer have to fear Shekinah glory. You don’t have to worry about having to go to ceremonies. You can approach the Ark of the Covenant, the Shekinah glory, the throne of God, the mercy seat, all at the same time directly because the entire ceremonial system had come to an end.

What we know in the sanctuary in the Old Testament had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

This is wonderful truth, wonderful. In Matthew 5:17-18, the true explanations of this comes to light in the New Testament.

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I’m not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

You have a certain ideology or certain thinking in Christianity today that says ‘no but the law has been done away with. We are no longer under the law. We are under grace.’ But the Lord says “I’ve not come to remove it. I’ve not come to destroy it. I’ve come to fulfill it. I’ve come to live it up to its fullest potential”. And the understanding of we are no longer under the law is a confusion of the moral law versus the ceremonial law.

The earthly sanctuary represented also the heavenly sanctuary. Not only that the festivals in the sanctuary have to represent certain things on earth but in Hebrews 4:14 tells us of the earthly tabernacle of sanctuary representing a similar one in heaven.

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heaven, Jesus the Son of God.

Where the priest on earth represented the one who would carry our sins into the temple, so Jesus Christ in a temple sanctuary in heaven is the high priest that is passed into heaven, Jesus, the son of God.

Hebrews 8:1 We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man.

Let’s paraphrase it a bit; let me read it again. We have such a high priest, right, like the one on earth, we have a high priest but He is now in heaven, a minister of the sanctuary the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not men. Which power pitched the tabernacle on earth, man or God? Well, Moses pitched it. So it would have been pitched by man. So here’s another tabernacle and it says “In heaven which has not touched by man and this has been pitched by the Lord”; so the one on earth actually represents the sanctuary in heaven. The sanctuary shows us the…

Part 9 of 9

Old Testament sanctuary shows us that the gospel we have today is the same gospel we had in the Old Testament. It was designed to help the people of the Old Testament understand God’s plan of salvation. Today, we read about Jesus Christ and understand that through Jesus Christ we can attain salvation. In the Old Testament sanctuary they had the same gospel but just laid out in a different marketing plan if you will.

So, if this is the case so what about the Ten Commandments? Are we still bound by God’s moral law? Let’s look for a moment at the character of Christ versus the character of His moral law. Let’s look into the word and bring up a list of items that identify according to the text words what are the true characters of God Himself.

 So, let’s weigh that up. Those are the characteristics which make up God who what is His character. Let’s look at what the bible describes throughout as a theme study throughout the word; what is the character of the law. Incredibly enough, 100% alignment with the true word of God. The character of God is the same as the character of the law. According to Romans 7:2, the character of the law is just. According to Nehemiah 9:13, the character of the law is true. Psalms 19:7-8 says “The character of the law is pure.” Going through the rest Christ scripture it says that the character of the law is light, is faithful, is good, spiritual, holy, truth, life, righteousness, perfect and forever. Is that incredible? When it comes to the moral law, the character of God is fulfilled in the moral law or the character of the moral law is fulfilled in Christ. That’s why He says I have not come to take the law away, to destroy the law of the prophets. I’ve come to live it up to its fullest potential.

1 John 3:4 … for sin is the transgression of the law.

So, if sin is the transgression of the law, if that is the definition, Is this now the moral law or the ceremonial law? Remember in the New Testament,

1 John 3:4 for sin is the transgression of the law;

Moral law or ceremonial law? James 2:11 says something that’s quite phenomenal.

James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery …

Question, moral law or ceremonial law? As far I know the moral law speaks about do not commit adultery.

James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery said, also do not kill. …

That’s also said in the moral law.

James 2:11 … If thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou become a transgressor of the law.

Isn’t that amazing? Here in the New Testament in James, right in the end of the bible, the same thing is said. Speaking, reiterating, thou shall not kill, thou shall not commit adultery, and saying if you do this you are a transgressor of the law.  If we were still under the ceremonial law, we would have to do some pretty strange things. We’d have to kill all the homosexuals because that would just be, according to Leviticus, something we have to do.  We would have to slaughter a lamb for forgiveness which we also don’t do and we would have to keep the festival of the Old Testament. So, we are no longer under the ceremonial law but under the grace, the character, the true fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ. I often get asked, ‘Are the Ten Commandments in the New Testament?’ Do yourself a study and have a look at it. I just put it up on a graphic that you can see Old Testament versus New Testament. The first commandment you can see it in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. It is repeated in the New Testament: Matthew 4 and Mark 12. Second commandment is repeated in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians and Revelations. The third commandment: Matthew 5, Matthew 15, Matthew 23 and Mark 7. What about the fourth commandment? Keep the Sabbath day.  Genesis in the Old Testament: Exodus, Exodus, Exodus, Exodus, Leviticus 19, Leviticus 23, and Deuteronomy 5 again. These are repeated over and over in the New Testament: Matthew 12, Matthew 12 again, Matthew 24, Mark 1, Mark 2, Mark 3 and on and on and on. What about the fifth commandment? Well you can read it in Matthew 15:4-9, Matthew 19:18 and 19, Mark 7: 9-13, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20. The sixth commandment is available in the New Testament: Matthew 5 and onwards. The seventh commandment is the same. The eight commandments are the same. The ninth commandment and the tenth command you can find in Matthew 15:19-20 and Mark 7:21-23. So I ask you, Is the moral law still available in the New Testament? Yes or no. Absolutely!

Romans 2:13 For the not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

- those that obeys according to the requirements of God’s character which are fulfilled in the law. One of Satan’s most successful and devious deceptions is to make humanity believe that the Ten Commandments no longer exist. This is one of the most potent lies in all history. It’s a terrible thing because what it does is it allows you to forget what eternity is going to be like. Do you think there’s going to be murder in heaven? Is there going to be adultery in heaven? Am I going to worry or will I have to worry about my stuff being stolen in heaven? No. The truth is that the law will be maintained throughout eternity. It’s down here that it’s not. In heaven, there’s going to be no more murder. There’s going to be no more thieves. There’s going to be no more lying. There’s going to be no more adultery and you will be able to speak to Jesus face to face. Imagine that. Just as the commandments reflect the true character of God the commandments should reflect our character as well.

Summary

In summary, I would like to close up this lecture by beginning again. We challenge God with one of the most important question we ever can ask. Who are you? Tell us who you are? Is it Jesus? Is it Brahma? Is it Buddha? Is it Shiva? We’ve identified that God is Jesus Christ. We had 3 options given to us: prophecy, time prophecy and science. No other god in the universe is able to compete with that. By identifying Himself as God and living outside the timeline; He then says ‘I have now been able to prove who I am. I’ll show you that I institute the system in the Old Testament that allows you to understand how I’m going to save your souls. It’s called the sanctuary and that system will be a shadow of things to come that when I’m nailed to the cross they will be fulfilled in my character.  Certain of the festivals will fall away but the character of the moral law, which is the character of God, one and a same thing will stand forever. The Ten Commandments, the moral law, is there for binding today as it ever was and it’s going to be binding into eternity. We won’t be able to kill each other in eternity and that’s part of the moral law. I hope that there’s something inside this discussion that we’ve had today that will lead you into an even closer relationship with our savior Lord Jesus Christ. There is only one true God, Jesus Christ. There is only one name under heaven by which man can be saved and that is the name Christ Jesus. Being God, living outside of the timeline, He gives us prophecy and He shows us what is going to happen in the future. In order to understand the end time, we need to look into the prophets and what they have written and see whether we can somehow decipher what the future is going to entail for us. I urge you to come back for the next lecture when we’ll be looking into the structure of prophecy: how to read it, how to understand it and how to figure out whether those stars coming from heaven are nuclear bombs or what are they. We’ll let the bible unlock the bible in the next lecture. Thank you.

Jeremiah 6:13-16 (KJV)
For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. [14] They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. [15] Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord . [16] Thus saith the Lord , Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

This series is aimed to show us the old paths.  You will learn the history of the Seventh Day Adventist church and have the opportunity to say “we will walk therein”.  Learn what went wrong, and what we can do to learn from the mistakes of the modern SDA church.  This very clear series takes you from the 3 angels messages, all the way through to the establishment of the SDA church, through to today, and the issues with modern doctrine.  Our aim with this is to teach the true and clear doctrine as preached by the Advent Pioneers, culminating in the 1888 message.  This is not a call out of any organisation or “brand” of Adventism (though sometimes this may be the end result), but rather a call to stand on the platform of truth.

• 01 – A Divine Movement – mp3 - youtube
• 02 – A Glorious System of Truth – mp3 - youtube
• 03 – Man’s Improvements – mp3 - youtube
• 04 – One Thing After Another – mp3 - youtube
• 05 – Ready When You Are – mp3 - youtube

mp3

Synopsis:
Reading well known scripture. Want to read context because the section we will read starts with a “therefore” which means “for this reason” or as a result of.

Luke  12:13-21     And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?    And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.     And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:      And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?    And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.     And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.     But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?     So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Matthew  6:19-24     Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:      But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:     For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.      The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  [8. Pure; simple; incorrupt; unbiased; having clear vision of divine truth.    But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!      No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Now the next section is directly related to the previous scriptures. Here is a comparison of following after the world and the riches of the world with little or no thought of God.

Take no thought – to be anxious or troubled(stongs concordance)

Matthew and Luke
6:25     Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 6:26     Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
6:27     Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
12:26     If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
6:28     And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
6:29     And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
6:30     Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
6:31     Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
6:32     (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
6:33     But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
12:32     Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
6:34     Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

You may ask “Why does Sister White read all this? (Matthew 6) I answer, “because there are lessons here that we have not yet learned.” God wants us to recognize every gift we receive as coming from Him. When we do this, and gratitude for the goodness of God fills our hearts, a heavenly atmosphere will surround the soul. My brethren and sisters, shall we not strive to order our lives by the truth of God as it is found in His word? We need to be more diligent in the study of the Scriptures. They must be to us, not a make-believe story, but the truth of the living God, the foundation of our faith, the assurance on which we build our hope of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.  {LLM 601.4}
I wish to bring before you this morning some things that have been presented to me, showing wherein some of us are making serious mistakes. The minds of many are occupied with the consideration of worldly matters, often to the exclusion of the religion of God’s word. The thoughts are more often upon the matter of eating and drinking and dressing than upon the great and important duty of serving God with humility and prayer.  {LLM 601.5}
The Lord has shown me that in many families decided changes must be brought about it. They need to know what they must do to be saved. If they will inquire diligently the way of life, God will impart to them an understanding of His Word, and teach them to value at their true worth the things of eternity. Then the heart will no longer reach out covetously for worldly benefits and the pleasures of this life.
{LLM 601.6}
Shall we not give diligent heed to the lessons that I have read? There is an individual work for us to do in union with Christ. We are to put on Christ, put on His (996) qualities of character to represent Him in all our words and actions. When we are willing thus to follow on to know the Lord, walking in humility before Him and being taught of Him daily, the Holy Spirit will work through us, giving us power to represent to the world a better way.  {LLM 602.1}
“Therefore, I say unto you, Take no (anxious) thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” While you do your best, weary not your body and mind with the cares of this life; do not spoil your religious experience by worry; but trust the Lord to work for you, and to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.  {LLM 602.2}
There is much needless worrying, much trouble of mind, over things that cannot be helped. The Lord would have His children put their trust fully in Him. Our Lord is a just and righteous God. His children should acknowledge His goodness and His justice in the large and the small things of life. Those who cherish the spirit of worry and complaint are refusing to recognize His guiding hand. Needless anxiety is a foolish thing; and it hinders us from standing in a true position before God. When the Holy Spirit comes into the soul, there will be no desire to complain and murmur because we do not have everything we want; rather, we will thank God from a full heart for the blessings that we have. There is great need of more thankfulness among our workers today; and until they have this spirit they will be unprepared for a place in the kingdom of heaven. There is a mighty work to be done for every one of us. We comprehend (997) but little of what God desires to work out through us. We should seek to realize the breadth of His plans, and profit by every lesson that He tried to teach us.  {LLM 602.3}
A great deal of mischief is wrought in the imagination of our own hearts and minds when we seek to carry our own way contrary to the law of kindness. Here is where many fail. We do not cultivate a disposition to kindness, we want everything to come in an easy way to ourselves. But the question of greatest importance to each one of us should be, not how we can carry our own plans against the plans of others, but how we can have the power to live Christ every day. Christ came to earth and gave His life that we might have eternal salvation. He wants to encircle each of us with the atmosphere of heaven, that we may give to the world an example that will honor the religion of Christ.  {LLM 602.4}
There is one blessing all may have who seek for it in the right way. It is the Holy Spirit of God; and this is a blessing that brings all others in its train. If we will come to God as little children, asking for His grace and power and salvation, not for our own uplifting, but that we may bring blessing to those around us, our petitions will not be denied. Then let us study the Word of God that we may know how to take hold of His promises, and claim them as our own. Then we shall be happy. The enemy will be unable to destroy our peace. As we come into right relation to God, we shall see of His salvation.  {LLM 602.5}

Do the birds sit in there nests waiting for God to provide their food, as it is written? No the must hunt and seek for their food, acting out the faith they have in God the provider.  Just the same as the beautiful grass and lillies of the field don’t expect to be clothed if they didn’t search for water or sunlight. There is a balance here as with everything to do with Christianity and that balance is often hard to find. But it says that we are to seek FIRST the kingdom of God, this should be the thing at the forefront of our minds but never to the neglect of the other, because they will be added unto you.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” When those who profess the faith show their lives to be consistent with their faith, then we shall see a power attending the presentation of the truth, a power that will convict the sinner and draw souls nigh to Christ.  {2T 663.1}

 

The Lord would not have any one of us be presumptuous, care not for health, and make no provision whatever for a sustenance; but when He sees the world taking all the thoughts and absorbing all the affections, He sees that eternal realities are lost sight of. He would correct this evil, which is the work of Satan. The mind, which should be trained to high, elevated contemplation of eternal realities, becomes common, bearing the image of the earthly. Jesus comes to present the advantages and beautiful imagery of the heavenly, that the attractions of heaven shall become familiar to the thoughts, and memory’s hall be hung with pictures of celestial and eternal loveliness.  {OHC 286.2}
He sees the chambers of the mind filled with those things which defile. He places God before them as the center. . . . He passes through the market places, where everything is full of activity and bustle, and the voice of the traders is heard. The lessons He gives in the dense crowd that gathers to listen to His words are a warning from heaven like the trump of God to break the spell of infatuation. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall he give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36, 37.  {OHC 286.3}

Will we take the time to listen to Jesus? Even in the busy market place? Full of activity and bustle?

Let us seek the kingdom of God and His Righteousness. Let us rest on Him who is mighty to save and trust His promises.

In closing

Romans 1:16-17     For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.   For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Amen.

Author Lauren Kate wrote the book Fallen about an angel who is romantically attracted to and pursues a relationship with a human teenager. In the January 11, 2010 issue of Publisher’s Weekly (PW) on p. 13, Kate claims, “The idea for the book came from a line I read in Genesis about a group of angels who were effectively kicked out of heaven because they lusted after mortal women. I became curious about what the experience might be of a teenage mortal who suddenly became the object of an angel’s affection.”

But where do they actually get it from?  This is what the bible says:The passage Lauren Kate refers to is Genesis 6:1-6…

Genesis 6:1-4 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, [2] That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. [3] And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. [4] There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
The word “giants” is the word nephallim.

AV (1)- Nophah 1; Nophah =”blast”
a place in Moab
h5303. נפיל n piyl; or נפל nphil; from 5307; properly, a feller, i. e. a bully or tyrant: — giant.
AV ( 3)- giant 3;
giants, the Nephilim

Error:

Offspring of angels: A number of early sources refer to the “sons of heaven” as “Angels”. The earliest such references[8] seem to be in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Greek, and Aramaic Enochic literature, and in certain Ge’ez manuscripts of 1 Enoch (mss A–Q) and Jubilees[9] used by western scholars in modern editions of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha.[10] Also some Christian apologists shared this opinion, like Tertullian and especially Lactantius. The earliest statement in a secondary commentary explicitly interpreting this to mean that angelic beings mated with humans, can be traced to the rabbinical Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, and it has since become especially commonplace in modern-day Christian commentaries

What are “sons of God”?

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Angels. Or people from unfallen worlds?

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Angels. Or people from unfallen worlds?

Job 38:4,6,7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. …Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Angels. Or people from unfallen worlds?

Can people be sons of God?

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Men

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…

Men.

So which sons of God are being referred to here in genesis 6? Angels or men?

God did not order this, and clearly was opposed to it, so if what they were saying was true, it would have to be fallen angles.  Fallen angels by definition would no longer be Son’s of God, because they don’t follow going.

2 Peter 2:4…God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment,

Jude 6…the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

So they are reserved on the earth, and they are bound, meaning limited.

Well there is one limitation that angels have:

Mark 12:23-25 (KJV)
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. [24] And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? [25] For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

Angels cannot breed.

And if that isn’t enough, basic logic should tell us the fallen angels cannot breed. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they just breed a super race of angels and kill everyone off. Surely that would be more efficient.

Truth:

The descendants of Seth were called the sons of God; the descendants of Cain, the sons of men. As the sons of God mingled with the sons of men, they became corrupt and, by intermarriage with them, lost, through the influence of their wives, their peculiar, holy character, and united with the sons of Cain in their idolatry. Many cast aside the fear of God and trampled upon His commandments. But there were a few that did righteousness, who feared and honored their Creator. Noah and his family were among the righteous few. – {SR 62.1}

 

God has placed men in the world, and it is their privilege to eat, to drink, to trade, to marry, and to be given in marriage; but it is safe to do these things only in the fear of God. We should live in this world with reference to the eternal world. The great crime in the marriages of the days of Noah, was that the sons of God formed alliances with the daughters of men. Those who professed to acknowledge and revere God, associated with those who were corrupt of heart; and without discrimination, they married whom they would. There are many in this day who have no depth of religious experience, who will do exactly the same things as were done in the days of Noah. They will enter into marriage without careful and prayerful consideration. Many take upon themselves the sacred vows as thoughtlessly as they would enter into a business transaction; true love is not the motive for the alliance. – {RH September 25, 1888 Par. 8}

 

The human race yet retained much of its early vigor. But a few generations had passed since Adam had access to the tree which was to prolong life; and man’s existence was still measured by centuries. Had that long-lived people, with their rare powers to plan and execute, devoted themselves to the service of God, they would have made their Creator’s name a praise in the earth, and would have answered the purpose for which He gave them life. But they failed to do this. There were many giants, men of great stature and strength, renowned for wisdom, skillful in devising the most cunning and wonderful works; but their guilt in giving loose rein to iniquity was in proportion to their skill and mental ability. – {PP 90.2}

 

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

2012-10-20- Paul Godfrey – Fear and Revere – mp3

Synopsis:

Scripture Reading:

Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

 To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He speaks to them by His word and by His ministers, and He sends by the Holy Spirit messages of warning, reproof, and instruction. These means are designed to enlighten the understanding of the people, to reveal to them their duty and their sins, and the blessings which they may receive, to awaken in them a sense of spiritual want, that they may go to Christ and find in Him the grace they need. But many choose to follow their own way instead of God’s way. They are not reconciled to God, neither can be, until self is crucified and Christ lives in the heart by faith. {5T 46.3}

 Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience. We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us. This union with Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is close work, and many who profess to be followers of Christ know nothing of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not as the sole ruler of their hearts. {5T 46.4}

Some feel their need of the atonement, and with the recognition of this need, and the desire for a change of heart, a struggle begins. To renounce their own will, perhaps their chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires an effort, at which many hesitate and falter and turn back. Yet this battle must be fought by every heart that is truly converted. We must war against temptations without and within. We must gain the victory over self, crucify the affections and lusts; and then begins the union of the soul with Christ. As the dry and apparently lifeless branch is grafted into the living tree, so may we become living branches of the True Vine. And the fruit which was borne by Christ will be borne by all His followers. After this union is formed, it can be preserved only by continual, earnest, painstaking effort. Christ exercises His power to preserve and guard this sacred tie, and the dependent, helpless sinner must act his part with untiring energy, or Satan by his cruel, cunning power will separate him from Christ. {5T 47.1}

Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ. {5T 47.2}

Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

John 16:20-21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Matthew 7:21-25 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Daniel 12:1-3 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Luke 9:51-56 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience…There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas. {DA 487.3}

Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them.

Romans 1:21-26 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Exodus 7:1-3 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

The great I AM acquainted Pharaoh with his mighty works, showing him that he was the ruler of heaven and earth. But the king chose to defy the God of heaven. He would not consent to break his proud heart even before the King of kings, that he might receive the light; for he was determined to have his own way, and work out his own rebellion. His proud disregard of God’s command, “Let my people go,” confirmed him in his determination not to yield, though evidence was piled upon evidence; and every additional evidence of the power of God that the Egyptian monarch resisted, carried him on to a stronger and more persistent defiance of God. Thus the work went on, finite man warring against the expressed will of an infinite God. This case is a clear illustration of the sin against the Holy Ghost. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gradually the Lord withdrew his Spirit. Removing his restraining power, he gave the king into the hands of the worst of all tyrants,–self. {RH, July 27, 1897 par. 6}

In his dealings with the human race, God bears long with the impenitent. He uses his appointed agencies to call men to allegiance, and offers them his full pardon if they will repent. But because God is long-suffering, men presume on his mercy. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” The patience and long-suffering of God, which should soften and subdue the soul, has an altogether different influence upon the careless and sinful. It leads them to cast off restraint, and strengthens them in resistance. {RH, August 14, 1900 par. 1}

Great blessings and privileges are ours. We may secure the most valuable heavenly treasures. Let ministers and people remember that gospel truth ruins if it does not save. The soul that refuses to listen to the invitations of mercy from day to day can soon listen to the most urgent appeals without an emotion stirring his soul. {5T 134.1}

Hosea 11:7-8 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him]. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

Hosea 4:17 Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone.

2 Peter 2:5-6 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Job 22:15-17 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

Luke 13:34-35 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

We cannot know how much we owe to Christ for the peace and protection which we enjoy. It is the restraining power of God that prevents mankind from passing fully under the control of Satan. The disobedient and unthankful have great reason for gratitude for God’s mercy and long-suffering in holding in check the cruel, malignant power of the evil one. But when men pass the limits of divine forbearance, that restraint is removed. God does not stand toward the sinner as an executioner of the sentence against transgression; but He leaves the rejectors of His mercy to themselves, to reap that which they have sown. Every ray of light rejected, every warning despised or unheeded, every passion indulged, every transgression of the law of God, is a seed sown which yields its unfailing harvest. The Spirit of God, persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn from the sinner, and then there is left no power to control the evil passions of the soul, and no protection from the malice and enmity of Satan. The destruction of Jerusalem is a fearful and solemn warning to all who are trifling with the offers of divine grace and resisting the pleadings of divine mercy. Never was there given a more decisive testimony to God’s hatred of sin and to the certain punishment that will fall upon the guilty. {GC 36.1}

Amen!

youtube, the rest of the series is here,
Also available on DVD:
(outside Australia here, within Australia here)
or on external hdd here (outside Australia only sorry)

mp3 - 1, 2

Transcript

Is this the end of the world?

Welcome. We’re starting off a lecture series that the first lecture is entitled ‘Is it the end of the world?’ This is an interesting subject. This is a topic which is discussed at all levels of society and has been the question laid in front of many people as long as we can go back in history. Is it the end of the world? Obviously not. That is the obvious statement. Everything has taken so long to get to where we are here millions and millions of years. It is not going to end just like that. Before we get to the lecture series – and it’s going to be quite a long lecture series and we’ll go through a whole bunch of information – I just want to give you a bit of a background about myself and then it might give you some insight as to why I travel and speak as I do giving insight into the deceptions which are currently so vividly marketed in the world.

Introduction

My name is Mark Woodman. I was born in 1975 in Johannesburg to a family of four – my parents, my sister and I. We were born into a family of devout Christian heritage. When I say devout Christians we were dedicated to the church. I was born into the New Apostolic church. That is not a charismatic church, it’s a very reverenced church and it’s a church that believes that it is the bride of Christ. Also having worship services that are reverenced full with music and very closely associated to the word of God. When I was born into this church I got involved in all aspects of the church and I was music co-coordinator, I was choir master and was orchestra leader, I was youth leader for a while, I was involved in all different types of it, I was a deacon, sub-deacon and I was on my way to become a priest and we’d go to services regularly. We’d have three-four communion services a week. Tuesday evening would be choir, Thursday evening would be orchestra, Friday evening would be youth, Saturday would be something, Sunday would be something, so the church absorbed all aspects of our lives. We were heavily involved in the church.

Around the end of 2001-2002 in the beginning somewhere there we started to ask some questions, my wife and I. We had some questions which were troubling us and as we were asking the various people around us, we weren’t able to get the answers that we were looking for. With the New apostolic church, it’s got a hierarchal structure where you go higher and higher in the organization to get more and more difficult questions answered. The higher we went the more we realized that the answers were not founded on anything that made sense and we decided … we were looking for God. We wanted to know who God was. One of the questions which I asked was ‘who is God? How do I know that God is Jesus Christ?’ How do you know that God is Jesus Christ? Is Jesus a God or is He the God. I didn’t notice this and I asked these questions and they said it doesn’t matter. Just believe. That wasn’t good enough for me. That is why the very next lecture after this one is entitled ‘Who is God?’ because I have done that study and I’ve found out who God is.

Leaving the Church

After having asked these questions my wife and I decided that we’d leave the church because we were looking for God and we wanted to find the truth and we thought that the only way to do that would be to remove ourselves from the system and thereby we could objectively look into Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, [0:03:47] all of them next to each other and make objective decisions. We looked into all these religions and we saw you’ve got Allah, you’ve got Brahma, you’ve got Krishna, you’ve got Vishnu, you’ve got Sokagaya [0:04:00], you’ve got Jesus, you’ve got the [0:04:04] of the new age movement, you’ve got the Cosmic Christ and all of these guys are claiming to be God, so who is God? How do you know who God is? Are they all the same thing? When I was speaking to Hindus who were involved in meditation which we were doing at the time and they’d say they have various aspects of God and I said, but is it the same God as the Muslims? Yes it is the same God as Muslims. I said show me, prove it to me. This is what we were looking for. My wife and I were looking for the truth.

When we left the church because my family has got quite a high profile in that church, I wrote them a letter because it came as quite a shock. To leave the new apostolic church is a very big thing especially when you’ve got a high profile family. I wrote my family a letter trying to explain to them what we were doing. I said to them leaving the church was like growing up to see with only a small [0:05:03 rowing boat and two owls.] The boat represented our honest desire to find the truth, the owls represented our questions. Our questions would direct us while our desire for truth would keep us afloat. This was where we set out on. This is the journey that we set out on. We had two things in mind; we wanted to find the truth and while we were busy with that we wanted to help people. We felt that, that is the requirement of mankind to help your neighbor. Do unto your neighbor as you’d like done unto yourself. That is what we were looking for. Not knowingly at the time, my wife and I walked into the New Age Movement. We only realized we were in the New Age Movement once we left the New Age Movement but we didn’t realize that turning our back on the church we were actually turning our back on Jesus Christ because for us that was one and the same thing. There is a very big difference between Jesus and His church, a huge difference which we’ll understand today.

The Journey of Spiritual and Mental Enlightenment

At the time when we turned our back on the church I said ‘finished with all these Christ stuff’ and we walked out. We started on a journey of spiritual and mental enlightenment. We started on this journey of trying to find out more about what is known as metaphysical realm. When I speak about metaphysical I say we’re born in to a physical world, we are physical beings. You can feel with physical beings. The metaphysical side of it is this non-physical spiritual esoteric side. That is what intrigued us because of the immortality of the soul that the New Apostolic church believes in, that your soul doesn’t go to heaven it goes somewhere else. On the basis of this I wanted to find out where does this soul go? How does this work? Is there some interaction that we could have after death? I started reading self-help books. That was my line of interest. I wanted to help myself to create wealth, success, affluence and influence so that more money I had the more money I could give. That was the idea. That is one of the ideas given in the New Age Movement, also on affluence. The more you have the more you can give. It is a selfish selflessness if you like.

On this journey my wife and I met many amazingly what’s seen as enlightened people. These people are the gurus of the world. We were striving after wealth and influence and affluence and on this journey I decided I would go and study under the big names in the world. The big names like Antony Robins, John Kehoe, from Mind Power, this person that has come up with this idea of being able to create your future with the power of your mind and Edward Debono – Lateral Thinking, being able to think around your problems. I wrote this book – Personal Purpose which was self published and then put in to all the exclusive book stores nation wide throughout South Africa and I took this message of personal purpose into the world as the foundation of belief system which I was then marketing and how to find your life purpose and create this affluence for yourself, not only physical affluence but also joy and this overall contentment in life which people seem to be lacking. I believed that personal purpose was the answer.

I went on and spend time with people like John Kehoe. Here you can see an image of him as he greets the prisoners in South Africa. This is where we were working in the prisons. One of the things that was well marketed in the New Age Movement or in the self-help industry is that you’ve got to take the success recipes from some of these leading figures like Richard Branson or if you want to be a rock star you choose your rock star and you find out how they’ve done it. If you want to have the same success in your life you have to apply the same success recipes.

Studying on the Antony Robins and these people I realized that I could absorb their success recipes into my life but it couldn’t be some airy fairy philosophical type of thing. I had to base it on solid business principle as well. I went and spent time with Cyril Ramaphosa, listening to the man studying his career. If you don’t know who he is he is one of the biggest South African business men. I believe he will be running for the new presidential elections now in the next couple of months. I also spent time with Chris Stals finding out how he got to the position of being able to run the reserve bank in South Africa for so many years during South Africa darkest years – the apartheid era. I understood that if I could find out what these guys had done to get where they were I could apply that same

[Part 2 of 10]

idea into my life and I could create the same success like a bread recipe. If I have got the same oven as you, the same wheat as you, the same milk as you, the same whatever as you and I have the same temperatures I would get the same results. That is the idea. It doesn’t work like that but that is the idea that I thought of at the time. I went all the way to the top of these organizations. The biggest motivational speaker in the world is Antony Robins and then I went to the biggest person regarding mind power who is John Kehoe. I’d always try to get to the highest and most influential people to see how they did it. One of the guys who was my mentors at the time was Richard Branson. Here you can see Sir Richard Branson signing my book in one of the occasions where we spent some time together with him and also a very good friend of mine Grant Shuttleworth who is the brother of Mark Shuttleworth. You might know him from the African space heritage where he was the first African in space. I got involved in these circles so that I could absorb these things and I could create wealth for my self.

I had a problem though. I didn’t tell anybody about it. My wife knew but we were battling financially.  I knew that through the power of my mind my affirmations and my meditations I would be able to create the success for myself so I carried on pushing and pushing. I took this story of personal purpose out into the world into primary schools and into high schools. Here you can see a high school and there you can see a primary school. You can see all the little pupils where I was teaching them this idea of personal purpose, this self fulfillment and self enlightenment through self content. Everything was about self and being able to achieve this through the power of self as well. I was invited to speak at the South African Reserve bank to about three or four hundred top level management to bring across this message of personal purpose, how it can change and influence your life. Not only that, I received a call from the African Woman in Leadership Summit, 2005. I was quite surprised to receive a call from the African Woman in Leadership Summit because they invited me as a male to speak and to explain to the woman what the challenges are from a man’s perspective with this idea of a woman coming to the work place. I hadn’t gone for this type of opportunity, it came to me. I realized that through the power of my mind I was creating the success. Things were starting to finally move ahead and I was able to create these type of events where I could share this message about personal purpose. I spoke there and I also spoke at the MTN Science Center in Cape Town. Quietly back at home there was a problem. I still didn’t have much income. In fact the more effort I was putting in the less income I had. I didn’t understand it, my wife and I discussed it and she was trying on her side to assist where she could. She is not a business type person so she got involved in what she enjoys and that is healing. While I was getting involved in the esoteric side of the New Age Movement and slowly migrating towards the occult my wife was getting deeper and deeper involved in the esoteric type healing methods, crystal healings, angel cards etc which I will explain to you a little bit later in this lecture but also in the lecture entitled New Age Movement.

Financial Struggles

The more effort we were putting in and the more effort I was putting in as sometimes up to 21 hours a day the less income I had and I couldn’t understand it. I didn’t realize it at the time that there was a hand that was blocking my success and if I had been successful I don’t believe I would be doing these lectures today. I don’t believe I would be speaking to you about God and being able to do the very next lecture and show you how God showed Himself to be God. I am not talking about airy fairy read this and just belief, I am talking about science, mathematics that proves who God is. I will show you that in the next lecture.

I was doing everything right. This is what I believed. I was doing absolutely everything right. I was meeting the right people, I was involved with the right people, I was absorbing the right information, I was reading the right books, I was spending time with the right people but yet there was a problem. Somehow I just couldn’t get a financial breakthrough. I didn’t know what the problem was. I now realize that not everything that seems bad at the time comes from Satan and not everything that seems good at the time comes from God. There are times the Lord puts a blockage in your life to make you look for other options. The options I was looking for at the time were; I wanted to find the truth and I wanted to help others. The way to help others is to become affluent and make lots of money that you can really share this around. Finding the truth was a problem because I turned my back on Christ and I was out in to Buddhism and Hinduism and all these other religions but going up to that I didn’t realize that at the time was the esoteric cycles of these religions because each religion has got two levels. One hidden inside and one exposed for outside. I’ll show all of these ideas through the rest of my lectures. It is all available in these lectures.

My wife got involved in crystal healing and energy healing which is supposedly when you are able to channel healing energy through you to be able to release people from the illnesses. I did not only do it on people, I also did it for animals. My wife and I were quite heavily involved in that, my wife more than myself in crystal healings and energy healings. We got involved in angels as well because we realized that the angels are such untapped power in the world. These angels are a method by which God can communicate with us. This universal energy can communicate with us. These were the ideas that I was being taught at the time. Being involved in angels we also got involved in [0:06:29] and this idea that angels will help you predict your future. Now when I look back I realize that the one thing they don’t tell you is that there are two sets of angels. One that stays in heaven with God and another set of angels that fell out of heaven and landed on earth called demons. They’ve just changed their focus. They were angels, they are now demons but they masquerade as angels of light. The bible explains all of this and I’ll go into these details in the later lectures.

Help from a Witch

While we were involved in these esoteric things I had a problem that I had no finances and my wife had a problem. She had a lower back pain. We decided to go to a woman that I will now recognize as a white witch – Debbie down in [0:07:15] southern area of Cape of South Africa, almost right at the tip. This woman also did these healing channeling things on us. She was a guru as you’d like to call it and she realized that this blockage which I had and my wife had such a serious blockage that she had to call in the big guns. She was also working with angels and she called in angels bigger and more mighty. She even called them Michael at one time. This is not the real Michael, not the biblical Michael. These are all lies, these are deceptions. Eventually she said ‘I can’t get rid of your blockage. I will have to call in the biggest of all the angels and that his name is [0:08:00].

I will show you in the lectures, later on in the lectures who [0:08:05] but I will tell you now who it is and I will prove it to you in a later lecture. [0:08:09] is an alias for Lucifer. That is how you can identify which side of these angels you are working with. Are you working with God’s angels or Satan’s angels? We didn’t know that we were busy with Satan’s angels at the time because they lied just like Satan does and they make you sick and they make you healthy. This is why people think that this channeling is such a wonderful thing. Not even Satan could help relieve us from our blockages. Amazingly enough there is only one power greater than Satan in the universe and that is God and if He blocks your channels you are not going to get anything to unblock it unless it comes straight from the hand of God. That is what happened. Even [0:08:50] could not unblock these channels and release me from my financial burden. I decided if I will get involved in reincarnation because this idea would help me understand as you reincarnated in every lifetime you’ll be able to find out what the problems were in your previous lifetimes. Just stop for a moment and think about it. This is man trying to solve man’s problems. I didn’t know who God was. I was asking who God was. I was saying I want to find the truth and I want to help people. Now I was getting involved in the occult. I was getting so involved in the angels and in Satanic things that not only were they not able to help me but I had to go past them into the even darker things to find out what was happening. From reincarnation when my answers wouldn’t come through reincarnation and through hypnosis I went into transpersonal hypnotherapy. That is the idea that not only do you die and come back but that’s when you die and you go somewhere, your soul goes somewhere, and where it goes you can trace it and you can listen to the conversations that were had there before you come back into your body. These are deceptions from Satan himself but I had no other answers. I was searching for the truth. Please if you wonder why

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I am speaking about hypnosis or angels or these things I am not telling you this to get you involved in it or to encourage you, I am warning you that I have been there and you don’t have to go there. You do not want to have to go there. Let somebody like me who’s come out of that guide you towards this truth. Only Jesus can help you, that’s who God is. I will show you how He showed me. In the next lecture I will proof that He is God.

After having been involved in all of these things and transpersonal hypnotherapy where you open your mind and you don’t know what influence is impacting on your mind, when I got out of this not even that was able to unblock my financial challenges. At this time I was getting almost desperate. In discussions between me and my wife we made the decision that Christ was no longer needed in our lives. In fact I would almost use the word ‘hated Him’ because He was deceiving so many, millions and millions of people world wide to believe in this one stupid book called the bible. We did not want anything to do with that because … look at my book shelve. I’ve got hundreds of these wonderful enlightening books and you want to come and tell me now that I must believe in one little book and everything is in there? Don’t be stupid. Once my wife and realized this Christ thing is a big [0:01:36]. He is actually one of the other gods. We decided to disassociate ourselves from anything to do with Christ. In fact my wife and I were going to change our will that if we were to die neither my parents nor my wife’s parents were able to burry us out of any Christian church or association. That is how much we hated Christ.

The TV Show

As we made that decision the doors went open. Not financially yet but I was pushed into a corner with Nolin who the South Africans would recognize as South Africa’s Oprah. She runs a talk show on national TV called SABC3 talk and there I was pushed into a corner and I started to discuss with her all these esoteric things and how the metaphysical world works and your personal purpose etc. She got so exited about it. She took my book which I gave her a copy. A couple of weeks later she phoned me and said ‘I want to do a whole show called Finding and Living your Life Purpose. Would you please come and be one of the guests on our show?’ I thought ‘wow! This mind power stuff really works. These affirmations really work. Finally I was starting to recognize that this channeling, this energy into the future actually really works. Those of you that are involved in the New Age will hear my language. I am speaking very New Age language to speak to those that understand what I’m speaking about. It is from there that God called us out. There is deep deception of Satan that we were called out.

Nolin invited me on TV. As I was ushered on stage as you can see from this image I was put in the middle. If you understand what that means on television nothing happens by chance. Everything is planned. Sitting in the middle you automatically realize that you are the man in the middle. You are the guy in charge. I looked at my right and I saw Merlyn – a friend of mine who is a friend now. He is a Christian. On my left is the lady that runs the Metaphysical Institute of South Africa. You might not think that to be amazing but from my perspective I had created through the power of my mind this opportunity to be on stage. Just as it happens I get lumbered with this stupid Christian and I get together with somebody who is more enlightened than the Christian who is involved in this nonphysical metaphysical world. I realized ‘wow, I must be the bridge. I’m the gate between these esoteric people and these Christians. I must build the bridge. That is my role. I had created this opportunity through the power of my mind. Not only did I have a Christian next to me on stage which was frustrating the very first phone call I ever get on national television, guess who phoned me… a Christian. Mitchell phones from Durban and she says ‘excuse me Nolin. I don’t quite understand all these purpose stuff that you guys are speaking about.’ She says ‘my bible says that we are created in the image of the creator and we are created for the purpose of the pleasure of the creator and she quotes texts after texts.’ I thought to myself ‘wow. You are so deceived. ‘My bible says’ everything is ‘my bible’. I thought ‘man! I will tear you to pieces.’ I thought all over silently inside myself outwardly having this composure. Then the camera panned across so we went on Ad brake, I can’t remember. I said ‘Nolin, I want to answer this one.’ When we came back from the Ad brake whatever happened, the camera panned to Nolin and she said ‘Mark you wanted to say something.’ The camera came on me and I said ‘yes I would like to answer Mitchell. Mitchell, think about this for a moment.’

I just want to pull out the handbrake on this lecture and I want to tell you something. Sometimes the New Agers know more about the bible than you know yourself. Sometimes they will be able to use your information to twist your information around so subtly that it will confuse you right to the core. I drop the handbrake now.

I said ‘Mitchell, just consider this for a moment. You say ‘my bible says that we are created in the image of the creator. Think about this for a moment.’ I want to ask you now as well if you are watching this DVD. If you are created in the image of t-cup, what would you be? You’ll be a t-cup. So if you are created in the image of the creator what would you be? You’ll be the creator. Wouldn’t you? Therefore and I said on national TV as you can see by this image ‘I am the creator. Through the power of my mind I’ve been able to create this situation. I’m not sitting on national TV being able to tell you about what I have done, what I have done through the power of self. With my own power I have been able to create this opportunity. I am the creator. You are the creator. I didn’t realize at the time that this is pantheism. This is God in each of us. This is the idea that God is in me, God is in you, God is in the chair, God is in the camera, God is in the clouds, God is in the trees. This is pantheism. It comes from ancient times, from the days when [0:07:10] touched everything and it turned to gold who worshiped the god pan. I will get into that in the later lectures as well. Here on national TV ‘certainly I tell you I’m the creator. Interestingly enough I turned around and said to her ‘excuse me. Just think about the garden of Eden for a moment.’ I am asking you now to think about the Garden of Eden. What happened there, there were three lies. First Satan said to Eve ‘Did God really say that? Is He so horrible that He is not letting you eat of all the trees? Is He hiding something from you?’ He creates doubt.

The second thing Satan did in the Garden of Eden, he says ‘You aint die. God is lying to you.’ Then he puts in the third lie and that is when he twists the thing in to his own direction. He says, not only will you not die you will become as gods. On national TV I said to her, ‘are you sure you’ve read your bible properly?’ one, I created an insecurity. Then I said ‘are we created in the image of the creator? If we were what we’ll we be?’ then number three I put in my own doctrine. I said ‘we are created in the image of the creator. Therefore we are the creator.’ I pray somehow that, that lady Mitchell from Durban will be able to get this DVDs and be able to realize that the Lord has called me out of this deception. Even on national TV I had the arrogance to say that I was the creator. When I went home I still couldn’t put petrol in my car. The more effort I was putting in the less income I had. There was a blockage in my life that not even [0:08:50] himself could release. Something was going on and yet as I was battling with ‘how do I overcome this problem’ and discussing it with my wife and she is helping with crystal healing and trying to unblock my channels and we are asking the angels for help and we are meditating and all these rubbish things yet as all of these is going on and we are battling to find food at home Career Success magazine launches this article. They say ‘who wants to be a millionaire?’ then they refer to Mark Woodman. I laugh every time I see this thing. Actually it’s very sad and that is the problem. You don’t know what you are reading because you don’t know what is going on in this surface. That is why there is only one God, because there is only one individual in the universe that can see under the surface, that can see into your thoughts, can see into your emotions, into the pain that is in your heart at the moment. There is only person and that is God. Here outwardly I was wearing suits on national TV and I was this big [0:09:58], I was the creator of the universe, I was the creator of my own little universe and yet I had nothing. Career Success looks outwardly and they say how to become …

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Would you like to be a millionaire? Ask Mark Woodman how it is done. This is pathetic, absolutely pathetic.

Then came a day when I had to start wondering what is really going on. If you’ve been with Richard Branson and with the Shuttleworth family, if you’ve been with Antony Robins and Chris Stals and Cyril Ramaphosa and all the big names around the world, if you are studying Ellen Cole and Deepak [0:00:37] and all of these, Dr. Wayne [0:00:39], all of these names trying to absorb their understanding, reading the [0:00:43] about Think and grow Rich and how to think and create this, if you are doing absolutely everything right and yet you still have not a little but of success, [0:00:55] nothing then you’ll wonder to yourself what is going on? Somewhere there must be a blockage and this blockage is bigger than what I can deal with on my own. At half past three one Saturday morning I got out of bed and I was crying bitterly. I’d gone to bed that evening before with my wife and I was very worried because there was no food for that Saturday morning. Nobody knew this.

I woke up – I didn’t actually sleep, I was rolling around the whole night – at half past three and I decided now I will get up. I walked down the passage. It was cold and went and sat in the lounge. All the lights were off and I sat on the bench and I thought about it. I will bring up this graphic so that you can see. This is my success summery. After two or more years working at the top level, this was my success summery. I was four months behind on my car repayments. I was five months behind on my bond repayments. I was a year behind on my electricity repayments. I had absolutely no medical aid, there was no income into our home at all and my wife was eight months pregnant. Can you imagine the trouble I was in? I am the creator, I can create the success for myself and yet I’m sitting in the dark, a year behind in the electricity, four months on my car, five months behind on my bond and I’ve got no medical aid and my wife is eight months pregnant. The reason I was crying and I had this emotional trauma was … and those of you that have experienced this, husbands you know what I am talking about and wives you know especially is when you are pregnant you don’t need food, you need nourishment. You don’t want bread and milk, you need nourishment for the baby. I didn’t even have an egg, I didn’t even have milk, I didn’t even have bread there was nothing in our fridge. I didn’t know what we’d have for breakfast that morning. I don’t know what we had for breakfast but we had breakfast. What happened there is that I sat down on this bench and I realized I had done everything that I could in my power. Another email wouldn’t have made a difference. Another letter wouldn’t have made a difference. Another phone call wouldn’t have made a difference. I had done everything. If I had done so much and I had nothing then I knew that it would never happen.

A Prayer to God

That morning half past three that Saturday morning I climbed off the bench and I fell on my knees. I knelt down and I realized that if I wasn’t able to create any success after everything that I’d done then there must be a higher power in the universe that can help me but I was tired. I was absolutely exhausted from years of trying and trying, and trying to keep this image that everything is going fine. I was absolutely exhausted and I felt down on my knees. I didn’t know how to pray anymore. I said, ‘hallow!’ it is not how you pray that matters, it is that you pray that matters. I knelt down and I said ‘hallow, I don’t know who you are. I don’t actually care who you are. I don’t care if you are Allah or Shiva or Brahma or Vishnu or Krishna or [0:04:32] or Jesus or Lucifer, I actually don’t care. I am tired. But I want one of you to come through. I know there must be one of you that is more powerful than all the others. I have done everything that I can in my power to create this success and it is not working. Today I am giving everything I have over to you. I don’t know who you are but I want you to identify yourself and I want you to help me. Show me how to get out of this mess. There is no breakfast.’ I got up off the floor and I sat back on the couch and I looked around me because I was expecting the doors to blow open and lightning to come shooting through the door and frazzle me and throw me to a corner. I sat back on the couch and it was just nothing, absolute silence. I thought ‘aah, I got better.’ I said that is absolutely typical of you. The time that I really need you, this God-person or whoever you are, the time that I say ‘please come and help me’ you just drop me like a hot potato. I had nothing to give my wife who is eight months pregnant for breakfast.

What happened was after that I was expecting a physical realization of a spiritual manifestation, that is the problem. Today the world wants in the physical world to realize what is happening in the spiritual world. That day God’s hand really came into my life more powerfully that ever before but it wasn’t in the way that I thought it would be. God never does that and He lays His truth in front of you and He allows you to make a decision. He is not going to drag you out of something so that you’ll now accept Him that He is God, no He won’t do that. He’ll lay the truth in front of you and He will never take it away. He’ll lay it down in front of you day after day. Whether you accept it or not that is the point. Remember I was looking for the truth and I wanted to help people. That is all I wanted. As I started to hear this call from the Lord I heard Revelation 18.

Revelation 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

I thought ‘what does this mean? What does it mean to come out? Come out of what? After that morning certain miracles started to take place. I would go and check in the car to see if there is any money, maybe a five rand coin or something lying around that I could use to buy bread and there’d be nothing. I’d go back in the house and I go back to the car just to make sure if maybe I skipped something somewhere and I’d find a twenty rand note lying in the back seat. These little miracles started to happen but it was not done under the duress of saying ‘I am God and here is my proof and I want to assure you that are going to live in accordance with it.’ No, God doesn’t work like that. He puts it softly in front of you. These scores started to eat away at my heart. ‘Come out of what? What do you mean come out of her? What ‘her’? I realized that also Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] … a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What was my intention? I wanted to find the truth and I wanted to help people. Here the bible, this stupid book that I had now opened for the first time after having used it as a car jack, I opened it and I read that God knows my thoughts. Can you imagine if He knew what I was thinking? Not only that He knows the intents, does He know that I want to do good? That is amazing. Then I read what Psalms 94:11 says;

Psalms 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man,

Wow! So He knows what is going on! I started to study this and I went through DVDs just like the ones that you have got in front of you at the moment. Somebody had given me a set of these DVDs which I had taken and because he was a Christian I took it for his sake not to offend him and I put them at the back. In these DVDs was the truth which I’m laying out in these 21 lectures. I will lay out the same but on different angle these truths which brought me out of this. Come out of her, my people, it says. It is calling out of the deceptions. There is a problem in the world at the moment. There is a silent war on which is so well planned and so well executed that hardly anyone knows it is happening. It is a war on deception. It is a war that continues the war that started in heaven. Many people don’t even know that there was war in heaven. Can you imagine war in heaven? Heaven is a beautiful place. It wasn’t, there was war in heaven.

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

What! You mean there are angels that are making as if they aren’t because it says he deceiveth the whole world? I don’t know if I’m dealing with the right set of angels. I spoke to my wife and said you’ve got to stop this angel stuff until we know which angels we’re dealing with. We’ve got to stop this. I read about Michael fighting with his angels against dragon and asked who is Michael? Then I realized that the word Michael means he who is what God is, the arch angel, the messenger from

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On high, the only one that can fight Satan for the control of Moses’ body, who is the only one in the universe who can fight for control of every body is Jesus Christ. Michael being he who is who God is, Michael, Jesus fighting against the dragon and the angels are fighting, they fall out of heaven. This war continues on earth today but it is a war of deception. This war is so disgusting that today, just take an example of an ATM, where you go and withdraw money. You walk to the ATM, it looks like an ATM, you press the buttons, it sounds like an ATM, it feels like an ATM, everything looks right. You put your card in and you want to withdraw your money you get taken. That’s deception. When people say to me ‘I am not deceived’ I say that exactly how deceived people think. I didn’t know I was deceived. You don’t know you are asleep until you wake up. When you go to sleep after watching this DVD tonight you won’t know you are asleep until you wake up. If it is 1 o’clock in the morning you’ll say ‘oh, I fell asleep. Otherwise you’d never have an accident on a car because of fatigue because people would say ‘oh, I will fall asleep. You don’t know when you fall asleep, that is the problem with deception. You don’t know when you are deceived until you come out of deception and it is the media that is being used to destroy and to disseminate the lies into all mankind. Satan is trying to destroy the accuracy of the bible. I remember reading this article from Guardian Unlimited where they say Jesus wasn’t walking on water, He was walking on thin ice. This is now proven supposedly. The scientists have proven that Jesus isn’t really God, He couldn’t walk on water it was actually thin ice. Interestingly that He was walking bare foot though, it must have been really cold.

Fox news tells us that Jesus wasn’t really God because Jesus had to ask Judas to betray Him in order to fulfill prophecy. He wasn’t truly God. Not only that, the Davinci Code, we’ve all heard about this, it says Jesus wasn’t really God because He had children with a prostitute and those children are today the kings and the queens of the world, what is called the [0:02:28] blood line, the blood line of the monarchy. Then there is another one that says the creator isn’t really the creator. He does go boom and it exists. We’ve evolved from the apes. This graphic done here is our great, great, great grand father. This is the problem. My question was because in this New Apostolic Church which believed in evolution. We even had a statement saying that evolution fits in to the creation story. I have a whole lecture on the creation versus evolution. It is called sun versus sun, the evolution debate. You’ll have a look at it and you’ll see what I mean. This is a war about deception and if you can destroy the accuracy of the bible then you destroy the authority of the bible and that is what Satan is trying to do. If I can get people to question  Genesis 1:1, in the beginning God created … no that is not accurate, in the beginning God used. If I can get them to question one area of the bible and I said to them, ‘if Genesis 1 isn’t accurate then how do I know the virgin birth is valid? What about John the Baptist, did he exist? Daniel in the lions’ den, Noah’s flood, how do I know what to believe and what not to believe? Did the Apostles really do what they said they did? This is the problem; it is a war on accuracy which is undermining the authority. Today because of that just like the Zephaniah 3:2 explains;

Time magazine can put on this front of their cover – Is God dead? They ask these questions and today we just have to look back in history and see September 11^th – this day that changed the world, a day that will be recognized for ever as something [0:04:25] that happened which has forever changed the lay out of how we see our fellow man. Not only that, we look around and we see new historic weather patterns that are taking place. We see Time magazine again saying the bible and the apocalypse. Why more Americans are reading and talking about the end of the world, here we go the end of the world. Is it something real? Are we going to evolve into a new level of comma or is it really going to go boom! This can’t be. We’ll be going on a journey on these lectures. It is a three part journey. First I will give you a biblical foundation, the first four lectures, and then I will give you the background information uncovering these deceptions, getting you to wake up. I will walk over to your bed like you walk over to your child and say ‘wake up, wake up.’ We’ll be doing that. Then we’ll be taking all of these staff and putting it in context. The first four lectures, biblical foundations, the next set of lectures right up to number 17 is uncovering the background of deceptions and 18 to 22 is landing back on the word of God and saying ‘how do we put into place all of these staff that we’ve now recognized? The question is, Is it the end of the world? Does that thought of idea even exist? We’ll be continuing this and discussing it in part 2.

[Part 6 of10]

Is it the end of the world?

This is the question that we’ve asked in the previous half of this lecture. This is the question that has been asked by many people all over the world. Let’s do an analysis on this question.  You’ll notice that throughout the lectures that we don’t just take this from a biblical perspective. We say ‘what does the bible say and let’s check extra biblically what does the world say? What does the history tell us and what do the secular sources also tell us? This time I will be turning it upside down. We are going to say what does the world say about the end of the world? Then we’ll check what the bible says about the end of the world. Here is an interesting book by Eugene Linden. It is called The Future in Plain Sight: Nine clues to the coming instability, interesting. Here secular world writer, non-biblical writer writes about nine clues to the coming instability. So, something is coming and it will cause instability. He speaks about massive global instability. Can you imagine that? He knows that something is about to take place. Let’s find out what those nine clues are.

1. 1.      The Collapse of the Global Economy

He says the signs are clearly visible that something is about to take place. We’ll cover a lecture about the new world order and you can also realize that just looking into the American economy you can see it’s always tittering on a cliff edge. Make sure when it’s going to go over the edge. There are reasons for that. He says the collapse of the global economy; this is a one big indicator.

1. 2.      The Migration of the Poor to the Cities

Statistically if you look at that you can see that the number of cities that has increased for over a million people and more has doubled in the last couple of years. There is a huge migration of the poor people in to the cities.

1. 3.      Population Explosion – Both Urban and Rural

Something is going on. The population is just exploding.

1. 4.      Global Warming

This weird thing that’s happening to earth, we are not quite sure. Some people say it’s normal, cycles are taking place. Other people say this is the first time that it is this dramatic this quickly. He says that this is one of the keys to this problem.

1. 5.      Economic Disparity between the Rich and the Poor

This is now Bill Gates versus the people in the rural settlement and the people on the ground, actually between you and me as well, probably. I read an article about Bill Gates – I can’t remember the exact figure but was something stupendous. I think in his personal capacity is valued at the same as the forty six of the poorest countries in the world, call it forty countries. He in his own capacity is valued at over forty countries, the same values, unbelievable. The disparity between rich and poor, people like Warren Buffet, that is one of the major signs.

1. 6.      The Collapse of Bio-echo Systems and Environmental Concerns

You just have to look around to see that that is happening. There are certain signs of thousands and thousands of species that are going extinct every year.

1. 7.      Water and Food Shortages

Remember these are outside the bible. He says water and food shortages in the world are a warning. There is a sign telling us be careful something is about to change. Something global, massive global instability is coming, here at nine identifying clues.

1. 8.      Infectious Diseases and the Resurgence of them and the Resilience

What does that mean? Infectious diseases are infectious diseases but the resurgence means the coming back of these things, coming back with a vengeance and their resilience meaning that normal drugs which we’ve used just can’t work any more. They just don’t work. You can’t get rid of some of these strains of these various flues and whatever we have. The resurgence of illnesses and the resilience, things are getting worse.

1. 9.      Radical Fundamentalism in Religion

That is an interesting topic because you have this being marketed around especially regarding Islam one of the big problems in the world. There is a problem with fundamentalism. The word is ambiguous because fundamentalism doesn’t mean you have to blow up people. It just means you believe on certain things and as you’ll find in these lectures fundamental principles become a problem. Have a look at this fundamentalist with me. See what he said in February 23, 1998.

To kill the Americans and their allies, civilians and military is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which is possible to do it.

Radical fundamentalism, I have never seen this before in the world. Not only is it just one man saying it, there are garrisons that are being opened up. Look at this article. This is from the 22^nd July 2005. Iran opens a garrison to recruit suicide bombers against the west. It is called the Lovers of Martyrdom garrison. Can you imagine that?

There is another article. Iran honest suicide bomber who killed 241 Americans in Beirut. They honor him; This is a wonderful thing, you’ve done the nation proud.

Worldnet Daily: The boy’s father, 54-year-old Hassan Hotari … says he is very happy and proud of what my son did and frankly I’m a bit jealous. I wish I had done it. My son has fulfilled Prophet’s (Mohamed’s) wishes. He has become a hero! Tell me, what more could a father ask?

That is what the world says. This is the problem. These are nine clues for us to see something is about to happen. We look in to Revelation, the very last book of the bible and you have a look at the chapters throughout Revelation in this last book of the bible. Throughout it is permeated with this calling ‘I am coming quickly’.

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly:

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly:

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly;

Revelation 22:20 …Surely I come quickly.

It is a revelation of Jesus Christ. Who is coming? It looks like Jesus Christ. Behold, I am coming quickly, surely I am coming quickly.

Do you think Jesus wasn’t an intelligent man if He even existed? I pretty much think He was. He did some interesting things and He was able to keep people transfixed with the words that He was using. He must have been of intellectual capacity. If an intellectual man tells you he’s coming back, ‘I am coming to fetch you, I am coming to fetch you.’ Do you think there is a possibility that he’ll tell you what to look for before he comes? Any intellectual individual will say ‘I want you to catch the 10:30 bus from platform 3.’ What does that mean? It means that you have to find the station so you have to have a sign find this station then you have to find the platform and then you have to check the time. These are signs that indicate to us that something will happen. If Jesus says I’m coming back, I want you to catch the 10:30 bus He has to give us signs to tell us what to look for. Is it platform 3, because if we’re standing on platform 2 we won’t catch the bus or if we get there at 11 and the bus is already gone we had the wrong time.

Revelation 16:15 … Blessed [is] he that watcheth,…

Watcheth for what? This is the question. If Jesus is coming back then He will say to us these are the things I need you to watch for. Remember it’s 10:30, it is platform 3 at station so and so. This is not one place that He says this. He says it in Mathew 24:42;

Mathew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

This day is supposed to take mankind as the thief in the night. It will be boom! and it happens out of the blue. It will be a surprise to most people. 1 Thessalonians 5:46 Paul’s writing and he says to the people it doesn’t have to take you by surprise because if you understand how to watch for signs then you will know that this is coming.

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5:4 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

[Part 7 of 10]

Keep your eye on the watch. Watch the various things that I will be telling and be ready because the bus will come. People will think you are mad because you are waiting for certain things. You can see where you are in the stream of time but it doesn’t have to take this. The coming of the Lord doesn’t have to take you by surprise even as it will take the world by surprise.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Watch for what? Can you please tell us Lord? Watch for what? The whole creation is groaning in the pain of [0:00:45]. I just want to stop here and speak to the smart Elix because you’ve always had this smart Elix that says ‘they said 150 years ago that God was coming, they said 2,000 years ago that God was coming, they said 50 years ago that God’ coming, where is your God? Just stop for a second and to the smart Elix, this is to you; the bible speaks about the world being as a woman in labor. If you’ve ever been around a woman that is in labor there are certain characteristics that you’ll notice. Firstly it is not a fun place to be especially if you are a woman. Secondly there is something that happens, it is called the contractions. These contractions become more and more intensive. The intensity increases and as they increase so does the gap between them decrease. You might have a contraction then a couple of minutes later a contraction and another contraction a couple of minutes later. All of a sudden the contractions get bigger and they come together. The bible is warning, don’t worry about earthquakes and certain things. The world says ‘don’t worry about it, we’ve always had earthquakes – true. But let us look at the frequency and the intensity of each one of these happenings. Not only that Romans 8 explains about this groaning and this pain.

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

The entire creation is groaning under the pain of [0:02:26]

In Mathew 24:3,4 the disciples come to Jesus and ask Him ‘Lord, tell us now. You’re speaking about the end of the world, give us an indication. What must we look for?’ amazingly enough, I will want you to read this passage. Read what it says. Amazingly enough He doesn’t go to list of items. The very first thing that He says is very important.

Mathew 24:3 …. The disciples came unto him privately saying; tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?

What must we look for Lord? Tell us, must it be leprosy, will there be clouds, certain shapes, what must we look for?  You know what the Lord says? A very interesting thing; He doesn’t say look for signs, look for this. The very first thing He says before He gets into all the signs is;

Mathew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them; take heed that no man deceive you.

Wow! If I was to ask you what car do you drive? You won’t say to me ‘well, when I was learning to drive I drove a Volks Wagon and after that I drove a Volks [0:03:53], after that I drove a BMW, I drove three Mercedes and now I’m driving a Peugeot. No, you’ll say ‘what car do you drive?’ ‘I drive a Peugeot.’ Isn’t that interesting? Lord, what will be the sign of your coming? Tell us. This critical question is what the disciples asked Him. I think this is an important question. When the disciples come to God and they say to Him, ‘tell us what we must look for’. The very first thing He says someone will try and deceive you, be careful. Don’t believe everything that comes across your path. Check whether it is in the word of God. Deception is the first main thing and that is why this whole lecture series we’ll be uncovering these deceptions. After that He says besides deceptions look for this and look for that and look for the following three things etc.

Signs of the Lord’s Coming

False Prophets

Mathew 24:4 for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;

Here is an indication that we’re getting towards the end. False Christs, false prophets, false people that are speaking in the name of Christ but aren’t truly in line with the truth of Christ. Some of these examples that we’ve seen not too long ago;

Jim Jones – He is a former Baptist preacher. He is endorsed by Mandela and President Jimmy Carter. He founded the American temple’s cult. In November 18^th 1978 Jones was found dead from a gun shot wound to the head. Among the 914 copses there, where the members committed mass suicide by drinking poison. Can you imagine that? American People’s Temple, that was known as Godly place to be and then the fruits showed who was really behind this. This wasn’t Jesus Christ. False prophets and false Christs shall arise and deceive many.

David Koresh – He said ‘I am the Lamb, I am Jesus Christ. I have come to save the world.’ By saying I am the lamb he was a self-proclaimed leader of the Branch Davidians Millennial cult, believing himself to be the Messiah.

The tremendous tragedy that happened in Waco – his name was death and hell followed with him; it says in Revelation 6:8 on the Times magazine. Wikipedia says a raid by the FBI ended with the burning Branch Davidian ranch causing the death of Koresh and most of his followers. Incredible!

Marshall Applewhite – In March ’97 he was the founder of Heaven’s Gate. The cult’s violent end coinciding with the appearance of Comet Hale-Bopp. Applewhite convinced his 38 followers to commit suicide so that their souls could take a ride on a space ship that they believed was hiding behind this comet Hale-Bopp.

It sounds so silly today but it is so believable. There are people who committed suicide that their souls could take a ride on a space ship behind a comet. False Christs and false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many.

What about today are there any that are around today? There are many. Here is just one of them.

Dr. Jose Louise De’ Jesus Merands – This guy is known as a Christ Jesus he says. His name is Dr. Jose Louise De’ Jesus Merands. He is coming to the United States. The king of kings the lord of lords has arrived in America. He’s got 300 TVs and radio programmes, 300 plus faithful pastors, 350 education centers. Supposedly this man is sent by God. What is he teaching? He is teaching the world that sin no longer exists and that we are dead unto sin, also that there is no devil as it was destroyed 2, 000 ago. This is very dangerous ground.

His website says ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus.’ He is claiming to be Jesus. That was a while ago. When you go back to his website you see that he’s even changed his name to anti-Christ. He now calls himself anti-Christ and he has 666. Look at the front of his website. It says music SSS, we present to the nations 666news.com. Not only that he explains in his article from CBS4;

Man who says he is Jesus says he is the anti-Christ. Here is the image of the members having the 666 tattooed into their bodies. Unbelievable, can you imagine how convinced you must be to have 666 tattooed into your body? This man has now changed the anti-Christ into something good. He says it is not the bad guy that is in a position to Christ, it’s another Christ coming as Jesus Christ. Anti means another Christ, so he is another Christ.

Time magazine had an article on him recently on 9^th of May 2007 says; a different Jesus to believe in?

Jose Louise De’ Jesus Miranda head of the Growing and Grace International Ministry waits to enter the main hall of his congregation in Miami. Look at what is on his chest – 666. This is brand new, 9^th of May. It says in his article; By his own account the former heroine addict and thief; he is still imbibes hard liquor and he surrounds himself with beautiful women despite being married. He wears an $11,000 Rolex and drives a BMW and says that for members of his Miami based congregation movement there is no such thing as sin. Over the years his religious persona has continually evolved. You see? There is a problem. Having once claimed to be John the Baptist then Jesus Christ and now most recently his title is

[Part 8 of 10]

anti-Christ. Where is this guy going? He is pulling his thousands and thousands of people with him. They are falling to the same lies they did in the Garden of Eden. What happened in the Garden of Eden? Satan came to Eve and said ‘you will not really die, you’ll become as gods.’ And she saw that the fruit was good for food and her eyes deceived her into doing something that you’d otherwise wouldn’t have done. These people are being deceived into stuff that doesn’t make sense.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Mathew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars

This is a sign according to Christ of what we must look for towards the end of the world, wars and rumors of wars. Remember it’s not just one separately it is all of these together and the frequency and the intensity of them is increasing.

It says on Yale’s website; “… the world survived the 20^th century which was the bloodiest ever in all human history” – Bill Clinton

Can you imagine the 20^th century the bloodiest ever?

It was the bloodiest [century] in all history. More than 170 million people were killed by governments with ten million people being killed in World War I and fifty million people being killed in World War II. – Budwing von Mises Institute.

This has never happened before. In one century 170 million people have died.

Times magazine: In the Shadow of the Bomb. There is always this looming problem of nuclear war. It’s always just over the horizons, it never peeps up but it’s there. We know there is a problem and you just have to do a little of basic research. I am not doing anything fancy I am just taking basic research. You’ll see the United States are said to have had as high as 9,960 active war heads. Russia having 16,000, the U.K, France, china, India, Pakistan, North Korea and even Israel.

The Sunday Times had this article – Revealed: the secrets of Israel’s nuclear arsenal.

There is stuff going on. There will be wars and there will be rumors of wars. There will be one sign on top of the false prophets and then at the same time sign number 3 which we are getting to just now. On top of it sign number 4. Regarding these wars and rumors of wars current military statistics are astounding. Do you know that the Pentagon in America, their military budget equals half of the world’s defense spending? Of all the other countries in the world, that little dot there in Washington equals half of the worlds defense spending. That becomes very prominent in later lectures when we get to an image to the beast etc. not only that the U.S military spending according to space war is U.S $650 billion a year or more they say. The war in Iraq alone has caused $436, billion, unbelievable. This was only at 20^th June 2007. $436 billion was spent on one war. Put that one now on top of sign 1 and 2, we put now sign 3, 4 and 5.

         Famines, Pestilences and Earthquakes

This is the Lord speaking. He says there shall be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in diverse places. This image of this child with his distended body, it is very sad. Sudan, why is this happening again? What is going on? Something is going on. This image shows a man walking over cracks of drought stricken Rawal Lake in Islamabad, Pakistan. There will be famines, there will be pestilences etc. not famine alone, have a look this one; growing deserts are global problems. Something is happening, the deserts are growing.

Massive wild brush fire – this is a satellite image looking down on to the earth. Look at this smoke going over the earth. This is unbelievable. Not only that, from NASA themselves showing these statistics and these images of what is going on. You can see what is called the global mean surface temperature that is increasing. As of 1880 you can see from about -2 it is climbing up to 2000. All of a sudden about 1970 it starts to climb up. Where are we now? Where are we going? Is this global warming really real? And if it is why are they promoting it so wildly? And if it isn’t why are they promoting it so wildly? What is going on? There is something going on. These are statistics alone. Wyoming University has got this growth and it says there is definitely something different about it. Since 1940+ there was something that happened and then 1980 onwards something changed. What about the United Nations? The same sort of growth, something changed about 40, 50, 60, 70 years ago, things have started to change.

Sign number 3 on top of 1 and 2.

Let us put 4 on top of it.

Pestilences

These are illnesses and sicknesses. What about HIV and AIDS? I will not go into all of them. We know how much HIV is impacting our lives. You’ve got people like Nelson Mandela that are having these big concerts for HIV. You’ve got billions of dollars being poured in because they don’t know how to stop this.

This article says; Join us, be the generation that ends AIDS.

The people with that is people are dying like flies. This article explains that the people living with HIV and AIDS in 2006 are estimated at around 39.5 million people world wide. It could be even as high as 47 million people world wide living with the dreaded disease. It is not only that they say that 4.5 million people in this year or last year got infected. How many a day is that? What about the AIDS deaths in 2006? There were almost 3 million people that died of AIDS. Here is a graph to show you the impact of Africa versus the rest of the world. Just look at Africa. Unbelievable to see that the 63% of the world’s AIDS problem lies in Africa. The sub-Saharan Africa has 24.7 million adults and children living with AIDS. There is a huge problem. Remember what Eugene Linon said? Not only the resurgence but also the resilience. Here is this new TB. I don’t know if you’ve heard about it? XDR TB – Extremely Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. The New York Times says that this untreatable strains of tuberculosis is to be studied.

It says in Detroit press that; the untreatable TB is called a death sentence. I have just left South Africa, and they’ve just sent a whole bunch of people home because they can’t do anything for them. The hospitals don’t know what to do, they’ve given them TB drugs, it doesn’t work. They say you are keeping up the beds, we can’t keep you here for ever and they’ve sent them with that XDR TB back into the community. The people that work with us their very family have got this problem. These strains are coming to the world like it’s never been seen before. Not only that, we’ve got [0:08:20] disease. This one says bird flue fears even for pets. How much have we seen with mad cow disease and bird flue? Yesterday morning the news on the radio and the TVs said that there is a gyna problem with foot and mouth disease and it seems even possible mad cow disease. They are now trying to block all the meat to make sure that between the U.K and Australia that the meat is secure because they don’t want this foot and mouth disease to come across. This resilience and resurgence puts sign number 4 on top of 1, 2, 3. Then put number 5 on top.

Earthquakes

The Lord says there will be earthquakes in diverse places. When you discuss this one topic with smart Elix they say, there has always been earth quakes and it is the number of senses that we have that we can measure that is increasing. That is why we can now measure that there are more earthquakes around the world than what there used to be. Not that there is really more earthquakes it is that we can measure them more. Again you’ve got to put it all together. The bible is an amazing thing. You’ve got to put this whole row of information together. I decided that I will not go check what is the increase in earthquakes in the last couple of years. I said let me test, how many days have gone past between the world’s worst earthquakes? Let’s go right back in history to the 1800s and we’ll check the world’s worst earthquakes. What is the day ratio between them? Is it decreasing or increasing? What is going on? That way we’ll see whether the big ones that take place, whether their frequency is increasing. In other words they are coming like a woman in labor

[Part 9 of 10]

Amazingly enough have a look at this graph. This is from the USGS statistics which have been taken from the U.S. You can see from 1898-2006 a dramatic decline in the number of days between earthquakes. There is definitely a change in something to do with earthquakes. Not only that let’s turn around and study the number of people killed. If these are the worst earthquakes in the world how many people have been killed. This is the same graph, just a difference of where I’m looking at it, 1898-2006. There is a dramatic increase in number of people killed. In 2004 alone an estimated deaths according to the USGS is 284,000 people were killed in 2004 alone. This message of earthquakes is becoming loud and clear if you are willing to look at it. Not just on its own, put that now on top and now you will have 2, 3, 4, 5 all at the same time.

What about number six?

          Destructive Weather Patterns

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.

There will be tsunamis, katrinas and all these terrible things.

National geographic News: Earth hottest, it’s been 400 years or more. This is just history. The bible says add number six to the rest and when all of these things are happening together watch out, we are getting to the end. How many of these are happening at the moment? National geographic confirms something is going on. Number 6 is happening at the moment.

Terra Daily: Typhoon hits china, over 700,000 evacuated. Here is a satellite photograph of hurricane mitch. This is not even a katrina, it is just mitch. Look at that enormous hurricane and these pictures of the waves hitting the light houses. This has never been seen before.

Hurricane Katrina: At least 1,836 people lost their lives in hurricane Katrina and it cost U.S $81.2 billion to clean up from the mess. Unbelievable, just number 6 alone is not a sign. Number 6 on top of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 is a sign. Number 7 is on top of all of these.

          Increasing violence

Mathew 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold

This image of a poor boy hiding behind what I assume would be his father is protected in these shoot out gang wars. Maybe it is not a gang war, maybe this is the war in Iraq, we don’t know. What we do know however is that this boy should not be in the situation. Lawlessness and iniquity shall abound, violence, violence. How is this for an image?

Look at this, this is Time magazine: Ali Ishmael is attended to by distant aunt in a Bagdad hospital after being mutilated by a missile that killed his mother, father, brother and eleven other relatives on the outskirts or Bagdad. Look at this boy; no arm, his two thirds of his body has got burns on it. What is left for this boy is life. His whole family is gone. Iniquity shall abound, lawlessness and violence shall increase. It has been statistically proven that an average 18 year old has seen over 200,000 violence events on TV of which 40,000 of those are murders. You get violence on your children’s computer games, video games, movies, homes, schools, road rage, everywhere you look. You’ve got to be careful to put your eyes down, your head up and just do what you want to do. Don’t look around because you might get bitten up for looking somebody wrong. Violence is everywhere. Take that and put it on top of the pile.

What about signs number 8 and 9?

Pleasure Driven Society and a Loss of Family Values

Take this list of identifying characteristics and just think about it. Does this look like somehow like what the world looks like today?

2 Timothy 3:1-4 This also know, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

Just rewind and pause on that graphic and then decide for yourself. Can you see any of this anywhere in the society at the moment? That looks like a perfect description of society as it is. The bible is spot-on the button again. Let’s take a pleasure driven society for a moment. The bible says the bars will be full, the sports arena will be full, the theaters will be full. There will be rave parties, children will be going to rock concerts, parents as well. It is a society the bible warns that if it feels good do it. If it tastes good eat it and if it looks good take it. That is the world that we live in at the moment. Everything will be driven by senses. I’ve got to have a bigger TV, I’ve got seats that vibrate so that I can believe more what is going on in the movies. I’ve got to have this, I’ve got to have a fancy car, pleasure driven society focused on physical needs and sense stimulation. All the times that this happens God’s law is being trampled under our feet. I didn’t know that I was doing it that is why I had to be woken up out of my deception.

Lovers of their Own selves

Here is an image of [0:06:36]. In Times magazine she says; “There is nobody in the world like me. I think every decade has an iconic blond – like Marilyn Monroe or Princes Diana – and right now I am that icon.”

‘oh! Isn’t that wonderful? I am so lucky I am me.’ Lovers of their own selves. On its own it’s not a sign. Put it together with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and you’ll have something going here. What is this going here?

What about sign number 9?

The Decrease or Loss of Family Values

Family values are built in a solid, stable home environment. What is Satan’s best way of destroying that? Divorce. He knows that each of the bricks of the society is a family. If he can make the brick weaker then he can make the entire structure weaker. By making each individual family weaker the whole structure that knits society together gets weaker and weaker.

Here are some statistics from statistics.gov.uk: You can see sometime around the 1960s all of a sudden a dramatic increase of late 1960s and early 1970s, there is a huge increase in the divorce rate. Interesting to see that this was around the times of the beetles and Elvis, all these musical thing started to come in and people started to do things in their homes that wasn’t done before. Then it increased and increased and all of a sudden around 2000 there was a decline in the divorce rate. Why did it go down? Are things improving in the world? No. If you read on in the article it says … unfortunately the statistics are not as accurate as they used to be about people together because now people aren’t getting married so they can’t get divorced. A loss of family values, two homosexual males having to adopt a child, two homosexual women adopting a child, things that weren’t made like that. The Lord calls this an abomination. If you are a homosexual and you are hearing this I am not judging you. The Lord loves you as much as He loves me but you are deceived if you think that you are doing right. Please watch these lectures and decide whether maybe there is some deception in which you find yourself. People aren’t getting married anymore so they can’t get divorced. This is the way Satan destroys the fabric of society by making each individual family brick weaker. There is no father, no mother that are tightening that to build boundaries around the child and so the society starts to degrade. Not only that, New24 explains about a special deal for virgins.

New24: Berlin – A brothel has become the first in Berlin to offer special deals for virgins with prostitutes chained in the delicate art of catering for customers who’ve never had sex.

Unbelievable! Even the prostitutes are now making it easier where your conscious is screaming. You know you shouldn’t go into this place and you are consciously shouting at you. They are making it easier because now they’ve got a delicate touch and they’ll make it comfortable for you so that it’s easier to enter.

[Part 10 of 10]

This gentleman in Telaviv who is holding training sessions on how to cheat on your wife. This workshop speaks about how you have one wife in this country, one girlfriend in that country or couple with your wife, just make sure they are in different geographic areas and maybe different languages that they won’t see … these people are forgetting that the Lord knows the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Do you see the problem?

We’ve gone through 1, 2, 3, 4 and we’re putting all of these on top of each other. Do you know that in 1940 the top seven disciplinary problems were talking out of turn in class, chewing gum in class, making noise, running in the whole, cutting in line, dress code infractions and loitering? Fifty years later, not five hundred, fifty years later what are the top seven disciplinary problems in 1990? Drug use, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery and assult. There is a problem in the fabric of our society. You put that on top and remember you’ve got to tell their frequency and the intensity all at the same time.

Number 10

Mathew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come

Why hasn’t the world ended yet? You’ve got TBN, God channel; this Jesus Christ is being spread all over the world. Why hasn’t the world ended yet? Why isn’t the Lord come? There are bibles in all the corners. This is the problem. I will be uncovering all of these during the lectures. It is not just about the name Jesus Christ, it is about the character of Jesus Christ. Not only that, not everybody has heard the truth of Jesus Christ yet.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

That is how you can turn it around. You just say what does longsuffering mean? Imagine for a moment your daughter or your son was being mutilated in front of you by some burglar or stupid maniac that got hold of them and you are tied up and unable to do anything. Would you feel the pain of your child? Absolutely! Is God able to feel what we are going through? Absolutely! He is suffering long not that for the sake of holding back, not that willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Everybody has to hear this message. We take the sign number 1, 2, 3 and we add them on top of each other. The Lord says when all of these things are happening the end of the world will be very, very close. All of these 10 signs – I’ve only been through 10, there are more – are pointing towards something is about to change. Are we at the end of the world? Is there such a thing as the end of the world? Yes there is. Not only is there an end but we are very close to it.

Mathew 25:13   Therefore watch, for you do not know either the day or the hour in which the son of Man comes.

We don’t know the hour or the day and we’re not going to date-set either but the Lord says be on the station at 10:30, platform 3, something will happen.

The heavenly call in Revelation 14 also goes out;

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people.

14:7 saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters

I am inviting you to come with me on a journey. We’re going to be going into 21 more lectures. I’m going to be taking similar information to this but much deeper. We’re going to be expanding on this topic of ‘Is this the End of the World and How do We Know’. Are we really deceived into believing certain things that might not be true? The very next lecture I will be looking at is ‘Who is God?’ Is it Allah, is it Brahma, is it Vishnu is it Krishna, who is it? [0:04:52] If it is how do you know? Jesus will come and show us that He is God and He will show us in the next lecture. It is not just what the bible says, it’s what science tells us, amazing. Even through science we can prove who God is. We are going to be uncovering some incredible information in these lectures and I urge you, I encourage you and I challenge you to come back and go on this journey with us as we take off. We’ll build a biblical foundation, we’ll take off and land back on the bible. Join us on this incredible journey of discovery.

Thank you.

Synopsis

Scripture Reading: James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Mark 10:17-23 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Luke 14:27-32 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish [it], all that behold [it] begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 2:5-13 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Matthew 26:36-39 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

There are toils and conflicts and self-denials for us all. Not one will escape them. We must tread the path where Jesus leads the way, it may be in tears, in trials, in bereavement, in sorrow for sins, or in seeking for the mastery over depraved desires, unbalanced characters, and unholy tempers. It requires earnest efforts to present ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. It takes the entire being, complete consecration, entire submission. There must be no chamber of the mind where Satan can hold sway, and carry out his devices. Self must be crucified. Sacrifices must be made that will seem like taking the very life-blood from the heart. {GW92 470.2}

Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me.

God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect. He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar. That he might reach the highest standard, God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure. {CC 56.2}

The Lord spoke unto him, saying: “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ” “and offer him . . . for a burnt offering.” The heart of the old man stood still with horror. The loss of such a son by disease would have been most heartrending to the fond father, it would have bowed his whitened head with sorrow; but now he is commanded to shed the precious blood of that son with his own hand. It seemed to him a fearful impossibility. Yet God had spoken, and His word must be obeyed. Abraham was stricken in years, but this did not excuse him from duty. He grasped the staff of faith and in dumb agony took by the hand his child, beautiful in the rosy health of youth, and went out to obey the word of God. . . . {CC 56.3}

Abraham did not stop to question how God’s promises could be fulfilled if Isaac were slain. He did not stay to reason with his aching heart, but carried out the divine command to the very letter, till, just as the knife was about to be plunged into the quivering flesh of the child, the word came: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad;” “for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” {CC 56.4}

This act of faith in Abraham is recorded for our benefit. It teaches the great lesson of confidence in the requirements of God, however close and cutting they may be; and it teaches children perfect submission to their parents and to God. By Abraham’s obedience we are taught that nothing is too precious for us to give to God. {CC 56.5}

God leads his people on step by step. He brings them up to different points which are calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested, and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to the straight work of God, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, or be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel, “God will bring his work closer and closer to test them, and prove every one of his people.” Some are willing to receive one point, but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride and evil passions, the angels of God have their charge, “They are joined to their idols, let them alone,” and they pass on to their work, leaving them with their evil traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will be fitted by the latter rain for translation. {2SG 225.1}

Christ and angels are watching the development of character, and weighing moral worth. The Lord bears long with his erring people. The truth will be brought to bear closer and closer, and will cut off one idol after another, until God reigns supreme in the hearts of his consecrated people. I saw that God’s people must bring to him a free-will offering; and the responsibility should be left wholly upon the individual, whether he will give much or little. It will be faithfully recorded. Give the people of God time to develop character. {GW92 269.1}

The powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight, and at times we can only wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passes over. These seasons are sometimes terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despair seizes upon us. In these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend solely upon the merits of the atonement, and in all our helpless unworthiness cast ourselves upon the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. We shall never perish while we do this–never! When light shines on our pathway, it is no great thing to be strong in the strength of grace. But to wait patiently in hope when clouds envelop us and all is dark, requires faith and submission which causes our will to be swallowed up in the will of God. We are too quickly discouraged, and earnestly cry for the trial to be removed from us, when we should plead for patience to endure and grace to overcome. {AG 114.2}

Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peaceful security. . . . He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He will give us grace to endure every trial and test that He brings upon us. My constant prayer is for greater nearness to God. {AG 114.3}

God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace of Christ. {AG 114.4}

Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. {AG 114.5}

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger–a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God–how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. {GC 621.2}

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

9:25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

9:26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow and sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples, absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: “Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32. Elijah had known loneliness of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne the burden of the nation’s hatred and its woe. Alone he had stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview. {DA 422.2}

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Amen!

It is not for me to comment on politics, I just found this interesting, as relating to the dream a man had back in the 80s about this.

Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Is this a legitimate prophecy.  I don’t know.  Either way, we need to get ready, and watch and pray lest we fall.

This is the article from back in 2009:

Synopsis:

Humans are extremists… Especially Christians.  Either the church is a social club, or it is a social wasteland.  It is clear that the soul purpose of a church is not to be a social club, just like you are not saved by following the law? Can you be saved if you don’t follow the law? At the same time,  can you be saved by being anti social within the church?

Hebrews 4:12-13 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

If this message doesn’t offend every one in the church, it is likely the Holy Spirit isn’t working in your life.  So if you are offended, praise the lord for your infermities.  If you think I’m directing this at you, you are wrong.

I am naturally incredibly antisocial… I never ring people, if it wasn’t for youtube, Leah, Facebook and church, it is unlikely people would be aware I exist.  And my flesh thinks I could live happily that way.  But the heart is deceitful above all things.

Blessings Lost by Selfish Exclusiveness— God is displeased with the selfish interest so often manifested for “me and my family.” Every family that cherishes this spirit needs to be converted…

But the family is the first mission field right? First yes, only no.

 … by the pure principles exemplified in the life of Christ. Those who shut themselves up within themselves, who are unwilling to drawn upon to entertain visitors, lose many blessings. [4] – {AH 447.1}

Ellen Whites house always had visitors, how many of us are willing, at inconvenient times (or seemingly at our own peril) to allow for the social needs of our church family, or people outside the church for that matter?

Angels are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within our reach of doing good—waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in their turn may bless us. The Lord Himself has made us to differ—some poor, some rich, some afflicted—that all may have an opportunity to develop character. The poor are purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be tested and proved and develop what is in our hearts. [5] – {AH 447.2}

When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes palsied with selfishness. [6] – {AH 447.3}

Was there even an atom of selfishness in Christ’s character?  Did Christ ever consider “is this crucifixion best for me and my family”

No he always though “what is best for this person who needs my help”

What about kids, i need to protect them right? As parents we may need to work a bit harder, yes.

 While you should treat your visitors kindly and make them feel at home, you should ever remember that you are a teacher to the little ones God has given you. They are watching you, and no course of yours should direct their feet in the wrong way. Be to your visitors just what you are to your family every day—pleasant, considerate, and courteous. In this way all can be educators, an example of good works. They testify that there is something more essential than to keep the mind on what they shall eat and drink and wherewithal they shall be clothed. [9] – {AH 450.1}

Like all God’s rules, there are benefits if we trust him instead of our flesh.

 The Blessings of Christian Sociability —Christian sociability is altogether too little cultivated by God’s people…. Those who shut themselves up within themselves, who are unwilling to be drawn upon to bless others by friendly associations, lose many blessings; for by mutual contact minds receive polish and refinement; by social intercourse acquaintances are formed and friendships contracted which result in a unity of heart and an atmosphere of love which is pleasing in the sight of heaven. – {AH 457.3}

Do we actually want to go to heaven?  What is required?

John 17:20-23 (KJV) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: [23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

We need to be careful who we or our children associate with right?

If the youth could be persuaded to associate with the pure, the thoughtful, and the amiable, the effect would be most salutary. If choice is made of companions who fear the Lord, the influence will lead to truth, to duty, and to holiness. A truly Christian life is a power for good. But, on the other hand, those who associate with men and women of questionable morals, of bad principles and practices, will soon be walking in the same path. The tendencies of the natural heart are downward. He who associates with the skeptic will soon become skeptical; he who chooses the companionship of the vile will most assuredly become vile. To walk in the counsel of the ungodly is the first step toward standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of the scornful. [5] – {AH 456.2}

But this person is too “this”… Or they don’t do “that” or I have this rule with my                    child that that sop or the bible is silent on.  If you have a legitimate rule from Spirit of Prophecy fine… But explain in it in a social context.  If we can’t talk about what God says, I’m sorry to say, we aren’t Christian, we are petty spies an pharisees.

 The effort to earn salvation by one’s own works inevitably leads men to pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. (For us and our children) For, seeing that they fail to keep the law, they will devise rules and regulations of their own to force themselves to obey. All this turns the mind away from God to self. His love dies out of the heart, and with it perishes love for his fellow men. A system of human invention, with its multitudinous exactions, will lead its advocates to judge all who come short of the prescribed human standard. The atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles the noble and generous emotions, and causes men to become self-centered judges and petty spies. – {MB 123.1}

Ok, so if I have a rule with me or my family that isn’t in the sop or bible, what do I do?

If you err, let it not be in getting as far from the people as possible, for then you cut the thread of your influence and can do them no good. Better err on the side of the people than altogether away from them, for there is hope in that case that you can carry the people with you, but there is no need of error on either side. – {CD 211.3}

In otherwise, if it weans the affections of people from you or your family (and if it is a non-sop or bible rule, it most certainly will) you are best to leave it alone.

God Made Provision for Our Social Needs—In the arrangements for the education of the chosen people it is made manifest that a life centered in God is a life of completeness. Every want He has implanted He provides to satisfy; every faculty imparted He seeks to develop. – {AH 455.1}

The Author of all beauty, Himself a lover of the beautiful, God provided to gratify in His children the love of beauty. He made provision also for their social needs, for the kindly and helpful associations that do so much to cultivate sympathy and to brighten and sweeten life. [1] – {AH 455.2}

God has provided us with food.  Can we gain a blessing if we don’t eat it?

To the Denial of Reasonable Privileges—If fathers and mothers have not themselves had a happy childhood, why should they shadow the lives of their children because of their own great loss in this respect? The father may think that this is the only course that will be safe to pursue; but let him remember that all minds are not constituted alike, and the greater the efforts made to restrict, the more uncontrollable will be the desire to obtain that which is denied, and the result will be disobedience to parental authority. The father will be grieved by what he considers the wayward course of his son, and his heart will feel sore over his rebellion. But would it not be well for him to consider the fact that the first cause of his son’s disobedience was his own unwillingness to indulge him in that in which there was no sin? The parent thinks that sufficient reason is given for his son’s abstaining from his indulgence since he has denied it to him. But parents should remember that their children are intelligent beings, and they should deal with them as they themselves would like to be dealt with. [18] – {CG 285.2}

Denying things (that are not a sin) is never the answer it will simply create more of a problem.

What provision has God made for unruly children or getting to people who are seemingly impossible to get through to?

Talking of why they couldn’t cast out the demons:

Matthew 17:20-21 (KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [21] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

But Ellen white said not to hang around with bad kids right?… Some in the church aren’t very disciplined.

Yes, some in the church have more obvious tendencies to evil.  But if you are noticing, to be anti social is just as evil as any discipline problem.  Most serial killers, drug addicts or the like are introverted anti social people.

Perfect kids? There has only ever been one.  The worst of our kids is a saint compared to the world.

Our issues: hugging, pushing, tickelling, being noisy, being silly, accidentally causing injury …

The worlds issues: dressing like prostitues, swearing, pornograpy addiction, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, smoking, paint and glue sniffing, pregnancy at 9, shooting their school mates, murdering their parents, gang violence.  Yes I am talking about 5 year olds.

Will our kids hurt each other, will they annoy each other?

Be pleasant, kind, and affectionate toward your children, but not foolishly indulgent. Let them bear their little disappointments, as every one must.{AH 222.1}

 Do not encourage them to come to you with their petty complaints of one another. Teach them to bear with one another and to seek to maintain each other’s confidence and respect. [8] – {AH 222.1}

Of course, they are learning, and are getting practical examples for why gods law is right. A butterfly if prevented from spreading its wings dies.. Smother with affection. Smother with sympathy.

BUTTERFLY  Or if we try to spread the wings for it. Force it to do things ahead of time.

 Many parents deny the children an indulgence in that which is safe and innocent, and are so afraid of encouraging them in cultivating desires for unlawful things that they will not even allow their children to have the enjoyment that children should have. Through fear of evil results, they refuse permission to indulge in some simple pleasure that would have saved the very evil they seek to avoid; and thus the children think there is no use in expecting any favors, and therefore will not ask for them. They steal away to the pleasures they think will be forbidden. Confidence between parents and children is thus destroyed. [17] – {CG 285.1}

Perfect love casteth out all fear.  So if you are afraid and using your own means to protect your children, and fear is caused by satan.  Who is doing the activation… Christ or satan?

What is Gods method?

 Neglected Opportunities and Privileges—“A lover of hospitality” is among the specifications given by the Holy Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church.

Phew, it’s all up to Paul and tee and John right?

 And to the whole church is given the injunction: “Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – {AH 445.4}

These admonitions have been strangely neglected.

IT is very strange to god that we would avoid something for our own benefit.

 Even among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the family board without embarrassment or parade. [2] – {AH 445.5}

Inadequate Excuses—I have heard many excuse themselves from inviting to their homes and hearts the saints of God: “Why, I have nothing prepared; I have nothing cooked; they must go to some other place.” And at that place there may be some other excuse invented for not receiving those who need hospitality, and the feelings of the visitors are deeply grieved, and they leave with unpleasant impressions in regard to the hospitality of these professed brethren and sisters. If you have no bread, sister, imitate the case brought to view in the Bible. Go to your neighbor and say: “Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.” – {AH 446.1}

So if I have to go out of my way to help someone…

With my wife, when I first met her, I drove her to work, which was 50km out of my way, just so I could spend time with her.  This is what love does, it seeks any excuse to talk with or to help our fellow man.  If you won’t do this, do you really love souls? Or are you just pretending?

Did Jesus go out of his way for us?  Was it convenient for him to die on the cross?

 Revelation 3:14-21 (KJV)  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

If this was hard to hear, then I have done what I was told to do. There is not a single person in the church this doesn’t effect.  But remember what we are fighting for:

 We all went under the tree, and sat down to look at the glory of the place, when Brethren Fitch and Stockman, who had preached the gospel of the kingdom, and whom God had laid in the grave to save them, came up to us and asked us what we had passed through while they were sleeping. We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us, that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, “Alleluia! heaven is cheap enough!” and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven’s arches ring. – {CET 61.1}

After I came out of vision, everything seemed changed; a gloom was spread over all that I beheld. Oh, how dark this world looked to me! I wept when I found myself here, and felt homesick. I had seen a better world, and it had spoiled this for me. – {CET 61.2}

Do you want this dark world or heaven? Do you want to fulfill you selfish desires or be like Christ? Do you want the blessings that unity in the church will bring?
Prove it by living the truth.

One of these compromises is the concept that at least one of the Egyptian Pyramids found in Giza / Cairo today, were built before the flood.

But is that even possible?  I believe after reading the genesis account and then the following account from SOP, you will see there is absolutely no way anything could have survived this event.  And if this account isn’t enough, there is a final nail in the coffin of this theory to conclude.

Here is a description of the event:

But upon the eighth day the heavens gathered blackness. The muttering thunders and vivid lightning flashes began to terrify man and beast. The rain descended from the clouds above them. This was something they had never witnessed, and their hearts began to faint with fear. The beasts were roving about in the wildest terror, and their discordant voices seemed to moan out their own destiny and the fate of man. The storm increased in violence until water seemed to come from heaven like mighty cataracts. The boundaries of rivers broke away, and the waters rushed to the valleys. The foundations of the great deep also were broken up. Jets of water would burst up from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and then they would bury themselves deep in the earth. – {SR 66.2}
The people first beheld the destruction of the works of their hands. Their splendid buildings, their beautifully arranged gardens and groves, where they had placed their idols, were destroyed by lightning from heaven. Their ruins were scattered everywhere. They had erected altars in groves, and consecrated them to their idols, whereon they offered human sacrifices. These which God detested were torn down in His wrath before them, and they were made to tremble before the power of the living God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and they were made to know that it was their abominations and horrible, idolatrous sacrifices which had called for their destruction. – {SR 67.1}
The violence of the storm increased, and there were mingled with the warring of the elements, the wailings of the people who had despised the authority of God. Trees, buildings, rocks, and earth were hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond description. And even Satan himself, who was compelled to be amid the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had delighted to control so powerful a race, and wished them to live to practice their abominations, and increase their rebellion against the God of heaven. He uttered imprecations against God, charging Him with injustice and cruelty. Many of the people, like Satan, blasphemed God, and if they could have carried out their rebellion, would have torn Him from His throne of justice. – {SR 67.2}
While many were blaspheming and cursing their Creator, others were frantic with fear, stretching their hands toward the ark, pleading for admittance. But this was impossible. God had closed the door, the only entrance, and shut Noah in and the ungodly out. He alone could open the door. Their fear and repentance came too late. They were compelled to know that there was a living God who was mightier than man, whom they had defied and blasphemed. They called upon Him earnestly, but His ear was not open to their cry. Some in their desperation sought to break into the ark, but that firm-made structure resisted all their efforts. Some clung to the ark until borne away with the furious surging of the waters, or their hold was broken off by rocks and trees that were hurled in every direction. – {SR 67.3}
Those who had slighted the warning of Noah and ridiculed that faithful preacher of righteousness repented too late of their unbelief. The ark was severely rocked and tossed about. The beasts within expressed, by their varied noises, the wildest terror; yet amid all the warring of the elements, the surging of the waters, and the hurling about of trees and rocks, the ark rode safely. Angels that excel in strength guided the ark and preserved it from harm. Every moment during that frightful storm of forty days and forty nights the preservation of the ark was a miracle of almighty power. – {SR 68.1}
The animals exposed to the tempest rushed toward man, choosing the society of human beings, as though expecting help of them. Some of the people bound their children and themselves upon powerful beasts, knowing that they would be tenacious for life, and would climb to the highest points to escape the rising water. The storm did not abate its fury—the waters increased faster than at first. Some fastened themselves to lofty trees upon the highest points of land, but these trees were torn up by the roots and carried with violence through the air and appeared as though angrily hurled, with stones and earth, into the swelling, boiling billows. Upon the loftiest heights human beings and beasts strove to hold their position until all were hurled together into the foaming waters, which nearly reached the highest points of land. The loftiest heights were at length reached, and man and beast alike perished by the waters of the Flood. – {SR 68.2}
Anxiously did Noah and his family watch the decrease of the waters. He desired to go forth upon the earth again. He sent out a raven which flew back and forth to and from the ark. He did not receive the information he desired, and he sent forth a dove, which, finding no rest, returned to the ark again. After seven days the dove was sent forth again, and when the olive leaf was seen in its mouth, there was great rejoicing by this family of eight, which had so long been shut up in the ark. – {SR 69.1}
Again an angel descended and opened the door of the ark. Noah could remove the top, but he could not open the door which God had shut. God spoke to Noah through the angel who opened the door, and bade the family of Noah go forth out of the ark and bring forth with them every living thing. – {SR 69.2}

And if you are left with any doubt at all that the Pyramids were built after the flood, then there is another issue which people often overlook.  Much of the pyramid is made from quarried sand stone and sand stone is a sedimentary rock.  The flood was the first rain that occurred… so how much sedimentary rock would there have been before the flood?  The simple answer is – zero.

The more likely explanation for the great pyramid, is that it was built during the captivity, when there were 2 million + Hebrew slaves working for the Egyptian empire.

mp3

Texts quoted in this sermon:

It can be a very morbid thing recalling an event like this, but as followers of Christ, as Mark was, we have the great hope of a reunion with our Brother.  We are never to forget this quote from the apostle Paul:

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

That means all things, including things as tragic as this event. Sometimes it is hard to believe something like this is God’s will, but I know it is.  How?  Because he told us through his prophet:

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29). And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.  {CC 278.5}

 

It seems that this was Mark’s cross before his crown.  I saw a change in him from this experience, that can only be called miraculous.  I believe you will be able to see the transformation of his Character during the following letters also.  We can never know the heart of a man, but I believe this text is for him:

Revelation 14:13  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

At the same time, I would ask you to keep in your prayers Mark’s family, and ask that God will comfort them.   A loss like this is very difficult, even when we know it is a part of God’s plan.

Also, never forget what Mark said at his last meeting in Australia: “if I’m gone, who will continue the work?”.  The answer is, you and me.  We have an obligation to proclaim this message to a dying world.  And at the same time, continue to grow in faith and understanding, so we can be prepared for the great and terrible day of the lord, that is far closer than you think.

God bless,
Ben

Following is a timeline of the public communications that Mark had during his struggle with cancer.   At the end there are links to the video of his funeral and other events.  I warn you, some of the images are a little gruesome.

1st October 2009

Mark’s Surgery a Success!

Over the past couple of days we have received a number of emails updating Mark’s condition. On Thursday 1st October Retha spoke with Cherryl. Mark’s condition had deterioted and he was needing immediate surgery.

Mark’s brain surgery began at 11:00am SA time and the doctors were out of theatre by 2:28pm SA time. The operation was a success! All of Mark’s tumours were successfully removed without any damage to the brain (they were practically loose from the brain) and the bleeding stopped. The doctors turned from not so positive before the operation to very positive afterwards. God was at work during the operation, thanks to the power of prayer. Mark is on a ventilator at the moment and will be kept in ICU until he stabilises. He still needs a lot of prayers for his recovery.

Mark is in the Groote Schuur Hospital and we will continue to update this information as we learn more. Please keep Mark, his family and his carers in your prayers. There is a prayer page for Mark on Facebook too – Prayers for Mark Woodman – if you’d like to leave a message for him. Retha has been reading the messages to Mark in between his treatments and he says they have been a great source of comfort and hope to him.

Authored by Leah Jones on behalf of Ben Jones. The above information is compilation of emails from the ‘Prayers for Mark Woodman’ administrators.

04 October 2009

Mark is awake.

Subject: Mark is awake!

The latest update to my knowledge is this:
Mark woke up this morning (presumably Sabbath, 03/10). New brain scans show no sign of cancer. He is back to his normal chatty self and thanks everybody for their love and prayers.
What an awesome, mighty God we serve!!

Kristie Gibson’s message to the members of Prayers for Mark Woodman.

5th October 2009

Thank you Fanie Fourie for this update! See below the latest email from Mark’s friend, Gerhard, who visited Mark on Sunday. Two new photos have also been posted below.

Dear Friends

As you probably know by now, Mark Woodman underwent brain surgery on Friday morning because the cranial pressure became too high and the pain and pressure became debilitating. (The operation was being scheduled for the coming Tuesday). The two cancer growths became one and was nicely contained with no spreading. The blood was also nicely contained and was also removed. A biopsy was taken to determine the origin. Only the tumors on the brain was removed.

Sabbath at lunch he was joking and clear in mind coming out of anesthesia. I visited him on Sunday and took the photo’s. The preparation (treatment that was done the week or so before the operation) for the operation was clearly visible when one compare him with the other patients that came out of the ICU at the same time. Mark is actually walking to the toilet and doing his thing all by himself already. And his brain is as clear as crystal.

His eyesight in his left eye is fully restored, but his sight in his right eye has areas that are still blurred. Previously to the operation there were but little sight in this eye.

Although he is out of immediate danger and cheerful, please remember to pray for him since there are still the cancer growths in the lungs and adrenals to deal with.

Kind regards

Gerhard

06 October 2009 -
Mark’s been discharged and has full eyesight in his left eye and partial in his right.

Please find below two more email updates from Mark’s friend Gerhard.

Another email from Gerhard on Monday, 05/10. Gerhard is from the health centre where Mark is attending.

Dear friends

We expected Mark back from the hospital by Thursday, but we underestimated him. He arrived back here today and we have started with some natural remedies already. He is completely out of pain, but is still taking some medicine for swelling. He is of good cheer and he joined the group worship tonight.
But from tomorrow we will start the natural remedies in full force in conjunction with the medical staff in Groote Schuur and a brain specialist in Rustenburg who has shared some great expertise in the decision making. We have also received some good advice and remedies from our overseas centers.

Please pray for his eyesight and the rest of the cancer condition.

Kind regards
Gerhard

08 October 2009

God is in Control!

An update from Fanie Fourie:
Just spoke to Mark on the phone. 20:30 on Wednesday October 7th.

He is in good spirit although his days are a bit up and down. Some days better than others. But he is making progress.

The tumor they removed from his brain was 6.5 x 3.5 cm big with lots of bleeding. Next Wednesday Mark is due to have the clips removed from his head, and they hope to have an indication then of the type of cancer he is fighting. Considering all this, he said it was unheard of to have this kind of surgery on Friday, and walk out of the hospital on Monday. God is in control!

He asked me to thank everybody for their support and prayers and especially the Facebook group.

Medically he is in good hands, and has the support of his wife Retha, his parents and Retha’s parents with him.

Regards
Fanie

From ‘Prayers for Mark Woodman’ on Facebook.

12th October 2009

From Facebook:

An email from Cherryl (Steps to Life):

Hi

Two hours ago the STL staff spent a delightful I/2 hour with Mark on the phone. He told us of all the miracles that have been happening and I pray he is able to write all of this down when he feels up to it.
On Thursday 1st October, he went into a coma and was very close to death, he was rushed to a close by country hospital where the neurosurgeon cancelled all 11 other operations and rushed him into theatre. The 6.5 x 3.5 tumour was sitting loose beside the brain like a hens egg and they could remove it without affecting the brain. By Sunday he was walking around the general ward praying and sharing Jesus with the other patients. Monday the surgeon said he might as well go back to the health centre as he was amazed at his recovery.
He is now able to work in the garden, has most of his sight back, and his weight is stabilizing. Wednesday they go for a check up but they are not too sure when he will be able to have another CT Scan to see what is happening with the other tumours.

They both have incredible faith and are praising God for what He has done for them so far.

His parents and parents-in-law were so amazed at what has been happening to him that they are now on the same health programme that Mark is on and last Sabbath was their first Sabbath they kept. Mark and Retha are just over the moon. The Lord was able to get the parents and Retha’s parents there by Thursday night so they could be with him and Retha in their most trying hours of their lives.

He expects to be at the health centre at least until 25th October.

Please keep praying for Mark.

Christian regards

Cherryl
Mark and his family 28th Feb 2010 

 
3rd March 2010

update from Mark

Dear friends, family, brothers and sisters in Christ

It has been 3 months since I last sent out an update.  I thank you for your patience in waiting so long for this email, and for all the prayers that have been said on our behalf.  Each thought, prayer, phone call, sms or email is deeply appreciated.  I and my family have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people all over the world.  It is incredible to see how many lives the Lord has touched through the burden of my illness.

The path we have been down since I was diagnosed with cancer has been deeply spiritual, and I thank the Lord regularly for allowing me to go through this.  I know this probably sounds a bit weird, but I really mean it.  This cancer and its associated pain and discomfort has been the most spiritual experience of my life so far.  I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to go through this so I can grow spiritually.  I believe that this is the goal of anything that happens in our life—good or bad… to grow spiritually, get closer to the Lord and learn to truly trust Him.  Why not thank Him for allowing something in my life that has brought my family together and brought us closer to our Creator?  And what better way could He have chosen than to allow me to almost lose my life, and then bring me back and give me time to contemplate the workings of His grace!  I am truly honoured that I can have gone through this experience so far.

Anyway, you probably want to know how it’s going, and what has happened since the last time I wrote to you…

Well, since the end of Nov (last update was on 29-11-09), much has happened.  During December and over the festive season the pain I was experiencing increased tenfold.  When my parents were here in early/mid Dec, I was grey and ashen in my face from the pain, and I was doubled over most of the time when trying to walk.  By the time my in-laws came to visit at the end of December, the pain was so drastic that I sometime just lay on my bed crying like a child.  The pain was coming from the adrenal gland area, and we had no idea what was going on.  The next scans were scheduled for the 3rd of Feb 2010, and we would have to wait till then to find out what was going on.  The main focus was to find natural pain killers, as I was not prepared to use morphine etc. (By the way, because of the enormous pain I was experiencing, I did try a mid range morphine-based pain killer for 3 days.  It threw my systems out completely.  My right leg didn’t want to work; I was drunk and falling over; I lost my appetite entirely—and up to then I had been eating well; I had terrible nausea and even though I had not eaten anything for a few days, I experienced vomiting… I can go on.  After 3 days the terrible impact of these chemicals on my body was so obvious, everything was upside down that should have been the right way up, that I decided to, on faith, leave the chemical drugs and trust that the Lord will open a door and show us what natural pain relief methods we could use.  This was one of the best decisions I have made in my life).

Only through the grace and kindness of the Lord and my wife’s dedication, did we find that white willow bark and a fixed combination of extracts from aspen leaves and bark (Populus tremula), common ash bark (Fraxinus excelsior), and golden rod herb (Solidago virgaurea) slowly lifted the pain more and more, until the pain was almost unnoticeable.  The Lord is truly kind!!  I believe that, due to my wife and my conviction that we will not just submit to chemical drugs and because we held fast to the Bible promises like:  Luke 11:9  … Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you, the Lord opened the ways for us to receive this tremendous blessing.  Today I am almost pain free and stronger than I have been for many months.

As stated, the scans were scheduled for Wed 3 Feb 2010, and for this we travelled through to Cape Town.  Because we had closed all the gaps in our plant-based diet and were sticking very strictly to the Biblical health principles, we knew that we could trust that the results would be positive.  With the aggression of adrenal melanoma, it would be a miracle if the tumours had just stayed the same size, but due to the pain I had experienced over the Dec/Jan period however, we thought that there might have been a slight growth of the tumours.  We really did not know what to expect from the scans, and Retha and I prayed earnestly before the time that whatever the results of the scans were, that we would accept them in faith—good or bad.

After a long wait on the 3rd of Feb, the scans were completed and we received the report.  What we read in the report shook our faith to its roots.

The one adrenal tumour had grown from 4.5 x 3.5 cm in Sept to 14.5 x 12.5 cm (almost like a small rugby ball).  The other adrenal tumour had grown from about 1 cm to 4.5 cm in diameter.  The lung tumours had pretty much stayed the same, but the cancer had also moved into the lymph system and was causing numerous areas of trauma within the stomach and bowel area.  The report showed that there had basically been a massive worsening of the cancer and it had spread throughout my body.  Having done everything that we believed the Lord had asked us to do, we were totally shocked by this result.  We thought there might have been a slight degradation, but such a massive shift had blind-sided both of us into silence.  The oncologist stated that this massive increase in size is what they expect from adrenal melanoma, and is why he had given me a prognosis of anywhere between 6 weeks and 6 months to live (from Sept 11, 2009), with or without chemo/radiation/surgery etc.

We left the hospital and sat in the car just staring in front of us.  We didn’t know what to say.  Retha has this wonderful characteristic in her that always looks for and highlights the beautiful things around us, so she decided to immediately take us on a drive around Cape Point so we could look at the beauty of the creation.  She hoped that this would take some of the pain and confusion away that we were experiencing.  It worked.  At one point, we sat overlooking the sea, speaking and softly singing hymns.  There were many tears as the thoughts rushed through our heads about our children and what would happen to them if I were to pass away etc.  Anyway, this experience helped us pull ourselves together and we drove home.  We prayed together earnestly for further relief and understanding.

The next morning (Thursday) was very hard.  We were both very teary and could hardly speak to one another. Much time was spent in contemplation and prayer as to what was going on, and what we could do differently.  By the afternoon, we were a little better as we had some appointments that took our minds off the immediate, endless, “in your face” thoughts.  That evening we went to bed and prayed again earnestly for guidance.  Then the most wonderful thing happened.

Early Friday morning, about 4 am, I woke up from something that had disturbed me.  It was as if I was unable to sleep because of a thought that would just not go out of my mind, but it was not a thought, it was a hymn.  I woke up humming a song which I had not heard probably since my primary school days.  I woke up to the words of: “I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river in my soul”.  It was the most amazing experience.  In the deepest turmoil of our lives, when science was telling me that my life was basically over, I not only had the words of this hymn in my mind, but I truly had peace like a river in my soul.  There was a quiet contentment that had come over me, and when Retha woke up she told me that she experienced the same peace.  This was a major turning point for us.

I was so grateful that we had asked the Lord beforehand to help us accept whatever the results were, as He truly had come through on His word.  The whole of Friday, Retha and I could not contain our smiles as we had the deepest possible peace and contentment in our hearts.  Thinking back, we can’t but smile when we think of the oncologist’s face when he asked me what analgesics (pain killers) I was using to cope with the pain.  When I told him white willow bark and some other natural substances, he could not believe it; he thought I was permanently on morphine by now.  He also stated that he does not understand how I could be walking and driving with such advanced cancer, as I should be permanently bed ridden.  He said that whatever we are doing must be working/helping to keep the cancer and the pain under control.

We did the scan in early Feb 2010 and received this terrible report, but thinking back of the improvement in my quality of life that has taken place since Dec/Jan, we believe that had we done a scan a month or two earlier, that the tumours would have been even bigger than they were in Feb.  We believe that they have started to reduce in size. Naturally there is no proof for this and science mocks us for believing this, but I have also come to realize on a very deep level that science and faith are incompatible—not science and religion, but science and faith.

True faith holds onto the impossible when science is still battling to study and prove the possible.  True faith holds onto something even when every evidence points in the opposite direction.  Peter walking on the water to Jesus is scientifically impossible, but by faith it was made possible.  The story of creation is scientifically impossible, but through faith it is made possible.  As Hebrews 11:1-3 explains: Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. … Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God’s command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. (Contemporary English version).  So, if we live by faith, science cannot and will not be able to help us.  I understand this now for the first time, and this is the reason I am so grateful that the Lord allowed this illness in my life, as the result is I now live my life by faith to a much greater degree than I did before.  For this reason, we will not be going for another scan until I am healed.  There is no reason to check up on the Lord to see if He is healing me according to the standards of science.  If He so decides that my health must again greatly deteriorate before it improves, then that is up to Him.  As Psalms 27:14 states: Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. This is what we will do.

Since our trip to Cape Town, things have continued to improve.  2 months ago I had little or no strength, and now I am up and busy for much of the day.  As I explained to our loved ones in Australia, “I am feeling better,… I am driving, walking, singing, playing cello, going for treatments, eating (well), sleeping, etc, and working on a new series”.  On Sunday past, we went on a 4X4 route which took us deep into the mountains.  We left at 10am, and returned at 6pm.  Amazingly, I was able to drive all the way in and out and had a wonderful day with my family and friends.  Such days/moments prove beyond doubt that we need to stop telling the Lord how big our problems are, and start telling our problems how big the Lord is.  Such days/moments give us as a family joy which is unexplainable, as we see the Lord’s hand working in my life.  Truly, we are experiencing the kindness of His undeserved love.

About 2 days after the scans, we received a wonderful message from the Lord.  In a matter of 36 hours, about 4 or 5 people sent us the exact same Bible text.  It was incredible.  Some people phoned us, others sent us text messages and I think I even got an email.  The text that the Lord sent us was Ps 118:17 which states: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Isn’t that absolutely cool (for the want of a better word)?!!  Anyone who knows me will understand that this is what I live for—to declare the works of the Lord.  Although we had to wait a long time till His timing was right, the idea that the Lord can send me such a definite and clear answer to all our (yours and ours) prayers, boggles my mind.  I can just say ‘thank you’.

I hope that by now you are starting to get an idea of why I said in the beginning of this update that “I thank the Lord regularly for allowing me to go through this”.  There really is no reason to be unhappy and mope around feeling sorry for myself.

Oh yes, I attached some photos for you to look at.

Photo 1: (Please note that the scans are done from in salami form; i.e. they cut my body into thin slices, so the image is from the bottom up and not from the front as last time).  This is the scan of the one adrenal tumour.  I have highlighted it a bit with a yellow line.  This image shows the size quite nicely and also how the other organs are being squashed together as a result of my personal rugby ball.  This is the one that caused the massive pain over Dec/Jan.