Archive for March, 2018

What about the Confederacy?

March 31, 2018

Image result for picture of confederacy

We as Americans can relate to the term “Confederacy” usually recalling our old war history as the image portrays above.  Yet as present truth believers we often hear studies and reports on the “Confederacy” as spoken of in Isaiah 8:10-12, let us read —

“Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.”

As with any report we must first look at what Inspiration says about the above verses, we find two areas in the Lord’s Rod, Timely Greetings (written recorded sermons) and the Tract called “Military Stand of DSDA”, let us read —

“Let me now remind you what Inspiration has to say of the association of nations and peoples according to current events.  For light on the subject we turn to the eighth chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy.  Time will not permit me to re-study with you the whole chapter, and I do not think it is necessary, for we studied it not long ago.  You remember that the chapter unveils a confederacy which ancient Israel, the ten-tribe kingdom (the church), made with ancient Syria, a sovereign power of the world, to war against Judah, a sister kingdom (church).

Inspiration makes a type of that church and state confederacy, and by it definitely points out the trend which the nominal churches and the sovereign powers of the world are to take now in the antitype.  It makes known, moreover, that they will not prosper in it….

“Now the statement “Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us,” plainly says what I tried to tell you — that the nations, including the churches, have left Immanuel, “God with us,” out of their plans, that what they are trying to do they are doing on their own intiative and resources for the words “God is with us” coming from one who is not with the assemblies of the people, clearly implies that Immanuel is not with them, and that therefore their work shall come to naught.

   From these scriptures it is seen that the current events brought about by the two opposing blocks, the east and the west, are not going to work out according to human planning, that the plans made by the confederation of nations and people are to come to naught except they consult God and take Him into partnership.

   Let us now hear what the Lord would have us do, the stand He would have His people take:

Isa. 8:11, 12 — “For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.”

   The fear which the people fear is not to be our fear; neither are their plans to be our plans.  Our duty is to–

Isa. 8:13 — “Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.”

   To sanctify the Lord is to be all for Him, to have no one else in His stead, to put your entire trust in Him, not making flesh your arm, for He alone is able to see you through.  And though you should be the only one in all the world to take such a stand, He will not fail you.  If such be your case, you will then become Heaven’s greatest hero.” (TG, vol. 2, no.41, p.18-20) (FIRST REFERENCE)

 

“2. Violation of the Sixth Command (Ex. 20:13) — Which Prohibits Killing or Helping to Kill a Human Being. — And since, as our Declaration of Principles points out, our church members are among the citizens not merely of one nation but of all nations the world around, then should we, as brethren in the faith, in any way engage ourselves in war with any nation, we would be joining in a conflict in which it would be brother destroying brother in the faith. And in consequence we would be branding ourselves as murderers of the citizens of God’s coming Kingdom, and therefore as enemies of the Kingdom Itself.

   The pages of the Bible are replete with such Heaven-condemned perpetrations. Notable among them is the unholy alliance between the king of Israel and the king of Syria against the kingdom of Judah (the sister kingdom of Israel). The Scriptures concerning this alliance, not only prohibit a church confederation with any government that would involve brother killing brother in the faith, but also assure such a violator of a downfall from which there is no possible rising.

This is quickly seen from the fact that the confederacy did not succeed in breaking Judah; but rather that God employed the predatory power, Assyria, swiftly to break the confederacy, to destroy both kings, and to scatter Israel and Syria throughout the cities of the Medes, even though Judah herself was not wholly devoted to God. (See Isa. 7:2, 7, 8; 8:4, 9-14). (Military Stand, p.4-5) (SECOND REFERENCE)

 

“Since our supreme desire and purpose is to do all in our power for the triumph and preservation of both Christianity and Democracy, our duty is clearly and rigidly defined for us — faithfully to remain steadfast to the only Power that can bring about victory and deliverance of both the Church and the Government. If we are obedient to His Will, and if the Government itself neither interferes with us in the exercise of our duty toward God nor otherwise goes contrary to God’s Word, our country need have fear of nothing. God will as mercifully save her as He saved Nineveh, and as gloriously deliver her as He delivered, without a casualty, the hosts of Israel from Pharaoh’s armies, at the Red Sea.

   In view of all these considerations and historical examples, we believe that it can be understood that our unhesitating confidence in God and our prayers and efforts to serve Him, also the Government’s respect for our faith in God, must necessarily be of infinitely greater help to our country than whatever bit our serving the military in violation of God’s law, and in neglect of His work, would add in manpower to the country’s military might. (See Isaiah 8:9, 10).” (MS, p.12) (THIRD REFERENCE)

After reading this, let us look at the specific points concerning the “Confederacy”. before we do, we’d like to point out that today, even among us present truth believers, there is much confusion of this issue, for instance a brother recently posted his private ideas about this confederacy, saying that it means our S.D.A Church and also the D.S.D.A associations are joining up with the state to incorporate–hence the “confederacy”.

There is a reason God sends us His prophets and that is “they” write the word of God and the clear meanings. Privateers run rampant today using all kinds of private interpretations for self justifications one way or another (exaltation of self, or their own agendas).

Let’s look at each of these three Inspired references and see how they show what this confederacy is all about.

FIRST REFERENCE ––

We notice “two opposing blocks” are today formed, that being the “east and the west.” And the nations will be under a confederation, yet this plan will come to naught.  Today, this prophecy is true, for we have United Kingdom –England, USA, Germany, France and Australia as the prominent western leaders and we have Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Turkey as the leaders of the eastern block. The western nations have the “nominal churches” and they as the anti-type, from the type Assyria and ancient Israel,  point to the upcoming persecution against the pure anti-type Judah church (post Ezek.9 church).

The nations around the world have confederated under the “United Nations.” And the serious student of today’s political atmosphere knows that NATO is but a tool for the one world elitist few rich men of the world and the Rothchilds empire based in Great Britain being the top leader.

But we see that their idea (One world government ) is not to come about as they are envisioning. No, far from it! Daniel 11:45 shows us the Great Britain controlled elitists shall come to their end. They control the holy land today and this abomination is soon to be over.

We see that despite the fears around us we shall not fear, only we are to trust in the Lord.

SECOND REFERENCE–

We can start to see more specific instructions that should be self-explanatory. We do note that once again the term confederacy is used in conjunction with nations joining up militarily against God’s wishes.

THIRD REFERENCE–

This reference shows that we as SDA or DSDA should not be involved in military service. This is indeed the time we say “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.”

Granted the DSDA (Davidian Seventh-day Adventists) being the highest light bearers in the world today, are not concerned with any involvement. Not so with the S.D.A.

How real of a concern is it among Seventh-day Adventists? Take a look at this article —

 http://www.columbiaunion.org/content/feature-adventists-military

Summary–

Inspiration shows this confederacy is plainly spoken of as joining up with armed forces to engage in any battle around the world. And if we are a part of the confederacy (in the forces) we are complicit with all our services are doing. And make no mistake , in Syria for example, thousands of innocent lives have been taken directly by our USA armed forces in the guise of “helping the Syrian people”! We join this group, innocent blood will be on our hands! God help those thus blind to this terrible confederacy among us as professed believing brethren to awake!

The private ideas such as the confederacy as spoken by Inspiration in Isaiah 8:10-13, means that we should not incorporate is clearly misguided and private and not supported by the Lord’s Elijah message. For one thing, the four angels are still holding the  four winds back per Rev. 7:1-4. No influence including incorporation, government or otherwise, can be allowed to harm, block, or in any way interfere with  the sealing of the saints (144,000).

“Finally, since in the very reason of things nothing can be the result of happenstance, or sheer fortuitous occurrence, but rather everything must necessarily be the result of either Providential design or Providential consent, it follows that the existence both of our constitutional Bill of Rights (which made our country the greatest among nations), and of the derivative consideration and classification which now accrues from it to the faithful “conscientious objector,” is solely in the providence of God.

We believe, therefore, that the Lord has inspired the lawful provisions of such a classification so that His people may choose it in accordance with His Will; that He expects each God-trusting and Truth-following disciple of Christ to take his stand in fidelity to the dictates of his God-given and God-enlightened conscience.” (MS, p.15)

Posted in Christian walk, Warning our brethren | 2 Comments »

We Must Laugh to keep from Crying

March 24, 2018

Image result for At noon, Elijah began making fun of them. "Pray louder!" he said. Picture

There is an old saying that says, ” We must laugh to keep from crying.” In other words the situation is so dire or sad that one must express himself in a way that they feel lets out tension or relief in place of extreme sadness. Back in the days of our messenger of the message for today, Elijah, we read about one of the most classic light moments in all of Scripture, let us read.

“At noon, Elijah began making fun of them. “Pray louder!” he said. “Baal must be a god. Maybe he’s daydreaming or using the toilet or traveling somewhere. Or maybe he’s asleep, and you have to wake him up.” (1 Kings 18:27)

We found this amazing on several fronts. First Elijah was so confident, so sure of his relation with God, that he displayed almost a cocky self sure air. Yet it was a great brief comical display of God’s spokesman. There is no doubt that Elijah was deeply concerned yet he resorted to humor to relieve the tension and show the people their foolishness and blasphemy.

Today, we as Elijah messengers, as many know are under extreme pressure not only from the consistent and regular rejection from many of our beloved church members, but mainly from spiritual dark forces. This pressure is, at times difficult to take. Thus we can learn the lesson from our type-  Elijah. Sometimes we just have to let out steam and for some of us, humor can be a good way to diffuse.

Let us read some of the lighter moments in Scripture.

Some men through out time can relate to the following —
“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” (Proverbs 21:19)

How about this classic one —

“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, “What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times”? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, “Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? Was I ever wont to do so unto thee”? And he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.” (Numbers 22:21-35)

Or how about the time the Lord seemed somewhat amused at Martha–

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

SOP shows us that although our lighter moments indeed relieves tension, the heavier darker moments will be real.

“I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them.

Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.

As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them.

I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.

I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.” (EW, p.269-270)

As a volunteer worker for the Lord’s  Elijah message, personally after reading the above, we have never found a more perfect description of the trying “tough times” we must go through in order to get the victory! Sadly only few are willing to thus engage in this struggle, content to relax in the easy chair waiting for God to come whisk them away.

Speaking of Ellen White, the following is a good link to read some of her lighter moments and humor.

http://www.whiteestate.org/books/mol/Chapt9.html

The old saying goes “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Right now we are engaged in a GIGANTIC spiritual struggle! Are you enlisted in this fateful movement? Have you taken the field of battle? Those that are in this tough battle know all to well that at times “We must laugh to keep from crying.”

The enlistment time is almost over.

Posted in General thoughts, God's humor | 2 Comments »

Lightning Strikes

March 17, 2018

 

 

Just a few days ago on the Sabbath, some regular church goers gathered at the local S.D.A. church in Rwanda for services. Tragedy struck and lightning crashed through the building and 16 people were killed.

African news reported —
“Fourteen victims were killed on the spot as lightning hit the church in the Nyaruguru District in the Southern Province on Saturday, local mayor Habitegeko Francois told AFP over the phone.

Two others died later from their injuries, he said. Doctors say that only three of them are in critical condition but they are getting better.

He added that 140 people involved in the incident had been rushed to hospital and district health centres, but many had already been discharged.

The weather accident in the mountainous region near the border with Burundi took place around midday on Saturday while parishioners of the town of Gihemvu were at a church service.”

Very tragic indeed! But some may be perplexed. Why did God do this or allow it? Many Seventh-day Adventists are most likely pondering these difficult questions.

In speaking of tragedies Jesus gives the following account–

“About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (Luke 13:1-5)

Whether this tragic lightening strike was a direct strike from God or whether it was allowed for reasons we don’t know, there is something similar that we do know will strike the people of God unless they repent, let us read —

“The time has come for judgment to begin, and God’s own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Yes, Judgment will soon come to us Seventh-day Adventists first. And that judgment is described through out Scripture, SOP and the Lord’s Rod (Micah 6:9). As most of us are well aware, particularity if you are a present truth believer, this strike from God will be on a world-wide scale.

Scripture gives a most startling  eye-witness account of this church judgment from the prophet Isaiah —

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in His apparel, travelling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art Thou red in Thine apparel, and Thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with Me: for I will tread them in Mine anger, and trample them in My fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon My garments, and I will stain all My raiment. For the day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me. I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”
(Isaiah 63:1-6)

Isaiah saw our Lord and King coming back from our church judgment, His apparel red. This is also spoken of in Rev. 14:14-16.

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud One sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.”

In describing this judgment to first come upon the S.D.A Church we read from SOP.

“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. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary–was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed.

These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “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)

It is noteworthy to see that the unbelievers say that God will not show the “marked manifestation” of His power today nor will He “do evil”. Evil being falsely attributed to God’s righteous judgments. Thus many Laodiceans think God is but a winking jolly St. Nick, “Ho ho ho , cmon in all you unbelievers and sinners, ho, ho, ho.”

In closing what we saw in Rwanda, sadly, is a small prelude what is prophesied to come upon our church, let us be sure of our salvation and believe our present truth road map for today lest we receive the same fate.

Posted in God's power, God's signs | Leave a Comment »

Q and A Study Version of the King of the North

March 10, 2018

NOTE: This study is an advance present truth study. If you are not well advanced yet in the Lord’s Rod message, this may be confusing. Nevertheless you are welcome to follow along but if it’s not understood no need to be worried about it.

This week the Lord planted the idea to review the King of the North study. Just a few weeks ago, we had an opportunity to give a live presentation to a small group of present truth believers at our home. But upon reflection we realized that this study has so many twists and turns and is not at all a simple one, we need to focus on a more simplistic version, one where someone could print it out and present it to give a more clear view  based upon Q and A.

On Oct. 16, 2016 we did a report here on this blog entitled ” The King of the North (Daniel Prophecy).” The link can be accessed here —

The King of the North (Daniel Prophecy)

Additionally we did another post on our other DSDA website about this subject. This is the study we outlined in our live presentation. Yet after going through it to our group, we realized after that it probably wasn’t well understood. The objective did not come through as intended due to the complicated nature of this study. Our other study —

https://hearyetherod.wordpress.com/?s=king+of+the+north&submit=Search

Before we begin, this study is more of an “extra curricular study”. Meaning that due to its very complicated nature (not easily discerned) we present it not in a dogmatic way but rather for your consideration. While we certainly believe in our deductions of who currently is and who will be the King of the North, we respect other ideas. If you find the reasoning very clear after this study by all means use it as a study guide because today we as S.D.A as well as D.S.D.A have quite a few differing opinions.

  1. What particular circumstances or facts qualify to be considered “King of the North and King of the South”?

“After the dividing of Alexander’s dominion, Egypt and Palestine were, as previously seen, ruled first, by the Ptolemies; second, by Pagan Rome (Dan. 11:15, 16); third, by the Dan. 11:22); and fourth, again by the Christians — specifically by Great Britain (Dan. 11:41).

   These are the only historically and prophetically recorded supersessions involving the ancient lands of Egypt and Palestine.  The surrendering of these countries, by one prophetic king to the other, unmistakably identifies “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” from the time of the dividing of Alexander’s empire to the present time, and leaves no room for doubt or for argument .

   Rome’s (the king of the north’s) entering a second time into “the glorious land” (Dan. 11:41), shows that though, as aforementioned it once took the land from the Ptolemies (Dan. 11:16) it later, in 633 A.D., lost it to the Turks, and in 1919 — “in the time of the end” wholly regained it.

   Here is simple proof that in modern times the Mohammedan rulers are in prophecy called the “king of the south,” while England’s kings, along with the disrupted family of Christianized kings whom prophecy says will not cleave one to another (Dan. 2:43), are called “king of the north.”(Tract 12, p. 86-87)

So we see that the King of the North must have “ruled” over the “glorious land” and they must have entered it to take possession. This we see has a historical progression 1) Ptolemies 2) Pagan Rome 3) Rome again (Dan.11:22) 4) Disrupted Christianized kings–specifically Great Britain.

           2. Does the SOP describe who is the King of the North ?

“A Word to the Little Flock,” one of the earliest S.D.A. publications, in which Sister White says: “I saw all that ‘would not receive the mark of the Beast, and of his Image, in their foreheads or in their hands, could not buy or sell. I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast was made up’.”  — p. 19. “Michael is to stand up at the time that the last power in chap. 11, comes to his end, and none to help him. This power…is brought to view in Rev. 13:11-18. His number is 666.” — pp. 8, 9.

   The above explains that the two-horned beast is the one to whom the number 666 belongs; and that this beast, of “Revelation 13:11-18,” and the “King of the North” of Daniel 11:45, are the same power. Therefore, the nation represented by this particular beast, and the “King of the North,” or the “man” who is to be the head king — of that nation in the time when this “image beast” (the two-horned) enforces the worship of “his image,” whose image is nothing less than the thing he made, are to make a likeness of the religio-political system of the “beast before him” (the leopard-like of Revelation 13:1-10); that is, a likeness of the papal system in the period before the leopard-like beast received his deadly wound.

   As the fulfillment of this prophecy is yet future, we cannot now tell who will then be the head (king of the north) of this prophetic nation (modern Babylon) that is symbolized by the two-horned beast.” (SC, vol.2, no.1, p.8)

This reference is packed with clues. SOP declares that the King of the North is the same as the two-horned beast. Then the Rod makes a more detailed summary. Notice that the King shall also be the “head” of the nation represented by the two-horned beast (USA) and when is this to be? Clearly “..in the time when this “image beast” (the two-horned) enforces the worship of “his image,”. 

This pinpoints the timing of this USA’s role as King of the North. Not before the image is enforced but
“when” it is enforced! Let us not let this escape us as it will be helpful as we proceed. Also the Rod notes that only when the time comes for this enforcement will we know who will be the head (ie. specific leader/king).

           3. Does the Rod differ from the SOP as to who this King is now and in future?

“Since those who asked the questions agree with us that we are now living in the “time of the end,” we need not say more concerning that phase of the subject, but we do need to have them tell us which power at this particular time, in the time of the end, has added “the glorious land” (Palestine), Egypt, and other countries to his empire.  The answer that anyone can give is that Great Britain took these from Turkey and has virtually ruled them ever since. Plainly then, during the time of the end Great Britain is the king of the north and Turkey is the king of the south.” (1 TG, No. 4, p.22)

 “The statement, “He shall come to his end and none shall help him,” implies that someone has been helping him, and the world knows that it has been the United States of America.  We therefore, find ourselves living in between verses 44, and 45 of Daniel eleven.” (1 TG, no. 4, p.23-24)

“While the Ottoman Empire has been shrinking since 1669 A.D., the British Empire has been expanding, and it today rules Egypt and Palestine.  Hence, today Turkey is the king of the south, and Great Britain, the king of the north…

We all know that Great Britain has been helped by the United States of America more than once.  But if we rightly understand this verse, the events of which are but a continuation of those found in verse 44, the king will surely come to his end and none shall help him…

From the study of the eleventh chapter of Daniel, we have learned several positive truths: 1. That the time of the end began in the eighteenth century; 2. That the king of the south is the Ottoman empire; 3. That the king of the north at the present time is Great Britain in particular.” (2 TG, no.7, p.9-10)

We see that the Rod, unlike the SOP, announces who was ( at that time around 1947) the King of the North –Great Britain. SOP showed that the “last power”, the last future King shall be the USA/head of that nation. But the Rod describes that GB leads before that time. So the simple answer is –no, the Rod does not differ from the SOP. Rather It sheds more light as to current events.

          4. Does the Rod identify a transfer of Great Britain to another King of the North prior to the last KON — which is the USA?

   Dan. 11:45 — “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

   The only portion of Daniel 11 yet to be fulfilled is this verse, the last of the chapter, and since these prophecies are made to be understood only when they are being fulfilled or after fulfillment, verse 45 is not as clear as we should like to have it.  Consequently concerning the place of his tabernacles and his end, also as to whether another Christian power shall inherit the title “king of the north” before verse 45 is fulfilled, only time itself will positively portray the whole truth.” (2 TG, no.42, p.27)

No, there is no writings that show an identification of any power after the Rod showed Great Britain as the KON. For one thing as we learned, no other power has “ruled” the glorious land since the Rod established the fact in 1947 of GB. The USA definitely has not ruled the glorious land since then. But let us not be confused , somehow the USA will supersede GB after Michael stands up and will be the final KON, this is why we say this is deep and complicated.

         5. Hasn’t Great Britain been removed as ruler of the glorious land  today? Aren’t the Jews there now the current rulers?

Truly amazing how Inspiration knows the deep things of the world! The leading force (king) behind Great Britain has been for centuries– the Rothschilds. Thus as Rothschilds go so does GB and the Rod showed that GB had the power over the glorious land and still does! As many know this GB family has had the “power of treasures of gold, and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt” (Dan. 11:43)

History shows that in 1917 the Balfour declaration originated from the Rothschilds, they have basically “owned” Israel since then. Behind the surface titles and national declarations lurk GB/Rothschilds. Now, it is not obvious to the surface studier but once we look into it we find the following facts —

Israel land owner ship consists of three entities –the State of Israel, the (JNF)”Jewish National Fund and the Development Authority. An estimated 93 percent of the country’s total land area (excluding the occupied areas of the West Bank and Gaza) is owned by the state or by quasi-state agencies.(www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org). Adding to this is also the Zionist movements within Israel, which is controlled by the Rothschilds as  well. For an excellent video explaining these things see the bottom link.

Of special note private ownership of the land in Israel is only about 10%.

“While private ownership of land is common (mainly in urban areas), most of the land in Israel (over 90% of the land area) is in the ownership of either the State of Israel, the Development Authority (Rashut Hapituakh, רשות הפיתוח) or the Jewish National Fund.” (Wikipedia- Israeli land and property laws).

Further the Rothschilds, as is widely known, are the founders of the current banking systems around the world. The founder father of the family, Mayer Rothschild, started way back in the 1760’s. In fact they are said to have an indirect or direct ownership of nearly all the central banks around the world today including the Federal Reserve. It’s like the old saying–“The Golden Rule–He who owns the gold–rules.”

        6. Why does some present truth believers teach that the current KON is USA? 

We believe that because SOP makes the statement in “Word to the Little Flock” that the “last power” will be the USA/KON, and that the Rod confirms it, we just assume that because we are in the very last days the USA’s time (Rev. 13:11-18) is here. But unfortunately the “whole picture” of all the statements cannot support such idea. GB is still the KON (still ruling Israel) and until she is dethroned, the passage of this title to the USA is still future.

        7. If GB is now King of the North, when does it come to its end?

Zech. 14:2 — “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.”

“In view of the fact that Jerusalem is to be protected by a wall of fire (Zech. 2:5) while the house of Judah reigns there, it is definite that the battle here described must be fought before the house of Judah is established. In that battle the nations will defeat the rulers of the Promised Land. Then it is that the house of Judah commences to be set up.” (1 TG, no.19, p.3-4)

Ok, let’s really zoom in now.  This very important reference has some key clues. We know that Zech. 14:2 is concerning the time of the final gigantic battle over the glorious land (Israel). It is AT THIS TIME  that GB/Rothschilds comes to their end! She will no longer rule the Promised Land. “Then it is that the house of Judah commences to be set up.”

Now we can review previous Inspired statements.

Plainly then, during the time of the end Great Britain is the king of the north and Turkey is the king of the south.” (1 TG, No. 4, p.22)

“..the nation represented by this particular beast, and the “King of the North,” or the “man” who is to be the head king — of that nation in the time when this “image beast” (the two-horned) enforces the worship of “his image,..” (SC, vol.2, no.1, p.8)

So adding it all up we see that GB comes to her end at the gigantic war, and then the USA/KON comes on the scene “in the time when this “image beast” (the two-horned) enforces the worship pf “his image”..

In other words GB is dethroned at the gigantic war and subsequently the USA is  the final KON per Inspiration’s prophetic fulfillment. let us keep clearly in min d that the Rod gives only one solid time setting as to when the USA/KON will be in power — in the time of enforcement of the image and that cannot be until after Ezek. 9 church judgment.

         8. If USA takes over as KON from GB, how is she to “rule” the glorious land, if the house of Judah is established there?

We have to admit that is a true puzzle. The only explanation we can come up with is that the final KON has a waiver of the “rule” requirement as a secondary application. We just don’t really know and as the Rod says, “..only time itself will positively portray the whole truth.” (2 TG, no. 42, p.27)

We would like to offer some ideas about this complex situation. From looking at this from a whole perspective we see a double application of Daniel 11:45. Let us remember that double applications are a well-known Biblical usage. For instance let us look at Peter in Acts.

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.” (Acts 2:14-20)

Today we can clearly see that although Peter said those true words, we know that the primary application of Joel is yet future. During his time the Spirit was not poured out upon all flesh (but a small number among the vast amount of unbelieving Jews) nor was the sun turned into darkness and the moon into blood. Neither was this time right before the “great and notable day of the Lord.” But to those who were in the hearing of Peter it was — truth.

So SOP’s application of the KON being USA, should be viewed as secondary and the Rod’s view as primary. GB fits the true application (power of treasuries, ruling the glorious land, coming to his end in Zech.14:2 war, etc.).

We as present truth believers know also that SOP did not have the full light on another important event–Ezek. 9. The Rod places it before the Loud Cry as the primary application and SOP places it during the seven last plagues secondarily.

Closing summary —  As we promised this study is complicated. Yet if we set all the information before us we can see a clearer picture. The King of the North  –GB/Rothschilds  are just about to come to their end. The world’s financial system will collapse and thus the Rothschilds will no longer be “king” nor have any more rulership of the glorious land. Then the new focus will be the worlds religions.

Think about it, a gigantic war over Israel, and GB/Rothschild’s zionist baby is demolished to a large degree. And at this time a shocking event happens world-wide within the Seventh-day Adventist churches (see Tract 14, p.22). Will this not shock and awe the whole world? Will this turn the world’s focus apart from money/riches to God? Of course!

Then the USA backed by the 666 man and the false prophet shall set up to fill this vacuum. But even more importantly the 144,000 take the scene and Joel’s prophecy comes into FULL primary application! The “Great Controversy” indeed!

“No one by beginning to study a subject from the middle, backward or forward, can learn its continuity and know what it is all about. If one is to learn the full truth of a subject, he must study it in its entirety.” (TG, vol. 1, no. 5, p.3)

Oh what a time to be alive! All these things are about to take place.

   

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Understanding the “Approaching Storm”

March 3, 2018

Image result for picture of a storm approaching

We as present truth believers have often used/seen the following reference–

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls.

They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.”(GC, p.608)

Some may ask — why is this reference so important? Precisely due to the fact that the S.D.A misinterpret it as far as the timeline and who exactly is the “large class” it describes.

Let’s look at the S.D.A point of view often taken.

When they read it they allow it to fit the long time well-known denomination understanding of end time events. The large class are active S.D.A who have “turn coated” against the faithful remaining church members who still are obeying the Sabbath, when the heat is on and the image is forming. This all comes to a head when the “test comes” ie. the actual set up of the Sunday Law takes place.  The former faithful now go against the faithful in the courts and effectively set them up for penalties/ persecutions.

This narrative is well-known within S.D.A circles. The promoters of this idea, of course do not have the Elijah message knowledge and skip over the very important fact that the message tells us that all unfaithful active S.D.A at the time of the church judgment (Ezek. 9) –will no longer be on earth to witness the Sunday Law! As well-known, the current leaders promote the “shaking” as the time when the Sunday Law develops and only those who stand firm and continue to go to church on the Sabbath, will be right with God.

Sadly all this is not true because the SOP reference applies to the “Great Multitude” or AKA “Second Fruits” who are those who come out of Babylon (false doctrine churches) and decide to keep the Sabbath. The large class who go against them and “have professed faith in the third angel’s message” are the inactive S.D.A and who basically quit going to church for their own justified reasons.

Further the message tells us not to expect the Sunday Law (ie. the storm) to cause the shaking within the church —

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up, against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.” (“Early Writings,” p. 270.)

   “In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor.” (Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 5, p. 80.)

   Thus, both, the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy explain that He Himself will purify the church, and that when thus purified “the Gentiles shall see” her “righteousness and all kings” her “glory.” Moreover, Christ in the parable explains that it is Satan’s determined purpose to sow the tares among the wheat. (Matt. 13:38.)

   As the “Blue Sunday Law” is to be enacted by Satan’s own will, not by God’s, then such a method to purify the church would not only be contrary to every inspired statement but also to Satan’s determined purpose, for his aim is not to bring the tares and then pluck them out, but rather to choke out the wheat by their continued presence. Neither is his intention to fulfill the prophecies, for that is what he would be doing if he should enact blue Sunday laws, but rather defeat them. Therefore, if the church is to be purified by Satan’s laws he would be doing the work which God has assigned to His servants and which He is to do Himself.

   Is Satan working for God’s and His church’s interest or against? If against, he will never do one thing to purify the church or to fulfill the prophecy.

   The only thing that would compel him to pass blue Sunday laws and go “to make war with the remnant of her seed” (with those that are left, Rev. 12:17) is the purity of the church when God by the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel Nine takes away the tares which received not the mark, and even then Satan will not enact “blue Sunday laws” until after he has exhausted every other weapon against the church.

Therefore, as long as the church remains in her present Laodicean condition, there will be no blue laws or “war” against her, but a bluff only to make her members believe that they are free from his snares and that he is still trying to cause them to fall. But the worst of it all is in that they are sound asleep, which is shown by the fact that they still think Satan is working terribly hard to fulfill God’s word by trying to pass blue laws and are not aware that he is only playing with them as a cat with a mouse, and the brethren “to whom the Lord has entrusted the spiritual interests of the people” (“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 5, p. 211) instead of sounding the alarm to arouse the church are determined to even silence the voice of the Rod, and thus rocking her to a more sound sleep!  (Sym. Code, vol. 2, no.1, p.9-10)

 

Question No. 37:

If God’s people are in the Kingdom during the Loud Cry, how can they be put in prison or driven to the mountains during that time, as the Spirit of Prophecy asserts they will (“The Great Controversy,” p. 626)?

Answer:

When it is understood that the 144,000 are but first fruits, the forerunners or advanced guard of a great multitude of second fruits, the difficulty in question is immediately resolved. The first fruits stand with the Lamb, safe on Mt. Zion (in the Kingdom). Thus those who shall find refuge in the mountains, and those who shall be put in prison, can only be from among the second fruits—those who shall accept the message during the Loud Cry, but who shall not yet at that time have reached the Kingdom. (See our Tract No. 12, The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, 1941 Edition, pp. 45-49.) (Answerer, vol. 2, Q-37)

We know that the message tells us that all who shall embrace the fourth angel’s message as it joins the third angel’s , the final Gospel proclamation that is to lighten the whole world, shall finally make it into the pre- millennium kingdom in Israel (see SC, vol. 9, no.1-12, p.15) , then it appears that despite being put in prison, the Gentiles shall be freed by the hand of God and taken out.

Ok here is where it gets interesting. Did you notice we highlighted “active” S.D.A? There is an important reason for saying this. let us read–

 “..if we voluntarily stay away from the church services, we lay ourselves open to the charge of being offshoots from the body, and at the same time forfeit the opportunity of coming in contact with the congregation.

   Moreover, if in this wise we separate ourselves, then in the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9. when those who have not the “mark” are taken away, we shall not have the same right to claim an inheritance in the Denomination.” (Answerer, vol. 4, Q- 90)

Ah, the ramifications of this is very widespread! Take for instance the literally thousands of “Reform S.D.A” or the “Home S.D.A” or the myriad of other S.D.A who often call the church–Babylon. They have basically left the church due to the numerous “abominations” and doctrinal differences done within her today. These are they who shall have no right to claim “an inheritance in the Denomination”! This will be devastating in the end! They look from without at what could have been – a part of that glorious number (144,000) formed from the very S.D.A church they abandoned!

Let us be clear the Lord’s Rod message DOES NOT advocate leaving the mother S.D.A church. The Lord will separate the wheat from the tares, not us.

One of the most insidious tricks Satan uses today is to fool even a few “present truth” believers to stay away from the church. The reasons are that just like some of the other abandoners, they think that the abominations are too great and they can just “coast in” with their knowledge of the Lord’s Rod and yet not have to remain at their post of duty! Wow, what deception indeed!

In closing my beloved, make no mistake there are only three courses we can take right now, as members of the S.D.A church.

  1. Strive with all power God has given us to be among the 144,000 (RH, March 9, 1905)
  2. Ignore and/or fight the Rod message and suffer that dreadful day of the Lord (Ezek.9)
  3. Abandon church and become one of the “large class” whom shall be left out.   (Tract 1, p.30)

“The knowledge of present truth, which the five foolish virgins possessed since 1844 is the judgment of the dead, and was the only oil in their lamps.  When the judgment of the living commenced, and the “cry was made,” they were found without this extra oil in their vessels; they had neglected their Lord’s command: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”  Thus when the wise ones started out to meet the bridegroom the lamps of the foolish went out, for, the judgment of the dead had passed. 

Therefore, it was present truth no more, and thus they were left in darkness.  At the beginning of the judgments of God they saw their mistake and rushed for the ark of safety, but it was beyond their reach for they knew nothing of the message, and by the time they acquired it (filled their lamps with oil), there had been a delay, the angel had passed “through the city, through Jerusalem,” thechurch — the sealing was finished, and probation for the church had closed — the door was shut. 

Thus they were left out.  Then they came with these words: “Lord, Lord, open unto us, But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”  “Appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  What a disappointment that will be! ” (SRod, vol. 2, p.185-186)

Time is short and soon the storm indeed will be speedily approaching, let us choose the safe and secure way, the number 1 way.

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