Archive for May, 2012

Christian Love (Gal. 6:10)

May 26, 2012

In (Gal.6:10) we read  “Therefore, whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the household of faith”.  Here we see two directives. One, do well to those outside the faith, secondly, do well especially to those among our household (church) of faith.” With this short paragraph of inspired words, we can gain volumes in instructions of  righteousness (right doing).

Within the last couple of weeks the Lord brought me two examples  on the first part of the above. I mention these not to infer you must do them, only as examples of the doing good to our people outside the faith.

In both instances they occurred at gas stations. The first, I pulled in  to get gas, I noticed this  long haired skinny unkept man looking through the trash can. Also immediately I felt the urge . “Invite this man into the Arco and buy him lunch” I thought. So I said “hey brother, follow me into the store, I’ll buy you lunch.” He looked at me with a surprised look, but quickly came along. I said upon entering  “go over there and get a sandwich and what ever else you want.”

So we checked out and he gave me a big “thank you”. I said “God be with you bro.”  No preaching, no words of advice, the actions had spoken instead. Just maybe this act will be remembered and the Lord will start to work on His heart in some way.

The second happened when I pulled up, again to an Arco. I get out and this man about 30 comes up and points to his truck with his wife and kid inside. “Hey bro, could I bum a few dollars from you, we need to go to Ontario and we’re out of money.”  I didn’t have any cash on hand and so I said “No, I don’t have cash”. And proceeded to walk in to the store  to purchase gas with my debit card. As I was in there, it occurred to me –how would I feel in that position stranded with my family? So after getting the gas, I walked out and yelled over to him “what pump you on?”  He told me and I went back in and purchased 25.00 gas for him. He was profusely thankful and I felt the Lord’s will had been done.

Did I have “opportunity” to do good to my brethren in the above examples? Yes, of course. Our Lord very well may have placed those in my path, knowing I had the means to help, to see my actions.

I have Steps to Christ books in the back of my truck, and when the opportunity arises I hand out to certain people. Yet, in both of these instances I felt the kind acts were sufficient to touch them and possibly lead them to think of “brotherly love” and thereby to their Maker. The old saying “action speaks louder than words” can be so true in many instances. “..Be ye doers of the word..” (James 1:22)

Christian love clearly is shown in our actions.  Our Lord said the following “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another ” (John 13:35). We should  remember the simple things of our Christian walk. The basics can sometimes be overlooked, as if we don’t need them. The common courtesies, the prompt return calls, emails, etc. can be very good habits showing our love and kindness.  We can become careless and neglect the plain simple truths and acts of love.

Can we imagine someone in the Lord’s circle asking Him a sincere question and the Lord just looking at Him then walking away? Our Lord  is our example in all things right? Look at His courtesy, He even wrapped and folded His own burial clothe upon His resurrection!

How important is love?  Perhaps no where in all of scripture can we find just how important it is as in these words  “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).

The second part of (Gal.6:10) has much more ramifications. Our own brothers and sisters in the faith are the ones we especially do good to.

Recently I had a talk with a dear brother who has done some real solid works for the Lord for many years. He was upbeat despite the fact that he was sincerely struggling on the financial front. But I thought “how is it that none of the brothers and sisters knew about this, or if they did, how did they turn their backs?”  We all can face tough times but it is at those times when we as true  brothers and sisters should step up to the plate and do something if it is within our power.

We should  look out for our own,as our brother’s and sister’s keeper.  It can be like the old saying “too close to the forest to see the trees”. Again, it’s the basics of Christ’s love that we can sometimes overlook.

 Let’s look at some specific ways we can do good to our brethren.

1) When a brother or sister asks us a question or drops a line to say hello(via email, or voice message, or whatever)  we make a good effort to get back to them in a reasonable time. Again, our Lord said  “Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you”(Matt. 7:12)  If you want to be ignored, then  –ignore.  But we shouldn’t be a hypocrite and expect answers or responses  when we don’t give them.

2) Check in now and then with your brothers and sisters of the faith. We shouldn’t expect them to come to us always. Our own members of the faith are the ones who have at least made the profession of Christ, so we should hold them up in our remembrance  and reach out when possible.

3) If we know their profession, and we have a need of that service, let’s use them for it,as opposed to calling someone outside our faith. I sure wish our own churches would have a church directory showing the different occupations of the members.

4) Of utmost importance, let’s never forget that sharing of the word and bible study with our brethren is extremely important. Share the word when possible and learn together. We must have knowledge as we know our Lord said  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)  One of the most sad things to see, is when a bro or sis want’s to learn something from a fellow bro or sis in the faith, and they are ignored!  Oh what a true travesty! 

 The bible says “be angry and sin not”  (Eph 4:26) And this is describing me right now. I just can’t for the life of me, comprehend how someone would see that as acceptable to the Lord.  Our knowledge should be shared.  “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8)  Why should it be coveted by us? It’s like “I have my knowledge,  you go get your own, don’t bother me”. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I was ignoring  my brethren in the faith, who would inquire of me.

5)  As we are nearing the very last days. Our reach-outs to our brethren must be accelerated. As we have shown many times in this blog, our Lord pronounced that the Elijah message would be His last. Let’s get that out there to our people.

6) Be a “great” person to our brethren. What do I mean?  “But he that is greatest among you, will be your servant” (Matt.23:11)  We must have the mind set that we are to “serve” and not be aloof and have others serve us. Translated in practical advice, it means we look to help where we can.

7) Last and most importantly, we strive to show kindness and concern for our brethren in our correspondence. We show –Christian love.

May our ever seeing Lord guide you and keep you always, my beloved brethren(which always means sisters too).

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian faith, Christian walk, Galatians, Humility | 2 Comments »

The Spirit of Truth

May 19, 2012

In our searching of Scripture and SOP and SRod we should be aware that certain important issues are controversial. Not because there is no truth in them but because their has been attempts to discredit them and make them of no effect to us,  His people.  Issues that need to be straighten out require a serious study, with an open mind and heart, we must be willing to get at the truth.

Our Lord said “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear he shall speak, and he shall show you things to come.” (John 16:13)

This is a  great promise our Lord gives us. We shall know the truth! This is such great news. Not only know truth, but the future truth. That means we will be guided by Him to get at the  evidence and arrive at the truth. We only have to search it with a humble open honest heart. Prejudice cannot be allowed to cloud our minds, because the truth will lose nothing upon close investigation.

We must also keep in mind that having the “Spirit of truth” is a gift. Can the Lord bestow gifts on us if we are in a state of continual sinning  and careless backsliding? Can we have the best of both worlds–knowing our Lord’s precious truths and cherishing the wickedness of sin?  The Pharisees were perfect examples that it was not possible. They were blocked from seeing the truth due to their prideful sins. “But your sins have separated you from your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

In my own walk when I was still holding on to tobacco, TV, worldly music and  others, I was not enjoying the gift of the Spirit of truth as I should have. Sure I was able to understand “some” truth but not what the Lord had ready for me and what was needed most — present truth. It wasn’t until I got serious in my walk and was prayerfully asking  for the Holy Spirit’s help,  that I threw the above sins out the window. I  was able to put on what the Lord handed me, the “spiritual glasses”,  and the Spirit of truth came, like a tidal wave of truth flooding my soul. The word came alive as never before. This can and will happen to you if you commit and convert, our Lord promises it to any and all truth seekers.

Once we receive the gift of the Spirit of truth, we will then be able to focus on future events and see clearly what our Lord has in this regard. Once we know this, we then naturally have a desire to share it with others, a watchman more or less. “Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history.” (Testimonies for the Church, p.716)

 We must be careful not to fall into the all to familiar trap of following what others say about what is “truth”.   Sister White says ” God cannot glorify His name through His people while they are leaning upon man and making flesh their arm” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.729). If we base our opinions on another man or woman’s teachings while ignoring our own search, then instead of the Spirit of truth, the arm of flesh guides us. Even this blog, although possibly helpful, should not be a substitute for your further searching of the inspired writings on this and other posted topics.

Did not the multitude in Jesus’ day side with their leaders and believe what they said, instead of observing and carefully considering the whole matter themselves? So afraid were  many, that they knew that if they believed in Jesus, they were risking their membership to their own church. We know their sad ending. Let us not repeat it. 

As we’ve seen by the Lord’s promise in (John 16:13), the Spirit of truth will guide us into present as well as future truth, knowing of the things to come.

With the above firmly in our minds, let’s look at 3 very important   present truth issues, carefully addressing each so that the truth will be clearly understood. In these very last hours of probation for our church, we cannot afford to be misled by the adversaries any longer.

1) The 144,000 issue.

  Some say that we are not supposed to talk about it or study it. They use this quote as their basis  ” It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the word. It is not His will that they should get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.(1 Selected messages, p. 174)

At first glance one would be inclined to generalize this statement.That the 144k  issue should be muted.  If we carefully read the statement, we see should notice the word “compose” . It means to identify  who is and who is not, going to be among the 144,000. In other words, we should not go around saying ” brother Tom , or sister Jane, will be one of the 144,000.” Or, “I don’t think so and so will be among the 144,000.”  This provides no spiritual help to us and puts us in a position of judge.

Additionally if she meant that we were not to look into the 144k subject, how is it that she could then make the following statement  concerning the issue? In (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905) she said “Let us strive with all the power God has given us, to be among the 144,000.”  Can we logically strive to become a  part of a group we know nothing about? Ofcourse not.  It’s similar to wanting to be a pilot, for example,  and not looking into how we can become one. Striving with all power from God, does indeed mean to pursue it with everything we have.

Lastly,  her very first vision was about the 144,000. God, in His wisdom obviously was making a statement in announcing the importance of this issue among His people.

2) The Lord’s last Elijah message.

This is the issue for today. The absolute –present truth.  Our Lord said He would bring someone (Elijah) right before He comes. How important can this message be then? It’s a message, that if we know it and heed it, it will spare us in the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Mal. 4-5). It has key specific messages from the Lord to us.  Is our church discussing this message and it’s solemn ramifications? Or are we asleep with a carnal peace and safety attitude? Smooth sermons week after week proclaiming we all got our “get into heaven free pass card” just because we show up to church every Sabbath.

Understanding and searching the basics of this message, we’ll find why our Lord needs to tell it clearly. In much Scripture in the OT, He points out through the prophets about a “day” which will happen that will be so solemn and filled with His  indignation. Make no mistake, we as a people have torn down the holy reverence in His temple, walked carelessly in His Commandments and generally have done worse than the Israelites of old.  Therefore He must warn us first as He has always done. This was the  “type” message of the original Elijah. Our Lord had  enough of the false teachers and leaders, with their false God’s and idols, so through His prophet Elijah, He warned them thoroughly. So much so,  that the people labeled Elijah a “troubler”. Someone who was harassing and bothering  the “good”  people.

 Many of the today’s messengers declaring today’s Elijah’s message are also looked upon as troublers and some are disfellowshipped just like Elijah was. The messengers are trying to lead the people astray, so it is thought.  Anti-type is following type in many aspects.

The original Elijah message you’ll remember was a message he took to his own people, not to the world. This point is very important. It’s a warning message of the impending “church judgement” per Ezekiel 9, among God’s people, not the world. Ignoring this, we clearly see our church today,  putting the first priority of reaching the world now , instead of addressing our own house, our church, and doing the work of preparation for His  surprise coming.

Our Lord’s own words to the “angel”, which in greek signifies messenger or by implication — pastor (strongs Hebrew and greek dictionary), in (Rev.3:16-17) gives the reason why the Elijah message of warnings must be given– ” So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say ‘ I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —  and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked—“. They must be awaken, it’s the only remaining hope.

Brother Victor Houteff addressed the issue , as to exclusiveness of the message going to the SDA church only. He was questioned about the fact that this last day Elijah message ignored the people of the world. Here is his response.

 “Nowhere is the position taken ‘that everyone that is brought into the Seventh-day Adventist church is unconverted, and that there should not be anyone brought in.’  The most extreme position which the message  takes in this connection is that which the Spirit of Prophecy in the following testimony obliges it to take: “The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted, and those who were once converted but have backslidden.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p.371)

This far we come, not an inch short, not an inch beyond. Those who do go beyond this point as well as those who refuse to come up to it are both committing equal extravagances which the truth rebukes.

Concerning the idea that the present time is not the day for individuals outside the SDA church, though they know and believe the message, to repent and be baptized, we would say that God nowhere justifies a man, regardless of what his status might be-whether Jew or Gentile, church member or infidel — for putting off the day of repentance once light is come to him. This is the sin against the Holy Ghost. “Today, after so long a time;as it is said, Today if ye hear His  voice harden not your hearts.”

However, under the dispensation of a special message to the church, such as Christ bore to the Jewish church for three and a half years and such as it is our lot to bear to the SDA church today, we are not to understand that it is the work of those, who bear such a message, to carry on at the same time the Gospel program for the world at large.

The Lord has not left us in the  dark in regard to what should be our position in this matter. Jesus was “holding forth” to the church members “in the border of Tyre and Sidon when a woman who “was a greek, a Syrophoenician by nation, came and fell at His feet” beseeching “Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus  said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meat to take the children’s bread, and cast it unto the dogs (Gentiles). And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: But the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs. And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.” (Mk.7-26-29)   (Brother Houteff’s Symbolic Code News, Vol.1, No.7 , paragraph 6)

 Let’s understand that the biggest hurdle our adversaries present to this last Elijah message , is one of ignorance. It’s a Laodicean trap, not to look into what the Lord clearly declared as His final message to us, His church.(Mal. 4:5)

3) Ezekiel 9 .

Some of the SDA brethren  who do admit and understand that EGW did  indeed say that Rev. 7 sealings and Ezekiel 9 are one and the same event , claim that the church judgement comes  “in”  the plaques. Let’s carefully look at this with preponderance of the evidence.

The SOP quote that they predominantly rely on for this belief is found in ( Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p.267)  “Who is standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse the wrongs among the professed people of God and who 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! Unless they repent and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval. They will fall in the general  destruction of the wicked , represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons.”

Here we see that their main view is that EGW uses the term “general destruction of the wicked” to mean the destruction of Ezekiel 9 comes in the general world destruction, specifically during or after the plaques. However there is just one problem about that usage of  that description.  In (Great Controversy, p.26) EGW states that the Jews ” must not hesitate a moment, lest they be involved in the general destruction.”  She is describing the destroying of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which Christ predicted. Does that mean EGW is speaking of a world-wide  destruction? Ofcourse not. That term meant local and specific  in it’s sphere.  So we see this reasoning really is a subjective one at best,  to make it’s supposed claims. Let’s look at  more certain evidence.

After describing Ezekiel 9 in (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.5 , p.211) she adds this clear statement “Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary– was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God.”  She goes on to say that the leaders will tell the people that God is  “too merciful to visit His people in judgement.”  Obviously the leaders were telling the people  to ignore the warnings given  by God’s faithful in His church.

 Here’s  the most powerful evidence that she presents that the Ezekiel judgement comes way before the plaques.

She identifies that the four winds being held back in Rev.7 are symbolic of the Sunday laws.  “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that have the mark of the beast. We come near having this realized in California a short time since ; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.152)

So we logically then understand that the sealings in (Rev. 7:1-4) come before the release of the four winds, therefore Ezekiel 9 is done before the Sunday laws are established. The plaques happens after the time for the people to make their choice for or against God’s Sabbath.  We know that the Sunday law is God’s great test upon mankind, and the mark of the beast is the agreement to keep the Sunday Sabbath over the Saturday Sabbath.

With the above as our clear timeline, we then can understand that if the church judgement comes prior to the Sunday laws, the 144,000(those who survive Ezekiel 9)  must have time to work upon Babylon and call them out of it. Otherwise it would make no sense for our Lord to have His church judgement and cleanse His church so that His 144,000 do nothing and watch the 7 plaques destroy the world. Also we must bear in mind that the 144,000 call the people out of Babylon, and they must have somewhere to go. It will then be into the purified church. They will not be called out of one sinful church into another, as envisioned by those who deny Ezekiel 9 will take place (which really is the vast majority).  They say, “The Lord is too merciful”.  Just as prophesied! Yes, the Lord is merciful but He is also righteous, holy and just and keeps His word.

Lastly, Ezekiel 9 speaks of six men with slaughter weapons in their hands who come from the way of the higher gate to the “city” , to “Jerusalem” to perform the marking or sealing followed by the slaying. Revelation 15 and 16 speaks of quite a different scenario. It tells of seven angels who come out of the temple with seven vials, for the seven last plaques to be poured out on Babylon, not Jerusalem. (* note- “men” are sometimes symbolic of angels , see Dan.9:21  “the man Gabriel”.)

My brothers and sisters, it is so important to have His Spirit of truth within us. Our King said  “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). The Spirit of truth helps us discern truth from error.  All who live justly and walk upright in the Lord will have the Spirit of truth- this is His promise. If you feel you have not received it, pray feverishly for this gift!  He wants so much to give it.

Let us close with the prophetess’ applicable words about this posted topic.

“Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depends upon the course of action we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. (Great Controversy, p.601)

The most precious help is the Lord’s gift —–  The Spirit of Truth.

Some questions and answers.

1) How do I know I have the Spirit of truth?  As we mentioned it is a gift from the Lord. And it is not carelessly given around to all those who profess His name. The best answer I can give is my own example above. When I finally decided to commit my life 100% and walk in His Commandments to the best of my ability, then I began to see and understand the truths of His word as never before-past, present and future. ALL are promised this upon a true heartfelt humble conversion.

2)How can we know what is present truth?  As we are well aware the Lord’s truths are like an unrolling scroll, handed form one prophet to the next. The last prophet always carries the “present truth”  for their generation. As we search the scriptures, we find that the very last message prophesied to come to His people is that of the Elijah. And the prior prophetess EGW gave us a big clue who it would be–an interpreter of scriptures( 1 Selected messages, p.412, Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475). Many are convinced, and say –by the Spirit of truth, that this man “Elijah” was brother Victor T. Houteff. Consequently the message bore by him is the present truth for us today.

3) Can I be safe if I choose to ignore the present truth? Brother Houteff answered this most clearly ” Always man’s greatest test, and the one which ever involved almost an instantaneous decision, has been in the unrolling of the scroll– in the eclipse of a past message by a new one,–present truth. On every such occassion each one has had to decide: Shall I heed the new and unpopular truth and walk in it’s light, joining with those who are despised by nearly every religious leader in the land? Or shall I allow myself to be deterred by the decision and counsel of the ministry in my church?”(The Judgment and the Harvest, tract 3, p.9)

We can also look at this illistration. Suppose you set out on a journey to a great destination. You are given 2 maps to follow for the first 2/3 of your trip. The last map is to be given to you at the 2/3 mark.  But you decide to by pass that mark and travel the rest of the way without that important map. You think you can arrive to your destination without it. What will happen? You’ll most certainly get lost and waste time and energy in vain, when all you needed to do was go to the place where you pick up the last map, and arrive safely to your destination.

In the case of our Lord’s last Elijah message, their are specific messages to us that require us to act upon, if we neglect this, we may have serious consequences. Our final “map” to the promised land is present truth. With it we are safe , we heed it and obey it and it helps us arrive to our destination (the Kingdom).

Posted in Present Truth, The Spirit of truth | 5 Comments »

Ellen White’s Battle Creek Vision

May 12, 2012

This week in the studies I came across a fascinating EGW description of her Battle Creek vision in August of 1868.  It tells of their hard struggles on their journey to the promised land.  I believe God gave it for us, to let us know that our journey will indeed require a “full” effort. If we try to get there “kind of” trying we stand a real chance of falling off down the “precipice”. 

“While at battle Creek in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend.  On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high smooth, white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms.

As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded  wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback.

As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall, and cause us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall, and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. we then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance, and fall. At such times, a hand seemed to take the bridle, and guide us over the perilous way.

As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go safely on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the foot steps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these were eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us.

The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes; so we slipped them from our feet, and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; those were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet.

We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end.

Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path. for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming, “we have to hold from above! We have to hold from above!” The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway.

As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs. We heard the war song and the dance song. We heard instrumental music, and loud laughter, mingled with cursing and cries of anguish and bitter wailing, and were more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed.

I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood, it caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who  are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but ,seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide our feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size, until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers, ‘To what is the cord attached?’ My husband was just before me. large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for naught.

Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green  grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun, but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon the field. Nothing I had  seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But  could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish.

 Again, in whispered anguish, the word were breathed ‘What holds the cord?”  For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed, ‘Our only hope is to trust wholly in the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now.’ Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken, ‘God holds the cord. We need not fear.’ These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with, ‘ He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety.’

My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy perfectly happy.

I awoke, and found that from the anxiety I had experienced in passing over the difficult route, every nerve in my body seemed to be in a tremor. This dream need no comment. it made such an impression upon my mind that probably every item in it will be vivid before me while my memory shall continue.”  (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p.594-597)

 As we can clearly see, even though our walk will not be easy many times, once we submit fully to Him, it will be well worth it, He’ll be right there with us. And as we go further into our journey our faith will be tried, to see if we can “toss away” the worldly pleasures and stay focused,  holding onto our Lord , the “cord”.

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of chracter is an easy matter. A noble all-around character is not inherited, it does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merit and grace of Christ”(Christ Object Lessons, p.331)

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“Boss, We Can’t Kill em!” (Part 2 of 2)

May 5, 2012

The meeting has just started, the world’s richest and most powerful (formerly) men are at their chairs. There is a solemn look on all faces. Their plans are now in complete disarray. The human agents whom Satan directly worked through  can no longer stop a certain group of people. The rumors of great miracles and many around the world joining up with these people has caused great concern.

These men , who had been so used to controlling mankind, through finances and even murder and wars, were now dealing with the Great– I AM. What could they do? This is the purpose of the meeting, to arrange their final plans to get back control of the world, to stop this madness of people doing all these wonderful things. For they serve Satan, and this light is driving them crazy.

They have  recently seen the prophetic words being fulfilled “… For the day of the LORD is coming, for it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, like morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, the like of who has never been; nor will there ever be any such after them, even for many successive generations” (Joel 2:2).  The 144,000 have come upon the world’s scene. The day is gloomy but in it’s midst comes the “great and strong”.

So on one hand we have great and marvelous things happening, on the other we have a building rage against the people of God. EGW  states in (Early Writings, p.272)  “My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God.”

The Loud Cry period is under way. The time when the earth is being illuminated with the true living gospel.  “As the third angel’s message swells into a loud cry, great power and glory will attend it’s proclamation. The faces of God’s people will shine with the light of heaven.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p.17)

The 144,000 are perfectly described again in Micah, during this loud cry period. “Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, that tary for no man nor wait for the son’s of men. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, who, if he passes through, both treads down and tears in pieces, and none can deliver. Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.” (Micah 5:7-9)

I’ve highlighted the above verse to show the true power God entrusts His servants during this time. Remember when EGW also saw the “hand raising” and the wicked going down(Early Writings,p.15)?  Isn’t it wonderful how when we search for God’s word as searching for gold, we find many nuggets of complimenting truth?

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.” Says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17)

The people of the world have  been astonished at the wonders and power God has revealed to the world through His servants. Nahum’s prophecy has been fulfilled ” As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall put their hand over their mouth;their ears shall be deaf.They shall lick the dust  like a serpent; they shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth. They shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of you.” (Micah 7:15-17)

Nevertheless, the hardened elite of the world must make a game plan. It can be only one that prophecy has dictated–the establishment of the Sunday law. Satan knows this is the last act, and cunningly guides these men to implement it worldwide. Keep in mind the Lord’s prophetic “Church kingdom” is successful at this time in bringing the great un-numbered company (known as the great multitude) into His pure church.

Let us point out something here worth noting . Before the loud cry, Satan had pulled off one of his greatest deceptions on God’s people. He was able to trick a vast number of SDA with false prophetic timelines. The great many were looking for the “Sunday law” instead of looking for the “church judgement”. He had very successfully convinced many that the “Elijah message” wasn’t anything, that it was a un-applied prophecy of no real concern. Just ignore it.

In (Amos 5:18) we find scripture that foretells of the outcome of this “trick” done to the people, they were ultimately looking for the wrong day(coming in the clouds)and ignored, insulted,and even lamblasted the ones who tried to warn them of “The Day”.  “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness, and not light. It will be as though a man fled a lion, and a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house;leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him! Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it? We  know that the Lord’s coming in the clouds will have great brightness as He nears the earth. But this day will not have any light to it as prophesised.  Ezekiel 9 will be a dreadful day, not a happy day.

The 144,000 knew what that day was, because they had accepted the Elijah message of warnings and reproofs to the church, and their life was one of study and prayer to know His will.  They knew that EGW prophesied that the church judgement would come before the Sunday laws. They were ready and most importantly, they believed in the last message as the Lord had directed.

As the servants of God do their last duty, it works beautifully. “I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.” (EW p.278)

The evil men and angels can’t stop this power, for it is from God, but they can hinder it and they sure do this. The Sunday law starts to get implemented around the world and then it’s  real trouble for God’s people. The 144,000 can’t be touched but the great multitude are not untouchable.

The central loud cry message, as many know, is the 144,000 proclaiming to the world to come out of the false religions. God pleads His case before mankind through His servants. “…Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place tp proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.” (Great Controversy, P.611-12)

Now is the most confusing time for mankind. One group, the Sabbath keepers, performing miracles and wonders. The other , Sunday worshipers, performing similar feats. The only hope at this point is that the people are grounded in the word. If they are not, then the deception will be too strong and overpower them.

Remember, Satan’s ploys are very cunning indeed. After all , how is it that our Lord can use only 144,000 from His church? Is it not the fact that even one cherished sin, promoted time and again by the evil ones, cause the vast multitude to fall? That is why we must strive with all the power God gives us to –overcome. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son.” (Rev. 21:7)

Let us close with a couple more nuggets of complimenting truth (SOP and scripture). Speaking of the 144,000, we read “The LORD their God will save them in that day, as a flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land.” (Zech. 9:16)

“Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrrible as an army with banners”, she is to go forth into all the world conquering and to conquer.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 725)

Don’t you want to be a part of these people? The ones whom even the elite of the world will not be able to contest, the ones who the evil men will say “Boss, we can’t kill em!” The ones who our Lord trusts fully to do His final will?

Let us  remember  that  our Lord is still looking for His servants. Probation is still open. His last message is pleading with us to come aboard. First, overcome our sins. Second, sigh and cry for the sins in our midst and in the church.  Third, learn and accept His last Elijah message. This will get us the seal of God. Then we will be prepared for the great and dreadful day.

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