Archive for December, 2013

Change of Heart

December 28, 2013

Inner struggle

This inner struggle with self is between our carnal and our spiritual natures.

Certain it is that what we by nature want is not what we really need.  Likewise, that which we by nature aim to do, is not what we really need to do.  In obtaining righteousness by faith, therefore, we choose to follow the opposite of our carnal minds and our natural desires and wants.

“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. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts….ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  Isa. 55:7 9, 12.

In view of this glorious prospect, no one should neglect the opportunity to become a candidate for — Change of Heart.

Why is the Lord to change our “stony hearts,”  and to give us “hearts of flesh,” when we get to the promised land, and not now while we are among the nations (Ezek. 36:24 through 28) ?

When Nebuchadnezzar’s natural heart was replaced with a beast’s heart, he was no longer satisfied to live like a human being, but was contented to live with the cattle of the field.  Dan. 4:16, 33.  But had he, while yet retaining the natural heart, been forced out of his palace, and compelled to feed with the cattle, the trial and humiliation would have been altogether too great for him to endure.

Moreover, as such a life is contrary to human nature, he could not have subsisted on grass, nor could his digestive organs have stood up under such a heavy task.  To make it possible, therefore, for a human being to go through such an unnatural experience, the Lord replaced his heart with a beast’s heart, which automatically changed his nature.

Like Nebuchadnezzar during his wild-life experience, we, too, are living in a world that is unnatural to sinless beings.  Consequently, if our hearts and thus our natures were changed now, while we are yet living among the sinful nations, we could no more endure the trial than could Nebuchadnezzar with his human heart have endured the winter exposure, or have enjoyed the company of the beasts, or yet relished grass and straw.

Indeed, the fellowship of sinners, in the environment of sin, would be utterly desolating to a saint with a spiritual heart, upon which is written the law of God.

So to make endurable our days in this life, the Lord mercifully leaves us with our natural, stony hearts, to serve Him according to the provisions of divine grace.  And though it is not convenient to do right even under this provision, it would be still less convenient for a saint with “a new heart” to live in the kingdoms of this world, for in an unrighteous environment his righteous heart would make him miserable.

Neither could he, in the Kingdom of God, with his natural, stony heart, endure its enmity against the law of God, nor enjoy the glory of the Kingdom.  In other words, whereas on the one hand with our spiritual hearts, in the midst of the kingdoms of sin, we would be excruciatingly miserable in beholding crime, accidents, corruption, disease, and suffering; on the other hand with our sinful hearts, in the sinless Kingdom, we would be intolerably unhappy with ourselves, and unable to enjoy the sublime bliss of peace and righteousness.

We are, therefore, for the time present, permitted to serve the Lord with our sinful nature; and our desires to do good, and aims to reach high, that are prompted by our faith in Him, are accounted to us for righteousness.  This righteousness is His righteousness, in us by faith.

We are, therefore, still in the period of conversion and sanctification by faith, looking forward to the time when the Lord will take us to our own land, and there give us new hearts (Ezek. 36:24-28).  Then will we serve Him in holiness (Isa. 62:12).  With such a glorious promise in view, wrapped in love divine, may everyone now exercise the faith of Christ, cultivate His righteousness, and so become eligible for the divine gift of a spiritual heart.

.. “Conversion is a work that most do not appreciate.  It is not a small matter to transform an earthly, sin-loving mind, and bring it to understand the unspeakable love of Christ. the charms of his grace, and the excellency of God, so that the soul shall be imbued with divine love, and captivated with the heavenly mysteries.  When he understands these things, his former life appears disgusting and hateful.  He hates sin, and, breaking his heart before God, he embraces Christ as the life and joy of the soul.

He renounces his former pleasures.  He has a new mind, new affections, new interest, new will; his sorrows, and desires, and love are all new.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, which have heretofore been preferred before Christ, are now turned from, and Christ is the charm of his life, the crown of his rejoicing.  Heaven, which once possessed no charms, is now viewed in its riches and glory; and he contemplates it as his future home, where he shall see, love, and praise the One who hath redeemed him by His precious blood.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 2, p. 294)

(The above report was written by Victor T. Houteff in 1940 – Symbolic Code news Item, vol. 6, no.7-12, p.2-3)

For the full article click here http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/symbolic%20Code/6sc_07_12.html

Posted in Christian walk, Sanctification | Leave a Comment »

“What other Criticism do you Have?”

December 21, 2013

church dress

As I heard the above words coming from the “leader” of the church, I sat in amazement. Then it all came forcibly  down, “..and knoweth not that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-.” (Rev. 3:17)

I had been invited to one of our local churches for the Sabbath. Some new friends whom I had recently met invited me to come worship with them so I took them up on their offer. I was excited to visit one of the churches where I had never been before.

I found it small yet very clean and simple. I arrived early enough to enjoy the bible study.  One of the first things I had noticed upon entering was several young women, some as young as 13-14 I suppose, wearing very short mini-skirts. Some with high heels as well. If I didn’t know better I would have thought I was entering a youthful discotheque.  This was not good in God’s house. The place where His word said that He calls  His “temple”. His holy place.

Keep in mind I was not there to “snoop” around. I was there to worship our Lord and enjoy the fellowship. But when something is right in front of you, we must not shrink back from ignoring it and start whistling a happy tune, looking away as it were. It should genuinely bother us. Remember what we have learned about “sighing and crying” for the abominations in the church?

“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. ” (Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.211)

Our prophetess also  said –

“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 honour and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favour of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.210)

As I have noticed this poor dressing in my own church on occasions,  I was hoping to see God-fearing people showing a higher standard and  proper reverence in “His house” in this other church. Sadly, what I saw was a real need for better shepherds to lead the flock there.

So I stayed for the rest of the service and had a chance to mingle with some of the members after, as they invited me to their lunch next door. I had been impressed with one of the young men there who had spoken in the Sabbath class. So I handed him one of the business cards I carry showing this blog site. So all was not fruitless I pray.

But as I got home the Lord had impressed upon my heart to say something about this. I had received the church program and noticed that the church leaders phone numbers were listed. So I decided to talk to the main shepherd, the head pastor.

I picked up the phone and gave him a call. After pleasantries I told him how I enjoyed the service for the most part, however, I told him that the Lord had placed upon my heart to let him know that I saw some things that were not right in his church. He responded “and what was that?” Then I spoke about the several young ladies dressed with short mini-skirts and high heels.

He was caught off guard for a moment and there was silence. Then he said, “what other criticism do you have?”  At this  it was my turn to get caught off guard.  I thought quickly and said that there was quite a bit of loud unnecessary talking in the Lord’s sanctuary. “What else?” he said again. At this point I told him “that’s all for now”.

Then he proceeded to say that maybe those were visitors. The rest of the conversation was one of denial. The attitude was one of indifference. Although he did invite me to come back again. Will I see a change? The Spirit of Prophecy gives us many warnings of the wrong attitude.

“The prejudice which has arisen against us because we have reproved the wrongs that God has shown me existed, and the cry that has been raised of harshness and severity, are unjust. God bids us speak, and we will not be silent. If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty.

In vision I have been pointed to many instances where the displeasure of God has been incurred by a neglect on the part of His servants to deal with the wrongs and sins existing among them. Those who have excused these wrongs have been thought by the people to be very amiable and lovely in disposition, simply because they shunned to discharge a plain Scriptural duty. The task was not agreeable to their feelings; therefore they avoided it.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 3, p. 265-266)

So we see from the above that we have a duty to speak up. And that in so doing we are letting , first, our ever watching King and Savior, and secondly, our beloved brethren, know that we care for their souls and don’t want them to be cut down in the soon to come church judgment.

Scripture also gives us a clear picture of the end-time cleansing of His house.  “In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; finger rings, nose rings,the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; mirrors, fine linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls.

Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty” (Isaiah 3:18-24).

This describes the very terrible day known as the “dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5) and the labeling and branding of those who defiantly did not reform in the dress. Now is our time to reform and get our dress in simplicity and compliance with the honor due our King.

“Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, or who through indolence or lack of interest make no earnest effort to purify the family or the church of God, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority as if the acts had been our own.(Patriarchs and Prophets, p.578)

“There are ever those who will despise the one who dares to reprove sin. But when required, reproof must be given. Paul directs Titus to rebuke a certain class sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. And how shall the reproof be given? Let the apostle answer: “With all long-suffering and doctrine.” The one at fault must be shown that his course is not in harmony with the Word of God. But never should the wrongs of God’s people be passed by indifferently. Those who faithfully discharge their unpleasant duties under a sense of their accountability to God, will receive his blessing.” (Signs of the Times, Sept. 16, 1880)

” God expects us to impart to others the knowledge that He has given us. It is His purpose that divine and human instrumentalities shall unite in the proclamation of the warning message.

So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the word: “Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9. (Test. for the Church, vol. 9, p.19)

In closing, let us remember that the church is not a country club. It’s the place where the Lord has promised He’d meet us corporately every Sabbath. When we dress carefully and modestly, we show Him holy reverence, for after all we are in the presence of the maker of the universe! So let us not shrink back from doing our God-given duty, when the Spirit  leads us,  to reach out and warn those who are heading for disaster. This is indeed  –true Christian love.

For more specific counsel on dress reform see Ellen White’s chapter on “Simplicity in Dress”  in volume 4 of the Testimonies.

http://www.gilead.net/egw/books/testimonies/Testimonies_for_the_Church_Volume_Four/index.htm

Posted in Courage, Proper teachings, Sighing and Crying, Warning our brethren, Witnessing | 4 Comments »

Christmas — A Christian’s Perpective

December 14, 2013

A couple of years ago on December 10, 2011, we did this post in response to the  quandary that some have over Christmas. We’d like to re-post it again with some minor adjstments. May the Lord guide you into all truth.

Christmas picture

Note: This post is addressed to Seventh day Adventists and Davidian Seventh Day Adventists. If you are not a  member, the references made will most likely be confusing to you. Additionally, those who believe that we should not take part in the celebration or season of Christmas, cannot be blamed for their stance. If your conviction is that no Christmas celebrating should be had, I feel the Lord will certainly hold you blameless.

The whole Christmas season has been so commercialized, to the point that the vast majority around the world, find in it a reason for carnal celebrations. Most definitely leaving out the namesake–CHRISTmas. No wonder many Christians cannot in good conscience take part in this vast heathen experience!

This subject is indeed a very controversial subject among many in Christendom. After earnest prayer and very careful study I would like to shed the light that I have been given on this subject.

What I am going to translate into this post, in the following story, is the combining of Scripture, S.O.P (Spirit of Prophecy) and Shepherd’s Rod teachings on “Christmas”. So we may see a more encompassing ”big picture” of this important subject.  This post is compiled with the vision of the Lord’s Glory and honor utmost in mind.

We  can never believe God gives His prophets or in this case prophetess light (truth) in which to guide the people, and then later another prophet comes and contradicts such light, teaching something totally opposite of what a prior prophetess  of God has written in their inspired writings. Confusion would be the obvious result if such were the case. Instead of such confusion, can it be that Ellen White and Victor Houteff **, God’s last two prophets,  together do indeed , shine  light on a “honoring” Christmas, in a clear and understanding way?

Let us look at the  story of the “Smith family”. This is a story of how they “celebrate” Christmas. Before we look at it, let us look at two scripture verses to keep in mind as you read their story.

1) (Mark 9:40) “For he who is not against us, is for us”  Ask yourself after hearing the Smith Family story, are they against Christ during this season, or for Him?”

2)(1 Samuel 16:7) “..The Lord judges the heart.”  Is the Smith Family wrong in their heart to completely “turn around” the heathen customs, and bring GLORY and HONOR  to our Lord?

It is the day after thanksgiving, the famous “black Friday”. The heathens around the world are busy buying their gifts, most NEVER even dwelling on the “Christ” in Christmas. The Smiths are also out buying, however they are looking for nativity sets. You see they, as always,  put up a nativity set in place of a Christmas tree. Their two small children love to help put up the display, remembering afresh, just what “Christmas” is all about–The Lord Jesus Christ.

Their buying also includes gifts for their KIDS ONLY. For they are well aware of God’s last prophet’s word about “gift exchanging”. (Christ’s Greetings-tract 13). They are not exchanging, only “giving” to their own kids. They will take no part in reveling with the heathen or exchanging gifts.

During the season, they have lights around the nativity set, among the small presents. They frequently play “Christmas music” but it is all about Christ. Songs such as Jesus Is King, Ring Christmas Bells, The First Noel, O Holy Night, O Come All Ye faithful, Joy To The World, etc.  They shun the “Santa” songs and other heathen songs.

They are ever mindful that although Mr. and Mrs. Smith would not by themselves celebrate “Christmas”, it is for their kids sake, they have this Christmas. Raising them to feel even closer to our Lord during this season. They have remembered God’s word (Prov.22:6) “Raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is older, he shall not depart from it”. They also remember how Ellen White said glory and honor can be given Christ for Christmas.

On Christmas morning, they gather around the nativity scene, with the holy music playing, the kids open the presents. After, the parents read the story of Christ’s birth from the book of Luke. The young ones listen attentively as their young minds imagine the baby Jesus story. Then they sing together Christmas songs.

So we can see from the above, that the Smiths have found a way to bring glory to our Lord, despite the heathen customs. While it is true that Decemebr 25th, most likely is not Christ’s birthday, they know that it is before them, and as such, an opportunity to bring honor and glory to our Lord. Their kids could very well be scarred, being left out of this season, instead they can win all around.

Now, after seeing and understanding this, who among us will be the first to throw a stone at the Smiths? No, we must say all honor and praise to You, our most wonderful and powerful Lord- Jesus Christ. We are FOR you , not against you. May we be a good example in this Christmas season to all the heathen around us.

Questions and answers:

1) Why shouldn’t we have Christmas tree’s?

We are told in many inspired writings not to partake in heathen customs and practices. The tree for Christmas nowadays,  is certainly symbolic of a heathen type of Christmas. Additionally ,(Jer. 10:1-5) clearly says that decorating a tree is a heathen custom. It is ALWAYS safer to be on the side of caution, than  presumption. Personally speaking, I feel that the substituting a nativity set for a tree is a real home run, spiritually speaking.

2) What about going to church on Christmas?

If you are led by the Holy Spirit to go and praise Him among others, then by all means go. Again, this is each one’s own decision. It’s all about honoring Him. As Ellen White said, “Will He not be pleased if we show that we have not forgotten Him? Jesus, the Prince of Life, gave all to bring salvation within our reach. . . . He suffered even unto death, that He might give us eternal life.” (Below link, page 5)

3) What about the brothers and sisters sending out warnings against celebrating Christmas?

They CANNOT be faulted for this. Their motive most likely is one of warning the people not to DO as the heathen are doing all around, with all their customs. This post provides an additional perspective for those who choose to decide to honor and glorify our Lord during this season.

4) What about Christmas lights on the home and yard?

Again, this has symbolically become a symbol of the “heathen” Christmas. It should be avoided.

5) What about brother Houteff’s warning  message to us on “Christmas observance?”

In “Christ’s greetings” book  (tract 13) I find no direct warning AGAINST Christmas observance, only the “involvement” of it (the heathen type). Mr. Houteff explains “…The fact that Christmas is not, in reality, observed to the honor of the Saviour, but to the glorification of a heathen custom and to gratification of the carnal heart. Consequently, “altogether -Christians” cannot therefore consistently participate in celebrating the Christmas myth. “

Here is the clear message,   that because those that celebrate Christmas, leaving out ‘honor of the Saviour’ are practicing carnal gratification, THIS type of Christmas must not  be participated in. If we PUT IN the honor of our Saviour during this season, our LORD can be glorified and honored. The “exchanging” of gifts is to be avoided. He says “..The Lord’s servants will invariably shun the exchanging of Christmas gifts.”

6) We have read that Ellen White has written many things about how Christmas can be kept, per the White Estate references http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/christmas.html#To Glorify God, Not Man. Yet, Victor Houteff seems to say –stay away from it. How do you reconcile these contradictions?

Perhaps the best way is to  read again the “Smith story”. I believe if Christmas is celebrated as shown by them, it does indeed honor and bring glory to our Lord. And keeping the true intentions of the Lord’s message through His prophets. In (1 Cor.10:31) we read “..whatsoever you do, do ALL to the glory of God.” Christmas certainly can be included in “all”.

7) What kind of gifts should we give our children?

Ellen White suggests practical and beneficial gifts, such as God centered books. She also says, ” Our children have been educated to expect gifts from parents and friends upon Christmas. Christmas is celebrated to commemorate Christ’s birth. If we celebrate it only in seeking to give pleasure to our children and one another, our offerings are diverted from the true object. We should bring our thank offerings to the Lord, laying our gifts at the feet of Him who has opened the treasures of heaven to us.

While we can give some Christ centered gifts to the young ones as their “presents”, we should encourage them to make birthday gifts for Jesus. They can do a painting, make a poem, make their own small nativity set or whatever their imaginations can stir up. The main thing is that they “made it” themselves.

Ellen White explains, “Parents should keep these things before their children and instruct them, line upon line, precept upon precept, in their obligation to God–not their obligation to each other, to honor and glorify one another by gifts and offerings. But they should be taught that Jesus is the world’s Redeemer, the object of thought, of painstaking effort; that His work is the grand theme which should engage their attention; that they should bring to Him their gifts and offerings. Thus did the wise men and the shepherds.” (Above link, page 2)

Once again we know as adult Christians, this Christmas observance is strictly for the young kids. If we participate in this season we can do as the prophetess said —

“Turn the Current Heavenward”

In closing, may we ever bring to the heathen our good example of  being Christ’s representatives, in all things, even in Christmas observance.

In Christ,  Rob

** For those of you who are not aware of who Victor Houteff was, see our post  “Has Elijah Come?”  and “Who was Victor T. Houteff ?” under the heading–Elijah.

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The Fork in the Road

December 7, 2013

fork in road

Many of us remember the old Wizard of Oz classic. In the movie Dorothy comes to a fork in the road and has to make a decision. Although that was fiction, today it’s reality in a spiritual sense. We as professed followers of Christ come to a “fork in the road” quite often. One way is left, meaning the wrong way and denying truth, the other is to the  right,  which is the right way by accepting truth. Let’s look at the truth of this matter.

In ( 2 Thes. 2:10) we read, “He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.

As I often do in standing at my post (ready to help others see His truth, specifically His present truth) I have been recently led by the Holy Spirit to speak about a big problem today. The sad fact is that when new truth is shown to many around us, there is no real “wow! I love it! It’s the truth!Praise the Lord!”. Instead we often see little or no response or acknowledgement. As if truth is not relevant or worthy of comment. Who needs truth? We have Jesus we presumptuously think.

In the above quote, we see a  plain statement of truth  made that if we do not love and accept the truth we will not be saved.   We should have joy and excitement in our hearts when we learn and know the truth, which is Jesus. Our King said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life ” (John 14:6).

Many of us have heard the term , ” it slides off them like water off a duck’s back.” This saying has been around for a long time yet it is still relevant  today. One of the ways we show we don’t “love and accept” the truth is to let it slide right off us and not acknowledge it. New light, which is new truth should be one of the greatest things we can experience in our Christian life, like finding a gold nugget.

Ellen White shows the “non” truth lovers modus of operation , “There are some who indulge in levity, sarcasm, and even mockery toward those who differ with them. Others present an array of objections to any new view;and when these objections are plainly answered by words of Scripture, they do not acknowledge the evidence presented, nor allow themselves to be convinced. Their questioning is not for the purpose of arriving at truth, but is intended merely to confuse the minds of others.”

” Some have thought it an evidence of intellectual keenness and superiority to perplex minds in regard to what is truth. they resort to subtlety of argument, to playing upon words; they take unjust advantage in asking questions. When their questions have been fairly answered, they will turn the subject (and) bring up another point to avoid acknowledging the truth.” (Test to Ministers, p.108)

We notice in the above words that when truth is shown, sometimes ignorance is displayed by sidestepping the truth. This mode of operation by some professed brethren can be quite discouraging, yet we must do our job and profess the light shown to us, lest we be found to be cursed as “delinquent”.

“Every man who bears the message of truth to our churches must do his duty by warning, educating, rebuking. Any neglect of duty which is robbery toward God means a curse upon the delinquent.” (Special Test. for Min. no. 7, p.22)

We remember in the days of Christ, the Jews were faced with a great fork in the road. The left way was to go with the leaders and traditionalists and deny the new light our Lord was revealing. The popular way was to the left. The other way, to the right, meant to be with the relative few, and even possibly risk being removed from the church.

Let us now look at some practical examples of  accepting and loving the truth.

1) We are frequently studying God’s word for more truth.  The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen White writings) and the Lord’s most important last message to us– The Elijah message ( as brought by His servant  Victor T. Houteff).

“The truth, when received into the heart, sanctifies the receiver; kept apart from the life and practice, it is dead and useless to the receiver.”(Test. to Ministers, p.431)

“Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light” (Gospel Workers, p.300)

2) We take it serious when a brother or sister  wants to show us truth as it is revealed to them. We do not carelessly stand aloof and ignore it or side-step it once we see clearly that it is indeed truth. We agree with it and let them know it. We fear being  accused of being in need of nothing(no more truth).

“..I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked..” (Rev.3:17)

3) We change any behavior or lifestyle when we find new truth that is discovered that is not in harmony with our lifestyle. We “fear” God knowing that this is one of the two great duties that mankind was given.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole natter: Fear God and keep His Commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecc. 12:13)

4) Any new light we learn, if it causes a change in us that may not be popular with others, we remember that in all God’s church history,  “new light” has never been popular with the masses. We press forward with God’s way, despite customs and traditions to the counter.

“We have no time to .. cut the sharp corners of truth, so that they shall not disturb others. (Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1888)

5) If we find a brother or sister trying to teach us error instead of truth, we should attempt to show them their error.

“If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side.” (Test. to Ministers, p.110)

6) When we discover new light, we do not selfishly hide it “under a bed” we spread it as God leads.

“No man, when the light is lighted, puts a cover over it, or puts it under a bed, but he puts it on its table, so that those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 8:16)

7) In our search for truth, we should become occupied with what is known as “present truth”. As the truth scroll unrolls we are keeping pace.

“I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” (2 Peter 1:12)

” I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures…. Our minds must not be taken up with things around us, but must be occupied with the present truth and a preparation to give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear. We must seek wisdom from on high that we may stand in this day of error and delusion” (Early Writings, p. 87).

As Lord’s Elijah messengers, we become familiar with those of whom the Scriptures say, “You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it.” (Ezekiel 33:32)

We sometimes feel discouraged  because the “gold nuggets” of truth mean little to many. But nevertheless we must press on,  leaving the results with God. All we can do is set the table of truth before them, it is they who must grab the fork and eat.

“God means that testing truth shall be brought to the front and become a subject of examination and discussion, even if it is through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the people must be agitated. Every controversy, every reproach, every slander, will be God’s means of provoking inquiry and awakening minds that otherwise would slumber.”(Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.453)

“In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new. . . . He who rejects or neglects the new, does not really possess the old.”—(Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 127, 128.)

The fork in the road is before us. Do we  go left or right?


Posted in Present Truth | 4 Comments »