A few posts back we talked about how some people really have no clue who a Davidian Seventh-day Adventist really is. Recently, I had witnessed a certain woman on the SDA online chat message site, basically say that she thinks the “Davidians” will someday soon rise up within the SDA churches around the world and commit Ezekiel 9 like slaughter!
As I tried to reason with her that it was a deceiving spirit and not God who was guiding her in this regard, it made no change to her fanatical beliefs. But a greater cord was struck, as to how so many people, particularly SDA people, have zero clue who a DSDA really is.
The history has been covered in other posts on this blog (see Victor Houteff, and Davidian SDA headings) so I’d like to focus on who and what they are–now.
So we’ll ask some general questions and give the answers.
**1) Do Davidians have their own churches?
No. Some have individual church like structures on their grounds. The organizations use them for gatherings such as their annual sessions and other meetings through out the year.
The message , as we showed in last week’s post, tells us to stay in the SDA churches. Victor Houteff was clear about this. So Davidians prefer to attend the SDA churches, ever ready to meet and discuss “present truth” with any and all who will listen,
2) What are the beliefs of the Davidians?
They believe in ALL of the fundamental SDA beliefs, with an additional 14 beliefs. They believe that Ellen White was a prophetess of God. They’re more likely to try to abide by her much written–health, dress and worship reforms than their SDA counterparts. Click here to view the doctrinal beliefs – http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/tracts/fundamental_beliefs.html
3) Why do many SDA have largely false views and understanding of Davidians?
This subject is vast but suffice to say, our adversary has been behind this. The prime example is how Satan infiltrated the pure and wholesome movement of the Davidian SDA back in the mid 50’s with an off-shoot called “Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists”.
Then later it developed into the Waco movement of David Koresh and gang. But Satan achieved his goal by leading this off-shoot from the original Davidians , to slander and disrupt the real Davidian cause. Hence today, many SDA and even those in the world connect the word “Davidian” to Branch Davidians, which then leads them to be fearful and skeptical of anything “Davidian”.
Our King has advice to those who would “lean upon flesh” instead of seeking the Truth out on their own-
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. (Jer. 17:5)
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8)
4) What are some of the life-style differences of Davidians?
They believe in a more strict converted lifestyle. They are more likely to live a “reformed” life than their SDA counterparts. For instance, they are strict vegetarians, non-movie goers, rarely watch much TV, frequently doing Scripture, Elijah message, or Spirit of Prophecy studies by themselves or with groups.
On Sabbath, you’ll find the women wearing head covering in church, wearing longer dresses versus their SDA counterparts. The men dressed neat and presentable, often with shirt and tie. Almost always with a Bible in their hand. Jewelry in all forms and flashy items of clothes will be shunned by them.
Davidians, as mentioned, are particular in following the Spirit of Prophecy writings in regard to dress, health and worship reform, try to be “doers of the word, not hearers only”.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
Recently a Davidian woman and I had a nice phone conversation, where she told of learning the dress instructions from SOP a few years ago, and how later she excitedly told about them at a church meeting. She was splashed with cold water (figuratively) when some in the meeting called her “fanatical”. She went away shaking her head, wondering how some SDA can talk the talk but not walk the walk. Our Lord calls them–hypocrites.
5) What are the goals of the Davidians?
They want to show the SDA the Lord’s last message of hope and eternal life. The Elijah message is their chief message to the church. They believe it’s the present truth, and obedience to it gets us sealed to be able to stand in the upcoming church judgment. They also believe deeply that all those who reject and/or ignore , however innocently, the Lord’s message of the hour, shall suffer the consequences as did the world, when it suffered the consequences by rejecting Noah’s message.
For the most part they deeply and truly care for their SDA counterparts. Unfortunately, there are some Davidians who, while proclaiming the message, become “Pharisaical” and show only “head knowledge” instead of including “heart knowledge” in the message.
6) If I want to become a Davidian, how do I do that?
First, understand by doing this, you step forward to be counted among the few and unpopular (just like the apostles did in Jesus’ time) within the SDA church. Your King, who set the example, was also scorned and murmured against. So you too must be prepared to suffer similar consequences.
Brother Houteff said the following–
WHAT IDENTIFIES ONE AS A DAVIDIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST?
Question No. 150:
As the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association does not have a formal membership what evidence can one give to identify himself as a member of the organization? And how can he establish the length of time he has been with it?
Answer:
One’s support of the timely Davidian message, and his living out its principles (baptism, Sabbath observance along with the rest of the ten commandments, vegetarianism, dress reform total abstinence from tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and all else contained in the Spirit of Prophecy), are the truest witnesses of his affiliation, and the only genuine visible certification of the fact. These are the only absolutely convincing evidences of one’s worthiness to membership in the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association.
Just how long one has been a member of the Association depends entirely upon how long one has known and lived these principles.
To those who make request, the Association will send an application blank for Fellowship. If the applicant is unable to comply in full with all the requirements of the message, then to his application he must attach a satisfactory statement of explanation. Otherwise a Certificate of Fellowship cannot be granted. (Answerer, vol. 5, Q-150)
IS ONE A MEMBER WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATE OF FELLOWSHIP?
Question No. 153:
May one be a member of the Association without holding a “Certificate of Fellowship?”
Answer:
Yes, one may be a member without holding the Certificate of Fellowship. But to be an accredited member, privileged to enjoy to the fullest all the benefits which the Association affords, he must hold the certificate.(Answerer, vol. 5, Q-153)
Obviously to become a Davidian, we must be walking in the reformed life. While not mandatory, if one desires to get the full benefits and privileges of being a Davidian, then joining one of the organizations should be done.
Additionally the Spirit of Prophecy made this statement–
“No need to depend on sanction of any minister or any people to do God’s work, God will vindicate you. ” (Testimonies, vol. 7, p.25)
So once we are committed to spreading God’s final message to His remnant church, it is left to each individual whether it’s right for them to be independent or join a group.
7) Do you recommend a certain organization?
There is one organization the Lord has guided me to recommend. While there are quite a few more, the following I believe is spreading the message faithfully.
IS IT MY DUTY TO SET RIGHT THE LORD’S TREASURY?
Question No. 98:
Should we pay our tithe to the “storehouse” if we know that it is not used rightly?
Answer:
Knowing that our tithe belongs to God’s storehouse, our greatest burden should be to see that it is faithfully paid there. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that the Lord has laid upon any tithe payer the policing of the channels through which these funds pass.
The Lord’s treasury is under His control, and if He Himself should not see fit to correct an abuse in the handling of His money, certainly we could not correct it however hard we might try. If we guard carefully that part of His work which He entrusts to us, our only concern will be to find out where His “storehouse” is, and then faithfully to deposit His money there. He has not made us responsible for its use; that, He will personally take over–even as He is now “taking the reins in His own hands.”
When the Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi received no land for an inheritance, as did the eleven tribes. Instead, the Lord decreed that the tithes of the other tribes were to go to the Levites. This was their inheritance. It was actually their own. And just as they, as the tithe receivers, had no right to dictate to the others, the tithe payers, what to do with their own increase after it had been tithed, so the tithe payers had no right to dictate to the tithe receivers what to do with the tithe. Each tribe was itself to be accountable to the Lord for that which He had entrusted to it. Thus it must be today.(The Answerer, vol. 4, Q-98)
Pre11thhour Ministries
Pre 11th Hour Ministry P.O. Box 237
Montalba, TX 75853
8) Are there any negative aspects concerning Davidians?
This is one of the reasons we find many different organizations claiming to be some type “Davidian” based group. Satan has infiltrated this area to a wide extent, but praise the Lord, a few groups, such as those mentioned already, have largely withstood his ploys and continued on proclaiming the message of Elijah to the church.
One of the primary problems within Davidia, is the adding and subtracting false doctrines to the original message. There is the “Branch Davidian SDA” who have added the teachings such as the Holy Spirit is a female being, we must keep the Biblical feast days, more prophets came after Victor T. Houteff, etc. All of these are NOT taught in the original Davidian message.
And the list goes on with other groups. But they all have a common denominator. They all believe brother Victor T. Houteff was a prophet. Hence, they get great light from God’s real prophet, but are not satisfied and either add or subtract to the “original” message as said in the Tracts, Symbolic Codes, Charts, Jezreel Letters, the Answerer volumes, or the two Shepherd’s Rod books.
But there is a Truth safeguard for all those who want , as the old saying goes, “The Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help me God.” That is to STICK TO THE ORIGINAL WRITINGS!
We urge any who want to know the message to contact the above organization. They will be happy to send you packages of the message (Literature, Tracts, DVD’s etc.).
9) What is the most difficult problem now facing the Davidians?
There are a few areas that pose problems within Davidia. Not just one “most difficult” area. The longstanding rejection of the Rod message by the SDA leaders continues to be a HUGE obstacle. Many are forced to remain somewhat quiet in actively promoting the message within the church. Again, as mentioned Satan is in direct control of this “silencing” of the message to a certain degree.
But praise the Lord, the Davidians are working nonetheless and many new converts are being added daily, especially with the new age media today (Facebook, online websites, videos, audio studies,chat rooms, etc.)
But soon the Lord’s “watchmen” shall sing together–
“Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.”(Isaiah 52:8)
Another area, which is more within rather than without Davidia, is the long standing controversy on the “new codes” and whether they are really a true part of the Rod message or just “historical” reports to be viewed in that setting.This is a complicated matter and we have addressed it on our sister site. Please read this report to get more information on this matter. https://hearyetherod.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/the-codes-whats-the-facts/
In closing, Davidians today are the ones who are truly proclaiming the Lord’s Elijah message. Of them it can be said, they are — “striving”– to be among the 144,000.
“Let us strive with all power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all we can to help others to gain heaven.” (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905)
(For a good summary article see Wikipedia –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidian_Seventh-day_Adventist)
Godsloveandlaw's Blog 
January 17, 2015 at 4:22 pm |
I didn’t know there was a Davidian church in Waco, TX. Can you give me the address were it is located since they are still having Sabbath services there today?
January 17, 2015 at 4:38 pm |
Sure. 2500 MT. Carmel Drive
Waco, Texas
phone: 1-800-729-7494
January 17, 2015 at 5:15 pm |
I did not know that Victor Houteff identified old Mt. Carmel Center as a “church”? If you go by the address you provided are there church services held there every Sabbath? There is a large church like building with a very tall pagan white cross out in front but from what I have been told that building was built by a Sunday keeping church long after the original property was sold off in 1957. Is this true? I’m confused, isn’t there a Seventh-day Adventist church in Waco that we are obliged to attend if we were passing through town?
January 17, 2015 at 5:44 pm |
The current church building is not the original nor on the original location. The Wikipedia article has more on this. You are correct, the message does not, nor did not, advocate starting any new church and that whenever possible one must continue to go to the regular SDA churches. Old Mt. Carmel was built up in the day not to bring others out of the SDA church but as a sort of hub base to learn the Elijah message.
We mistakenly posted that Waco organization had weekly services, and unfortunately believed this because of sources that told us this. Upon checking we found this is incorrect. We apologize for the confusion.
Yes, current building there now was built by Sunday denomination , this is true from what I understand.However, today the message of the hour is the only message being proclaimed there.
January 17, 2015 at 9:46 pm |
From my reading of the original Shepherd’s Rod message it seems clear that the work of old Mt. Carmel Center under Brother Houteff’s tenure was completed when he published in the Symbolic Code Vol. 10, No. 1 to begin selling off the land, first a part, then the whole. This was completed by 1957 as records prove. What valid justification is there for the present group who occupy but a tiny portion of the original 375 acres to be there since 1991, especially in a left over Sunday church with a large pagan symbol out front? And all within the city limits of Waco? I thought that was a major reason for Brother Houteff ordering the sell of of the land was because of the encroaching city limits? Please correct me if I am wrong.
In your post you recommend three different places as storehouses but all have major disagreements on the location of the storehouse from what I have seen. Especially Waco and Mt. Dale as their interpretations of Ezekiel’s river (c. 47) are quite different. Can you please harmonize?
January 17, 2015 at 10:35 pm |
It was not “brother Houteff’s” work. It is the Lord’s work through VTH, and as such He obviously did guide/now guides the work and does as He see fits today to complete the work. Just because one of the Lord’s groups are brought back to the original area (not the same spot) to further the work at this very last hour, does not mean that they are despising the earlier work.
You must be careful my friend as we are to be very careful in “policing” the channels of God’s work today. I, too could start criticizing what I know that i feel they do wrong, but on what authority do I have? As brother Houteff said, “Nowhere in the Bible do we find that the Lord has laid upon any tithe payer the policing of the channels through which these funds pass.”
Yes, these three storehouses (especially Waco) have a difference of opinion on who should be God’s storehouse. But here is where we as servants of God, must step back and look at the ‘big picture”.
Each of these 3 organizations are working diligently to bring souls into the message and are doing so even now. I personally know this. They all are spreading the Elijah message as brought through God’s last day prophet-Victor Houteff.
If the Lord has allowed the discrepancies between the groups (such as the interpretation of Ezek.47), then however hard we try, we won’t change that. But, and this is so important, what EGW said as God’s prophetess applies even more to DSDA than to SDA–
“They will feed upon the errors and mistakes and faults of others, ‘until,’ said the angel, ‘the Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary, and shall clothe Himself with the garments of vengeance, and surprise them at their unholy feast; and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.690)
Brother, our first and foremost dedicated work right now is to fall in line and work FOR His work rather than sit back and throw stones.
Brother Houteff warned us that should someone come at you with doubtful aspirations, they should offer something better or else be careful with them — “Especially so when he is not coming with a promise to give them something that will replace that which they already have.” (Answerer vol. 5, Q-132)
If you doubt our recommendations, let’s hear your storehouse recommendation(s) and why.
January 19, 2015 at 7:52 am |
Brother more importantly the Davidians regards Sister White’s great pledge on Health reform written and given to the then Gc conference A.G Daniel in 1908 ,which he finally confiscated in the pretext that it had the potential to cause division in the church.As the President shout to meet the Lord’s messenger to deliberate on the controversy,she flatly rejected his request for a meeting with her saying “I have nothing more for him”.
It is a pity that even at present the church in order to retain high membership,does not advocate for strict health reform,an indication that may are resolved to side with A.G Daniele .pitiable!!
June 4, 2021 at 10:13 pm |
I sent some questions you did not answer. Regarding the statement Ellen white made in the year 1890 at Battle creek general conference session. Which reads: it is long that I have ever regarded the voice at Battle Creek as the voice of God that is past. Did she mean that we have nothing to do with them whatsoever?
June 4, 2021 at 10:26 pm
We try to always answer. No, I do not think so. Further, the Lord’s Rod message (Micah 6:9) clearly tells us that we are to “plead with Mother” (Hosea prophecy , chap. 1 and 2). Therefore we are to try and help and reach out to her (Church leaders and laity) with the message of the hour–Rod message (Mal. 4:5)
June 4, 2021 at 11:15 pm |
I sent some questions you did not answer. Regarding the statement Ellen white made in the year 1890 at Battle creek general conference session. Which reads: it is long that I have ever regarded the voice at Battle Creek as the voice of God that is past. Did she mean that we have nothing to do with them
whatsoever?
January 19, 2015 at 3:39 pm |
Amen brother, so very well said! Yes, it’s so true about the church wanting “numbers” versus true converts. Thank God, the Davidians are standing in the gap to help those who are in the church and “want” to reform.
June 4, 2021 at 10:30 pm |
My view is that in their quest to have a pure church which is spotless they are just missing some fundamental aspects of Christ view about his church is feeble. If you considered Ellen white state they are contrasted in two parts one is what we call internal context and second is external. E.g Benjamin Franklin the American president said; when religion is good it will takecare of itself, but if it fails to takecare of is ltself and God fails to take care of it,I perceive that religion is not a good one. Did he mean that Christianity is evil?
January 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm |
Amen brother, You pretty much explain the relevant issues confronting us as believers. I am continuing to pray for unity and for a right understanding of the message. Lets continue to pray for the work and for believers, we are all in the same boat trying to get to our destination (the kingdom), may the lord continue to bless you and these good articles that help us put things in perspective. blessings.
Rene. R.
January 20, 2015 at 4:00 pm |
Yes, my brother–“prayer” is our key. Often we neglect this simple yet important step in our walk. Additionally, being one of the first brethren i came to know in the message, you’ve been an inspiration to me as well. May the Lord grant us His bountiful mercy to continue working to our destination, as you say– The Kingdom!
January 22, 2015 at 7:41 am |
Hello,
Question. I did not see whether your organization was a 501c3 nonprofit ? And you did not mention what God your group worshiped? If so I missed it…
Cindy
Cindy Haynes P. O. Box 125 Doniphan, MO 63935 573-996-6401 CindyHaynes7@gmail.com
“Faith and prayer are the two arms which the needy suppliant lays upon the neck of infinite Love.” THE REVIEW AND HERALD, October 30, 1900
“It is better to trust in God then to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8
January 22, 2015 at 4:03 pm |
Cindy, the doctrinal beliefs were posted. As far as your idea about the Holy Spirit just being a force rather that part of the Godhead, we’ve went over this privately. Look forward to your comments but if they are just to promote your ideas then they will not be posted. If you want to learn about DSDA or Elijah message, we welcome any thoughts or questions, but again, if you come with the idea to promote your false idea of the Holy Spirit being not part of the God head, or any other wrong belief, this is not the forum for that. As far as my “organization”, I do not have one.
June 4, 2021 at 10:59 pm |
Brethren we are all striving to enter heavenly Canaan. Just as ancient isreal was journing to earthly Canaan. My view on the quotes of Ellen white are that they have contextual meaning as in why did she say what she? What was the prevailing situation at the time. e.g . the health reform message is very important to God’s remnant church but its not the yardstick or passport to heaven. Read ministry of healing Ellen white says in regions where grains and nuts are not in abundance I would counsel you not to take extreme or strict health reforms. Under dress reform she guidance that women skirts shouldn’t sweep the ground in terms of being too. Long for health purpose. Meat abustence counsel came as s result of was prevailing in Australia when Ellen white visited their.and also the diseases like that of mad cow disease. My point is most people don’t balance and don,t know how to make food replacements they venture into health reform which becomes health deform which is also a sin because you are also as good as destroying The body which is God’s temple.
July 29, 2015 at 1:29 am |
Where can I obtain a DSDA flag? I wish I could make one since I just can not find one anywhere. This very important to my family. Thank you so much….TM & fam
July 29, 2015 at 3:02 am |
Yes, I know a sister who has both small miniature Davidian flags and regular size ones. Contact us at palmguy@dc.rr.com bro. Rob
September 23, 2017 at 2:59 am |
This is really Present truth for God people i want to be part of this message, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven .
September 23, 2017 at 4:51 am |
Amen brother Richard, please ask for material from those sites mentioned, you’ll be ETERNALLY grateful. These Inspired words from the prophet will brighten your soul and lead your path-God be with you.
September 23, 2017 at 2:59 am |
This is really Present truth for God people i want to be part of this message, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven .
August 31, 2018 at 5:37 pm |
michelle Morgan’s of mail.com
August 31, 2018 at 5:39 pm |
What’s this called Shepard rod..?
August 31, 2018 at 10:04 pm |
Reshape your question
September 8, 2018 at 6:19 pm |
I want a beautiful Davidian Lady between the ages of 28-35 years to date and marry. Please reach me on spatacus129@gmail.com. Thank you and God bless
October 8, 2019 at 5:13 am |
Please see: “who heart turns away” -> “whose heart turns away” and “common denomination” -> “common denominator”.
God bless 😉
October 8, 2019 at 6:07 am |
Got it–thanks!
June 4, 2021 at 11:20 pm
You didn’t get my explanation on health reform I never mentioned the general conference leadership yes, they have their own human failers and faults but iam here generally referring to taking health reform principles that we decide follow on an individual bases.