Archive for May, 2016

The Dad is Stumped (Part 1 of 2)

May 28, 2016

Man thinking

Johnny is 14 years old and by all accounts, he seems gifted. But Johnny is not gifted in the sense of talent such as sports, music, art or any other human passion. He studies the Bible, that is his consuming passion. His father, Art, is a long-time Seventh-day Adventist and he is doing a good job with Johnny following the Lord’s counsel.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Being active in his Bible studies, Johnny prefers to go one on one with the Spirit of Truth in learning the Scriptures and of course, as an Adventist, the Spirit of Prophecy. Johnny knows well what the Lord has told us about knowing Truth.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)

And being of such a young age, the Lord cannot be but thrilled to know Johnny is searching Bible Truth as a miner searches for gold. So this being the case, Johnny was guided to some literature concerning the Lord’s Elijah message. He has been studying it in private for a good year now, marking every word and confirming it to the Scriptures.

One of Johnny and his father’s custom is to have a couple Bible studies each week. So it was Tuesday evening and they went into the family’s study room and began their study.

After prayer Johnny tells Art he has some really interesting points and questions he’d like to review with his Dad.

Johnny: Dad, we as SDA teach that the Sunday law is coming and that once it comes, we’ll have to run to the hills because we can’t buy or sell, is that right?

Art: Yes son that is right. Our prophetess showed us that the Sunday law will be in place in the final days and that we’ll have to get out of the cities and rely totally on God. Even for water and bread. Here’s a good reference for that —

“I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages, and associating together in companies, and living in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and thirst. Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them.

I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death. But in this hour of trial the saints were calm and composed, trusting in God and leaning upon His promise that a way of escape would be made for them.” (Early Writings, p.282. 283)

Johnny: So that means our SDA church will be fragmented and really dispersed and just barely surviving soon?

Art: Pretty much son, it will a real tough time.

Johnny: But how do we explain this SOP quote?–

“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 terrible as an army with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” (PK, p.725)

Art: That’s a good point. I guess the church still tries to do the Loud Cry during the time of trouble.

Johnny: Not only that but look at this one–

“But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:1-2)

Art: Um, that is interesting. We as SDA don’t discuss that one much.

Johnny: Why not? This shows that we as the Lord’s remnant people will be part of a great church, a church based in Jerusalem.

Art: No son, that is not correct. Our prophetess told us the following —

“I also saw that old Jerusalem never would be built up.” Early Writings, p.75

Johnny: But Dad there is more —

“In that day I will make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.” Zech. 12:6. 

“The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the LORD.”(Jeremiah 30:3)

“Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:”(Jer.32:37-38)

“I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. “(Ezek. 36:24-27)

Johnny: The only land and place that the Lord gave to His people was Israel.

Art: But son those were conditional promises made to the ancient Jews. They did not fulfill their word and therefore God could not fulfill His promise.

Johnny: No Dad, when we read all those four quotes there is words like “I will” “shall be” “they shall”. And nowhere in the context or even before those words in the chapters is any condition given. Let’s read what the Spirit of Prophecy says about this matter.

“That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has “let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen,” even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully “render Him the fruits in their seasons.”Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.” (PK, p.713-714)

Johnny: Do you know Dad that the promise to restore the land of Israel back to His remnant people is one of the main covenant promises made by God to His ancient people?

( At this point Art is both confused and a little uneasy. He knows that his son is speaking rightly , yet this is not what he has been taught.)

Art: Son , where did you get this stuff?

Johnny: I will tell you in a minute Dad, but first let me show you something else I learned. It’s here in Isaiah  chapter 11. Let me read it.

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; And his resting-place shall be glorious.”(Isaiah 11:6-10)

Art: Ah, one of my favorites Scriptures. This shows a beautiful time when on the new earth there will be beauty and harmony abounding.

Johnny: No Dad that is incorrect.

Art: What? What are you talking about?

Johnny: Allow me to explain. As we know God does not use any useless words in the Scriptures. Therefore we must pay very close attention to each and every word because it has meaning.
First, did you notice that a little child leads the goat, calf and lion? And the infant will play near the cobra’s nest?

Art: Yes

Johnny: That cannot be in the new earth. Let me show you why. This is what our prophetess said.

“There are men today who express their belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth, but those who believe the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the “sure word of prophecy.” The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood. They should forever settle the question of marriages and births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised from the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing death, will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the angels of God, members of the royal family.” (Maranatha, p.370)

Johnny: Dad, there will not be any little children or infants in the new earth. Because we know that the word says we will grow like calves in the stall (Mal. 4:2). Further, it is foolish to think that during the 1000 years in heaven we will still have babies and young children that won’t grow up there.

Art: Go on I’m listening.

Johnny: We see also that in this time there will be someone whom the Gentiles seek. Will there be any Gentiles in the new earth?

Art: Ok, ok you’ve made your point. Now, where did you get these ideas?

Johnny: I will tell you Dad but I still have more to show you first.

(To be continued…)

Posted in Proper teachings, Witnessing | Leave a Comment »

Self Sacrificing Workers

May 21, 2016

Follow my travels online at http://travel.beiske.com

In our post last week we talked about getting out of our me box. This week we’ll look at a related subject of being a self-sacrificing worker in God’s vineyard. Once we decide to get outside ourselves and start doing the things of God, we can also benefit greatly from learning how to “put our money where our mouth is”. In other words start “doing” instead of talking only.

“God is displeased with the lack of self-denial in some of his servants. They have not the burden of the work upon them. They seem to be in a death-like stupor. Angels of God stand amazed, and ashamed of this lack of self-denial and perseverance. While the Author of our salvation was laboring and suffering for us, he denied himself, and his whole life was one continued scene of toil and privation.” (Gospel Workers, p.55-56)

With our SDA probation fast closing upon us it is paramount that we get to our post of duty and that is most likely a sacrifice in time and money required of each of us. As we have posted many times our King makes clear in His word that we are not to “rob” Him (Mal. 3:8).

We all know about the required Tithes but what about the offerings? The extra that comes from our heart’s benevolent love of God and His cause. By way of example let me tell you of my own personal example of self-sacrificing.

In a corner of the house the Lord laid upon my heart to “set up shop” as it were. There is set up a smorgasbord of present truth material. Several times each month packages are sent out around the country and the world. Those hungry for the Lord’s final message to us are indeed feasting in the things of God.

But who is paying me to do this? No one. This all comes from what the Lord has placed upon my heart. I do not ask for any donation neither do I want such. Occasionally there has been offers to help on the cost and for that I am truly thankful , but for the most part it all comes from the private pocketbook.

Below is a picture of the shop and some material.

Production table two    Production table

Often many of our receivers will send me a picture of the material received such as below

present truth package

This truly is a joyful experience knowing that they are now in possession of the most valuable gift on the planet- God’s final word to us! But how could this all happen if yours truly was not self sacrificing? We all know nothing would get done.

You see brothers and sisters, there is a great reward for you if you will but -get going. Each day that goes by many are just content to “ride along” while those few self-sacrificing ones keep the wheels turning.

The reason, I believe that this personal work is able to be accomplished is by taking very seriously the Lord’s promise–

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” (Mal. 3:10)

Due to having our current business rated number one in our field in a large city (about 800,000) this work is able to provide the necessary funds to get packages sent. The Lord has returned His promise in full. All we have to do is our part- be a faithful servants and return what belongs to Him.

And that is not only returning the Tithes but giving some offerings.

“Every convert to the truth should be instructed in regard to the Lord’s requirement for tithes and offerings…Those who are truly converted are called to do a work that requires money and consecration. The obligation that binds us to place our names on the church roll holds us responsible to work for God to the utmost of our ability.”(Testimonies, vol. 6, p.447)

The Elijah message gives us the Lord’s final instructions on the offerings-

“Though the Lord commands, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” (Mal. 3: 10), He does not say to bring all the offerings. Thus, He shows that if we would engage in some personal charity or missionary activity, we should sustain it from offerings, not from the tithe.” (Answerer, vol. 4, p.45, Q-97)

So we see that we can use some of our offerings for our personal work in behalf of the Lord. The main thing is we are “doers” of the Word, not “hearers” only.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

A few weeks back we told of a long time present truth believer who advocated that we should do as we feel is right with our Tithes and offerings, not necessarily what His word says.  This, we pointed out, is in direct violation of the Lord’s message as shown below.

IS IT MY DUTY TO SET RIGHT THE LORD’S TREASURY?

Question No. 98:

   Should we pay our tithe to the “storehouse” if we know that it is not used rightly?

Answer:

   Knowing that our tithe belongs to God’s storehouse, our greatest burden should be to see that it is faithfully paid there. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that the Lord has laid upon any tithe payer the policing of the channels through which these funds pass.

   The Lord’s treasury is under His control, and if He Himself should not see fit to correct an abuse in the handling of His money, certainly we could not correct it however hard we might try. If we guard carefully that part of His work which He entrusts to us, our only concern will be to find out where His “storehouse” is, and then faithfully to deposit His money there. He has not made us responsible for its use; that, He will personally take over–even as He is now “taking the reins in His own hands.”

   When the Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi received no land for an inheritance, as did the eleven tribes. Instead, the Lord decreed that the tithes of the other tribes were to go to the Levites. This was their inheritance. It was actually their own. And just as they, as the tithe receivers, had no right to dictate to the others, the tithe payers, what to do with their own increase after it had been tithed, so the tithe payers had no right to dictate to the tithe receivers what to do with the tithe. Each tribe was itself to be accountable to the Lord for that which He had entrusted to it. Thus it must be today. (ANSWERER, vol.4, p.46-47)

Believe me brethren the above snare is much more common than we think. Far too many of us mount the judgment seat and declare this shortcoming and that shortcoming from the few large organizations that our doing their best to provide present Truth “meat” to all those hungry for it. But as we point out in this post we don’t have to solely rely on the formal organizations  to send out and spread the Truth  today. A great tool is to obtain a church directory and send a few to get started.

To obtain free material  see this post for the “storehouses” and you can contact them.https://godsloveandlaw.com/2015/01/17/who-really-is-a-davidian-seventh-day-adventist/

“No need to depend on the sanction of any minister or any people to do God’s work, God will vindicate you.”(1888 Materials , p.1746)

We’ve heard the famous quote, “He marches to his own beat.” Well, that’s another way of saying we don’t have to be told what to do, we pick up the shovel, hammer, wheelbarrow (figuratively speaking) and get to work! All that is required for us to be active in spreading the sealing message today is to be–self sacrificing.

Posted in Hard work, Tithes and Offerings, Witnessing | 4 Comments »

Get Out of the Me BOX

May 14, 2016

selfish

It is a well known fact, not only within the Scriptures but in human psychology, that we as humans have predominantly one person who usually is the center of our universe– ourselves. Many may scoff at this but it may not be consciously that we believe this, but certainly unconsciously.

With this human trait grounded deep within us, those of us who attempt to change our nature, our core, can only succeed by the transformation of the Holy Spirit, Christ within us.I came across a Spirit of Prophecy quote so deep and profound, it is the basis of this week’s post. Let us read.

 “Now sin has marred God’s perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of His excellence. There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of life without which neither man nor animal could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf.

The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud.

The angels of glory find their joy in giving,–giving love and tireless watchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know.”(Desire of Ages, p.20-21)

What we see is that all things were created for benefit of another. Only man “lives unto itself.” With this thought in mind let us look at how this selfish nature is at work among us and how we can get going and get out of the –me box.

One of the great and sorrowful lessons of our past history is the story of the blind man’s parents.

“The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?”His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. That’s why they said, “He is old enough. Ask him.” (John 9:18-23)

Truly a sad sad situation! Here were supposedly excited and grateful parents who witnessed their blinded by birth son’s eyesight return, yet they selfishly denied Christ! Their only concern was to not be expelled from their church even though a life changing miracle was given their son by a man called Jesus. In other words they refused to leave their me box and stand out alone what ever may fall- for the Truth.

And that is key to getting out of our boxes, to not be afraid of the circumstances that comes with standing up for Jesus and His word as delivered by His prophets. Have you ever asked yourself– Why is it that we as the “Israel of today” (Testimonies vol. 9, p.164) are prophesied to have “only” 144,000 sealed amongst us? Yes, it is because so many of us refuse to get out of the me box! The Lord’s last message of Elijah is derided, mocked, scorned and dismissed and who among us wants to be associated with that?  Only those willing to get outside of the safety of their box and face the consequences.

Let’s look at another example, that of our King.

“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me...On hearing this, many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?”..As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.”(John 6:59,61, 66)

The Lord had just given the people strong and deep meat (truth) and in doing this it struck the people as strange words. In order to do this Jesus, our example , stepped out of His comfort zone and gave them the words of life. In  other words all our Lord had on His mind was His people not Himself, however strange it might make Him appear.

Do we today have this same “I want to help my brothers and sisters no  matter if I must be put in uncomfortable situations” attitude? To proclaim the truth from the Lord, His final message of solemn warnings and instructions, we must be willing to “go it alone” if this is what it takes. Of course all those who side with the Lord, will never be alone despite what we see and feel from this world.

The Spirit of Prophecy shows us that those who step outside the box will be like Elijah, willing to speak the words of Truth come what may.

“The messages from heaven are of a character to arouse opposition. The faithful witnesses for Christ and the truth will reprove sin. Their words will be like a hammer to break the flinty heart, like a fire to consume the dross. There is constant need of earnest, decided messages of warning. God will have men who are true to duty. At the right time He sends His faithful messengers to do a work similar to that of Elijah.” (Testimonies, vol.5, p.254) 

Being in this message I am frequently hearing from brethren, especially from the poorer countries, who tell of their experience within their own church. Their willingness to stand for the Lord’s final message and it’s often solemn declarations, has cost them their membership or rank within the church. Despite the opposition they have learned that it is not self they are worried about rather it is their brothers and sisters!

In closing, let us read what the message tells of our responsibilities. We can only do these faithful instructions if we step outside our–me box. May God help us to do that.

 

   The Responsibility of Those Who Bear the Message.

Since Ezekiel represents those whose hearts the message has reached, then to them the Lord is speaking when He says: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me.  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

   “Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because  thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezek. 3 :17-21.

   Because of the unfaithfulness of the former watchmen, the Lord makes the antitypical Ezekiel — he and she who “sigh and cry for the abominations  that be done in the midst thereof” (the church) — a “watchman” (Ezek. 3:17) in their stead.  Be careful, therefore, Brother, Sister, lest you also betray your trust and find yourself thrust out.  “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12.  Only those who thus humble themselves now, will the Lord exalt in due time to be

His Faithful Watchmen to Stand Before the Unfaithful (Tract 1, p.41-42)

Believe me brethren the above snare is much more common than we think. Far too many of us mount the judgment seat and declare this shortcoming and that shortcoming from the few large organizations that our doing their best to provide present Truth “meat” to all those hungry for it. But as we point out in this post we don’t have to solely relay on the formal organizations  to send out the Truth  today.

“No need to depend on the sanction of any minister or any people to do God’s work, God will vindicate you.”(1888 Materials , p.1746)

We’ve heard the famous quote, “He marches to his own beat.” Well, that’s another way of saying we don’t have to be told what to do, we pick up the shovel, hammer, wheelbarrow (figuratively speaking) and get to work! All that is required for us to be active in spreading the sealing message today is to be–self sacrificing.

 

 

 

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian walk, Courage, Warning our brethren | Leave a Comment »

Questions and Answers

May 7, 2016

Q and A

Last week we posted on an example of restoration of the truth concerning the 120 disciples. This week we’d like to address some questions that may arise in the minds of some who would like more examples of the Elijah restoration.

1.If Victor Houteff was the Elijah to come and he was the one to restore all things then how can it be that he can restore the prophesied pre-millenial kingdom when he has died?

This question is a fair one and needs to be addressed. First, the Scriptures show that the anti-typical David is to rule in the upcoming kingdom based in the holy land. We know that just as The Elijah to come was not to be the original Elijah but the anti-type man, so too the David to come will be an anti-type man. Several Scriptures point out this promise of the anti-type David coming and ruling in the pre-mil kingdom. Though this study is quite deep and extensive, we shall give a condensed version.

“.. the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them,You are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, You are the sons of the living God.

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” (Hosea 1:10-11)

“Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” (Hosea 3:5)

“And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even My servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.  And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it.”(Ezek.34:23-24)

Knowing the above prophecies we then know that Spirit of Prophecy shows that there shall be a special resurrection of the faithful SDA servants of God–

“Your work, my work, will not cease with this life. For a little while we may rest in the grave, but, when the call comes, we shall, in the kingdom of God, take up our work once more.” (Testimonies, vol. 7, p.17)

Brother Houteff has accomplished his first part of the Elijah duties and that was to warn us about the Lord’s next move–His surprise coming (“Suddenly”-Mal. 3:1) to our SDA church for the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The Rod writings have enabled us to know the Lord’s requirements- our present truth. Once the trumpet sounds and those faithful servants arise, then it is that Victor Houteff, many present truth believers believe, will lead the flock based from the land of Israel, the Loud Cry headquarters. This second part of Elijah’s duties will be the setting up of this pre-mil kingdom and the subsequent Loud Cry message to all the world. Isaiah 66:15 -20 is an excellent read for a short synopsis  of this.

2. What are some practical applications of the Elijah restoration?

There are many but we shall address two that come to mind. Communion and Alcohol. In both of these the Lord made sure that they were restored to the correct observance. While reading these instructions, let us keep in mind that truth is ever unfolding and that our instructions change as our time in the Lord’s master time clock changes. For instance, prior to the Lord’s coming, if one was caught in adultery they were to be stoned. Yet when our Lord came he changed that truth and no longer was this the Lord’s instructions (John 8:7). Multiple wives , while not specifically approved, was tolerated until the Lord came and restored the one man-one wife lifestyle (Matt 19:4-6).

Communion — “And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”(Luke 22:19)

But we also have this statement- “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Cor. 11:27-29)

So what to do? How can we harmonize these Inspired references? That is why the Elijah was sent! Let us read.

WHAT ABOUT COMMUNION SERVICE?

Question No. 120:

   Should believers who are well established in the message, celebrate the communion service  when they meet together?

Answer:

   As to authorizing the communion service in our own midst, we believe that since we all, as Seventh-day Adventists, have defiled ourselves as did the Jews at Christ’s first appearing (The Desire of Ages, p. 104) and since this sacred service works damnation to those who unworthily receive it (1 Cor. 11: 29), therefore we dare not now, as Davidians, take unto ourselves its hallowed privilege until as a people our lives bear convincing evidence of our repentance from the Laodicean condition.

   The lesson in not authorizing this blessed service in our midst at this time, is inversely parallel to that which John the Baptist taught in ordaining and insisting upon the baptismal service then; that is, John’s instituting the baptismal service then, showed that the Jews were not ready to meet their King, and the Rod’s not instituting the communion service now, shows that neither are we ready to meet our King, and that we must therefore quickly repent from our lukewarmness, buy the “eyesalve,” and anoint our eyes. Then we shall gloriously celebrate the communion service, and the shame of our nakedness will not appear (Rev. 3:18).

   Those who do not sense this great need are yet blind to the church’s undone condition, and to the Lord’s holiness. Just a firm outward faith in the message is not enough; its inward work in our lives is the all-essential and supreme work that must take place in the lives of all of us before we can conscientiously and profitably celebrate the Lord’s supper. Let us hasten that glad day. (Answerer, vol. 5, p.39-40)

This instruction is often a difficult one because when the service is on going and we sit there and pass on it, it can be viewed as odd or even rebellious. Yet as shown we are not fit for taking the Lord’s body and blood due to the fact that we corporately are in a woeful “undone” condition as the prophet explained.
 

Alcohol — “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” (1 Tim. 5:23)

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)

“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;” (Proverbs 31:6)

“Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”(Nehemiah 8:10)

“Whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding.” (Hosea 4:11)

These are not all the Scriptures that speak of alcohol but upon reading the above there is no doubt one can become confused with the drinking of alcohol, particularly–wine. Is a little wine good for us? Or is this something we should avoid? Again the Lord’s restoring message does  not fail us–

“Are you still insulting God by asking His blessing on the table upon which stands the enslaving and injurious pepper shaker, mustard can, spice boxes, and vinegar pitcher? And do you still have to confess shameful addiction to liquor, tobacco, coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, or soda fountain drinks..” (Sym. Code, vol. 2, no. 11, p.3)

Question No. 150:

   As the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association does not have a formal membership what evidence can one give to identify himself as a member of the organization? And how can he establish the length of time he has been with it?

Answer:

   One’s support of the timely Davidian message, and his living out its principles (baptism, Sabbath observance along with the rest of the ten commandments, vegetarianism, dress reform total abstinence from tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and all else contained in the Spirit of Prophecy), are the truest witnesses of his affiliation, and the only genuine visible certification of the fact. These are the only absolutely convincing evidences of one’s worthiness to membership in the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association.

In the following reference, the message confirms no use of alcohol by way of quoting Spirit of Prophecy.

Question No. 10:

“Shall we still continue the use of milk, eggs, and butter?”

Answer:

“We bear positive testimony against tobacco, sprirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh-meats, butter, spices, rich cakes, mince pies, a large amount of salt, and all exciting substances used as articles of food.” — “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 3, p. 21. (Sym. Code, vol. 2, p.2)

So we see that the message restores us in not allowing alcohol to be any part of our life.

3. Does not the Lord tell us in Matt.11:13 that there was to be prophets only up to John the Baptist? He was to be the last prophet so how can we believe any one can be a legitimate prophet since then?

“Prophesied Until John.” Matt. 11:13.

   If the aforequoted scripture means that there were to be no more prophets after John, then there should have been none since that time.  And were this the meaning, then the Scriptures would contradict themselves, for they bear evidence that while Christ was the Son of God, He was also “a prophet.” Luke 24:19. And although John the Baptist never wrote a single prophetic utterance,  yet he was rated by Christ with the greatest of the prophets (Luke 7:28).  Also Matthew, Mark, and Luke, under the Spirit of Inspiration, wrote concerning Christ and His work.  Likewise John, Peter, and Paul, and others contemporary with them, prophesied in their own right of many things to come.  All these are Scripturally accorded  the title “prophet.”

   Jesus Himself testifies that the book of Revelation  is a prophecy, for the angel “who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw” says: “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written  therein: for the time is at hand.” Rev. 1:2, 3.  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” Rev. 22:18.

   Now the fact that this prophecy was written nearly a century after John the Baptist was beheaded, is historical acknowledgment that the prophets did not cease with him.  Thus in misconstruing Matthew 11:13 so as to make John the last of the prophets, the opposition is attempting to substitute for the gift of prophecy in the Christian era, “private” (uninspired) interpretations of the Scriptures.  And in doing this, they are led either to ignore or to try to explain away the irrefutable  statement of Paul: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities  of tongues” (1 Cor. 12:28) — absolute evidence that the second of the eight gifts to the church in the Christian era, is prophets. (Tract 6, p.5-6)

4. In the Elijah message is there one publication which has the bulk of the restoring instructions in it?

Yes, and that can be found in the publications called “The Answerer”. This addressed many prophetic areas of the message but also dealt with practical areas as well (particularly volumes 4 and 5). People from all over the world wrote to brother Houteff and the chosen questions were addressed. For example one of the questions  was – “Are dolls idols?” Another was “Is it wrong to carry Insurance?”.

For the link to read the complete 5 books of the Answerer, click here– http://shepherds-rod.org/answerers/index%20answerer.html

In closing, we should be so grateful that many things which the Lord knew we needed to get straight about is found in His Elijah message. All we need to do is start reading and then putting it in practice! Amen.

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