Archive for February, 2016

A Promise Kept by the Lord

February 27, 2016

Marriage sign

The word of the Lord says —

“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” (Psalms  18:30)

The following is my own testimony which I give to encourage and advise that God’s word can be depended upon with total trust.

Brought up in a Catholic Family, I was shown at an early age the value of the family. We had a total of six in our family. Unfortunately like so many homes around the world our family kind of broke up in mid 1970’s.  Dad and mom divorced and life changed.

I had several girlfriends in my life and after about the age of 20 I kind of got away from Religion. Partying and the rewards of this life held sway for decades to come. Fast forward to December of 2008. I picked up the Bible one night and little did I know the Lord was about to become real to me.

A few nights later I came across Exodus where Moses was given the 10 Commandments. A light went off in my head that the Sabbath was from God and we should obey His 4th Commandment, His holy day.

Soon I was baptized into the local SDA church. This was about April of 2009. But being single all my life I had come to the place where I decided that now, being released of my old ways and passions, I should settle down and meet Mrs. Right.

Being an admitted old fashion type, I decided to undertake a search of an “old world” woman , particularly from the Russia area. For some reason I was attracted to them. In March of 2009 , about seven years ago I met Lira.

She was nice looking and seemed quite personable. But being freshly converted in making the Lord’s way my desire, I wanted to use the Biblical principles such as no divorced women and only those who truly were Christians. I knew that many of the eastern women (or most other places) can “play the game” where they declare they are Christian but not have a clue who Jesus was.

So I had email and phone conversations with Lira for a while. But the most important thing I did was to consult the Lord in any final decision on a lady. This I did with Lira.

After a few weeks of correspondence with her, I knelt down one night and prayed the following.

I told the Lord that I had not been a good selector of women during my life and that I needed to let Him make the decision on any woman I was interested in. So I asked the Lord for His answer to Lira.

The word says–

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

I knew that our part in prayer is to ask, and to ask in a correct way. But just as important was to believe and to –watch. So after this prayer  my job was to be on the look out for the answer. Our Lord has always used signs with His people and likewise it is still today. Trouble is that few are truly a believer in His signs. They miss them because they don’t believe He is in that business anymore.

Our Lord Himself told us how important His signs are–

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” (John 10:37-38)

So after a couple of weeks the Lord sent me a dream. In it I was observing what I thought were many circular small white clouds and it was over our local big mountains. There appears many of them. I awoke and thought how strange the dream was. Later I mentioned the dream and what I saw to Lira. She quickly responded, “Those were not clouds they were silver rings.” Wow! I immediately could remember what I saw and they were rings!

The answer had come and it was–yes! For only the Lord could have given her the vision of that dream. At that point there was one last thing for me to do–act upon the Lord’s approval sign. So I then began to get serious about Lira.

This idea of going to the Lord to 1) request His help in authorizing or disproving the marriage 2) waiting for the answer, is solidly backed by His last message of Elijah–

“..the only marriages that God can honor are those which are entered upon only after both parties inquire of Him and receive His sanction.” (Symbolic Code, vol. 3, no.2, p.7)

This is where faith comes into play. Once we get  a response from the Lord we must act with faith upon it. Other wise we are just play acting and not really living out our faith.

So soon I proposed to Lira, and she accepted. Being in  far away country in between Russia and China I knew that certain logistic problems would come up. For instance in order to get a visa to have her come to USA I had to fly around the world and get some pictures together first before we applied for the visa.

Just one small problem, I have Aerophobia–fear of flying. This stemmed from a bad plane ride I had years ago in which the turbulence was quite dramatic. To make the long story short I delayed and delayed with Lira. Soon after 2, 3 then 4 years went by she understandably began to doubt my intentions. Still   I came up with one excuse after another and still she remained committed. Looking back her faith was very solid.

After about the 6th year of our online relationship, and realizing it was a now or never situation, I began to get serious and discovered that there was only  a few ways to get a waiver of the meet in person rule, and one of them was Aerophobia. We found an attorney and hired him. The Lord certainly knew all this and gave us strength to continue the long process. Many times Lira  and I had some serious arguments and it all looked over, yet something held us together.

I remember one time after a couple bad days of arguing and then thinking “why go on with her?” the Lord sent me another sign only he could show. We had this favorite saying which we would often sign off with, we’d say “love you madly” before ending our conversations. After about a week of not communicating with her I drive to the store one day and in front of me is a car license plate that says “Small heartUMADLY.” It was just one of many reminders that the Lord was guiding and telling us  not to give up.

Finally in November of 2015 we got an approval for the waiver visa. The attorney said this was a very unusual approval as many cannot  qualify for the waiver for one reason or another.

In February of this year Lira boarded a plane and landed in our city late one night. I picked her up at the airport and was very happy and excited to finally meet her and begin our life together. She was all I had hoped and more. The Lord did not disappoint, does He ever?

In our seven-year relationship I made sure that she knew how important God was to our life and that He required honor, respect and obedience. She was a willing learner and has accepted, among other things, the Sabbath, the proper dress in His sanctuary, etc.  Sure, we have much to discuss in God’s plans and lessons but importantly she has agreed to listen.

She knows about the soon to come kingdom set up in Israel and is prepared when the process starts.

I realize that marriage is a lifetime commitment, and with this understanding our life begins as a couple. We ask for your prayers as we embark on this path.

“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”(Genesis 2:22-24)

Posted in Christian faith, Prayer's answered | 8 Comments »

The Importance of God’s Symbols

February 20, 2016

 

The Word of God is replete with many symbolic pictures through out its sacred pages. The fascination of the deep and heart-moving displays and pictures really should move any and all sincere lover of the Holy Writ.

The usage of these symbols was extensively shown by His last prophet sent to our SDA church– Victor T. Houteff. This week’s post we’d like to show some of the most deep and awe-inspiring charts that the Lord inspired for us as present truth believers.

The Spirit of Prophecy spoke enlightening words concerning these symbols.

“God Himself employed pictures and symbols to represent to His prophets lessons which He would have them give to the people, and which could thus be better understood than if given in any other way.”(Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 211, 212.)

“The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols.” (2 Selected Messages, p.104)

“A correct interpretation of the symbols employed is necessary to an understanding of the message.” (G.C. p.439)

“Impressive symbols were employed to unfold the plan of God.” (Youth Instructor, Dec. 13, 1900)

Let us now review some of the precious charts and a brief description of their import.

Our first chart is the one shown above. It is the Daniel 2 vision. This lesson concerns the last proclamation of the gospel. The stone is symbolic of the 144,000 elect of God “cut out” of the mountain (God’s people/church) and symbolically destroying the worldly kingdoms (feet of the great image) in the end time. The lesson shows that soon the Lord must “take the reins into His own hands.”(Testimonies to Ministers, p.300)

For the study outline see this link –http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/outlines/dan_2.pdf

Our second chart is concerning Zechariah 6:1-8, the lesson of different Christian Church movements from the days of the Apostles. This prophecy succinctly describes the four main church movements since Christ. The main lesson concerns the last of the  movements–our SDA church. From the picture you can see the unique chariot that has two sets of horses, unlike the other chariots.

The meaning shows that the horses being symbolic of the leaders, has two different type of leaders (grisled and bay horses), both endeavoring to steer the chariot (laity) in two different directions yet they cannot go in the proper direction because they are hitched. Then in verse 7 the Word says —

“And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.”

The horses are cut loose (church judgement/separation) and the bay horses are free to go to the “north country” in God’s direction. The Bay horses obey God by going out to proclaim the final Gospel proclamation in truth and righteousness.  The grisled are left behind because they wanted to go to the “south country”,  no more to direct the church.

In describing this paradox of two different sets of horses attempting to lead the chariot in two different directions the message says–

“The dissimilar teams hitched to the fourth chariot, each pulling in a different direction from
the other, show not only that there is a double leadership in the Laodicean church, but also
that the one is opposed to the other in character as well as in purpose.  This condition being a
strange one, the wise will well consider it.  Seeing that the Word of God has spoken it, and that
the symbolism perfectly describes the contest which, before their very eyes, is taking place,
they will tenaciously take hold of the truth.” (Tract 2, p. 37)

For the study link on this one , click here — http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/outlines/zech_6.pdf

Have you ever wanted to clear up the confusion of the final hours of our King’s life? There are so many ideas bandied about since the Gospels were written about just when did Jesus die and when did he arise?

Many false ideas are put forth but God in His infinite wisdom sent His restoring prophet to restore to us just what happened and when during those final days. The above chart shows the truth as to when things transpired in the last days of His life. How do we know it’s true? Because when you read the report and then look at the corresponding chart, you will see how it all completely makes sense and lines up clearly with Scripture.

The real key to this understanding as the prophet shows is that we must know the meaning of “the heart of the earth”. Many private interpreters have thought this means–buried in the earth. But we all know Jesus was not buried but rather placed in a tomb laying above ground.

For the report read this Tract– http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/tracts/tract_10.html

In Revelation 4 and 5 we read of the “Seven seals”. The chart portrays what the Scripture pictures as to the seals and their timeline history. No where in all the writings of any writer except from the restoring prophet will one find a most beautiful and clear description of what each of the seals mean. This study will truly bless you once you get into it–I assure you.

For the study of Rev. 4 and 5 see this Tract– http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/tracts/tract_15.html

You see brethren, these symbols are part of God’s plan to reach us today with His final message. Our Lord warns us, the SDA church that we are in need of more truth (Rev. 3:18). He sent us this more truth, and much of it consists of His symbols in order that we may truly grasp the important lessons we need.

The above symbolic studies are but a few of the bountiful supply of lessons He has given us through  the Elijah prophet. Once we endeavor to study these lessons, we draw closer to God because we see His beautiful plans and workings soon to come. Jump aboard while we still have opportunity!

 

Posted in Elijah Interpretations, Present Truth, Proper teachings | 3 Comments »

Update on the 2015 SDA Christmas Celebration

February 13, 2016

Gay Chorus

On January 2, 2016 we did a post on the Palm Springs SDA church’s Christmas program for 2015. Since then we have seen and heard quite a stir from the Christian community particularly the SDA community. And rightly so. As we pointed out, the presentation definitely did not have the Word of God’s approval. Recently we see that neither does it have the vast general SDA community approval.

Last week we heard from a SDA friend who knows one of the leading Elders from the Palm Springs church. Sister M and I discussed the unfortunate celebration in God’s house and the feedback it has generated on sites such as YouTube. She mentioned that she would be going to the church and wanted to speak to brother P who was a head Elder in the church. She asked for advice on how to discuss this and let him know how many SDA were feeling about what had transpired.

I mentioned to her that one such clear view on it could be found on YouTube with the following link(arrow) –

In this video the presenter lays charge to the Scriptural standing in the gay celebration. One thing that struck me was the huge views in such a short time– 19, 400.  And the prevalent opinion that it was wrong before the Lord has struck a true note in many — 242 likes and 11 dis-likes.

So after discussing this situation with her, we agreed that she should  “tell it like it is”. In other words,

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

She agreed. Later she called and said that almost before she could get out her words to the Elder he spoke up and said that he totally agreed it was a disaster and that “something will be done about it.” He also said that “90% of the church did not agree with the idea.”

So it appears that the local leadership hijacked the will of the people for their own undetermined reasons (?). Most likely a private agreement was made by a few leaders and woala– the program was decided and put forth.

Now, is this disgrace any more sinful than the young gal prancing in the church in her  mini-skirt and high heels? No it’s not. It’s all sin in God’s house. The whole point is that abominations in God’s house is the prevalent act of the evil one today and those who turn a blind eye to it will not make it through the soon to come church judgment.

SOP provides insight —

“Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church..” (COL, p. 71)

But instead of “separating” the open sin from the church we have come to embrace it! All the while saying “Hallelujah praise the Lord!” Our “dumb dogs” have refused to bark!

“…”Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.” (Testimonies vol. 5, p. 211)

The command is: “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, COUNSELLED, and entreated.

Some who had been dishonouring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2} In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings.

While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s 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.

They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit 211 of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonoured, the truth made of none effect.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.210-211)

The judgment my brothers and sisters is right upon us, we are not to delay and to begin at once to call out the prevailing sins “done in the midst”, by word of mouth, by study groups, by blogs, by YouTube, by email, by any and all means.

SOP warns us that the do-nothings are the worse offenders in God’s eyes —

“If God abhors one sin above another, of which His people are guilty, it is doing nothing in case of an emergency. Indifference and neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.281)

Our church is in a dire emergency and  true spiritual crisis , the Lord’s sword hangs above it , let us spring into action.

“Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” (Ezek. 18:31-32)

 

 

Posted in Christmas, Church, Sighing and Crying, Warning our brethren | 2 Comments »